September 11th 2001 - a horrible day and an atrocious turning point in history. A civilization which has withstood many an onslaught is violated by terror. The nerve centers of the United States of America's administration are attacked by an unseen, but not entirely unknown enemy. An enormous dent has been made on the American civilization, thanks to security lapses in civil aviation.

Is it the 'fruit of American crimes against humanity'? Or is it the complacency of an advanced community that thought of missile defence systems and star wars with alien creatures but failed to perceive a boiling hatred from a religious community? These questions may stand for a terribly long time in the discerning mind. But, to me, more threatening are the immediate consequences of the carnage. Killing thousands of innocent civilians may be modern warfare, but what about the repercussions on the Muslim community?

At this point in time, one is not even sure if it is the Muslims who are responsible for the savagery. But, quite a few important fingers already point them out as the culprits. And, unfortunately, the community has more often than not been responsible for many such terrorist activities. Looks like the memory of the medieval past is not entirely forgotten. For all we know, the world may be getting ready for another of the bloody crusades.

Pitifully, racial and religious conflicts seem to have claimed an awful number of lives more than politically induced wars. Crusades or not, the idea that one's God is bigger than his neighbour's has been there for centuries. An innocent Muslim youth in the Kottaimedu area of Coimbatore may be celebrating the terrorist attack on the US citizens, sharing the ecstasy of his brethren in Palestine.

But why is this happening? Why is the only growing religion feeling insecure? Is it the only sect that indulges in terrorism? Is there really an unjustifiable hate campaign against the community, as it claims? Is there a global propaganda against Islam?

All these questions could be answered only if this one predominant question is answered. My truth or your truth - whose truth is the truth?