Friday, June 14, 2013

Pride and Disbelief

It is often assumed that Islam is a religion of hatred, prejudice and terrorism. This stereotype has been amplified and misunderstood by many. The truth is however to the contrary. Islam is in fact a religion of kindness, of justice and most importantly peace.

It's saddening to the Muslim community when a person commits violent attacks in the name of Islam. It is truly appalling, when an individual's action's  become a representation and misunderstanding of a  majority. Many Muslims grow up learning the virtues of Islam such as the five pillars, the manners expected of a Muslim and the list goes on and on. However, not every Muslim is lucky enough to receive the correct interpretation of the religion itself. As a child I was always taught to respect everyone, regardless of age, race and place in society. I was always taught to never look down upon anyone, for arrogance was the first sin to be committed. I learned at a very young age to stand up for what is right and not shy away from stating the truth. I am who I am today because of my religion. I only strive to be better because that's the kind of morals that Islam entrusts upon me as a Muslim.
In a modern globalized society, ideologies, concepts, culture and common stereotypes intertwine to form the knowledge of many. How can we as a global community progress when stereotypical accusations torment minorities each day? I am a proud Muslim but I am not proud of the Muslims who kill wrongly in the name of Islam. It's ironic because these people's actions contradict the point of Islam. And the point of Islam is to promote and preach peace.

I speak on behalf of every Muslim who loves their religion and hopes that Islam could be viewed by not just the actions of an individual but by the principles of the religion as a whole.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

If people can change for the worst then they can definitely change for the better.

The problem with the society we live in today is that people tend to easily assume the worst in others. When a person commits a wrongdoing, we tend to dismiss the fact that he or she are human. We tend to dismiss the fact that humans are bound to make mistakes. We assume the worst in others before we give them the benefit of the doubt. How can we expect someone to change for the better when we can't even accept the idea that 'they can'? I believe that in order to influence someone for the good, you must first believe that 'one does have the potential to be better'. I also believe, that you must give them the chance to show that they can. Instead of being so fixated on the idea that a person can never change, consider the fact that they can, so when they actually do, you can finally see it.

 :قال تعالى
{...يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ}
سورة الحجرات٠