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In this newsletter
We have Changed Khutba Time: It will Start at 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST
Assalamu alaikum:
May Allah bless our Canadian Shaheeds and give sabr to the survivors.
Even in our grief, it seems that Muslims cannot avoid Islamophobia.
On Tuesday, during an online vigil for the Canadian Muslim family murdered in London, Ontario last Sunday, Islamophobes Zoom bombed the event.
The event was organized by the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo, and it was attended by over 800 people. The hateful comments began two hours into the vigil. They were aimed at Black and Muslim communities in particular, according to Fauzia Mazhar, the executive director.
Over the last decade, incidents of anti-Muslim violence have increased in number and intensity. The 20-year-old white man who is charged with killing the Afzal family in London, Ontario was a reflection of this. Not every Islamophobe will murder. But Islamophobia is a process that begins long before violence is committed. Like every prejudice, Islamophobia begins with radicalization, usually in the home, but sometimes, through online communication and influence.
However, that is on the overt level. What is more concerning is the subtle Islamophobia of our leaders, media, and institutions. Consider the way the media has covered the murder of the Afzal family. In one photo of the killer in the New York Post, he is shown in a close-up shot smiling, holding a fish he has caught.
This is not how non-white killers and criminals are covered. In those cases, a police mugshot is the first picture we see. Not smiling shots after fishing or from their high school prom. The news coverage has also fallen into the familiar pattern of humanizing the killer, with descriptions of him as a “nice guy”. What this subtly does is dehumanize the victims, and make the criminal the center of the story.
Muslims must be on the front lines challenging Islamophobia, racism, and bigotry. It is our duty to stand up for justice for all (Quran 4:135). Allah expects this of us, and it is our responsibility to the towns, cities, and countries we call home to fight this. We also owe it to our children and grandchildren.
Here are a few things we can do:
- Today’s Khutba must include messaging against hate and prophetic example of dealing with the hatemongers around him
- Collective dua for the shaheed family and the survivors
- This weekend organize a family gathering to discuss our duty to stand against hate and Islamophobia
In this week’s update, we offer practical ways Muslims can fight Islamophobia at many different levels.
Peace,
Sound Vision Team
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The rising tide of Islamophobia has been exacerbated by political discourse, fear -mongering, and sensational media coverage. In order to make a change in this vicious dynamic, each and every one of us take action. Here are 15 ways to fight Islamophobia.
Islamophobia challenges the safety of the Muslim community. Masjids and Islamic centers serve as community hubs and should lead the charge in implementing strategies that help curb islamophobia and its sometimes violent consequences.
Recording occurrences of hate, racism, and discrimination is not common, but it can strengthen a legal case by offering solid proof of wrongdoing. It is also an important tool in fighting cases of Islamophobia.
