Thoughts post Paris

The recent coverage and response to the Charlie Hebdo attacks (which of course were horrific and can never be justified) has prompted a great deal of internal strife within a number of Muslims and has dominated conversation amongst many. Here I try and articulate some of the feelings and thoughts:

I, along with others, condemn what happened, I give my condolences, I express horror, but I do not apologise; for apologising suggests acceptance that the perpetrators were Muslim — whereas Islam does not permit such acts. The Holy Prophet protected the rights of others, and I strive to follow in his footsteps. Free speech and the freedom of press is essential in society, and this is something Muslims too will defend. This enables transparency, ensures accountability of the authorities, and allows groups and individuals to express their beliefs. However, with that comes responsibility — the right of freedom of expression also affords you the ability to not support discrimination. I for one will not defend the mockery of any religion, race, class or belief. The right to offend should not be translated into the need to offend.

I understand we live in a time of fear, but that fear is not just limited to you — the Muslim community lives in fear too. In the last few days there has been a significant rise in Islamophobia. Islamic centres are being attacked, and Muslims in the streets are subject to verbal abuse (if not worse). More terrifying than being attacked is the level of acceptance, both within the Muslim community and from our fellow citizens. Muslims feel there is little that can be done to change the status quo. There is resignation that Islam and Muslims are targets, yet the belief that we must bear the brunt is illogical and undeserved. We have opinions and feelings too, and they deserve to be heard and respected. Why is that we must always apologise?

I do not wish to belittle the efforts of the large numbers of people who do support the Muslim community, for we are fortunate to have a number of friends who refuse to accept the dominant narrative, who continue to defend us. For this I am thankful, but unfortunately it is not enough. Media headlines, cartoons that mock us, animosity in our neighbourhoods continue to demonstrate that Muslims are still seen as the ‘other’. We contribute to this society in various shapes and forms and yet there are still those campaigning to #KillAllMuslims and are allowed to send hateful messages. If this was reversed, it would never have been allowed — why the double standards?

If I can stand in solidarity with others in condemning acts of terror, if I can stand in solidarity with others in expressing sympathy to those affected by atrocities across the globe, if I can speak out against injustices of every form, where are those who stand in solidarity for and with the millions of peace loving Muslims? This continuous onslaught is tiring and I for one am fed up. When is enough enough?