Islamophobia, the fear and hatred towards Islam and its followers, has been a growing concern in today's world. This negative attitude and prejudice towards Islam and Muslims has existed for centuries, even during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 1400 years ago. Despite the widespread distribution of the religion of Islam and its followers, there have been numerous incidents of violence, persecution, and discrimination against the Muslim community.
Islamophobia can be defined as a form of racism or anti-Muslim prejudice. Many scholars refer to it as a manifestation of irrational fear and hatred towards Islam and its followers. It is important to understand that Islamophobia is not a new phenomenon but has existed for centuries. There have been numerous examples of violence and persecution against Muslims throughout history, with recent incidents such as the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand and the attack on the Afzaal family in London, Ontario.
The Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand were a tragic reminder of the continued existence of Islamophobia in the world. On March 15, 2019, two consecutive mass shootings occurred at mosques during Friday Prayer, killing 51 people and injuring 40. This horrific attack serves as a reminder of the violence and hatred that still exists towards the Muslim community.
In a similar incident, the Afzaal family in London, Ontario was targeted in a terrorist attack motivated by hatred. Three generations of the same family were killed, with the lone survivor being their 9-year-old son who remains in the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. This attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing prejudice and discrimination against the Muslim community.
It is important to understand that in the face of persecution, it is crucial to stick to our principles. This does not mean abandoning our principles in the face of retaliation or stooping down to a lower level. The prophetic example was always to maintain the highest moral code and to act with fairness and compassion. Compassion does not mean lying down and accepting persecution but in all our dealings, Muslims must be people of principles.
In conclusion, Islamophobia continues to be a growing concern in today's world. It is imperative that we understand the negative feelings and attitudes towards Islam and Muslims and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society. We must stand up against Islamophobia and work towards promoting peace, compassion, and understanding between all communities.
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