Hi guys! So, before you read (again) this is a bit different from some of the writings that I have done on this blog- but similar to my last post. There will probably be a few more like this, considering how swampped I have been with not only College but University as well as trying to figure out my life- sounds oh so very exciting right? No just completely and uttering tiring. However, I have warned you beforehand simirlarly like my last post this will be more formal than my other writings. Again,
I was given an opportunity to write for a magazine located in Pakistan known as 'Vision Islam' (same publication) unfortunatley I was unable to get my last article "Freedom of Speech" posted due to someone not handing in my article in on time but whatever. I am still glad I took the chance to write for them, as they loved the piece and asked me to write another! (Yaaaay) and of course agaaain! I gladly took the opportunity.
Again I state: If I have caused an individual to hurt or anyone I'd like to take this opportunity to apologise now and emphasise that I meant no harm nor offense to anyone.
So here is my article on the whole 'Islamaphobia' rise that's been going on lately. Hope you enjoy, and please feel free to comment your responses/ feels towards it.
~ article time, get dem glasses ready yo ~
Why is it that the religion 'Islam' is the most rapidly growing religion yet also the most feared? Why is it that my religion, a religion that promotes peace, modesty, non-discrimination and love is constantly portrayed in a manner whereby our generation and the upcoming should fear, hate and be disgusted by not only the name but the people who practice this beautiful religion. Many are unaware of what the word 'Islam' means, just by discovering it's beautiful meaning how can you change it into something as blasphemous as 'Islamaphobia' Islam is peace- submission to god based on your own will.
"Whoever does righteousness- it is for his [own] soul; and whoever does evil [does so] against it. And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants" (41:46)
The above passage is a direct link to how we as individuals are given free will, it enforces the importance of it. God, will judge us based on our actions/ choices we make in this life. Not on the destiny He has decreed for us. My personal opinion on the term 'Islamaphobia' as well as my brothers is that it is a term and "political" act which is complete and absolute rubbish. A no doubted man made word (one of their worst) applied to those who do not fear Islam, only hate. If anything, it is pure discrimination which comes in a number of disguises. Whether it be through, verbal or physical abuse as well abuse dished out through the internet. Islamaphobia, in its simplest terms means: dislike or prejudice against Islam or Muslims especially as a political force. So basically absolute and complete discrimination to those who practice Islam... What I don't understand though is how do you spot a Muslim? Yes I am aware of the basic spotting a Muslim if she is wearing a 'head veil' but what about the females who do not cover their hair? And the men? How is this 'political force' able to distinguish who a Muslim is and not by the colour of their skin? No. Through their clothing? Maybe. Through their race? Absolutely not. There are ideologies that have been created by society that all 'South Asians' are Muslims... Sigh.
On Tuesday 17th 2014 at 10AM in Colchester, Essex England. Nahid Al Manea a 31 year old PhD student from Saudi Arabia who arrived in England six months ago, was found dead on a footpath- knife wounds to her body, neck and arms. Killed for wearing abaya robe and hijab.
December 4th 2014 Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussein a 15 year old boy was intentionally run over in a hit and run that took place in Kansas City of Missouri, America. Ahmed Aden the attacker of Somalian descent and follower of Christianity who is acclaimed to have previously taunted the same community was described to have not only rammed his car in the young boy which knocked Abdisamad into the air but then also ran him over.
February 10th 2015 three young Muslims were killed straight gunshot to their heads- execution style. The reason? Because they were Muslim or as the western media like to portray the crime as 'a fight over a parking spot' this was not over a parking spot. This was not because of how loud they were on game night, this is simply in black and white terms a hate crime. A crime committed by Craig Stephen Hicks- the victims? Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammed Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha. Two of which sisters, Yusor and Razan as well as newly wedded couple 'Deah and Yusor' Deah, aged 23 a Syrian American of Palestinian origin and a 2013 graduate majoring in business administration, was a second-year student in UNC school of dentistry. Yusor, aged 21 a Jordanian American of Palestinian descent with a degree in biological sciences planned on studying dentistry like her husband and alongside him aiming to travel down to Turkey in order to treat Syrian refugees a project organised by UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and the Syrian- American Medical Society. Razan, the sister of Yusor aged 19 a undergraduate studying architecture and environmental design- all lost their lives on February 10th.
