Saturday, August 18, 2012

Tormenting the Peacefully Praying


Within one week, we witnessed unfolding stories of hate crimes against the peacefully praying. I cannot wrap my mind around the thinking process behind throwing an acid bottle, lighting a fire, or shooting a place of worship. What gratification comes out of these radical acts of violence against groups of people who are just praying? Regardless of their religion, race, or social class, these innocent worshipers were just praying to their lord.

Unfortunately, because of our biased media and few bigoted politicians, frequently tossing around the term “Islamophobia” caused people to fear Islam comfortably. This leads to the torment of the peacefully praying.

How can we change this?

First, let us avoid using the term “Islamophobia”. Yes, I have used it in this piece twice, but aside that, I feel that the more we use this term, individuals who are not Muslim literally see “fear of Islam”. Though used in the media frequently, this term is similar to a fad that will stop at one point. When? God knows. Nevertheless, the least we can do is not to contribute to harmful propaganda.

Second, it is time for us to step outside of our boxed environments and branch out. We need to make a constant presence in our communities. Whether it is sending food baskets to our neighbors during Eid or holiday greeting cards, acts of kindness and benevolence make a difference. Even inviting our neighbors to family dinner sparks interesting conversations and, essentially, friendships. Too many people fear these sorts of ideas or they feel like they do not have the time to interact with our neighbors. However, we see them often when leaving or entering the house and even a small gesture, such as, sending an Eid card is quite simple.

Third, we must constantly remind ourselves that the few individuals attempting to hurt this Ummah are uneducated people who do not respect worshipers. No matter the religion- Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism, or Hinduism- everyone is praying. There is no need to chastise other religions, but rather unite, respect, and protect places of worship.

I pray inshAllah (God-Willing) that we strive to become the best role models we can be in our communities and attempt to overcome the fear of interacting with our own neighbors.

Additionally, remember to pray for the countless innocent in this dunyah who are victimized, oppressed, and abused in Syria, Burma, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, this country, and every place where Allah is worshiped.

-Ayesha  Qazi

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