MUST READ BOOK

Kafka Comes To America is an excellent book about an Oregon lawyer's experiences defending Brandon Mayfield, who was wrongly arrested and accused of being involved in the Madrid Train Bombings and prisoners in Guantanamo Bay.

http://www.otherpress.com/bookpage.php?bkID=540

THE POWER OF ONE

Its easy to get caught up in the politics of our times. Injustice, oppression, biased news, intolerance, war, hatred, and fear. Every so often something happens though, that reminds me of the goodness within humanity. The positive radiant energy that results from a single good person striving for peace, justice, and tolerance in this world.

An example that resounds in my heart is the work that many non-Muslims are doing to defend innocent Muslims who have been wrongly swept up in the ‘war on terror’. As a Muslim it is easy, almost natural for me to want to defend the many innocent Muslims who have been wrongly targeted, imprisoned, tortured, and prosecuted. It can be depressing when you realize the vast scope of innocent Muslims who’s lives have been ruined.

It is easy for Muslims to become defensive and bitter. To embrace a mentality of us vs. them. Muslims vs. non-Muslims. I am here though, to remind all Muslims that this is a dangerous and ill advised road. Why? Because we are human beings living on this planet with other human beings. There will always be struggles. There will always be differences in beliefs and principles. We must take the high road. We must radiate the goodness that Islam brings to our lives. We must reach out to those we live amongst. Interact with them. Teach them through actions and goodness.

I am constantly reminded of the good people of all different beliefs who share a deep sense of justice and humanity. Who are working hard every day to defend Muslims. They are our allies. They stand up for us and defend us when no one else has the courage. They refuse to buy into the fear of ‘the other’ that so often seizes people, with devastating effects.

I work with people who don’t share my belief in Islam but who respect me and my faith. Who go out of their way to display that respect. Working together I feel sometimes as though we are helping make the world a better place, one by one. When someone genuinely respects you and your religion it makes you feel good, it makes you want to do the same back to them. Respecting and allowing for differences does not weaken our faith, it allows for learning and tolerance.

Men now know that they should not try to shake my hand, and they respect that. Through me and other Muslims, they learn about Islam. My presence in society does not allow the negative stereotypes surrounding Muslim women to prevail. They learn that the hijab does not equate with oppression. They learn that we Muslims are people too. That we do not believe in terrorism, that we get sick, we have brains, we love mochas and brownies. :)

All the while, I do not sacrifice my Islamic beliefs nor do I ask that they sacrifice their beliefs.

We should never judge someone, or think ill of someone solely based on their religion. Muslims, Jews, Christians, and others are working together to make this world better, to protect human rights. All it takes is one person to put into practice tolerance and mutual respect, in spite of our differences. Others see and learn from this profound experience and its rippling effects spread through the world, benefiting many.

All it takes is one person, determined to rise above the negativity. To find the strength to act upon their principles. To stand for what they believe in. To stand for truth. To stand for justice. To stand fearless with wisdom and integrity through a storm that threatens all who stand. Others will see and gain the strength to stand. This is the hope that I see in these dark times of suffering and hardship.