Barbara Davidson reports on the Muslim community's fears of a backlash in the wake of the US terror attacks.

On September 12, 2001, Muslims across Sussex woke up to an ugly new reality.

It was just hours after terrorists had launched their attack on the United States but already many were detecting a change in attitudes at home.

With television images showing young men celebrating in the Middle East as workers leapt to their deaths in New York, Muslims in the West prepared to face the backlash.

Their fears have been justified.

In Sussex, Muslims have become targets of stone-throwing, racist graffiti and hate mail.

People who once greeted them with a friendly smile are now avoiding eye contact.

The result is a community living in fear.

Women are leaving their homes only to buy basic necessities and many children fear going to school.

Attendance at one mosque has dropped by as much as 50 per cent in the wake of the US attacks.

Mohammed Shamsul Islam Choudhury is a leading member of the Muslim community, president of the Sussex Muslim Society and has lived in Brighton for more than 25 years.

He said the majority of Muslims was horrified at the attacks on America.

He had never heard of Osama bin Laden before September 11.

He said: "I don't know anyone with an understanding of Islam who would support this man. The word Islam means peace.

"There has been much misunderstanding of Islam in the media. I don't know why Muslims are always portrayed as oppressors and tyrants.

"People following Islam value human dignity and rights and freedom and they're very vigilant in the pursuit of justice.

"A lot of people are not aware the word jihad doesn't mean holy war - there isn't an actual definition. But jihad means endeavour, exertion, effort, diligence and only fighting to defend one's life, land and religion against an unjust regime.

"There is no concept of holy war in Islam - war cannot be holy. How can killing people be holy?

"Even during war, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming women, children, old people, even from cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.

"We don't know who carried out these attacks yet but I hope it was not Muslims because this blasphemes Islam.

"There needs to be more understanding and dialogue between Muslims, Christians and Jews. We should be building bridges, not destroying them.

"I was brought up in this country and my children were brought up in this country. They are all articulate people who are enjoying life here.

"I have a very high respect for Christian people. I know more Christians than Muslims and my son works for an American company."

Mr Choudhury offered his sympathy and prayers to all those suffering as a result of the attacks.

Muslim leader Imam Abduljalil Sajid said he had not met anyone who had failed to be shocked by the terrorist attacks.

He said: "September 11 was shocking, unbelievable and all sections of the community throughout Sussex have condemned it utterly. It was utterly un-Islamic and those who have done it have challenged the sanctity of human life. There is no justification for it in any religious teaching. It was a horrible, evil act.

"We are suffering a backlash, partly due to ignorance about Islam and Islamic teaching. It's also the result of media hysteria. It is being presumed Muslims have done it.

"Thirdly, there is an Islamophobic trend in our country and no adequate laws against religious discrimination. The present legal system needs to be strengthened to protect innocent people.

"Laws in Northern Ireland outlawing incitement of religious hatred should be extended to the mainland.

"We are part and parcel of the community and should not be seen as outsiders."

Imam Sajid said all forms of terrorism had to be eliminated but society needed to come to terms with why some people were filled with rage and hatred towards the West.

Western countries had to guard against double standards which had led some to believe they were always on the right side.

He said: "We must come to understand the reasons why; these people must be very desperate. We have to deal with it so it never happens again."

My Sajid said diplomacy, dialogue, co-operation and a war against poverty were needed, adding: "Violence begets violence, hate begets hate. Love and peace come from us if we restrain ourselves.

"These people should be brought to justice but punishment doesn't mean we should take revenge."

Brighton and Hove city councillor Heather James, whose Wish ward is home to hundreds of Muslims, is shocked at the level of fear in the community.

She said: "There is horrible discrimination going on right on our doorstep.

"Members of the community have seen noticeable changes in the way others have been behaving towards them.

"There have been quite a few incidents of people hurling verbal abuse, they are frightened about their children getting attacked on their way to school and frightened about the future.

"The Muslim community is acting very responsibly.

"Muslims are an important part of the community and part of a thriving economy.

"They contribute so much - they need to know they have our support.

"When McVeigh bombed Oklahoma we didn't condemn all Christian fundamentalists. We have to take a stand and say Muslims here are not to blame."

The police have been working with community representatives since the US attacks, visiting mosques daily to talk to members and reassure them.

Chief Superintendent Andy Bliss said: "We are aware of some incidents of harassment after the attacks in the USA but are not getting the full picture.

"Graffiti has been reported and one or two threatening incidents but we need people to report all incidents."

Anyone wanting to report a racist crime can call 0845 6070999 and ask for the anti-victimisation unit.