Clearly, the most basic of principles, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, is a notion of the sanctity of life. This principle is enunciated with forceful clarity in the Quran (the holy book of Muslims). This sanctity of life is, in the belief of Muslims, ordained by God as a founding principle for humanity, and was enjoined in the earliest revelations to the Children of Israel, binding upon all believers in God throughout the ages:

"On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person, unless it be for murder, or for spreading corruption upon the earth, it would be as if he slew the whole of mankind. And, if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he has saved the life of the whole of mankind" (Quran 5:32).2

1. They may be antithetical to each other. This means that I am a patriotic American in spite of being a Muslim. This notion, that Islam is actually incompatible with Americanism or patriotism, seems to be the preponderant notion among some Americans, especially in the era post September 11, 2001. However, the tragic events of September 11th did not give birth to this idea, but rather more firmly embedded it in the minds and hearts of many of our fellow citizens. The most famous (and to American Muslims, notorious) expression of this idea is in a well-known article by Harvard professor Samuel Huntington, titled The Clash of Civilizations.1

This concept is basic, foundational, and unequivocally stated in the Quran. As such, it is a central part of the dogma of Islam. It alone suffices as a repudiation to all those who would use the name of religion to justify acts of terrorism, the taking of innocent life, or the shedding of innocent blood.