A Different Face of Islam

In the view of a majority of Americans, Muslims are violent and self-absorbed. Our vision of the second largest religious group in the world is formed by images of suicide bombs or planes flying into the Twin Towers. But of course this fanaticism is the work of a minority, not the majority. But in general that's the face of Islam that we see presented.

Today, in the LA Times, Rebecca Trounson profiles a Muslim run medical clinic in South Los Angeles. Founded more than a decade ago by Muslim medical students it serves a low income community needing affordable quality health services. This is provided by UMMA -- University Muslim Medical Association -- and is providing a model for other clinics across the country.

This call to action is, according to the founders, rooted in the Islamic commitment to righting wrongs in society and to caring for others.

The founders, who also included Abdul Cader's wife, Nisha, now a pediatrician, were motivated by their Islamic faith, and by what they described as Prophet Muhammad's call to try to correct whatever one finds wrong in the world.

"If you see something that isn't right, there is an obligation in Islam to try to fix it with your own hands, first of all," said Yasser Aman, who started at the clinic as a volunteer while studying at UCLA and is now its president and chief executive. "That's the highest good."

What is most intriguing is that 98% of those served aren't Muslim. When we hear the negative it's good to hear the positive. As we form our opinions, it's important to make sure that we have the complete picture!