Muslim rights
By: Daniel Otero
When you talk about rights, many Muslims who live in Asian, European and North American countries are a make-up of a population totaling two billion people.
The majority of Muslims follow two paths: Sunni or Shiite.
The moderates and liberals are fewer.
Extremist are less; however, they aren’t true Muslims. Because all codes on the religion are broken with cruelty and ruthless savagery. These fanatics are only 19 to 30 thousand.
One thing all of us have to understand, the majority of Muslims aren’t terrorist! Most are decent, good, hard working people! Whether they wear the hajib or not, that’s their right! If they follow the laws of their respective countries, what’s the problem?
In many instances I don’t agree with their religion or some sects which treat women badly. But I try to keep an open mind, because I’ve friends who are Muslims on the liberal side. These friendships were built throughout the years, when I visited placed like Turkey and Egypt.
Sadly, an event called September 11th 2001 took place and our world changed forever.
It doesn’t mean that most Muslims aren’t good people, they are, we have to keep in mind–it’s the smallest faction of a group which tries to hurt others worldwide. Therefore, we shouldn’t ‘judge a book by its cover’!
It’s better to understand a people by reading about their culture, to have a greater perspective of them as a whole. When we don’t, we build walls of prejudice and stereotype.
Another suggestion is, start by learning what the religion is all about. A good beginning tool can be by reading the Koran, performing a quick study of the Middle East and its problems, and to continue by visiting a mosque. I’ve done it in countries of the Middle East and later in China.
In the past, educational practices that I’ve performed to enhance my life and education, is to learn about Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. Then continued the education process by asking questions and visiting these religious temples.
I’ve also introduced friends who are quite interested in Judaism. Then, why not give the same courtesy to the Muslims?
I understand people are scared and sometimes the media/governments play on these fears and they spread into the general public with its brand of ignorance. In the news and wire services anybody can listen to all sorts of prejudicial comments on how Muslims are dressed. Without comprehending, we cannot discriminate against: class, ethnicity, gender or religion.
There’s something called a hate crime. It’s illegal to physically attack or bully somebody verbally.
Yes, terrorist attacks have happened across the globe. It doesn’t mean that all Muslims are the same or the religion spreads this kind of destruction against non-believers. If not, we’d be in trouble!
One lesson I learned from my teachers who taught me writing, whether you like a person/culture or not, keep it clean. Be fair, clear, broadminded and objective. For any person doing this exercise, make a list of the good and bad points. What’s a culture or person’s forte?
If not, we’ll get what we’re getting now: racism, war, hate and indifference. These four are like a disease which will quickly spread! Do we need more of that in our world?
I still believe as an intelligent human beings, we’re above the ignorance and pettiness.
