Muslimah Writers Alliance on Islamophobic Rhetoric and Support for Freedom of Religion and Speech

Sept. 22, 2010 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA-Net) – In response to ongoing reports indicating the wave of Islamophobic, hate-filled rhetoric resulting in acts of intimidation or threats against members of the Muslim community and others, continues unabated, Muslimah Writers Alliance joins in voicing its concern and ongoing support for the freedoms of religion and speech.

As Muslim women writers, we condemn without qualification, all acts of intimation or threats of violence directed against any individual or group exercising the rights of freedom of religion and speech; particularly where an act of speech may be perceived as hurtful or reprehensible.

The U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment guarantee both freedom of religion and speech; rights that are fundamental to the protection of minorities from reactionary negative backlash or potentially dangerous acts of violence.

The increase in Islamophobic sentiment currently sweeping the nation is deeply disturbing and should be of concern to all citizens of consciousness.

It is regrettable that extremist voices threatening retaliatory actions or acts of violence against individuals have perpetuated an atmosphere of doubt and suspicion adversely affecting the Muslim community at-large. Such threats are a greater blasphemy against Islam than any cartoon, Qur'an burning campaign, or act of free speech might ever demonstrate.

Regardless of the increase in arduously organized campaigns orchestrated to cast a cloud of negativity on the Islamic faith, as Muslims we must strive uniformly to set a noble example of patience, respect and tolerance.

The Glorious Qur'an advises Muslims to "repel evil with what is better. Then that person with whom there was hatred may become your intimate friend. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but people of the greatest good fortune." (41:34-35)

The Glorious Qur'an also asks Muslims "to bear witness to Islam through their good example (2:143); to restrain anger and pardon people (3:133-134 and 24:22); to remain patient in adversity (3186); to stand firmly for justice (4:135); to not let the hatred of others make us swerve from justice (5:8); to respect the sanctity of life (5:32); to turn away from those who mock Islam (6:68 and 28:55); to avoid countering stupidity with stupidity (7:199); to restrain ourselves from rash responses (16:125-128); to pass by worthless talk with dignity (25:72); and that goodness and evil are not equal."

In condemning hateful speech and acts of violence, such as those widely reported in recent events, it must always be within the margins of law and order.

As Muslims it is of the utmost importance that we react, not emotionally, but according to the teachings found within Islam itself.

We call on not only the American Muslim community, but on Muslims worldwide, to refrain from reaction that perpetuate violence, and to view the challenges we face today as an opportunity to engage our respective communities in constructive dialogue presenting the true principles of Islam, among which include freedom of religion, patience, respect and tolerance.

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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers and advocates working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.