In recent months, Muslims in the United States have felt a familiar tension resurfacing around them. Public discourse has grown more divisive, and global conflicts involving Muslim-majority regions have once again shaped how we are perceived at home. Conversations surrounding the fate of Gaza, the escalating tensions involving Iran, and the very real possibility of a third world war have intensified these dynamics, blurring the line between geopolitical events and the lives of ordinary Muslim citizens. For many of us, this climate feels reminiscent of the years following September 11, when Muslims faced heightened scrutiny, suspicion, and hostility.
For Muslim families, the impact has been significant. We are seeing a renewed surge of hate, including online harassment, biased media stories, protests, physical assaults, and vandalism targeting mosques, all while trying to go about daily life. Sometimes, this rhetoric comes from individuals who identify as Christian or claim to follow Jesus' teachings, peace be upon him, even as their words and actions oppose the compassion and mercy he represented. On one side, there are extremists calling for the expulsion of Muslims from the US and the destruction of Muslim-majority countries. On the other hand, there are missionary-minded people who believe Muslims should “assimilate” by abandoning Islam entirely. Both attitudes threaten the right to religious freedom and expression, which are core principles of this country. Meanwhile, some continue to stand in solidarity with Muslims, resisting division and reminding others of the shared values that exist. However, these voices are often drowned out by louder calls to oppose Islam, sometimes even echoed by public figures and politicians.
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, it is a difficult time for Muslim parents who are trying to protect their children while also teaching them how to engage in interreligious exchange with wisdom and confidence. In a climate where even the language of faith can carry different meanings depending on who is using it, these moments require careful assessment. My son, who attends public school, recently received an anonymous note from a classmate that read, “Jesus loves you.” While it may have been an innocent gesture, it gave me pause. I wondered whether I should ignore it or approach the school’s administration to ask what measures are in place to protect Muslim students from harassment and discrimination.
In the end, I chose not to make a formal issue out of it, but the moment stayed with me. It became a point of reflection. Has Islamophobia made its way into my children’s classrooms? Are they being singled out because of their faith, their ethnicity, or the way they present themselves? My daughter, who wears a hijab and attends the same school, has already been teased by classmates because of her headscarf. It is not difficult to imagine that my son may now be navigating similar experiences.
In many ways, schools reflect the broader climate around us. Our children are not shielded from the tensions shaping public life, and that reality requires us, as parents, to remain vigilant and vocal. Children should feel safe, respected, and secure in their identities, more so in educational settings. At the same time, these moments call us to educate others about who we are as Muslims and what we believe. Even something as simple as a note that says “Jesus loves you” can be an opportunity to share a truth often overlooked; Muslims love Jesus as well, and we hold him in deep reverence as a beloved prophet of God.
No Distinction Between Any of God’s Messengers
Allah says in the Quran:
“Say, ˹O believers,˺ “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit.” (Quran, 2:136)
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was once approached by a man who admitted that his worship was not the strongest. However, he expressed his love for Allah, His Messenger, and for those who loved them. The Prophet responded that a person will be with those whom he loves in the Hereafter (Sahih Bukhari 5817; Sahih Muslim 2641). This teaching reminds us that love is not a trivial matter in Islam. It carries weight in this life and the next. As Muslims, we make no distinction between the prophets and messengers, and we hold all of them in deep regard. This includes Jesus, peace be upon him, whom we love and honor, and with whom we hope to be reunited in Paradise.
One of the most bizarre yet common misconceptions about Islam is that Muslims dislike Christians and reject Jesus. In reality, Islam is the only other major world religion where Jesus and his mother Mary are honored as key religious figures. A person cannot be Muslim if they deny Jesus, reject his prophethood, or question his miraculous birth. In fact, his name is mentioned more often than that of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in the Quran, and an entire chapter, Surah Maryam, is dedicated to his family. Belief in all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah is also a core pillar of Islamic faith.
Our Response Reflects Our Love for Jesus
Our reverence for Jesus, peace be upon him, is reflected not only in belief but in conduct. It would be unthinkable for Muslims to mock or disrespect him in any way. These are truths our children should understand clearly, so they are prepared if someone suggests that they must abandon Islam so that “Jesus loves them.” At the same time, these moments present an opportunity. By sharing what we believe with clarity and conviction, we can help dispel misconceptions and build a more meaningful understanding with others. In other words, if someone tries to shift the conversation by invoking Jesus, peace be upon him, we can respond in a way that may surprise them, expressing our love and reverence for him.
Parents can equip children with simple, respectful responses they can use in the moment. These do not need to be debates or long explanations. A few calm words are often enough. For example, a child might say, “I love Jesus too. He is a prophet in my religion,” or “In Islam, we believe in Jesus and honor him.” These responses affirm their identity without creating conflict. Children should also know that they are not required to engage with every comment. If something feels uncomfortable or persistent, they can walk away and seek support from a trusted adult. That is where speaking with school administrators and teachers in advance helps. Teaching our children when to respond and when to disengage is just as important as teaching them what to say.
Add new comment