Respect and tolerance
RAMADAAN 2015 was a difficult one for Muslims globally. The ongoing violence perpetrated by extremist Muslims in the name of Islam threatened to defile the serenity and compassion that are the hallmarks of this blessed month.
On Friday, June 26, 2015, we witnessed abominable attacks in three different countries: Kuwait, Tunisia and France. The individuals and groups who ostensibly committed all three atrocities claimed to have done so in the name of Islam.
In light of this distressing situation it would be uncaring and incongruous for us to celebrate Eid al-Fitr while ignoring and being oblivious to the deep anguish the global Muslim
ummah is experiencing at this moment in history.
How are we as conscientious Muslims and responsible global citizens to respond to this daily barrage of depressing news reports?
We can find great solace in God’s promise that after difficulty there will be ease. Secondly, secure in our faith, we need to respond to acts of wanton killing, by constantly reminding ourselves, and others, that we are compelled by our faith in, and commitment to, Islam to protect, defend and preserve the sanctity of all human life. The safeguarding of human life is one of the supreme objectives of Islam. The glorious Qur’an is replete with references concerning the sacredness of human life (Q6:151; Q17:33; Q25:68).
Therefore, as conscientious Muslims and responsible global citizens, we cannot remain silent in the face of wanton loss of human life and we must not become weary of stating again and again, loudly and unequivocally, that acts of extremist violence are contrary to the teachings of Islam. The sanctity of human life is a supreme value in Islam and nothing is worth the cost of a human life.
Some Islamophobes are exploiting this negative media image of Islam for their own anti-Islamic agendas.
HOWEVER, more than issuing statements of condemnation, the best way of mitigating this barrage of negative media depictions of Islam and Muslims is to nurture and sustain meaningful inter-faith dialogue and relationships with our neighbours and work colleagues. We should strive to build relationships based on respect, honour and getting to know one another beyond mere toleration.
We must also be consistent in actively and sincerely joining real efforts for social justice wherever we are and whatever these issues may be, not just around issues that affect Muslims.
Last, but not least, we should not underestimate the power of prayer. We believe that prayer draws human attention to things that need our attention, and that God hears our prayers, which can work to change human events and history.