麻豆约拍

Good morning.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of 9/11 and many will be transported back to that awful day in 2001. Many remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the terrifying news. People struggled to come to terms with the multiple terrorist attacks on America. Four teams of terrorists had hijacked four aeroplanes and used them as flying bombs. Thousands died and were injured. They were killed and maimed by evil people whose anger and wickedness had blinded them. They had failed to see the human in their victims. All they saw was the enemy - not fathers, mothers, sons or daughters. Terrorists fail to see the need to count the human cost of their actions.

How do we respond? The term 鈥楾he War on Terror鈥� was first used a few days later by U.S. President George W. Bush. It鈥檚 a controversial response, especially for many Muslims, which has also involved great cost to diverse individuals and communities.

Justice is a crucial value. It is truth in action. It is the first principle of social life that governs all relationships. The most visible expression of justice is our treatment of fellow human beings especially those with whom we are not friends.

The Qur鈥檃n says, 鈥淎nd do not let the hatred of any people stop you from dealing justly. Deal justly, for that is closer to piety and be firm in justice as witnesses for God, even in cases against yourselves, your parents or your relatives.鈥�

Dear God, enable us to see the humanity of others, to respect life. Give governments the courage to serve justly. Remove all injustice and oppression. Indeed You are The Fair and The Just, amin.