[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 38 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[Pages 1327-1328]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.

[[Page 1328]]

    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.