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33 Tips to launch your personal Jihad against Racism and Nationalism
Posted By:jasmin On 9/6/2005

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ISLAM AGAINST RACISM AND PREJUDICE
33 Tips to launch your personal Jihad against Racism and Nationalism

By Abdul Malik Mujahid

Alhamdu lillah, all Masjids in the world are open to all people.
Muslims pray shoulder to shoulder with no regard to any national,
ethnic, class or color differences. Islamic egalitarianism still
gains converts from the untouchables of India to Malcolm X and
Muhammad Ali in America. However, this dominant reality is sometimes
marred by individual behavior, which is contrary to the ideals of
Islam.

Some Muslims fall for the age-old trick of Satan and start playing
the silly inferiority/superiority game. Some stereotype others and
tolerate prejudice against other human beings, despite the fact that
all human beings are equal, from the same man and woman. (Quran
49:13)

How should we save ourselves from falling into this trap? How should
we help others stay above the killing fields of racism and
nationalism? What can we do now to become a better human being? Here
are some tips on how we can launch our personal Jihad against this
disease.

The Prophet said: If one of you sees something evil he should change
it with his hand. If he cannot, he should speak out against it, and
if he cannot do even that he should at least detest it in his heart,
this being the weakest form of faith (Sahih of Muslim).

1. Knowledge is power

Do we know what the Quran and Sunnah say about racism? The Quran
established individual character as the criteria of success, not
color, tribal or economic status of a person. The Prophet preached
and established these ideals in the peace sanctuary of Madinah and
Islamic society which he developed.

Let our parents, children, Islamic schools, and Imams learn and
teach the ideals of Islam.

2. Ask the only One who can really help

We can get rid of racial and prejudicial attitudes within ourselves
with the help of God.

Make sincere and focused Dua for those people and groups who remain
oppressed, subject to humiliation, subject to difficult behavior.
After all, Dua increases love between people (Hadith).

Also make Dua for yourself and others to gain an appreciation of
others. Pray together with your family for those friends in the
Masjid or at your job who are from other groups. And remember that
dua without actions is nothing.

3. Hate the hatred

The Prophet never hated anyone. He neither hated Makkah nor the
Makkans who tortured him, starved him and his people and killed his
companions, may Allah be pleased with them. He continued to pray
even for his worst enemies like Abu Jahl.

4. Make sincere Tawbah (repentance to God)

If we have hurt someone through our tongue or attitude, we need to
seek God's forgiveness. It is also important to seek the personal
forgiveness of that persons as well if s/he is within reach as an
Islamic pre-requisite to seek God's forgiveness. There has to be a
personal acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a commitment to change.
This is done by turning to God and seeking His Forgiveness for
looking down on other beings due to a false belief in someone's
inferiority.

5. Watching Our Tongue

The Prophet said: Whoever can give me a guarantee for what is
between his two jaws and between his two legs, I can assure him
Paradise (Sahih of Bukhari).

Keeping this in mind, effort should be made to curb useless talk,
which can lead to worse things like backbiting and slander of
individuals and groups of people.

Defining backbiting, the Prophet said that backbiting is anything
that you say about someone in his absence that may displease him.
When he was asked by one of the Companions, `even if he is as I
describe him?' he responded by saying, If he is as you describe him
then you are guilty of backbiting, otherwise you are guilty of
slander (which is worse than backbiting) (Sahih of Muslim).

To add emphasis to how awful slander is, consider that the Prophet
said it is worse than adultery because if a person commits adultery,
Allah can forgive him if he repents. But a slanderer will not be
forgiven until the person he had been speaking about forgives him
(Baihaqi).

6. No ethnic jokes please

Ethnic jokes are not innocent humor. They carry the virus of bigotry
most of the time. Think about how hurt we feel when some comedians
depict Muslims as terrorist.

Consider this verse of the Quran: "O you who believe! Let not a
group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better
than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may
be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one
another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to
insult one's brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not
repent, then such are indeed wrong doers" (Quran 49:11).

Such silly and hurtful jest clearly goes against the type of manners
Allah and His Prophet expect from us. It's a sin in Islam to
ridicule or laugh at any beings, and if they are a group, the sin is
stronger.

7. Don't call people, Kalla, Gora, Desi, Chapta, Abd or Rafeeq

Muslims disliked being called Moslems, Moor, or Mohammaden. We
insist that since we write our name Muslims that's how everyone
should spell our name. So let's call other people with the names
they like for themselves. Fair enough?

