Search for peace – Islamophobia

Indeed, hatred and bitterness can never bring peace but only love can do that. Wars, conflict, weapons, violence, bloodshed, invasions, and boiling minds can never win the hearts of people or maintain peaceful circumstances. The language of threat or use of threat is neither a solution to problems nor can maintain the normal situation in the states. As the result of violence, wars, and invasions hundreds of thousands of innocent people are killed and wounded, particularly after the introduction of the war on terror. Specifically, Muslims are targeted in the name of terror. However, terrorism has no religion, caste, race, color, border, or name but any individual can be a terrorist not only a Muslim. Furthermore, rebellion-ism, militarism, extremism, and terrorism are shaped more strongly than before. Wars give birth to violation, mistrust, and unrest. Through propaganda, Muslims are portrayed as terrorists and extremists and Islamophobia is plunged into the minds of the West and Non-Muslims. The Afghan war and Iraq war after 9/11 were fought in a way that was based on injustice with the Muslim  States because not only targeted elements were finished but also innocent people including old men, women, and children were killed, and entire infrastructure was destroyed and whole States were ruined by forces. These wars gave an air of revenge and made people warriors. The children were born in the time of war and people who were born in wartime become warrior and hard. For many decades, Afghanis are fighting wars and that is a reason that they are hard and know the strategies of war. Moreover, interestingly, both superpowers USSR in the 1980s and USA after 9/11 failed to defeat the Afghanis. Now, the new generation is taught the lesson of war and fighting. Therefore, this war will be continued for generations. Where is peace? This is the million-dollar question.

Nowadays, the tragedy is that Islamophobia is spread worldwide. Let us explain what is Islamophobia? Islamophobia is the fear, hatred of, or prejudice against the Islamic religion or Muslims generally. Recently, Muslims are targeted in New Zealand. At least 50 Muslims in Christchurch’s Al-Noor mosque were killed by terrorists. That was the worst mass shooting against Muslims in New Zealand in the month of March 15, 2019. In the wake of this event, the whole Muslim community at worldwide showed damn anger against terrorists and New Zealand which was considered a country of peace. All Muslim countries were on the same page against terrorists and demanded unprecedented punishment. This event united the Muslims. However, the Prime Minister of New Zealand played a very vital role to de-escalate the anger of the Muslim community through her practical measures to make condolence publicly and condemn every form of terrorism. She showed sympathy and love for Muslims. The tears, flowers, and candles from Non-Muslims for Martyrdom calmed down the Muslims. Nonetheless, these sorts of attacks, invasions, and killings of Muslims be stopped otherwise future is very pathetic for the world. Hatred and bitterness will be dominant and ultimately the resulting clash of civilizations may be proved right. To keep a bear is not bad, to be clean-shave is not bad, to wear a scarf is not bad, to open hair is not bad, to be a Muslim is not bad and to be a non-Muslim is also not bad, but thinking negatively, hatred, bitterness, and hostility constitute bad men and women. Let the thinking be positive, constructive, and mutual respect. We all have to be united for peace, harmony, and homogeneity. Let us build trust and love.

None is more worthwhile than love and peace in the world. States, people, and governments have to play their role to set up minds that lead to the peace and stability of nations. We have to teach our children the lessons of love, respect, peace, trust, and harmony.

However, the killing of Muslims and attacks on Muslim states were specifically increased by the United States after 9/11, not only that but atrocities in Palestine, Kashmir, and other parts of Muslim communities are immensely increased. This practice of atrocities, ruthless actions, the killing of people, and the use of force must be seized. Moreover, international organizations, regional organizations, and people should stand up against all these brutal acts. Governments should spend money on books, pens, children, education, poverty, and lives rather than spending on weapons, guns, bombs, and bullets because peace cannot be achieved through weapons but through education and by giving fundamental human rights. Nations have to think about a peaceful and better future for the next generations. Let us say no to hatred and wars. let us spread candles.

Imran Ali Noonari

The writer is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.