Dallas – As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, former President George W. Bush used a speaking engagement at his presidential center to revisit his decision to visit a mosque just days after the tragedy.

Why the mosque visit mattered

Speaking with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Bush said he went to the Islamic Center of Washington on Sept. 17, 2001, because he was “deeply concerned about stories of women in coverings being harassed at shopping centers, particularly in Michigan.” He added that the purpose of the trip was to make clear that Muslim Americans were not to blame for the terrorism.

Message of peace

During the conversation, Bush reiterated his 2001 statement that “Islam is peace,” stressing that the religion was being subverted by the terrorists who carried out the attacks. He said, “If this was an ideological struggle, which is what I viewed it as, we must not forego one of the most important parts of our ideology – the freedom to worship the way you want to worship.”

Defending Muslim‑American citizens

Bush recalled meeting with Muslim leaders after the visit and highlighted concerns about Muslim women who felt intimidated about leaving their homes or shopping. “That should not and will not stand in America,” he said in 2001, a sentiment he reaffirmed at the recent event.

Context for today

The remarks come as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 draws near and as the attacks continue to shape political discourse. Bush’s recollection underscores a longstanding effort by the former president to separate the faith of Islam from the actions of extremist terrorists, a message that remains relevant for today’s diverse American communities.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.