fear

Lift your head, my sister, my brother. Let your shoulders shed their undeserved burden. Smile at your neighbors. Walk carefully but without fear, and do not despair. For surely, disaster has struck us. But Allah has told us that if we are patient and return to Him, good tidings are in store. And He always, always keeps His word.  

As Muslims, we have to understand that when times are difficult, it’s a call from Allah to turn to Him completely, submitting ourselves more than ever before. Fear is natural, but we have to learn how to convert it into increased faith.

America has always been able to liberate itself from tyranny and fear. This is the beauty of this nation and its people. American can and will do it again, but it will take a willingness on the part of all citizens, Muslim and non-Muslim, to fight the fear mongering.

The climate for Muslims today is very much as it was for Americans of Japanese descent during World War II. Japanese-Americans in the Western states were rounded up and moved to internment camps so they wouldn't aid and abet the enemy. Similarly, Muslims are treated like the enemy and are living in virtual internment camps.

Hijab is fundamentally part of worship but, right or wrong, it has become a political statement as well. We may only be expressing our commitment to our Deen (religion) but Hijab is seen to symbolize a rejection of the West.

How do you describe peace? Can you feel at peace if you feel threatened? No. True peace comes from a sense of security. What better source of peace and security is there besides Allah? To fear is human, but we cannot internalize it and lock ourselves up in our homes.