    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 17, 2001]
    [Page 1121]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1121]]

    Remarks at the Islamic Center of Washington
    September 17, 2001

        Thank you all very much for your hospitality. We've just had a--
    wide-ranging discussions on the matter at hand. Like the good folks
    standing with me, the American people were appalled and outraged at last
    Tuesday's attacks. And so were Muslims all across the world. Both
    Americans, our Muslim friends and citizens, taxpaying citizens, and
    Muslims in nations were just appalled and could not believe what we saw
    on our TV screens.
        These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental
    tenets of the Islamic faith. And it's important for my fellow Americans
    to understand that.
        The English translation is not as eloquent as the original Arabic,
    but let me quote from the Koran itself: ``In the long run, evil in the
    extreme will be the end of those who do evil. For that they rejected the
    signs of Allah and held them up to ridicule.''
        The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That's not what
    Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don't represent
    peace. They represent evil and war.
        When we think of Islam, we think of a faith that brings comfort to a
    billion people around the world--billions of people find comfort and
    solace and peace--and that's made brothers and sisters out of every
    race--out of every race.
        America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims
    make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country. Muslims are
    doctors, lawyers, law professors, members of the military,
    entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, moms and dads. And they need to be treated
    with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat
    each other with respect.
        Women who cover their heads in this country must feel comfortable
    going outside their homes. Moms who wear cover must not be intimidated
    in America. That's not the America I know. That's not the America I
    value.
        I've been told that some fear to leave; some don't want to go
    shopping for their families; some don't want to go about their ordinary
    daily routines because, by wearing cover, they're afraid they'll be
    intimidated. That should not and that will not stand in America.
        Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take
    out their anger don't represent the best of America. They represent the
    worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior.
        This is a great country. It's a great country because we share the
    same values of respect and dignity and human worth. And it is my honor
    to be meeting with leaders who feel just the same way I do. They're
    outraged; they're sad. They love America just as much as I do.
        I want to thank you all for giving me a chance to come by. And may
    God bless us all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:12 p.m. at the mosque.