Alhamdu lillah most Muslims don't do this. But once in a while we
hear names, which we need to challenge. The Urdu term "Kalla" is
used by some for African-Americans. While it literally
means "black", the way it is used most of the time is demeaning. The
same is true for the Urdu term Chapta or Peela, which refers to the
color, and features of South East Asian people. Gora in Urdu for
Caucasians falls in the same category although it also just means a
white person, but is used to convey historical distrust and betrayl
of the white colonial lords. Desi on the other hand is mostly used
to describe stereiotypical images of South Asians "curry smelling"
Indians and "pakis." It is often used as a term of self hate in the
second generation.

Similarly some Arabs use the term Abd to describe black people,
despite the fact the Prophet catogarically prohibited use of this
term. Another term Zingy is used for the same people in the
demeaning way. Some Arabs use the term Rafeeq (literally comrade)
for Pakistanis in demeaning way similar to how the "N word" is used
in the west. Ibn al Khinzeeer (son of a pig), a reference to whoever
you are angry with amongst some Arabs and specially towards Jews is
not only unworthy of the followers of Prophet Muhammad, it is a
direct violation of his command not to insult one another's parents
(Sahih of Bukhari and Muslim).


Even the Islamic term Kafir has to be use with care. Not every non-
believer is a Kafir. This Quranic term, regarding those who rejected
Allah's guidance after recognizing it to be the truth, should not
become a term of hate.

8. Challenge the offensive, names, jokes and comments

If someone uses a hurtful name in our presence, we might simply
say, "Don't call him/her that. Call him/her by his/her name." If you
are the victim, simply say "That kind of joke offends me," or
say "You don't like to be called bad names and neither do I".

We should feel comfortable in pointing out unfairness. It is very
rewarding in the eyes of Allah, since by challenging this we are
following three of Allah's commands:

Stand up against injustice
Discourage the evil
Don't call people with bad nicknames
It's part of a Muslim's duty to enjoin the good and forbid the evil.
Let's do it with wisdom and patience. Be polite but firm.

9. Do not generalize

If you observe something wrong in some persons' behavior, don't
generalize it to their ethnic group. Attribute it to those persons
not their group. For example, I have heard several times that Arabs
in Chicago run liquor stores. While it is true that there may be 100
or so Arabs who have this type of Haram business, they are a small
minority among hundreds and thousands of Arabs living in Chicago.
Without condoning what they are doing, we must see that there are
Muslims of other nationalities who are also involved in Haram
businesses.


10. Defend the abused group

Note unique and special qualities in other people. Show the positive
points of an ethnic group that is being made fun of. Whether it's
the hospitality of the Arabs, the respect for elders in Indo-
Pakistani culture, the resilience of African-Americans, for
instance, point out the positive to those who don't want to see the
other side of the coin.

If you're still tongue-tied, consider this Hadith: the Prophet said:
If a man's Muslim brother is slandered in his presence, and he is
capable of defending him, and does so, Allah will defend him in this
world and in the next. But if he fails to defend him, Allah will
destroy him in this world and in the next.

11. Speak everyone's language

What do you do when there are say, three people, one of whom speaks
your native language and the other doesn't?

Too often, many of us do the wrong thing.

It creates suspicion and discomfort if you speak a language in front
of others who may not understand it. Use a common language
understandable to all. So if Br. Muneer and you both understand
Arabic, but Sr. Yasmeen doesn't, speak in English instead, so she
doesn't feel left out. If you observe this behavior tell them it's
unfair. If you are the one who is doing the wrong thing, then don't
defend it by saying, "you should learn our language".

The Prophet said: When three people are together, two should not
talk secretly, leaving the third alone since this may grieve him.
(Sahiah of Bukhari & Muslim).

12. Read about others

Read about people to gain positive insights into other cultures.
Read what they have written about themselves. Read about, for
instance, what African-Americans have contributed to America. Even
better, read an autobiography like that of Malcolm X, which recounts
the personal experience and struggles of one Muslim African-
American. Much of what he has to say is also a reflection of the
experience of other African-Americans.

13. Share your joy

Have you invited people other than your cultural group at an
occasion of happiness in your family?

Whether it's Eid, a wedding or the Aqiqa of a newborn baby, expand
your next guest list to include those of different backgrounds.
Sharing joy is a great way for people of all ethno-cultural groups
to bond.

14. Share your sorrow

Have you visited a sick colleague, class fellow or a neighbor of
another ethnic group? Have you been to the funeral of other people?

Relationships are not only built on the good times, but on the hard
ones as well. Visit the sick, attend funerals, and console those who
need it, and don't reserve your sympathy to those of the same skin
color or country.

15. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach

Have you learned to cook the food of other cultures? Have you shared
your food with them?

I know people who have become Muslim because of the hospitality of
Muslims. Food is a great way to bring people together, and to get to
know others. Share food with neighbors. Food is power. Use it!

16. Smiling is a charity

Who do you smile at? Do you limit your grins to groups you know,
especially your ethno-cultural group?

Smiling is charity (Sahiah of Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi), not just for
your people. Expand your smile "directory" to include all. Smile
opens close hearts.

17. Salam is for everyone

Quran demands that we greet others better than the way they have
greeted us. (Quran 4:86).

After Juma do you say Salam and meet only those people you know or
do you initiate a Salam to those from another ethnic group?

Consider this Hadith: The Prophet said: Those who are nearest to
Allah are those who are the first to give a greeting (Sahiah of Abu
Dawud, Tirmidhi).

Saying Salam is also a great way to increase your love for a fellow
Muslim, no matter where they are from. Consider this Hadith: the
Prophet said: You will not enter Heaven until you believe, and you
will not believe until you love each other. Let me guide you to
something which will cause you to love each other: spreading the
greetings of peace (Assalamu alaikum) (Sahiah of Muslim).

18. Hug someone today

Have you ever experienced a hug by a Muslim you never knew? What a
feeling. This one just for the sake of Allah. Try it on a Muslim in
your masjid and then introduce yourself to him. He is your brother.
Isn't he?

19. Beyond Salam

Alhamdu lillah, we see a lot of faces of different ethnic groups in
masjids, but have we gone beyond Salam with them?

Have we invited this brother or sister to our home this year? Let's
take the initiative to go beyond the Salam and invite a fellow human
being of a different background over to our place. Don't wait for a
specific occasion. Just invite them over for dinner, lunch, or a
game of basketball.

20. A Masjid tour of other neighborhoods

While in a number of cities in America and South Africa, Masjids
tend to become ethnically homogeneous due to the population patterns
of the city; we can try to overcome this isolation.

Let's visit other neighborhoods and pray in a Masjid there. So if
you're an Urdu speaking person, visit the predominantly Arab mosque.
If you're an Arab visit the mostly African-American mosque. If
you're Turkish, visit the mostly Bengali mosque.

Let's defy the neighborhood divisions which we did not create. Let's
take our Sunday school children on field trips to different
neighborhoods and Masjids. Providing opportunities for interaction
with people of diverse groups instills understanding.

Studies show that children playing and working together toward
common goals develop positive attitudes about one another.

21. Do your duty, but a little differently

Who do you usually give your Zakat to?

Is it just to your ethnic group or do you use it as one of the
categories-to win over hearts? Plan to give your next Zakat to a
community or individuals who are not of your ethno-cultural
background. This will be a practical way to give of yourself to
those who are your brothers and sisters, and those who are in need.

22. Strangers should find an open Masjid door

How are you at welcoming strangers in your Masjid?

Do you move forward in welcoming, guiding and introducing them to
others or do you allow a stranger to remain a stranger while you
busily chat with your own cultural group? Open your heart and arms
to the new brother or sister who may have come to the Masjid with
great difficulty. Welcome their choice and don't let them regret
visiting your mosque.

The security staff at Masjids need to have sensitivity training as
well.

23. Watch those expressions and attitudes

Did you see that twist of the mouth, or the raise of that eyebrow?

Sometimes, it's not just words, but facial expressions that also
indicate ethno-racial degradation and intolerance. It's not enough
for us to just avoid verbal jabs. Language is not just about words;
it's about body language too.

24. Defend yourself

If you are the target of ethno-racial humor, slurs or attacks defend
yourself.

First seek refuge in Allah from Satan Following the Prophet's
advice, if you are angry, remain silent, sit down, move away or make
wudu.
If you feel your security is being threatened seek any help
available.
If you are attacked defend yourself if you are capable of it.
Document and pursue the case with local police, the department of
human resources and anti-hate groups.
God tolerates a person who is being wronged to respond in the same
coin but He prefers us to be better: "The recompense for an evil is
an evil like thereof, but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation,
his reward is due from Allah. Verily, He likes not the Zalimun
(oppressors)" (Quran 42:40).

An ex-Marine member of the white supremacist movement the Ku Klux
Klan became Muslim due partly to the polite and confident response
of a Muslim doctor to his racist remarks calling him a "dog eater".

This is an example of following Allah's instructions that ask us to
respond to evil with something which is better.

