In Seldon, Long Island, the Muslim community has an impressive mosque and community center. Nayyar Imam, a young pharmacist, is the president of this center. He is also a member of the county’s Police Advisory Board and the Human Rights Commission. He says that if Muslims wish to live honorably in the United States, they must participate in community life, including politics and philanthropy. He says that Pakistani parents must move beyond taking an interest in their kids’ school work and involve themselves in parent teacher associations and the school board. “The trouble with Pakistanis is that they are interested in federal and state politics, but not in local civic life and politics,” he said.

I like what this young man is saying, especially these days as the war clouds loom. I overhear Pakistanis passionately criticizing the policies of the Bush administration but almost never hear anyone taking an interest in local issues.

Since September 11th, the Seldon community center actively brings members of the Jewish faith, of different Christian denominations, of Hindu temples and Sikh Gurdwaras into the mosque to discuss contemporary issues. Nayyar Imam has been particularly interested in explaining the message of peace that lies at the core of Islamic teachings, and making the larger community aware that just like any other religion Islam too can be captured somewhere, sometime by extremists.

At a party in Brooklyn, a mutual friend introduced me to Sarfraz Amin, who has gained a reputation for his good Samaritan efforts at Federal Plaza. This soft-spoken man has been as regular as the day at 26 Federal Plaza, offering a kind word and a cup of tea to lift the spirits of those waiting in line to register.