Aftermath of Fort Hood

Muslim community, larger society should both work to prevent further tragedies

In addition, the Muslim community has to take further measures to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. As Muslim soldiers may feel more comfortable to discuss culturally or religiously related matters with someone from that same background, formal counseling services should be established at Islamic centers, as such services can provide the format needed to instruct and correct any inaccurate beliefs or misconceptions individuals may have. Also, as Fridays tend to be the time when Muslims attend Islamic centers most frequently, sermons should be further employed to share the true values and guidelines of the Quran related to the needs of Muslims living in the West. Moreover, seminars or classes can be organized that tackle issues such as stress management, violence control and other topics.

It is with sadness that we have to deal with the aftermath of this matter. However, there is no reason for more innocent lives to be lost. We should seize the opportunity to put in place all necessary measures needed to weed out violence, repair the damage and to strengthen the fabric of our society.

Maher Kharma is president of the Islamic Society of Annapolis. His e-mail is [e-mail].