‘We have to control our destiny’: Muslim leader

AMEN JAFRI/FOR METRO

MPV chair Shahla Khan Salter, left, marches with Chris Khng, centre, and Rameezuddin Ahmed in Capital Pride 2010.

Published: September 07, 2011 10:28 p.m.

Last modified: September 07, 2011 10:34 p.m.

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In the aftermath of 9-11, Muslim communities on all points of the political spectrum need to engage one another in dialogue, says Shahla Khan Salter, chair of Muslims for Progressive Values Canada (MPVC).

“Nine-eleven was this big wakeup call. It was about how our community has to change,” she said from her home in Ottawa. “We have to control our destiny.”

Like many others, Khan Salter still feels emotional recalling Sept. 11, 2001. She remembers that her three-year-old son switched on the television that morning and every channel broadcast the same footage of the burning buildings.

Prior to the attacks, many Muslims shied away from controversial discussions on their religion, says Khan Salter. But in the following months she realized she couldn’t remain silent. So she founded a Canadian off-shoot of the U.S.-based Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV).

The first chapter of MPV started in the U.S. in 2007 in response to the 9-11 attacks, she says. “They knew they couldn’t watch this unjust version of Islam. It heightens the ability of extremists to cause chaos all over the world,” said Khan Salter. “Muslims have to take responsibility and take a stand to deal with intolerance, sexism and homophobia.”

She’s been surprised by some responses from the community, describing how a conservative Muslim once approached her, asking how to reconcile Islam with homosexuality.

“Our community is so diverse, we can’t always assume. We have to insist on respectful and polite dialogue. It takes time for a community to change and that’s one thing I’ve accepted.”

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