Healing the Wounds of September 11, 2001 (Shahid Athar)
Posted Nov 3, 2003

September 11, 2001, will always be remembered as a turning point in history when a nation and the world were attacked and a religion was hijacked.  Over 3000 innocent civilians died in a matter of a few hours.  The events not only caused deep wounds for the friends and relatives of the victims, but also for a proud nation as well as for the members of the faith of the alleged hijackers who lost several hundred of their own in the World Trade Center destruction. 

Dr. Shahid Athar, a physician and a leader in interfaith, was asked many times by Americans the difference between terrorism and true Islam.  Healing the Wounds of September 11, 2001Ӕ is a collection of his speeches, writings and poems after the sad event.  It highlights his feeling as an American Muslim.  The book also includes letters of support that he received from other Americans.  One of them is his Catholic friend in Islamic-Catholic dialogue, Sister Mary Margaret Funk, who wrote the forward to the book.  She says Dr.AtharӒs words need our attention, not only if we want to make sense of September 11th, but also be healed of our wounds.  If you are looking for a Muslim view that is balanced, articulate and compelling, this book by Dr. Athar will give voice to that aspiration.

ԓHealing the Wounds of September 11, 2001 offers interfaith understanding, respect for diversity and spirituality as means to heal such wounds:  Dr. Saiyyid M. Syeed, an American Muslim leader and Secretary General of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), an admirer of Dr.AtharԒs writings, wrote the introduction to the book.  He calls this book a jihad against hate and bigotryӔ and the author a dedicated warrior who has done a great job in opening the doors of mind and windows of understandingӔ.

The book has 32 easy to read articles and poems.  It also includes letters from President George W. Bush and Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) that Dr. Athar received.  Dr. Athar is the author of 7 other books. .

ԓHealing the Wounds of September 11, 2001can be viewed and ordered on line (http://www.1stbooks.com) or through your book stores or by sending a check to