[An Attempt At] Dispelling (Some) Islamophobic Assumptions
About two months ago, I wrote an article about the hypocrisy of labeling hate crimes in America. I talked about how crimes committed by different types of people are often categorized as different things. I talked about how we are so quick to judge and compartmentalize a person or group of people based on their skin color or religious faith.
This is a post I have been wanting to write since the Ahmed Mohamed clock situation last week. How many 14 year olds do you know that have been arrested? And how many of those have been because their minds were plagued with curiosity, ingenuity, and a passion to create? Can you imagine how terrifying it was to be led out of your high school in handcuffs? To have no one listen to you, believe in you, or have faith in you? To be immediately cast aside as a threat, as a criminal?
This was a really tricky subject, and I had so many thoughts in my head I could not organize them into coherent sentiments. A few hours later, maybe the next day, I was so incredibly relieved to see the responses and support Ahmed was getting from all over the country.
But then later that week[end], two frontrunner GOP candidates put into formal words some sentiments that are unfortunately widespread throughout the country.
Over the past few years, Donald Trump has perhaps been one of the loudest voices of the "birthers"--the group that is adamant in their belief that President Obama was not born in the United States. Therefore it was no surprise when he encouraged a rally supporter last week for prefacing a question with "We have a problem in this country--it's called Muslims. We know our current president is one. You know he's not even an American--birth certificate, man!" Trump's response to this was "We need this question!" before the man continued to ask about what he would do about the alleged "[Muslim] training camps" that are aiming to kill all Americans. What has outraged a large population is the fact that Trump even dignified this question with an answer--he treated it as if it were a perfectly normal, acceptable, and logical concern. When GOP frontrunner John McCain was faced with an anti-Muslim rant at a town hall in 2008 and the woman claimed she could not trust Obama because "he's an Arab," he stopped the lady and said, "No, ma'am, he's a decent family man and citizen who I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. And that's what this campaign is all about."
That is respect. That is decency.
The fact that Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson are using these arguments and playing into this growing tide of sensationalism to garner up press and media attention and curry political favor is wrong and unfair to the population of the world's second largest religion.
Now here's the problem with Carson's statement:
This weekend Carson said, "I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that."
First of all, I will go ahead and recognize that as the Carson camp has been saying, he is not claiming that it would be illegal for a Muslim to run, that they should be barred from the opportunity, etc. He is voicing his own opinion, a right many in this nation often stand by or even tout from rooftops.
Secondly, I find it incredulous that this candidate would make this statement. Forty years ago, people thought an African-American could not be in the highest office of the land (#ThanksObama). Sixty years ago, the thought of a Catholic running for office was unimaginable and blasphemous (#ThanksKennedy...can that be a thing?). The fact that a candidate who has faced systemic prejudices in our society can make such a blanket statement about another group of people is incredibly disappointing.
Thirdly, this statement demonstrates the absolute ignorance and lack of knowledge Carson has on our Founding Fathers, the development of our nation, and the theoretical framework of a religion practiced by approximately 1.57 billion people worldwide. In 1821, Thomas Jefferson wrote that Virginia's religious freedom law was meant to apply to "the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mahometan [a term that used to mean Muslim], the Hindoo and the infidel of every denomination." The Founding Fathers argued this idea of freedom of religion (what it would entail, how it would be defined) to no end.
Now here's the problem with Islamophobia. It is defined as "the dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force." In reality, it is more than just an unfortunately growing group of people's "dislike and prejudice." The "phobia" in Islamophobia is affecting the population of Muslims in America and the world more than those who spout its logic. Instead, there is a growing fear in the Muslim population. Like 14-year old Ahmed being led away in handcuffs, I am genuinely worried about how the rest of my country perceives me and how they'll treat me and my friends and family because of information barriers and a lack of understanding. Unless I'm surrounded by close friends that I know or trust, I feel this inexplainable pressure to whisper my religious affiliation when asked. Like I'm stepping around a land mine or it's a taboo I should be avoiding at all costs.
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Sources
This is a post I have been wanting to write since the Ahmed Mohamed clock situation last week. How many 14 year olds do you know that have been arrested? And how many of those have been because their minds were plagued with curiosity, ingenuity, and a passion to create? Can you imagine how terrifying it was to be led out of your high school in handcuffs? To have no one listen to you, believe in you, or have faith in you? To be immediately cast aside as a threat, as a criminal?
This was a really tricky subject, and I had so many thoughts in my head I could not organize them into coherent sentiments. A few hours later, maybe the next day, I was so incredibly relieved to see the responses and support Ahmed was getting from all over the country.
But then later that week[end], two frontrunner GOP candidates put into formal words some sentiments that are unfortunately widespread throughout the country.
