There is no doubt that we live in an age of terror. The
threat of terrorism affects us every time we go to an airport, or cast a vote.
It affects the policies of nations and the daily lives of individuals. Nations
are mobilizing to face this increasingly dangerous threat.
While in Mosque for Juma recently, I heard the priest, Abdul
Rauf, say, “It is time today, in our current warfare against terrorism, for the
watchmen to again rise up. What do watchmen do?
They watch and pray. They are to
be on guard constantly and so provide protection. "
“God has called His
people to be watchmen. We are not to be passive observers or victims in the war
against terror. We are to watch and pray. When we read newspapers, we pray. As
we watch television news, we pray. In this kind of battlefield mentality, our
prayers must be militant as well. We must pray for a hedge of protection for
those on the front line of battle. We ask God to protect the innocent” he added
Though I was never an ardent believer, I did close my eyes
for a second and prayed.
I prayed for Ajmal Kasab who was hanged for carrying out the
Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
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After the Namaz, prayers were offered for departed soul and
I joined the same, not because he was a Muslim (at least by name), not because
I justify his act; but to tell the lord not to forgive him.
My prayers were
not for Kasab but for those affected by terrorist attacks around the world, for
the families who have lost loved ones, for the fire, police and ambulance staff
on the scene, for the doctors and nurses caring for the hurting, for the
reporters who work through intense emotion to bring us the pictures and news of
the day, for our elected leaders who so desperately need wisdom from
beyond themselves, for the military and intelligence agencies who seek to find
out who would do this so they might be brought to justice, for our nation that brings us together and turn our thoughts toward helping
each other to overcome the threat of terrorism.
My namaz was for world peace and not
for Kasab. Kasab was symbol to remember them all.
