Muslims and the British media

There is no doubt that the British Media are creating negative stereotypes of Muslims; they talk about terrorists but fail to mention that they are only tiny minority who don’t go according to the teaching of Islam as Islam is a religion of peace.

Part of the problem is that members of the press are not fully educated in the subtleties of the Islamic faith. The British Media needs to work with Imams to broadcast culturally sensitive and accurate news and programmes.

This kind of misrepresentation makes many of you angry, and I understand, but we must not meet anger with anger. If we retaliate to the man who burns down a mosque by burning down a church, how many more mosques will burn down, and how many more churches? We must not add wood to the fire.

Instead of looking at the problem we should look for the solution.

We must educate, educate, educate.

If someone is racist to you the answer is to try and educate him, by appealing to him and pinpointing the nature of misunderstanding.

It’s wasn’t the man that burn the mosque down, it was his ‘thinking.’ We must try and get the heart of the matter so that any issues can quickly be resolved.

A few tips on dealing with prejudice…

I know it can be hard to deal with prejudice against you; especially for young Muslims who have just starting practising the faith and who might be wearing headscarves and beards for the first time.

You will get looks from people on the bus or on the streets; some of them might think you are ‘an extremist’ or a ‘Looney’; you might even hear racist comments or be the subject of bullying. But don’t get discouraged or disheartened. These people are ignorant and need to be educated. Stay focused on your prayers and Allah will Inshallahu Ta’la (God Willing) support and help you. This is where the faith kicks in.

My advice to you young people is: don’t give up and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Do not fight or argue just explain calmly what it is your doing and how you see yourself, in response to how they are seeing you.

Set them straight.

Talk.

Firstly listen and then explain.

Remember: first educate yourself – so that you can educate others.

If you can clear up one misunderstanding you will be educating not just this person, but their family, their friends and their children as well. Here you would be dealing the root of the problem and you will be preventing misunderstanding and even violence in the future.