We are taught at very young ages that we can be anything we please, to seize every opportunity in order to achieve our goals, to work hard and that someday it will all pay off. However, no one explained the obstacles that one might face due to their race, gender, or religion. No one explained to that young girl I once was that someday, someone will deny your rights based off of something you cannot control or how you choose to live your life. Never did I expect the perfect world that I grew up knowing to crumble down in a matter of seconds, right before my eyes.
Today, in an ever so changing America, it's becoming increasingly difficult to feel as though Muslims are truly welcomed here. Of course everywhere you go there's bound to be some sort of judgement no matter who you are or what you believe in, but in light of the recent events that have transpired nearing the end of 2015 with the horrific Paris attack, the incident in San Bernardino, as well as in Orlando, many have become more aware of our highly recognized religion being shown in a dimly lit light. Some even going as far to associate the entirety of the religion with these heinous acts of extremism. However, this is nothing new. Dating back to the tragic events that took place on 9/11, a date no one could ever forget, had also led Muslims as a whole to endure much backlash from every corner of the country. Islamophobia is on a rise, particularly with the help of Republican Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump, who vocally advocates for the implementation of a “Muslim database” and the monitoring of those pertaining to the faith. He also believes in placing a ban on Muslims entering the country. His outlandish comments toward Muslims has sparked an uproar of agreement from varying people who are in support of Trump. He has fueled the hate that has been burning in the hearts of bigots. His surveillance of non-threatening followers of Islam is downright immoral. Now as far as the media shows, not much is ever reported of the retaliation many Muslims suffer from. In California, a neighboring mosque found a realistic replica of a grenade outside of its building. In Irving, Texas an anti-islamic group protested outside of a mosque while armed which was a tactic used to instill fear in the occupants of that house of worship. A man was also arrested in California for setting fire to a mosque and was charged with a hate crime. Furthermore, we allow for a massive amount of believers to be held accountable for the deeds of a small percentage of terrorists who simply tarnish our name and good faith. Now if tables were turned, one could argue how the Ku Klux Klan were founded on Christian values but no one ever blamed all the believers of Christianity for their actions. The hypocrisy that is attached to how a fair amount of America views Muslims as a whole is outrageous. It is inevitable that as we grow, we will learn more and more about our surroundings and how it affects us holistically. Being a Muslim in itself has it’s stigmas attached to it and undoubtedly, the world has it’s own perceptions of who we are, what we are, and what we believe in. Seldom outside of the religion have a realistic grasp of who we truly are and what we actually represent. Our ideologies are often contorted and misconstrued through media outlets, misinformation, or those who misrepresent us as people through various acts that contradict our very belief system.
Furthermore, individuality is highly appraised when done wholeheartedly, but how far must one go until they have washed away their identity, becoming someone they aren't in order to fit an unconventional mold because it is what is surrounding them in every direction. Alongside preconceived judgements, conformity also plays a major role in what it is like to be a Muslim in America. To be different and to stand out is an experience one may bear. Such as the gawking of the man on the train toward a Muslim woman in her hijab, the glare of a woman when holding eye contact with a Muslim man in a kufi, or the curious eye of one unfamiliar with their choice of dress, thus having the ability to make an individual feel uncomfortable. Nonetheless, that sort of behavior should never make one question the importance of their beliefs due to the opinions and perspectives of an onlooker. It takes strength to overlook the negative energy and not allow it to affect you personally. It can be incredibly tempting to want to explore or try new things, however, if it conflicts with the religion then there becomes a conflict within self. Disappointing your Lord for the satisfaction and approval of others will never be worth it. It's a disservice to one’s self to compromise what you stand for and who you worship for the likes of others. Understandably, there are times when fitting in just seems to be the ideal route, and sometimes that's not a completely bad thing, but when it gets to the point where you are sacrificing your moral judgment to alter who you are, it's pivotal to take a step back and apprehend your situation and to ask yourself, “is it worth it?,” and “who am I doing this for?” So for my sisters who contemplate not wearing your hijab for the sake of others, stay strong. To the brothers who feel their beard is too much, be proud. Even if you are simply wearing your traditional clothing, never be ashamed. Television, social media, and various media platforms can be your worst enemy with all of its influence in relation to how one should act or dress. It can be tempting to try things out of your comfort zone, however, it should never clash with what is and isn’t permissible. Everyone wants to experience the feeling of acceptance, but how far would people be willing to go in order to achieve it. Moreover, It should never be sacrificial of the things you have instilled in yourself. It's important for one to not lose sight of their spiritual guidance. It's essential to be proud of who you are regardless of religious preference, despite what people think or believe.
What matters is that we as a collective whole try to bring forth a bright outlook of who Muslims are instead of the well known stereotypes. Education is the first step to changing the world no matter how small you start. It's imperative to set the tone and become the best example of what a true Muslim is like in order to show those who feel angst toward us that there is nothing to fear when around a faithful Muslim. Often times radical Islam is mistaken for what the majority of Muslims are like or believe which is utterly misleading. People of all walks of life make mistakes, but we mustn't let a select few represent the majority. I believe with patience and deliberate work toward adjusting our image, people will eventually see what is often times hidden from the public, such as the truth. It's crucial to continue to be upstanding citizens and abide by the law of the land we occupy. Until we as a nation realize that every individual occupying this land has the undeniable right to the freedom of religion as well as respecting people's choice to practice whatever they please, the division amongst our people will continue to do more harm and hinder our overall growth. We must find a way to accept and exude tolerance toward those who may not be like ourselves, and to transform prejudice into compassion.
