This morning on my way to university today, as I waited on the platform in Bank station, tears gushed down from my eyes as I reflected on the injustices within the world we live in. I couldn't help but only imagine what it must have been like for those families who have lost their loved ones due to the terrorist attacks in Paris on the 13th of November. I then started reflecting how all over the world, people are dying due to inequality, people dying because of poverty, war and other grievances. It pained me knowing that the West has become fixated on sympathizing with Paris, but dismissing incidents elsewhere.
On a side note, I felt a sense of fear whilst on public transport today, as although I didn't wear any obvious Islamic attire, I was very conscious of the fact that I was Muslim. It was comforting seeing a Muslim man with a big beard, leaning up against the wall in the station looking quite relaxed. I thought if he isn't bothered, why should I be? But I was bothered, because I had seen a lot of warnings on social media for Muslims to be vigilant, as many were being unfairly blamed for the terrorist attacks on Paris and unjustly attacked by ignorant individuals. In addition to that, I was heartbroken, when someone who wasn't even following me on Instagram (Instagram allows people that don't follow you, to send you a message but it is up to you whether or not you allow or decline for it to show and be read) sent me a private message with a meme with stickers of slits of eyes stuck on garbage bags, annotated 'Muslim Trash', implying Muslim women, (particularly those that dress in long black coverings) are trash. I felt very hurt and concerned about the way people viewed Muslims.
Terrorism has no religion. It clearly states in the Qur'an, in Chapter 5, Verse number 32, 'if anyone killed a person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind; and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind.' This clearly illustrates Islam discourages murder and considers life sacred. Terrorists are mis-interpreting Islam, they shouldn't affect how Muslims are treated and perceived.
Back to Paris, although I have never been, thanks to the understanding of simulacra, I get the feeling its a very beautiful, awe-inspiring city full of hope, maybe not anymore, but certainly its original character. At 11am today, there was a silence held in my university in remembrance of the souls that were taken away as a result of terrorist killings in Paris. I think this was quite a benevolent gesture, HOWEVER, what about the people who are dying in Kenya,Syria and other countries facing extreme outrage and violation?
Even on my social media, I am sick of people posting memes with 'PRAY FOR PARIS', when 8/10 of these people are not actually praying for Paris. Not only that, but why is it all of sudden because its Paris, everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon and glamorize the concept of supporting a country in dire need of empathy? Why are there not memes about killings of innocent bystanders in Kenya and Syria who are being killed? Where's the sympathy for them, the one minute silence for them or the stands of solidarity against their injustice? I feel like there is an issue of deep-rooted racism and prejudices against ethnic minorities and religions in some governments and institutions which is only creating more division in the world, and therefore more conflict.
I came across this comment underneath an article on The Inquisitr, regarding the coverage of the Kenya attacks in comparison to the coverage of the Paris attacks. This is what Deborah Bray said, "Perhaps its a double standard, but that doesn't make it wrong. Most American's roots go back to Europe. We share a common history and culture with the people of France, and we have been solid friends for over 200 years. We have shed blood together in more than one war. Many Americans are descended from the French, so there is a strong bond between us. It isn't wrong to grieve more deeply over the deaths of our longtime and beloved friends. It does not mean we don't grieve the loss of lives in Kenya, or anywhere in the world innocent people suffer. It means we grieve deepest over those we know and love . Everyone does. It is human nature."
I was quite taken aback after reading this comment and a few similar themed ones. You don't need to believe in Adam and Eve to believe we are all brothers and sisters on this Earth. So I have to pose the question to the world : Where is the humanity when we selectively care about our family all over the world? How can we defeat terrorism, if we are so divided in historical racial tensions and internalized racism and phobia of the 'other'?
Brothers and Sisters, I am sure I am not the only one who has noticed this bias not only in the news, but in the hearts and speech of many. I hope we can come together collectively and hopefully through our strength in solidarity against evil oppresses and militants, we can tackle worldwide issues In Shaa Allah (God Willing).