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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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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