These are just a few examples of the many lives which have been lost due to 'Islamaphobia' and I regret to say it but are probably not the last. I fear that this is only the beginning and I await the day in which western media decides to finally expose the idea of terrorism and that it has no religion, colour or race. Anyone is capable of acts of hate, which is exactly what all the three above are. Terrorism: violence acts intended to create fear perpetrated for a religious, political or ideological goal, which deliberately target innocent civilians.
My personal opinion on why Islam is portrayed in such a belittling and negative manner and why 'Islamaphobia' is at a rise is as made reference to earlier; simply because of our media stations. That our generation is constantly spoon fed this idea that Islam is a religion of hate through "groups" such as: Al Qaeda, ISIS and even individuals such as Osama Bin Laden. I say this because, whenever I am exposed to a death of a Muslim I find that there is no coverage of the news on through national television broadcasters- yes maybe a number of newspapers but never the main outlet, the main source whereby everyone turns to for information on today: the T.V. and in the rare occasion whereby there is coverage of the event there is a distinct difference between both the committer and victim. I ask you, for example imagine the case of dear Deah, Yusor and Razan being broadcasted on number of outlets I can prescribe to you what would be written:
Three Young Students, killed over a parking spot.
V.S
Three Young Students, killed by a Muslim Terrorist in rage over their clothing.
You see the difference? You see the pathetic manner in which the media portrays Islam? That the death of three young Muslims- the case itself and the prosecutor's reasoning's was actually considered to have been due to a 'Parking Spot' squabble. When in actual fact looking more deeper into the case is a hate crime. An act of terrorism. If we were to actually think behind why Craig Stephen Hicks killed the three he would have no valid reason. The three as described by their parents are all lovers and promoters of peace, providing help for those less fortunate and educating those who know little to none. For example, a neighbor of the Barakat's had posted a highly emotional and moving status dedicated to the fellow Deah who had lost his life. Stating "You did so much to make this country a better place - not only through charity for those who had nothing, but for people like me, who might have no real concept of what Islam is have it not been for you and your family. When you first moved in I had no idea what a Muslims was - That had more to do with the fact that I was 11 (I think) than lack of exposure - But it makes me wonder now, in retrospect; What would I know or think about Muslims if the Barakats had never moved in next door? Would I know anything beyond the sound-bites and packaged narratives that get ratings and sell copy? Would I know that the Qur'an commands charity, relief and hospitality towards believer and non believer alike? I don't know if I would. Had the Barakats not moved in, I might have fallen into the trap of believing that ISIS, Al-Qaeda, or some other terroristic entity was true-to-form the Muslim voice for the fact that there might not have been anyone in my life to point it out as a hijacking of the name of Islam. In that sense, I was lucky enough to receive an education that many never did. For that, I owe you a personal debt."
This statement, perfectly embodies how this generation has created a singular identity for Islam. " Would I know anything beyond the sound-bites and packaged narratives that get ratings and sell copy?" " I might have fallen into the trap of believing that ISIS, Al-Qaeda, or some other terroristic entity was true-to-form the Muslim voice for the fact that there might not have been anyone in my life to point it out as a hijacking of the name of Islam."
I did not know Deah, Yusor or Razan, but as soon as I was aware of their deaths I felt a personal strike to my heart. Of course, they all three are my brother and sisters in Islam but at the same time I felt as though they and I had been friends for a life time once I had read up on their personalities. All I ask is that Allah make it easy on both families and that they are all granted the highest of platforms within Jannat til firdose.
When will my people as well as others stop being victimized? When will it all stop? Allah knows best. These are all tests, and Insha'Allah we all benefit from all these trials. Ameen.
Anywho you know the drill Toodles!
as always, peace & love
