Once again a tragedy has occurred on American ground. Once again fingers are pointing. Once again al Qaeda leader and terrorist Osama bin Laden, a leading suspect in various other terrorist acts, is at the thrust of the accusations. As speculation grows around America, concern for the safety and reputation of the Islamic faith grows at Penn State.

Last night about 60 Muslim students and other Muslim leaders gathered in a guarded Willard classroom to discuss their roles as Muslims in dealing with possible discrimination.

"We need to take a clear stance and understand Islam's view," said Ramy Nasr, director of public relations for the Muslim Student Association. "In Islam we have basic rules of engagement. There are strict rules about how we fight."

Fighting, according to Islam, never involves destruction of innocent life.

"It is against the Muslim religion to kill innocent people," said MSA president Zubair Malik. "We are all against the terrorist acts that happened. This is not an act of Muslim faith."

During the discussion, Nasr reviewed the principles and values of Islam. Muslims must show mercy, as their leader Mohammed did, and they must treat all life — plant and animal alike — with respect. He also reminded the group that weaker individuals should never be harmed.

"We never fight children or elderly. We never destroy the environment. If someone gives up, let him go," Nasr said.

In the light of the mercy that is to be shown to other beings, the group condemned the actions of the attacker. They hope others will know that it does not reflect the ideology of Islam.

"It's not the whole Muslim community, it's a few extreme people," said Malik. He added that he and some of his friends have received looks from people passing them on campus, causing them to feel insecure and accused.

"It feels bad to feel like you've done something wrong for following your religion," he said.

Malik said that past events have led him to feel more sensitive to the stares.

"Always right away a Muslim is accused," he said. "Even in the Oklahoma City bombing, a Muslim was accused and it wasn't a Muslim. It's hard to deal with."

The group also discussed reports of attacks on Muslims since the explosions. Nasr was informed that there have been over 100 reports of women being harassed all around the nation. Though they have heard no reports of Muslim discrimination at Penn State, MSA leaders encouraged the group to be careful and to act peacefully.

"We need to conduct ourselves properly in a situation like this," Malik said. "Watch your words. Be patient with (those who are threatening). Be rational in your thought process."

Nasr added that it is important to remain calm should a threatening situation arise. "Do not get angry," he told the group.

Leaders of other organizations have stepped up to offer their support of the Muslims at this time. Among them was Hal Needham, who is involved with international student relations at Penn State and a self-proclaimed Christian.

"We stand behind you," he said. "A major initiative must be taken at Penn State to educate people of the true message of Christianity and Islam."

Dan Ten Kate, president of Alliance Christian Fellowship, shared the concern and sympathized with the discrimination by association that the Muslims are experiencing.

"You can't paint a whole religion with one brush. It's like how the Klu Klux Klan was not a representation of Christianity," he said.

In the midst of the concern for the safety of Muslims at Penn State, there is also sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.

"Our support goes out to the families of the victims," said Malik.