It is a most interesting date today - 09/11/09 - but while it is a time to mourn certain events associated with this September date, it is also time to celebrate. Ali, are you crazy? Well, I read a Reuters report yesterday that gave me hope. The number of Americans who believe Islam is more violent than other religions actually dropped over the last two years. The number who believe we are a violent religion is still alarmingly high to me, 38 per cent, but a little progress - it was 45 per cent in 2007 - is still heartening.
I was attending university in Orlando at the time of the terrorist attacks, and my life changed a lot because of them. In one day, Muslims and Arabs were viewed completely differently in the US. I suppose I understand why, but the change in attitudes still affected me socially, educationally and economically. Yet my father advised me to stick things out. "Son, don't come back to the UAE, because you might have problems getting back in [to the States]."
I stayed until 2003, going two full years without seeing my family, but I'm glad I did. My father's advice turned out to be prophetic. When I applied for a master's programme, I was denied a visa. The US Embassy did not give me a reason. I ended up studying for my MBA in Canada, which I loved. When I returned to the UAE, I soon realised that the world viewed us differently. Those from outside our region thought that we were terrorists or related to Osama bin Laden. But I knew that one day I would be able to do something about this, if God gave me a chance.
I established my cultural awareness company to spread the truth about Islam and about Emirati culture, so you can imagine my satisfaction when I read the Reuters story. Seven years ago, only 33 per cent of Americans knew that the Muslim name for God is Allah and that the Quran is our holy book. Today, that number is up to 41 per cent. Again, not perfect, but headed in the right direction.