Shahnaz Taplin-Chinoy

Chair, Invest in Muslim Women

The Boston bombing was a huge tragedy, but there could be a silver lining if we understand that Islam is a simple faith, open to new norms which enable it to make a positive contribution to the country in which it resides. It is up to us Muslims to make that happen.

Ajarat Bada

Ambassador, One Young World. Director, The Missing Millennium Development Goal Initiative

For those of us who believe in the enormous potential of religion to advance the cause of humanity, the bombings are disheartening. And there is a growing, albeit abstract, movement to create a new moral ethos for society that is devoid of religion. This is frightening.

Parvez Ahmed

Associate Professor, Coggin College of Business, University of North Florida

Simply put, this kind of legislation runs afoul of basic tenets of constitutional law and overriding principles of American jurisprudence. Moreover, its sponsors haven't demonstrated any tangible need for it.

Daniel Tutt

Interfaith Activist and Fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

While the dust has yet to settle on the horrific Boston bombings by the Tsarnaev brothers, Muslims have already felt the impact of their association with Islam. In our rush to write op-ed's and respond via the media, we should take a step back to consider the literature on Islamophobia and what it might teach us at this moment.

Craig Considine

Ph.D. candidate, Trinity College Dublin; Film director, 'Journey into America'; Interfaith activist

Our strength as Bostonians comes in our diversity. We should embrace our fellow Muslim Bostonians, not fear them.

Nicola Moors

Editor of the University of Sheffield's student newspaper, Forge Press, where she is also studying journalism

Islamophobia is on the increase - and while it's not to say that the discrimination of Muslims in the UK is on par with those unleashed on millions of Jews in the 1930s - the underlying prejudices are the same.

Evan Perkoski

Doctoral candidate in political science, University of Pennsylvania

Anecdotes paint a picture of a seemingly ordinary teenager who liked to hang out, go to the gym, and party with his friends. So how could a student like this become a religious fanatic?

Brian Stone

LGBT advocate, U.S. Navy veteran and student at the University of Michigan

Every time one of these attacks happen, I hear the insecure pleas of Muslim Americans trying to reassure others that "Not all Muslims are like that." They are continually shut out of the discussion and alienated for trying to say it.

Wardah Khalid

Author, Young American Muslim

In the moments following the Boston Marathon bombings, American Muslims across the nation prayed for the same thing: "Please don't let the bomber be a Muslim."

Imam Abdullah Antepli

Muslim Chaplain, Duke University

You only discover your true friends, and how precious and extraordinarily important they are, during these trying and difficult times. For those who have expressed their love, care and support to the American Muslim Community, on behalf of all American Muslims: Thank you!

Rev. Emily C. Heath

Clergy, United Church of Christ

We don't have any official confirmation yet whether or not the two brothers who Boston Marathon bombers are Muslim or not. There are many reports, though, and already anti-Muslim statements are being made. Today I am praying for my Muslim friends. Because I know they are afraid.

Dr. Faheem Younus

Muslim, professor, doctor and philanthropist

I believe such casual use of "I-am-praying-for-the victims-of-xyz" cheapens the more intense practice of prayer performed with zeal. It's true for most religions. According to Islam, prayer is like melting your soul. You focus. You persevere. You cry. You believe.

Qasim Rashid

Author, 'The Wrong Kind of Muslim'

America is not under threat from radical Islam, but it is under threat from radical ignorance. This ignorance is a far more powerful and far more destructive force than any act of terror. I have experienced its horrific after effects.

Hammad Moses Khan

Muslim Medical Student and Activist

Today hurt me both as an American and as an American Muslim. But it also presented us all with an opportunity.

Shohana Khan

London-based freelance writer

This week half naked women bared all across the cities of the Western world from Paris, Kiev to Melbourne, in a day of protest. Organised by Ukranian ...

Imam Abdullah Antepli

Muslim Chaplain, Duke University

The legislators who cooked up this circus do not mention which religion will be the official religion of North Carolina if this resolution becomes a law. If, however, you pay attention, the brand of religion they are promoting is clear.