Am I A Terrorist?

They call my people

blood thirsty terrorists

blowing up buildings and planes

with dynamite tied to their chests

killing civilians by the thousands

but am I a terrorist?

True, some of my people

of names similar to mine

do act violently in despair

when their human rights are stolen

when their suffering and plights are ignored

in the refugee camps of Sabra and Chatala.

or the concentration camps of Bosnia

but am I a terrorist?

They are not living their faith

just acting on emotions and hate

full with the revenge for others

with little regard for innocent lives

they are just Muslim in name

but am I a terrorist?

Islam, the religion of peace

teaches Muslims to respect life

"If anyone had killed one man

except in lieu of murder and mischief

it is as if he killed the whole mankind"

Same verse in Torah and Quran too

by the same God

how could I be a terrorist?

Prophet Mohammad, Peace be upon him

was a mercy to mankind

he cared for the poor, elderly and sick

even if not from his faith

he stood in respect for a funeral procession of a Jew

he let a cat take a nap on his robe

not to disturb her, he cut his robe

He told Muslim armies not to hurt women and kids

sick and old, cut trees or kill animals just for fun

I love him so much

how could I be a terrorist?

But why do they call us terrorists?

why not call the IRA, Red Army, Tamil Tigers

Militant Hindus or Serbians terrorists.

Why not call the militia

blowing up government buildings

and killing innocent civilians a terrorist

No, the term is reserved for Muslims

and I am a Muslim.

We are the victims of terrorism

in Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia and Kosova

by individuals and states

with knives, guns, tanks and rape

who is a terrorist?

But who am I ? I am Jameela

An American girl, 8 year old

born in New York

I am not a terrorist

What am I doing here ?

In the ruins of World Trade Center ?

I am looking for my dear mom

Who worked in the office on 47th floor

Looking for my brave dad, a fire fighter

Who went to find and rescue my mom

But never came back

Would you help me find them ?

And what do I tell my baby brother Ali

4 year old at home when he grows up

Were my parents terrorists ?

Do I look like a terrorist ?

No , we are Muslims

And humans just like you

Seeking peace and justice

And help from God

The Revival 2001