09/11/2026
On September 11, 2001, I was twelve years old and in the seventh grade. As a Somali refugee from a Muslim background, I watched the world around me suddenly change. I could not fully understand everything happening, but I understood the fear, grief, and suspicion that followed.
Today, as a former Muslim and follower of Jesus, I recognize that these attacks were not random acts of violence. The terrorists were motivated by a jihadist theological worldview beliefs about God, obedience, and holy war. This does not mean every Muslim shared those beliefs, but we should not erase the religious motivations the terrorists themselves claimed.
They were not merely attacking New York or America. By attacking the World Trade Center a symbol of international commerce and cooperation they attacked the world.
Today, I remember the innocent lives taken, the families forever changed, and the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and ordinary citizens who ran toward danger to save others.
Twenty-five years later, we still remember, we still grieve, and we still honor their courage and sacrifice.
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
