November marks nine months since Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States. Those who reside in the United States can attest to the discrimination they have endured during this time as a result of his election and subsequent actions. This is not to say some haven’t received ample support, but there are many have witnessed what it can feel like to have a dark line drawn between Muslims and others. Accordingly to PAW research center, 68% of Muslim women in the US have faced at least one discriminatory incident in the last year (May 02, 2017). From the infamous ‘Muslim ban’ to reports of acid attacks to arson attacks on masajid and several other terrifying instances – our communities are in distress.
In an earlier post this year, we touched on the importance of evaluating one’s perspective as a Muslimah. How does the outcome of the election affect our ummah? We expected our surroundings to be impacted in some way, but now we are here, living in this reality and witnessing our children – with pure hearts and innocent ideals – experience it first hand.
If we did not do so before, it is now clearer than ever that it is our duty to take steps and actions to develop a strong Islamic presence and values for the good of our children and future generations. PAW research also indicated that 62% of Americans reported that they do not see Islam as a part of mainstream society. This is despite the significant Muslim population currently living in the United States. In many ways, this can be viewed as tragic and saddening to be segregated from the rest of society. However, as Muslims we can embrace this status as ‘stranger’ or ‘other’ – as long as it is according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Islam began as a something strange and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers” (Hadith Muslim).
Our intention, our character, and our iman must remain at their highest caliber as we face these challenges.
Rasul (SAW) has taught us that: “Certainly, Allah does not look at your shapes (appearance) or wealth. But He only looks at your hearts and deeds” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
We must dedicate our acts to the sincerity of our intention.
Meet those around us with the utmost humility.
Endure those that are ignorant in their thoughts.
Educate those who simply just wonder.
Trump’s presidency will go down in history as one of the most divisive times in American Muslim history.
But, we must remember that as great and insurmountable as these challenges may seem – Allah, ‘azza wa jaal, is always, eternally greater and more powerful.
