New York. Madrid. London. Mumbai.

The reality of terror is not new to us. We hear of horrific terror attacks time and again.

Unfortunately, if there is an explosion anywhere in the world the needle of suspicion always points towards Muslim terrorists. It is also true that they are at the helm of perpetuating such dastardly acts frequently. I am not getting into arguments on faith or geo politics of international relations or any Zionist conspiracy against Islam. I will discuss the menace of terrorism as a human being, as I see it. And it is time for some serious soul searching.

As a young Indian Muslim, I grew up in a multicultural, cosmopolitan milieu in a country which is so tolerant and advanced. I just cannot understand why terrorists need to be identified with a religion. I hate it when they say that the perpetrators of the blasts were "Muslims." But my fears are genuine.

At a press conference of Mumbai's clerics just after the July blasts, a reporter asked: why is it that behind any terror attack only your community is blamed? There are millions like her who discuss this daily. Let's face it.

We are all born into families where our parents teach us certain values, of the powers of love and humanity. To differentiate between good and evil. That love pervades all and will overcome any debauchery. We are praised for being good and punished for any wrong-doing. Then how can I explain that certain factions from my religion have got all their ideals misplaced? How did that contrariety come about between them and many like me?

The wounds of terrible Tuesday which rocked Mumbai last July are yet to heal. I lost a dear friend in the blasts. It could have been me had this happened a week ago. Those who have lost their dear ones have undergone an irreparable loss. We are left with broken families, losing only sons, sole bread winners and an endless list of missing persons. So what is the motive behind men turning savages?  It is probably to create a fear psychosis among people. If this is it, then these elements have failed miserably. Every city which has been a target has fought back with great resilience and courage, be it New York or Mumbai.

The world remains a dangerous place. And nothing can repair this damage. People have lost something very precious — peace of mind. If an American cannot travel in a plane without the lurking fear of being hijacked, a Mumbaikar cannot step into a train compartment without the fear of being exploded. A Londoner cannot look at an Asian without a thread of suspicion and all of them cannot leave home without wondering if it's their last good-bye.

I often wonder if these militants ever fear the wrath of the Almighty Allah. Does their heart not cry out for those helpless mothers and fathers who have lost children? Do they not see the innocence in the eyes of little orphans whose parents they have gunned down? Don't their hands shiver as they throw grenades as merrymakers on a jaunt? Do they too share the pangs of the reprimanding conscious that plays havoc on our souls?

Terror has no face. If people follow the dictates of one man hiding in mountain hole in a barren desert country or seeking revenge for one fallen dictator caught in a spider hole then these confused disciples are aimless.

After the bomb explosions in Mumbai, the response to these attacks by the millions of Indian Muslims has been heartening. Several imams condemned terrorists as mere mischief makers out to obliterate peace and good will. What is striking is that now in India terror is being dealt with an iron hand by Muslims themselves. All business and other activities by Muslims was shut down in solidarity to demonstrate against this crime committed against innocent victims. Widespread protests have marked an entire week where clerics have decided to censure dysfunctions within the community. How effective it will be only time will tell. But at least a beginning has been made. Indian Muslims have made a start. Now it's left to others to follow suit.

We may live millions of miles away but let not the land and sea separate us geographically, prevent us from coming together to fight — but only for peace. Before it's really too late.