In the wake of the Sept 11 tragedy, many have expressed strong sentiments condemning either the terrorist attacks, or the subsequent US military response. However, emotionally-driven rhetoric obscures one crucial facet of the unfolding events: that what is at stake is the relationship between Islam and modernisation. And more importantly, each of us can contribute to closing this gap between the 'crusade' and jihad to move towards peace: be it here in Malaysia or internationally.

It should have been clear from the beginning that there is serious miscommunication in the interaction between the Western world and the Islamic world. Just as President Bush's crusading gaffe offended the Islamic world, Osama's praise for the terrorists did little but to further inflame sentiments.

In Malaysia, unfortunately, the tragic Sept 11 event is also being manipulated by politicians. The government is happy defining, proclaiming and arresting 'terrorists' while PAS Youth chief calls for 'military assistance to Afghanistan' (AFP, Oct 11 2001). Both are irresponsible. Both sides are creating damages to Malaysia and we need to halt this.

Despite what the government claims, Malaysia is heavily dependent upon international trade for its economic well being. By playing the terrorist card, the government is creating more fear and uncertainties for foreign investors in the midst of the already fragile economic situation. By failing to define its stand (ie to put Mahfuz Omar's speech in context), PAS is alienating many of its non-Muslim supporters. What we all need is information, on how its vision of an Islamic state merge with modernisation.

That said, for all moderate Muslims and non-Muslims, here are some suggestions for the new jihad and the new 'crusade' for peace:

1) Write to your government, to the papers and express your views: War has never been, and never will be a solution. Flawed as the democracy of the United States may be, its government does respond to intensified public pressures.

2) Educate by action: In the US, Islamic communities are scrambling to convey the meaning of Islam to non-Muslims. Yet, in Malaysia, we fail to even persuade DAP to stay in the BA. Why is that? What is the perceived place of modernisation in an Islamic state? How important is gender equality?

3) Help Afghan refugees: The Afghan refugee population is not a new phenomenon. They have existed since civil war ravaged the country two decades ago. The problem is now further aggravated by the Taliban blocking food trucks for the people and taxing international food donation. What can be done? Do the Talibans mistrust the Western aid agencies? Then can we, as an Islamic country, call to OIC to organise a broad-based humanitarian aid agency to Afghanistan?

4) Push for dialogue for future: In the future, what are the procedures through which humanitarian aid from Islamic countries are channelled? Why was there no intervention from Muslim countries when wars broke out in Kosovo and Serbia? Why was there no condemnation of the way the Taliban treated Afghanistan women?

It is sad to say that social awareness is only heightened at times such as these - but if we all do our part, maybe something good may come out of the rubble. Meanwhile, we all need to be critical of those whom we entrust to make decisions. After all there are many wolfs running around in sheepskin.