ISLAMOPHOBIA AND RESPONSE OF MUSLIMS (Engr Haseeb Ahsan)

ISLAMOPHOBIA AND RESPONSE OF MUSLIMS

Islamophobia is another form of racism. Islamophobia is basically a prejudice against Muslims and Islam. Because of Islamophobia, Islam is seen as violent, aggressive, threatening and supportive of terrorism. Hostility towards Islam is used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims and exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society.

WHEN DID ISLAMOPHOBIA BEGAN?

Researchers says, Islamophobia increased after 9/11 attacks. I think, hate and prejudice against Muslims had already developed its roots before 9/11 attacks. 9/11 attacks just fueled this hate towards Muslims and Islam.

KEY FACTORS BEHIND ISLAMOPHOBIA

1.    9/11 attacks and alleged involvement of Taliban in these attacks.

2.    Rise of Islamic Stat group in Iraq.

3.    Rise in terrorist attacks in Europe and other non Muslim countries.

CONSEQUENCES OF ISLAMOPHOBIA TOWARDS MUSLIMS

Due to discriminatory remarks against Islam, Muslims are being hated, brutally murdered and humiliated across the world. Syria, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, Bosnia and many other countries belonging to Muslims majority are facing civil war, ethnic cleansing and massacre.

Women are being raped, men are slaughtered, Children are being brutally killed even they are deprived of freedom to breath, to play and to dream.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSE OF MUSLIMS

I know Muslims are facing external challenges of hate, discrimination, disrespect, humiliation, barbarism and racism by westerns. But their real fight is with their internal challenges of unethical attitude, extremism, lack of education and biasness which keep them isolated from mainstream society.

Muslims have different paradigms. Because of different paradigms, Muslim Uma is divided into different sects. People belonging to particular sect are biased against those who belong to other sect. They are so rigid in their beliefs that they don’t accept other’s opinion. Muslims are facing challenges of unity, faith and brotherhood.

Muslims had blamed so many times and still continue to blame their enemies. I think, blaming to the enemies is not a solution to this problem. We should blame our-self for not being united. We should blame our-self for being unethical. We should blame our-self for killing each other on the basis of sect. We should blame our self for violating the principles of brotherhood, unity, love, justice and equality.

We are Muslims because we were born as a Muslim but sorry to say we don't have a character like a true Muslim. We hate each other, we kill each other and even let our enemy to come and kill our children, women and men.

Let’s keep our internal differences aside and fight for unity, faith, love and brotherhood. It’s time to stop this blame game. Let’s go hand in hand and began a new journey of love, respect, unity and brotherhood.

It’s time to rise and rule the world. Let’s start Islamic era where there is no hate for others, justice is ensured to everyone, women have honor and everyone is equally treated.