It was not a religion that attacked us that September day. It was al-Qaeda. We will not sacrifice the liberties we cherish or hunker down behind walls of suspicion and mistrust.

Barack Obama’s quote, “It was not a religion that attacked us that September day. It was al-Qaeda,” responds to the widespread misperception that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were an attack on Islam as a religion. Obama clarifies that it was not Islam or any faith-based ideology that was responsible for the attacks, but rather the extremist group al-Qaeda, which had hijacked and perverted a religion to justify violence. The statement seeks to separate the actions of a violent minority from the peaceful practices of the broader Muslim community.

Obama’s quote further emphasizes that the attacks should not lead to the erosion of liberties or the fostering of mistrust and suspicion against an entire group based on the actions of a few. He advocates for a response to the attacks that maintains the core values of freedom, democracy, and tolerance, rather than allowing fear to fuel divisiveness and prejudice. The call to not "hunker down behind walls of suspicion" reflects his belief that security should not come at the expense of the freedoms that define the American way of life.

This message stresses the importance of not letting terrorism lead to the generalization or discrimination against innocent people, especially within the Muslim community, which could be unfairly stigmatized. Obama underscores the need for a balanced and measured approach to security, one that does not compromise the principles of inclusivity and justice that America holds dear. His response champions reason over reactionary fear.

The origin of this quote lies in Obama’s address following the September 11 attacks, where he sought to reassure the American public while also addressing the international and domestic ramifications of the tragedy. As the 44th President of the United States, Obama often navigated complex issues involving religion, terrorism, and national security. This particular statement reflects his commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the response to the attacks did not undermine the very freedoms that made America resilient.