السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
ربي اشرح لي صدري و يسر لي أمري واحلل عقدة من لساني يفقه قولي
ربي زدني علما وارزقني فهما
The once feared, deeply admired, and established Empire of Islam has now been reduced to ‘terrorism’. Anyone anywhere will suspect a woman wearing a Hijab or a man sporting a beard as hiding a bomb somewhere on his person. Islamophobia has become so widespread across the world that Muslims don’t have it easy.
Worse yet is the fact that despite Muslims being called “terrorists”, the people being mercilessly prosecuted without trial, without a stand, without a voice, are Muslims. From the genocide in Burma to the timeless war in Palestine, merciless killing in Syria, tortures in Afghanistan, war in Somalia, the death toll is in the millions. But, what have they done? You might ask. Their only crime, “being Muslims”.
The world has turned blind and deaf to the countless cries of children, women, men, being brutally killed. The United Nations has remained silent when questioned about the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims…No, the whole world has remained silent while witnessing everything unjust done to Muslims.
It’s not just outright murder either; Muslims are being targeted at every level of hierarchy imaginable. Oppression, discrimination and suppression of Muslims is happening right from when they enter school. We find ourselves being educated in a curriculum that doesn’t support the Islamic way of life; peers and teachers who share similar stereotypes about Muslims, and finally when we graduate, we realize we have done little to nothing to serve our purpose of life. Muslim students aren’t taught Islam right from the start and end up learning about the hate the enemies of Islam have etched in the hearts of people.
Young Muslims have it tough. Through the turmoil of puberty they are in danger of being wrongly guided. They do not reach out to their parents and fall into the wrong circles. Drugs and alcohol become the norm. Being a Muslim becomes second to attaining the approval of their peers.
Women have it tougher. Wearing the Hijab seems like the perfectly normal thing, but no. Muslim women face new challenges every day. Suspected, feared, and unwelcome are they who don Hijab. Under the threat of facing psychological issues if they’re not firm in their faith, and if they are firm, they become the new issue of feminism. Forever in conflict if they can’t bring themselves to accept their appearance because the world keeps driving them into a corner.
They have not only destroyed our homes, but they’ve also targeted our livelihood. The enemies of Islam do the best of their ability to cut us off in every possible manner. During these dark times, we Muslims have no one to turn to but Allah. We find solace and comfort when we reach out to Him, and remember that every Muslim out there is suffering. You are not alone. The world will cease to be dark if we become the lights, guiding each other to safety. Social media is the key to spreading awareness amongst Muslims and help one another through hardships. It’s a useful tool to bring about causes to help the Ummah as a whole as well through charity drives, funds collection, etc.
Organizing relief and financial aids to help the millions who have been displaced from their homes and have little to live with. Volunteer camps, participation in rallying people to lead demonstrations, campaigns to educate people on the current state of Muslims. And of course, constant and sincere prayers to Allah asking for forgiveness and ending this ruthlessness.
“Do you suppose that you will enter Paradise untouched by the suffering endured by the people of faith who passed away before you? They were afflicted by misery and hardship and were so convulsed that the Messenger and the believers with him cried out: “When will Allah’s help arrive?” They were assured: “Behold, Allah’s help is close by.” (2:214)
We can derive from the above verse that help will come. As Muslims we remind ourselves to be patient and have faith in Allah. We know that we will be trialed and our test here will pave way for our ultimate destination: Paradise. Despite the intense hatred directed towards us, we carry on praying for our suffering brothers and sisters. Dua (prayer) is the weapon that we have in these violent times.
Remember the Children of Israel and how they suffered for years in bondage at the mercy of the Pharaoh? Remember how Allah kept His promise and freed them? “And recall when We rescued you from the slavery of Pharaoh’s people who had afflicted you with dreadful suffering, slaying your males and sparing your females. That was a tremendous trial for you from your Lord. (2:49)”
“Children of Israel! Recall My favor which I bestowed upon you, exalting you above all nations.” (2:47)
It is clear that our trials here will end. The storm does not last forever, the calm will come. Until then, believe, have faith that your lord will end the suffering of Muslims all around the world. Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.” [Muslim]. So pray, help your brothers and sisters in Islam when you see them in anguish. Remember, little drops of water make a big ocean. Your little action can set off a ripple across, touching the hearts of many. Race, color, ethnicity mean nothing to us. We are all Muslims. Do what you can. Unite as the one Ummah the Prophet said.
REFRENCES
- http://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/hell-on-earth-jihadist-rebel-groups-see-fighting-as-the-only-option/news-story/f525bd0f6ab33df2a92cd6973a726ede
- http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/rohingya-muslims-myanmar-eturn-un-ethnic-cleansing-military-burma-united-nations-a8241831.html
- https://www.britannica.com/event/Afghanistan-War
- https://muslimvillage.com/2015/01/18/32441/helping-the-ummah/
- http://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/muslims-duty-toward-oppressed/
- http://www.sunnahislife.com/home/what-the-muslim-ummah-can-do-to-help-during-times-of-war
بارك الله فيكم
وجزاكم الله خيرا
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد أن لا إله إلا أنت استغفرك و أتوب إليك
والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Written by: Shafia Jameel
TEAM IR
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