“Stepping Stones to Friendship”
“We hate America…We are religious fanatics…We don’t speak perfect English…We are foreigners…We are not educated…Our women are forced and oppressed…We are unwilling to work with other groups.” These are the words used by a panel member to describe common misconceptions that she has experienced as an American Muslim. She was one of a group of people taking part in a community event titled “Stepping Stones to Friendship” that was designed to educate the public on the practices, beliefs and everyday lives of American Muslims. Seven individuals, all of whom were Muslims, sat before the audience describing what it is like to live as a Muslim in today’s world. They also took time to answer questions from the audience which included inquiries such as, “What is the true definition of Jihad?…Is it a mandate that Muslims try to convert others to Islam?... As a Muslim woman, do you cover your head because you are oppressed or is it a symbol of modesty and your dedication to Allah?
The program lasted for a little over two hours and once again, I had the opportunity to get closer and educate myself about the religion of Islam and what an everyday Muslim believes. The panel consisted of people of all ages and professions, including a doctor, a school teacher, a college student and an 11 year old 6th grader. One woman spoke of growing up as an American Muslim and how she often witnessed a variety of discrimination due to ignorance and bigotry. She said she was participating in this event because she is assured that she must help to educate others on the true essence of Islam. She said that a quote from the Koran is what motivates her to be a part of the change…”God will not change the condition of a people, until they first start with themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
Some will call me naďve or gullible for believing that what they were saying was true. These are the same people who believe that underneath the surface, all Muslims have a secret agenda and are plotting to convert the whole world to Islam. They also believe that all Muslims want you to think that they are everyday people just like you and me who want to live in peace with their neighbors but that beneath the surface, they have a hidden “terrorist” agenda.
It is my belief that people who choose to live with this fear and those who see all Muslims as “terrorists” and “jihadists” have never gotten to know anyone who is Muslim and if invited, would never take the time to attend an educational event such as the one I have described here. Their fear keeps them from “getting closer” and “educating themselves” as to who Muslim people truly are.
Recently in the national news we heard about a member of the US military who went on a shooting rampage on an army base in Fort Hood, Texas killing 13 innocent people. Until it was learned that the shooter was a Muslim, it was seen as just another unfortunate savage attack by a mentally ill man. After learning that he was a Muslim, the talk of it being a terrorist attack was immediately brought into the reporting and once again fueled the fire that all Muslims live with a secret agenda to kill non-Muslims and have a goal of taking over the world. When a reporter asked a high ranking army official, who happened to be Muslim, if this incident was being carried out because of the shooters religious beliefs, the official said “If this be true, it is obvious that this man did not understand the true essence of Islam which forbids violence and promotes peace.”
As many who know me, I have been involved in inter-faith relations for many years through One Planet United and as a member of The Interfaith Committee of Coral Springs, the community where I live. I have made it a point to continue to learn, ask questions and to get to know those who follow a different faith tradition than I do. Getting to know Muslims personally has been one of the most fascinating things I have ever done. It has taught me, once again, that it is usually my fears that keep me ignorant and by reaching out to those in the Muslim community, I am happy to say that I have met and become friends with some of the most loving and caring people on the planet. Peace out.
Jack Bloomfield is the co-founder and executive director of One Planet United, Inc., a non
profit 501(c)3 organization.
One Planet United's mission statement is: To bring unity and understanding to all people through
experiential and educational programs, projects and resources.
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