The rise of Islamophobia in the West has many reasons and can easily be dismantled if we follow the sayings, ‘union is strength’ and ‘evil cannot be killed by evil’. 9/11 followed by other small-scale attacks and emerging of extremists in Islamic countries is the apparent reason that led to Islamophobia. This is the one view of the coin which translates the misconception and fact. The other angle of the coin is the biased West Media and some webs are equally responsible. I came across an unverified number of webs which are more than 3 million are spreading wrong messages and polluting Islam. The division of wealth between West and Islamic countries can be another reason which makes us politically, socially, and economically fragile. Let’s try to explore some possible ways to encounter Islamophobia.
We are unaware of the life of the prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) which is full of hardships and obstacles but surprisingly the answer was nothing more than steadfast and patient. In his essay, ‘Tolerance’ E.M Forster writes. Either we should put up with those who are different or kill them as Nazis did in WWII. The latter is impossible and neither can we love all humanity. We are left with the option to pardon and tolerate those who polluted Islam.
A
uniform condemnation irrespective of religion is essential across the world to
discourage and dismantle the blasphemers. It means that we need to get together
(the world) to end this evil through strong intimation and determination.
Through this way, we can counter any kind of evil like terrorism, racism, and
many more. Public gatherings, sessions, and especially OIC meetings can be
conducted to highlight the blasphemous incidents and convey a clear message to
the West that it hurts millions of Muslims across the world. Quran stresses
unity, particularly among Muslims and Non-Muslims in general. "And do not
be divided into sects," i.e., "and keep hold of Allah's rope
entirely." Instead of addressing a person, the entire Ummah is addressed
in this verse, and it is, of course, the responsibility of every Muslim to do
so.
Formulating stringent laws and soft preaching of Islam can reduce incidents and increase the positive image of Islam. Morality is accepted everywhere. Moral and ethical ideals assist a person in becoming a better person. It teaches people to respect elders, express gratitude, assist those in need, be honest, and encourage others to uphold their beliefs, whereas bad moral principles cause people to harm others. Blasphemy is not an exclusive issue of PM Imran Khan rather we all should devote our lives in accordance to Islam. We should collectively counter such movements through knowledge and perseverance.
Hopefully, Putin’s statement will wake the Western legislators from slumber and enlighten them that blasphemy is not the freedom of expression rather it hurts millions of Muslims all over the world.
