Five Things Muslim Parents Must Explain to Kids about the Paris Attacks
“My niece’s first response to the Paris attacks: ‘Should I tell people at school I’m not Muslim anymore? She is seven. SEVEN.”
-tweet by Azita Rahman on November 13, 2015
In the event of post-terrorist-attack Islamophobia, there are usually two responses from Muslims: Fight or flight.
Fight is found among those who dig their heels in and challenge the biases, hate, and misconceptions by shoring up their spiritual strength and toughening themselves. But for the majority, the response is flight.
Flight has different levels. At their most extreme are those who leave Islam completely. They are not the majority, but the above-mentioned quote reflects a certain tinge of that.
Fleeing Islam can also mean: Taking off Hijab, shaving a beard, hiding or Anglicizing a Muslim name, being extremely careful not to discuss any aspect of Islam publicly (e.g. a Muslim doctor who specifically asked a Muslim patient not to mention anything to her staff about her recent Umra trip), or falling into some Haram to fit in and not look as obviously Muslim, whether that is by taking a sip of alcohol or skipping a prayer.
Statistics show that this is definitely happening - and our youth, especially, are suffering.
75% say they or someone they know have been discriminated against (Zogby Poll)
- 29% of Muslim youth sometimes use a non-Muslim sounding names (Columbia University study)
- 12% of Muslim students have doubts about Islam. (Columbia University)
- 47% college-going young Muslims in the US drink alcohol (ISPU)
- 16% Muslim youth binge drink (Gallup Poll)
- 7% said they have been physically assaulted. (Columbia University)
It is easier to leave Islam at some level than to live it today. With every terrorist attack and the ensuing barrage of media bias and hate that follows, the faith of our youth is weakening. We must act now. And we must act immediately.
But even in the face of this difficulty, we should remember to be grateful to God. This is especially timely given that it is Thanksgiving in the US.
Even with all of the bigotry and hate practiced by the media and certain individuals, we are still living in relative safety and security. Compared to many parts of the world, Muslims in America still have faith and freedom, Alhamdu lillah. Consider the lack of security and safety Syrian refugees are experiencing. Think about the lack of faith and freedom Burmese Muslims, who are facing genocide, are going through.
Finally, please do not neglect to make Dua (supplication). Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, once said that Dua is the essence of worship. It brings us closer to God, as we weep and share our worries and fears with our Creator.
In specific, we should pray for
- the guidance of these extremists who are so wrong in their understanding of Islam
- pray for the Republican presidential candidates and their supporters, who are whipping up hate against Islam and Muslims
- the end of this nexus of war-terror-hate which continues to destroy lives, communities, peace, and security all around the world
May Allah strengthen our faith and that of our children. May He make us the best examples of Islam. And may He help us remain steadfast during this difficult time.
Peace,
- Sound Vision
