They Would Always Oppose You
By Dr Aslam Abdullah
Las Vegas, NV
No matter what Muslim Americans say and do, there would always a substantial section of citizens who would doubt their patriotism and commitment to the constitution. This group would always ask them to denounce terrorism, renounce violence and distance themselves from sharia, the foundation of Islamic faith.
Even when they follow others dictates, there is no guarantee that they could be accepted as equal. The lingering episode of Khizr and Ghazala Khan provides clear evidence that certain groups and individuals would always consider Muslims fifth columnists.
Who are these groups and individuals and why are they so much focused on Islam and Muslims?
It is imperative to understand them, otherwise, the Muslim response could create more confusion in the already confused situation. Based on the responses of groups and individuals on the latest cycle of hatred spitted on Muslims after the Democratic National Convention where a Muslim couple publicly eulogized their son who offered ultimate sacrifice to defend the USA, one can identify six major groups who are the flag bearers of anti-Muslim sentiments. These groups are: Right wing Christian evangelists, supporters of Israel who do not want to be challenged in their narratives of the Middle East situation, the extremist Hindus who are primarily influenced by the socio-political conditions in India, the extreme liberal atheists who see religion as a manifestation of dark ages, politicians who believe in the divide and conquer rule and Muslim extremists who believe in the supremacy of their ideas.
Each of these groups has its own socio-political agenda. Even though they may diametrically be opposed to each other, but they can either cooperate with each other or remain silent on issues involving Muslims. Of course, a vast majority of Americans do not identify with any of these groups, but their opinions are often influenced by the rhetoric these groups play and the tactics they employ to smear a community. Election cycle every two years offer such groups an opportunity to flex their muscles.
1. Right Wing Christian Evangelists
Their opposition to Islam and Muslims is based on faith basis. Muslims are pagans in their views and always at war with the Christian West. Muslims are not worthy to be given a dignified presence in the country because they do not accept Jesus as their savior. They regard Islam an anti-Christian faith based on false ideas. In their view, Islam originated in violence and wants to dominate the world through violence. This group relies on a literature that is the product of a 1400-year-old conflict between the two faiths.
2.Supporters of the Jewish State who do not want to be challenged in their narrative on the situation in the Middle East
These groups believe that the US support to Israel is essential for the existence of the Jewish state. They see the presence of Muslims as a threat to the Israeli interests in the US for the simple reason that Muslims hold Israel accountable for the mess prevailing in the region. They fear that the emergence of a strong Muslim voting bloc might influence the outcome of elections and the policies that have remained pro-Israel so far.
3. Extremist Hindu groups that represent the ideology of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the RashtriyaSwayamSewakSangh, the Bharatiya Janata Party and many similar outfits
In their view, Muslim Indians as well as Islam are responsible for the disintegration of a greater India. Islam in their view is a violent protest ideology against the domination of a religious class that believes in social stratification based on birth. They view Islam as a violent faith keen to rule the world through coercion and suppression of all other religions.
4. Liberal Atheist Groups that view religion as a force representing dark ages
Even though on issues pertaining to human rights and justice, these groups do not discriminate against people on the basis of their faith or culture or race, yet they view that Islam is no different from Christianity or any other faith as they all represent dark ages. In their view, the concept of God is an outdated concept that offers nothing but hatred, extremism and obscurantism. They point out to the position of religious establishments of all faiths on issues such as equality of women, homosexuality, oneness of humanity, and punishment and rewards based on the teachings of a God whose existence cannot be proved.
5. Politicians who believe in the divide and conquer rule.
Politicians are known for saying anything and everything that can win them elections. If they realize that Muslims offer a strong electoral bloc, they would stand for Islam and Muslims and if they believe that speaking against Islam would get them elected, they would go to any length to denounce Islam and Muslims.
6. Muslim extremists who believe in the supremacy of their ideas
Muslim extremists based their analysis of the current world on historical grounds and not on faith basis. In their view the West offers corrupt, inhumane, and violent ideas with clear evidence of committing terror against innocent people all over the world. They view the West as a conspirator against Islam and Muslims and they believe that Islam is at war with the West permanently. They view their fellow Muslims who do not share their vision as Western lackeys who lack an understanding of genuine Islam and who are willing to go to any length to secure their presence in the Est.
Obviously, the leadership in each of these six categories is very strong on its opinions about Islam and Muslims and no amount of debate or dialogue would make them change their perspective. So Muslims have to be prepared to deal with them with or without incidents of terrorism or violence attributed to those who claim to be Muslims.
So what should Muslim Americans do?
While they develop strong ties with groups that want to live the spirit of the US constitution, they should also open channels of communication with people at the grassroots levels. They should have trained people who can relate with the masses to identify with their situation and to speak to them an idiom that is commonly understood. Through their involvement at every level of social life, they need to explain who they are and what their faith stands for, and how can their presence in the country is a source of strength for the nation.
The idea that Islam and Muslims are in perpetual conflict with the rest of humanity is not substantiated by either the Qur’an or the teachings of the Prophet. The Islam sharia primarily derived from the Qur’an does invite Muslims to cooperate with the others for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life based on the principles of justice, equality, freedom and human dignity as well as unity of humanity. When Muslims are engaged with any of these six groups or individuals reflecting the ideas of such groups, they often lose focus on their foundation principles and get broiled in a non-ending debate as to who is right and who is wrong. Perhaps Muslims ought to review their own strategy in standing for themselves and their faith in the situation they face in the US today. Perhaps, they may find that the old style of working and standing for their faiths is not working. Perhaps they may realize that a new vision and new way of looking at issues need to be adopted to ensure that they do not become victims of the politics of hate and vengeance.
(The author is the editor of the Muslim Observer and director of the Islamic Society of Nevada)
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