Over the past few years, Donald Trump has perhaps been one of the loudest voices of the "birthers"--the group that is adamant in their belief that President Obama was not born in the United States. Therefore it was no surprise when he encouraged a rally supporter last week for prefacing a question with "We have a problem in this country--it's called Muslims. We know our current president is one. You know he's not even an American--birth certificate, man!" Trump's response to this was "We need this question!" before the man continued to ask about what he would do about the alleged "[Muslim] training camps" that are aiming to kill all Americans. What has outraged a large population is the fact that Trump even dignified this question with an answer--he treated it as if it were a perfectly normal, acceptable, and logical concern. When GOP frontrunner John McCain was faced with an anti-Muslim rant at a town hall in 2008 and the woman claimed she could not trust Obama because "he's an Arab," he stopped the lady and said, "No, ma'am, he's a decent family man and citizen who I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. And that's what this campaign is all about."
That is respect. That is decency.
The fact that Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson are using these arguments and playing into this growing tide of sensationalism to garner up press and media attention and curry political favor is wrong and unfair to the population of the world's second largest religion.
Now here's the problem with Carson's statement:
This weekend Carson said, "I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that."
First of all, I will go ahead and recognize that as the Carson camp has been saying, he is not claiming that it would be illegal for a Muslim to run, that they should be barred from the opportunity, etc. He is voicing his own opinion, a right many in this nation often stand by or even tout from rooftops.
Secondly, I find it incredulous that this candidate would make this statement. Forty years ago, people thought an African-American could not be in the highest office of the land (#ThanksObama). Sixty years ago, the thought of a Catholic running for office was unimaginable and blasphemous (#ThanksKennedy...can that be a thing?). The fact that a candidate who has faced systemic prejudices in our society can make such a blanket statement about another group of people is incredibly disappointing.
Thirdly, this statement demonstrates the absolute ignorance and lack of knowledge Carson has on our Founding Fathers, the development of our nation, and the theoretical framework of a religion practiced by approximately 1.57 billion people worldwide. In 1821, Thomas Jefferson wrote that Virginia's religious freedom law was meant to apply to "the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mahometan [a term that used to mean Muslim], the Hindoo and the infidel of every denomination." The Founding Fathers argued this idea of freedom of religion (what it would entail, how it would be defined) to no end.
"They did so, however, not for the sake of actual Muslims, because none were known at the time to live in America. Instead, Jefferson and others defended Muslim rights for the sake of 'imagined Muslims,' the promotion of whose theoretical citizenship would prove the true universality of American rights."
Our Founding Fathers fought to guarantee the rights of a people who barely even existed in our country at the time, and yet you cannot vouch for your Muslim neighbor or childhood teacher or accountant?
Now the majority of the arguments against Ben Carson's statement are related to how the Constitution bans any religious test or requirement for a person to run for office. They say he is "on the wrong side of the Constitution when it comes to accepting a Muslim in the Oval Office [because] nothing in our founding document stands in the way of a Muslim or any other believer or nonbeliever from serving in any public office." In theory, this should be enough to settle the argument. But the real argument is his opinion that the "Islamic faith is antithetical to the US Constitution." This is why he's wrong-- six objectives in the preamble of the US Constitution that have very similar counterparts in Islam:
Disclaimer: I am not trying to preach at/to you. I do not claim to be an expert scholar on these subjects, this is just an amalgamation of some research I have done over the past few days as well as religious studies I have partaken in throughout my life. I fully admit that there could be mistakes and it is not at all my intention to offend or insult any person, group, or religious sect.
Thomas Jefferson (and many of the other Founding Fathers) were actually huge scholars when it came to religious laws and texts. They learned from these populations and the rules they followed. This often included Islam and the laws set forth by the Quran.
Thomas Jefferson (and many of the other Founding Fathers) were actually huge scholars when it came to religious laws and texts. They learned from these populations and the rules they followed. This often included Islam and the laws set forth by the Quran.
- Form a more perfect union--The idea of freedom, equality, harmony, and a brotherhood among people is not unique to the US Constitution. It's an idea that is also espoused in Islam: "Hold fast, all together, by the rope of God and be not divided; and remember the favor of God which He bestowed upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts in love so that by His grace you became as brethren; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus does God explain to you His Commandments that you may be guided" (Quran Ch. 3, verse 103). Islam promotes the idea of our linked humanness through an all-powerful Creator. Islam preaches not being envious of others and to wish the best for your companions and even your enemies. It does not preach hatefulness, divisiveness, or oppression, but equality among all.