25. Stand up for justice

Take an active stand against injustices like profiling and
discrimination in the workplace or at schools. Speak out against
someone or a group being paid less because of their national
background.

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to
Allah, even though it is against yourselves, or your parents, or
your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both
(than you) are. So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you
may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give
it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do" (Quran
4:135).

26. Work with other anti-racism groups

Volunteer time to organizations and groups which are working for an
anti-racism agenda or for social justice. All the prophets were sent
to help people take a stand for establishing justice (Quran 57:25).
Working for a common cause brings people closer. Islam encourages
cooperation with non Muslims for the common good of humanity (Quran
5:2).

27. Multi-ethnic Marriages

Some Fiqh books that dislike and discourage multi-ethnic marriages
amongst Muslims are wrong because they conflict with the Sunnah of
the Prophet and with the Quranic principle of all people being one.

For instance, the Fiqh manual Reliance of the Traveler, in a chapter
on Kafa'a (compatibility), while recognizing that there should be no
consideration of skin color in marriage, does mention that a match
between a non-Arab man and an Arab woman is unsuitable (page 523).

I am not advising anyone to offer him or herself for a social
experiment. But we must accept our children's choice with an open
heart instead of resistance based on the false interpretation of
compatibility (Kafa'a) offered by some Fiqh books.

28. Jihad with your taxes

Your personal jihad against racism must also include a collective
effort against racism and nationalism. Your taxes are used to
institute policies, some of which you may agree with and others that
you may completely oppose. You can use your tax money to fight
against racism by supporting policies or institutions that encourage
respect for differences. We should support subsidies to human rights
organizations dedicated to fighting racism, specifically.

29. Vote against racism

Support candidates who oppose racism and nationalism both within
America and without. For example, former US president Bill Clinton
strongly campaigned against the use of tobacco in America but
ironically he also helped the US tobacco companies to achieve record
profits by helping them sell and promote tobacco in the Third World.
If tobacco is wrong for America, it is wrong for every other human
being as well. Let's not tolerate "Cancer for other people."

30. Vote for multi-ethnicity in your Masjid

Make sure your Masjid in North America has a multi ethnic board and
leadership. Follow the Prophet in engineering social change. He
paired each Ansar and Muhajir as brothers as he started building the
Islamic society of Madina.

31. Put money where your mouth is

There are a number of organizations dedicated to fighting racism in
America at various levels. Support them by your donation. If you
don't want to donate, establish your own organization against
bigotry.

32. Raising race free children

Islam does not recognize race, but the society we live in does.
Bridging this gap is the challenge of Muslim parenting.

Choose to live in a multi-ethnic community. Children with multi-
ethnic interaction grow up to be better human beings.
Participate in your PTA with an antiracist agenda.
Help your children feel good about themselves. Children who feel
good about themselves are less likely to be prejudiced.
Welcome children of all background in your home.
Debrief them if they come home with a racial slur from the school.
33. Let's have a straight niyyah to please Allah

Let's make our intentions (niyyah) that we will strive to build
human society based on the equality of all human beings as Allah has
asked us to do. Insha Allah, He will reward us for each step we take
to get ourselves, our community, and our society rid of racism and
nationalism.

Conclusion

As Muslims who are dehumanized day and night by the media and
opinion leaders, it is our duty to emerge as a better human being
through this ordeal instead of engaging in the satanic game of
counter dehumanization.

Whoever starts to look at others as lower beings first kills his own
humanity. Prejudice, racism and nationalism are equal opportunity
diseases. Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews, all have a choice of
either using their teachings to rise up for the ideals of humanity
or sink in the killing fields of nationalism.

Dehumanization of Native Americans contributed to their almost
complete annihilation. Dehumanization of Africans as nations and
individuals resulted in generational loss of life and heritage.
Dehumanization of Jews and Gypsies is associated with the mass
murder by Nazis. Dehumanization of Japanese Americans contributed to
their being sent to internment camps in America. The dehumanization
of Muslims in America after the 9/11 tragedy is responsible for the
virtual internment camp Muslims in America live today and the
tortures in Abu Gharib and abuse at Guantanamo Bay.

Unfortunately there is a demonization of America taking place in the
world, which by and large does not know how a majority of Americans
today feel about the historical wrongs done on their names. Even the
strong American reaction to the Abu Gharib images did not slow down
the harm neo-con policies are causing to American standing in the
world.

Racism and nationalism are twin evils which have killed more people
in last one hundred years than probably all the wars in last one
thousand years including crusades and massacres of the infamous
Genghis Khan.

Let's launch our personal Jihad against racism. May God be with you.
Allahu Akbar.




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