Last Thursday, we woke to find the world has once again been the victim of an unconscionable act perpetuated by terrorists. This time their target was London's innocent commuters. This latest attack is certainly a shock, but the truth is similarly motivated terrorists are killing innocent people every day. Innocent people are dying in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in the entire Middle East, and all around the world.

In this time of crisis, I would like to share a very important reality with my neighbors: Although these terrorists called themselves "Muslims," their actions have nothing to do with Islam, and these terrorists have been unanimously condemned by the 1.25 billion Muslims of the world. In fact, Muslims are now the main targets of these al Qaida terrorists. Just like the terrorist acts of the Irish Republican Army never represented the Catholic religion, I hope we can recognize the fact that this handful of depraved terrorists does not represent the 1.25 billion peaceful Muslims of the world.

However, Muslims all over the world and especially in America have a major responsibility. They can't take satisfaction in merely condemning terrorism and the terrorists. Muslims must take a very pro-active approach toward the "cancer of terrorism."

I am glad to say that many Muslim Americans are doing just that. In every city and town in America, prominent Muslims, business owners, leadership of the Islamic centers and community-based organizations are not only keeping a close eye on any new persons in their communities, but they are holding regular meetings with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. These town hall style meetings have been taking place in Islamic centers and other places, all over the country.

In fact, statistics of the arrests of people involved in suspicious activities, since September 11, 2001, show that a large number of these arrests were direct results of the cooperation and pro-active role of the Muslim American Communities.

I have participated in many such meetings with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. I believe that the vigilance of the Muslim American Community has helped in preventing additional acts of terror in America. There is a great need to keep doing this and find more ways to help keep America safe.

In addition, Americans and Muslims must make sure that terrorists know that they are not accepted within the Muslim community and that they are not true Muslims. I am a Muslim and I am an American and no terrorist has a right to attack my country or any other American ally in the war against terror. These terrorists are false Muslims who are true cowards. I call upon all Muslims and all Americans to stand united in the fight to conquer these cowards and their cowardly acts.

Ali A. Mirza

(The writer is the Democratic candidate for the 3rd Legislative District.)