Muslims were specifically admonished to respect and honor Egyptian Christians. Quite obviously, Egyptian Coptic Christian persecution stands in stark contrast to Prophet Muhammad's guidance.

Much needs to be done to effect a change on ground. I am hopeful that as a primary supporter of international religious freedom, the U.S. will continue to play a positive role to this end.

"First you bomb us and now you come suck our blood. What are you gonna do with it, drink it?" These were the words of a young man as I asked people to donate to a 9/11 memorial blood drive.

This year, American-Muslims go on the offensive. Terrorists drew first blood a decade ago. A decade later, American Muslims will draw first blood -- their own -- to save innocent life and take back Islam.

Quran declares, "Whosoever killed a person ... it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind."

Muslims are called to serve mankind. The hunger and thirst felt during the fast serves to cultivate empathy with those who are living hungry and thirsty everyday, those who are less fortunate than we are.