“We’re all equal”
As November draws to a close I felt it’s about time I acknowledge the absence of my Islamophobia Awareness Month post. The truth is I've really been struggling to write this. Typically, I’d discuss a couple of Islamophobic incidents, show you the data or make some suggestions as to how non-Muslims can become better allies and punctuate it with some cute, “we’re all equal” rhetoric, but I couldn’t. In fact, the whole team has been somewhat stunned by global events all month, causing a silence that seems almost complicit. It feels impossible to acknowledge the mistreatment of Muslims nationally and worldwide without making reference to the war in the Middle-East. When looking at the history of the events and the current context since October, we can see the war is not about religion… that neither Jew nor Muslim wants to see their communities as victims of violence, but here in the UK it's really difficult to reconcile that with the images we see.
Lately I’ve been reminded of my years as a secondary school teacher, and a particular lesson about ethics. I'd use Philipa Foote's trolly problem to get the students questioning their own sense of right and wrong as well as getting them to question how they feel about the value of human life. The students would always get into the debate and there never seemed to be a clear side that would prevail. Now when we turn on the news or open social media, I see similar ways of thinking playing out in real time. Politicians, journalists, ambassadors, and military leaders all debating the value of life; the difference being this time the decisions being made are not theoretical. They have real impact on who lives or dies. Our world leaders are constantly deciding whose lives have value enough to warrant being saved.
The idea of justifying anyone's right to exist seems bizarre to me. The right to life should be a given. But as I watch what is happening in the world that principle seems to be lost. The basic right of a human, family, community, or nation to exist has been reduced to a nameless, faceless, political gambit with no evidence of due consideration of the impact discourse may have. But I guess that’s the point I’ve been missing. Islamophobia Awareness month is about advocating for the basic rights of humans, families and communities that happen to be Muslim. To exist, to live free from violence and persecution.
This year’s Islamophobia awareness month theme is #MuslimStories. With that in I want to dedicate to the two sisters who couldn’t walk home in peace because their hijabs made them a target. When that car mounted the pavement in a deliberate attempt to hit you, I know that must have been terrifying. I’m proud of you everyday for seeking forgiveness instead of anger.
To the guy who has been teaching me that Islam is not a monolith since we were 18. You’re my favourite kind of geek and I’d be lost without you. Thank you for showing me that in a world that can be almost as chaotic as your bedroom, Allah is your constant source of strength and peace... and yes, I understand that Islam means peace.
To the troublesome twin… there are many stories but the only one that matters is that you have never EVER showed me anything other than love, grace, fun and chilli-cheese sandwiches. No matter where you are, you shine. A heart that big always done.
And finally to my sister from another mister, and my partner in crime, thank you for your courage in times when you have feared for your life and the lives of those you love. Thank you for your compassion when those who persecuted you (including the police) refused to see beyond their prejudice. And thank you for consistently reminding me what kinship is. I truly believe that being a Muslim has made you a better version of the you I met when we were 11, and she was pretty awesome to begin with.
To Muslims up and down the country, asking to be treated with respect and decency is not something we should have to make people aware of, but we are here with you and for you until there is no longer a need for Islamophobia Awareness Month.
#IslamophobiaAwarenessMonth2023
#MuslimStories
#Equality
