Faith Friday: The Struggling Muslim Series - Islamophobia

Question 1:
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh Sha :)

Recently I came across a blog whereby there's a page exclusively questioning about our religion; Islam (The page is labeled as "A few simple questions for Muslim visitors"). After reading the whole page, I was furious but somehow I calmed myself down, Istighfar a lot of times and reminded myself that the long-written blog entry was written by a non-believer. And it's clear that non-believers (the blogger is a Christian) will never believe anything that we believe in our Holy Quran and that's how they'll write to channel in their skeptiscm towards the Holy Quran and Islam.

But then I thought, what if, one day I meet someone like the blogger in real life (and not through the internet) and what will I answer if he asks me the presumed-"few simple questions"? Will I get to answer all his skepticism towards Islam without being twisted and confused by him back? Or will I fail defending my religion and let him leave, rejoicing his false opinion on Islam and let him have the thinking that what he believes in all this while is true? Will the knowledge that I have which is in my opinion is quite insufficient (since I'm still learning too) will able to make him at least to try to re-think of all the things he doesn't believe? Sis, have you ever encountered this situation before? And do you have any advice for this?

JazakAllah Khair,

N.


Question 2:
AsalamuAlaikum Sha,

I had this experience of one my colleagues talking wrong about Muslims. At that moment I was just doing my work and didn't understand clearly, so I just kept silent. What do we do at such circumstances? It really hurts to work in such an environment. Can you share if you ever experienced such situations.

Thank you,

Love,
S. 

Wa alaykummusalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh Sisters N. and S., 

"Islamophobia": a book by Chris Allen

Thank you for your questions. Islamophobia is a serious problem that many Muslims face today and more than ever before we have to be prepared with the right attitude and knowledge to deal with this challenge. The best thing to do is to accept it as a test.

"Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested?" {Surah Al-Ankabut, 2}

I've never faced extreme Islamophobia before, alhamdulillah, but I've had my fair share of it. There's a difference between having questions and asking questions with false intentions.  I once came across a website which posed very cynical questions about Islam. The blog owner commented on one of my blog posts and asked me to answer a few questions on his blog. I suspected that he was an Islamophobe when I read his blog posts. The problem with such websites is that they are created to provoke Muslims and therefore it is easy to get carried away with online debates. I think it's best to leave such websites alone.

"Do not grieve over them nor be distressed because of all that they scheme." {Surah An-Naml, verse 20}

If you were to have a one-on-one encounter with an Islamophobe try to be patient and stay calm. Your actions are a reflection of Islam so be mindful of how you choose to represent your faith. Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) was told by Allah swt to have adab (good manners) when he was commanded to speak about Islam to Pharaoh, the most cruel and hated man at the time.  

"But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or fear (Allah)." {Surah Ta Ha, verse 42}

Say what you have to say by presenting your argument to the best of your ability with the knowledge that you have. If you don’t know the answer, remember that half of wisdom is in knowing when to say, “I don’t know.” If you want, tell them you would like to find out the answer and then get back to them when you can.    

If you overhear your friends or colleagues saying bad things about Muslims, try your best to speak up and tell them that it’s not fair to stereotype and judge all Muslims based on how 1% of them behave. Inform them that most times cultural practices are being confused as Islamic even when they are clearly forbidden in Islam (e.g. honour killings, not allowing women to drive or work, etc.) 

As Muslims, it is our duty to uphold the good name of Islam not only through our words but also our actions. Half of da'wah is in the way we carry ourselves and how we treat others in our daily lives. You might not be aware but people are always observing and many times due to lack of exposure to other Muslims they might make generalisations about Islam based on our actions. Additionally, the media is filled with misrepresentations of Islam and Muslims. Sometimes it’s hard to blame non-Muslims for having the wrong perception of Islam.

In non-Muslim countries we need to make extra effort to allow people to get to know us and see that Muslims are good, normal people. Muslims can appear to be intimidating so be polite and friendly to your colleagues and encourage them to ask you questions about Islam.  This way you will have the opportunity to explain concepts that they might not understand. I also want to highlight something that I feel is very important: don't take Islamophobia as a personal attack. It's most probable that people feel it's okay to say mean things about Islam to you because they don't know you very well.

It's also important to remember is that Islam is a peaceful religion and there is no concept of compulsion in our religion.

In the Holy Qur'an there are many reminders about how only God can guide people to open their hearts towards Islam (e.g. Surah Yunus, 99-100, Surah As-Shuara, 3-9, Surah Al-Fatir: 8). It is not our place to compel others to believe what we say. Our role is only to convey the good message of Islam which emphasises the Oneness of Allah swt.

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.  

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. 

And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient.  

And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire. Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good. {Surah An-Nahl, verses 125 - 128)

Despite its disadvantages I believe there is a blessing in Islamophobia. It's a wake up call for Muslims to check themselves and see how they might be misrepresenting Islam. This is the time to educate ourselves and brush up on our knowledge of Islam and to be more united and active in our communities. Islamophobia is also a lesson of humility and patience. It teaches us to be strong and to practice good manners (adab) when dealing with Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 

Yes, we are going through some tough times but think of Maryam, mother of Prophet Isa, Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, and Sumayah bint Khayyat (may Allah swt be pleased with them) who went through great trials because of their belief in God. And not to mention all the Prophets (may Allah swt be pleased with them) as well. Every single one of them were tested tremendously. But these tribulations elevated their iman (faith) and their rank (darajah) in Allah's sight - ultimately, these trials made them closer to Him. So don't let this break your spirit and don't be victimised by Islamophobia. Instead, allow yourself to become a better person because of it, inshaAllah. 

Have you ever experienced Islamophobia? Do you have any advice you'd like to share?