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As the world seems to be opening up, as they say, from COVID-19, there’s a fight brewing in the U.S., as some people say wearing a mask is a political statement. The political divisiveness continues.
I presume that if you are wearing a mask, it is because you care about not spreading an insidious virus that you may carry without symptoms but can give it to others. Not because you are for, or against, someone in politics.
Although this is a heavy-weighing world pandemic, in my humble opinion, we have a worse problem here in the U.S. This is one that has been here for a very long time. It is deep rooted, hard for some to see, and it can be very insidious.
There is not an easy way to deal with it, like wearing a mask.
The Quran (the Muslim holy book) states:
“… Allah (Arabic name for God) … appointed a (different) law and way of life (for some who came before you) And if God had so willed, God could surely have made you all one single community: but (God willed it otherwise) in order to test you by means of what God has vouchsafed unto, you. Vie, then, with one another in doing good works! …”. (Ch 5:48)
“…We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another…” (Ch 49:13)
“…And never let your hatred of people … lead you into the sin of aggression: but rather help one another in furthering virtue and God-consciousness, and do not help one another in furthering evil …”.(Ch 5:2)
On the last Friday of May, it was announced that the former police officer who put his knee heavily on George Floyd’s neck was arrested. Even now, as I write this, my heart is so very heavy. Will there be justice? Will there be a change?
Too often is this type of thing happening. Too often do we not see justice applied.
My heart is heavy because we used to be a community of presuming the best; if people came toward each other on the walkway, we would smile and greet each other. Now, if we don’t make room for each other on the sidewalk when we are 50 feet away, there is a problem.
I saw an interview with the Caucasian man who coined the phrase “Alt Right.” This man proudly stated that whites were very good at conquering others: the land and its people. He said he liked having white privilege and that is what he fights for and wants to keep for himself and generations to come.
To me, it is fine that he is proud to be white. Each of us should be proud of the being we are.
Our (Muslims) last prophet, Prophet Muhammed, said: “If one of you sees something evil you should change it with your hand. If you cannot, you should speak out against it, and if you cannot do even that you should at least detest it in your heart, this last being the weakest form of faith.”
What has been happening is unconscionable. I am a witness and an advocate. I stand with you, in front of you and for you.
I wish to go to my non-Muslim friends and acquaintances as well as my Muslimah’s (Muslim women) of color and give each of you a BIG hug and express my sorrow.
And from me personally, and our Outreach and Interfaith Group, to our African-American friends, known and unknown, Muslim or not, I wish to tell each person of color who lives near me: If you have any trouble, contact me. I will help in any way I can — go shopping with you, or for you, when we open more, help guard your place of faith, so you are safer, or whatever is needed.
I have friends and colleagues of many faiths and of no faith. You have many people here to help. Because Allah loves you, we love you. We are here with open arms.
Be strong, because you are.
Cry on my shoulder, because you can.
Tell your story so we can learn.
Take my hand and I will help your inner light shine brighter.
Together we can breathe.
Noor Phillips is a member of the Zubaida Foundation in Lower Makefield. From a Faith Perspective is a weekly column written by members of the local faith communities.
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