Dear
Muslims
By Sehr H.
Nebraska, USA
The burden of clearing the ignorant misconceptions
about Islam is upon our shoulders. We youth are
the future and must end our apathetic daze. The
confusion we feel is only natural; after all,
we receive mixed signals from every side about
who we are as Muslims and what we stand for. The
media bombards us with the ravings of a small
radical extremist faction within our midst, crushing
our spirits and bowing our heads in shame. Worse
still, our neighbors and peers glance at us with
justifiable suspicion in their eyes.
These mixed signals not only affect our pride
as Muslims, but also our relationships with one
another. Our hearts harden and skins thicken,
defense mechanisms against the disdain that is
constantly upon us. At this pivotal time in history,
we cannot alienate ourselves any longer. We must
unite among ourselves, foster intellectual discussions
about our plight as Muslims and stand strong in
the face of adversity. However, we must heed always
the fact that hate begets hate; violence begets
violence.
Only love begets love, and from that bountiful
tree springs the fruits of tolerance, peace, and
ultimately acceptance. Only these traits have
the power to heal our ailing world. Regaining
societal trust and acceptance will not come easily;
patience and dedication are needed to strengthen
the noble cause of educating our communities.
Treat everyone with dignity and compassion and
we will, insha’Allah, be treated in kind.
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