New York Imam Ridhwan Sebkhaoui
New York Imam Ridhwan Sebkhaoui said the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were the “single biggest moment in American Muslim history” because the attacks brought unprecedented attention to Islam and, according to him, led some Americans to explore the religion and eventually embrace Islam.
Sebkhaoui made the remarks during a September 11, 2026, sermon at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham, New York. The Imam, who serves as the centre’s full-time youth director and an instructor, discussed the continuing impact of 9/11, the rise of fear of Muslims and what he described as opportunities for Muslim communities to engage with Americans.
“Despite all of the negative that came from 9/11, despite so many who died, so many who were affected, it was the single biggest moment in American Muslim history that shed light on Islam,” the Imam said. “And as a result, so many looked to Islam and embraced Islam”.
The September 11, 2026, sermon referred to the attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda, which killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States and became a defining event in the history of Islamic terrorism and US national security.
Sebkhaoui then recounted a claim about a US military veteran who allegedly entered a mosque with the intention of killing Muslims but was instead welcomed by members of the Muslim community.
According to the Imam, the man was offered food, listened to those at the mosque, returned home and later came back to learn more about Islam. Sebkhaoui claimed that the man eventually embraced Islam and became an Imam at the same mosque.
Sebkhaoui claimed the episode as an example of how interactions between Muslims and people who fear or oppose Islam can produce unexpected outcomes. “Moments like these are opportunities,” the Imam said. “They are opportunities that we need to take advantage of when they come”.
Sebkhaoui further said that Americans’ fear of Muslims could currently be higher than it was immediately after 9/11, describing the situation as an “opportunity” for Muslim communities despite the difficulties involved.
“I definitely have an opportunity. It will be difficult. It may be hard, I have to take advantage of that opportunity,” the Imam said. The Al-Hidaya Center identifies Ridhwan Sebkhaoui as its Youth Director and lists its address in Latham, New York.