- Establish Justice--Islam came to a pagan Arabian peninsula at a time when leadership was often corrupt and newborn daughters were buried alive. It brought ideas of equality, acceptance, mercy, and justice to a society that may have often ignored what we now consider inalienable rights. Islam does not discriminate. It preaches respect and equitable treatment for all, as all are equal in the eyes of God. "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for God, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear God; indeed, God is acquainted with what you do" (Quran Ch. 5, verse 8). There is this idea of responsibility and accountability in the religion that encourages and emphasizes the importance in being just. And as you do more research in the Islamic Caliphate that controlled very large areas on Europe, Asia, and Africa, you will constantly come across stories of how just and fair the caliphs were known to be. These were/are the precedents and ideals set forth by the religion.
- Insure domestic Tranquility--Family is a heavily discussed and protected ideal in Islam, with many references and guidelines in the Quran laying out its importance and sanctity. But even more importantly, is a proclamation of equal protection and equal forgiveness for men and women. Not only does it promote the protection of family of the specific faith, Islam advocates for cooperation and working together to benefit society. In the ages of the caliphate, non-Muslims were not forced or coerced to convert to religion--they all lived together in peace and harmony. "And cooperate [with one another] in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression" (Quran Ch 5, verse 2).
- Provide for the common defense--This may be one of the hardest and easiest defenses to make. The common misconception today, because of a few groups of individuals, is that Islam is a religion of anger and violence. In fact it is a religion that preaches a beautiful message of peace and salvation. Islam condones self-defense when a war has been posed upon its followers because of religious persecution. But even within this there are sacred days and months, where there should be no fighting or bloodshed. While self-defense is allowed, Islam still admonishes followers against transgressing and adopting "unduly aggressive measures"--it preaches fairness and humanity, even in war. One of the most poignant verses expressing the value Islam has for humanity and life is: "Whoever kills a soul [unless for a soul or for corruption done in the land], it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely" (Quran Ch 5, verse 32).
- Promote the general Welfare--Ah, welfare, a commonly disputed political debate in the US today. But I think most can agree that promoting the general welfare of a population--the rights to food, shelter, being healthy, opportunities to find work, etc.--are mostly a good thing. Islam actually put into practice one of the first effective concepts of the Welfare State. The State, as well as individuals in Islam, had/have a duty towards "the widow, the orphan, the needy, the captive, the debtor, the neighbor, and the wayfarer." One of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat (or Almsgiving), entails every individual with the means donating a specific percentage of their wealth to these groups of less fortunate people. Beyond meeting these basic needs, the ideas of education--in history, art, poetry--and social, economic, and spiritual success also blossomed around and through the faith in the latter half of the first century (I mean, have you seen the architecture in the Middle East?).
- Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity--This is potentially one of the most broad of these Constitutional objectives. Strategically, it leaves some leeway and flexibility for our policy-making, while also stressing our importance in "liberty." Here, I want to talk about an Islamic value that is not at all unique to the religion, but an often assumed aspect of life: kindness. I think that through kindness, we can secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Kindness for our families, for our communities, for our future generations--it unites us, it connects us--it is, in itself, a blessing. "Show forgiveness, enjoin kindness, avoid ignorance" (Quran Ch 7, verse 199).
Now here's the problem with Islamophobia. It is defined as "the dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force." In reality, it is more than just an unfortunately growing group of people's "dislike and prejudice." The "phobia" in Islamophobia is affecting the population of Muslims in America and the world more than those who spout its logic. Instead, there is a growing fear in the Muslim population. Like 14-year old Ahmed being led away in handcuffs, I am genuinely worried about how the rest of my country perceives me and how they'll treat me and my friends and family because of information barriers and a lack of understanding. Unless I'm surrounded by close friends that I know or trust, I feel this inexplainable pressure to whisper my religious affiliation when asked. Like I'm stepping around a land mine or it's a taboo I should be avoiding at all costs.
Today, it's not unusual to imagine a Catholic, or Jewish, president. It's a shame that in this religiously diverse country, Muslims seem to still inspire unconstitutional--and un-American assaults on our most cherished ideal: civic equality, regardless of religion.Because this has already been a lengthy (and slightly emotionally draining post), I cannot express in any words other than this just makes me feel sad. It makes me incredibly disappointed in parts of our community--in the hate that is so rampant and easy to give into. It is so easy to get caught up in the anger and the sensational statements, but it only takes five minutes to educate yourself and clear up those misconceptions. We have come so far and yet not far enough in over two centuries. My greatest hope is that some day soon we can accept the faith of others as meaningful and validated, instead of as a threat. Because the ability to have faith is one of our most unique qualities as humans. It drives us and it grounds us at the same time. Faith is an incredible and beautiful blessing that we should never tear down.
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Sources
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