The latest data by the Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR), indicating "unprecedented" violence "in scale and scope," against Muslims last month, failed to stymie the T&T Muslim community from celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr at the remodeled Sunnat-ul-Jamaat mosque, in the Caribbean stronghold of Richmond Hill, Queens, New York. Hundreds wore traditional Muslim garb, marking the felicitous occasion with pomp and reverence. Imam Ahmed Ali, formerly of San Juan, Trinidad, delivered the impassioned khutbah (sermon), making only a veiled reference to the growing antipathy against Muslims, the vandalising of mosques and cemeteries, and the spate of anti-Islamic ads, that have hit Metro Railroad platforms in New York. "Hate, bigotry, and violence must be removed from the heart of humankind," he told hundreds of congregants.
"Jealously and enmity have created a poisonous world," he added, beckoning them to continue the discipline exercised during Ramadan, "because life brings challenges and trials for which we must be prepared." Imam Ali, who was appointed to the board of the Trinidad and Tobago Interfaith Council, by Consul General Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam, called for repentance, forgiveness, and goodwill among Muslims and the wider community, while cautioning against cultural influences that "violate Islamic ethics." He emphasised the need to "mend fences" and "resist the urge to retaliate against those who have wronged us." Pressed later to comment on the unabated verbal assaults, and worse, against his faith, Imam Ali conceded that attacks against Islam was troubling, although he remained optimistic. "We must always focus on the positive. There is nothing to gain from harbouring negativity."
• Dr Glenville Ashby, New York based journalist and author