Prayers and Reflections on 9/11

by Afsheen Shamsi

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I have been reflecting on how America has changed due to the tragic events of that day. As a nation, we all mourned for all the innocent lives lost that day. I can’t begin to imagine the trauma of losing a loved one in such a horrific way, and I pray for continued patience, courage, and strength for those who lost loved ones 25 years ago yesterday.

I also pray for continued patience, courage, and strength for the families of American soldiers and innocent civilians who lost loved ones in the wars that followed 9/11. We still see the lasting impact of those wars today, and I pray for all impacted by those wars.

I pray as well for continued patience, courage, and strength for the innocent American Muslim, Sikh, and other historically marginalized communities who have been targeted since 9/11 for either being Muslim or being perceived as Muslim, not just by hate groups but also by law enforcement and our government. I especially pray for resilience for our young American Muslim, Sikh, and other historically marginalized children who grew up in the shadow of 9/11, being labeled as terrorists in their schools.

I thank God for all the first responders and healthcare heroes, including American Muslims and Sikhs, who so selflessly committed themselves to saving as many lives as possible on that tragic day - their courage and service to our country will never be forgotten.

I also thank God for the Japanese American community and other allies who gathered to offer support to American Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11. I especially thank God for the ACLU, Emgage, and others who mobilized to preserve our civil liberties in the aftermath of 9/11.

9/11 also fundamentally changed my life as I pursued a career where I was on the front lines of fighting Islamophobia and advocating for the civil rights of American Muslims with a Muslim civil rights organization. I became a target of hate groups, and while there was some fear, there was a greater conviction that I needed to continue to advocate for justice. On a personal note, I thank all my family, friends, colleagues, and allies who have supported me through the years in the post 9/11 era.

As a nation, we have been through a tremendous ordeal due to the tragic events of 9/11, and 25 years later, I join all of you in remembering that tragedy and praying for all those impacted by 9/11.

With prayers and remembrance.

Afsheen Shamsi is a communications strategist and advocate who serves on the Samadarshini Steering Committee, helping advance a radically inclusive approach to Hindu thought and practice grounded in justice, dignity and equal vision.