The White House invited a group of American Muslim leaders, including Professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri, Executive Director of KARAMAH, to meet with President George W. Bush on September 10, 2002. At the meeting, each American Muslim leader addressed a matter of interest or concern to the Muslim community. In particular, Professor al-Hibri expressed her concerns about recent attacks by some leaders of other faiths on Islam itself, a situation that has adversely affected years of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. She also pointed out that Muslims have a constitutional right to exercise their religion, and that this right is rooted in a deep tradition of tolerance in other faith communities. She noted that it is partly through the efforts of these faith communities that the First Amendment to the Constitution was adopted. Professor al-Hibri then asked the President, who had previously referred to Islam as a “a religion of peace,” to address this subject more often in light of these recent attacks.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to tolerance. He also noted that “we all worship the same God.” Below is a passage from the prepared remarks the President gave after the meeting ended.

President Bush: “It's important for our fellow Americans to understand that Americans of Muslim faith share the same grief that we all share from what happened to our country; that they're just as proud of America as I am proud of America; that they love our country as much as I love our country.

They share my profound belief that no American should be judged by appearance, by ethnic background, or by religious faith. I believe that strongly, and so do they.

Bigotry is not a part of our soul. It's not going to be a part of our future. Sure, there may be some, but that's not the American way, and we must reject bigotry of all kinds in this great land. In order for us to reject the evil done to America on September the 11th, we must reject bigotry in all its forms.

George Washington says, "America gives to bigotry no sanction; to persecution no assistance." And that is true today...

All Americans must recognize that the face of terror is not the true faith face of Islam. Islam is a faith that brings comfort to a billion people around the world. It's a faith that has made brothers and sisters of every race. It's a faith based upon love, not hate.”

For the full text of the President’s remarks, visit the link below. For more on Professor al-Hibri’s views, see “Of Condemnation and Divinity: Praying For our Religious Freedom.”

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020910-7.html