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32 Tips to Launch your Personal Jihad against Racism and Nationalism

By Abdul Malik Mujahid

Muslims pray shoulder-to-shoulder with no regard to any national, ethnic, class or color differences. The ideals of our religion are clear and deftly articulated by our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in his farewell sermon delivered in 632 A.D. on Mount Arafat. The Prophet said that, “all mankind is descended from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab. And a non-Arab has no superiority over an Arab. A white person has no superiority over a black person, nor a black person has any superiority over a white person, except by piety and good action.” 

If the guidance is clear, then why are there instances of racism in our countries, our communities, our masaajid, our Islamic schools, our families, or in our hearts? That is because individuals don’t live up to these ideals and these human and societal failings won’t change until we do. 

Here are 32 tips to launching your own person jihad against racism and nationalism.

 

 Parenting Tip

Racism is a learned behavior. We learn about racism from our families, from the media, from our schools and neighborhoods, from the whole of our experiences. Parents are their child’s first teachers. In order to properly educate our children about racism, we have to first educate ourselves.

 

History of Racism in the United States

By Samana Siddiqui

The history of racism in the American landscape can primarily be traced back to the European colonization of North America beginning in the 17th century. Various groups have bore the brunt of it, manifested in discriminatory laws, social practices, and criminal behavior directed toward a target group. We all have to educate ourselves about this history. Learn more by reading the full article.

 

Inspiration

“It is not our differences that divide us.

It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”  

Audre Lorde, African American writer and civil rights activist

 

Latino Muslims in America

By Wendy Díaz

Latinos continue to be the fastest growing minority in America and in Islam. As a people, they are from various countries and backgrounds, bound together by a shared language and principles, as well as a history of being victims of colonization, oppression, and injustice. Author Wendy Díaz reviews some basic facts and history that demonstrate that Latinos also have a common Islamic heritage. Learn more from the full article.

 

Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“The believers in their mutual mercy, love, and compassion, are like one body. If one part of it suffers in pain, the whole body will suffer with it.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 6011

 

8 Ways to Combat Racism in Muslim Communities

By Ammarah Usmani

When we stand together as Muslims, there are still many instances where a Pakistani and Jordanian family might be living in the same community, but they still don’t know each other’s names. And it’s not because they never happened to meet one another. They see each other everyday at the masjid, their kids are in the same class, but they choose not to care. Racism exists everywhere! 

Here are eight tips to combat this disease in your community:

  1. Be confident in who you are.
  2. Acknowledge each other and say Salaam.
  3. Don’t generalize.
  4. Say no to racial slurs.
  5. Step out of your comfort zone.
  6. Arrange multicultural events.
  7. Stand with each other in times of grief and sickness.
  8. Humble yourself - in every way.
 

Some Interesting Facts

According to the latest U.S. Census, for the first time, there was a decade-long loss in the number of white Americans who do not identify with other racial and ethnic groups. This means that all of the nation’s 2010-to-2020 growth is attributable to people of color—those identifying as Latino or Hispanic, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American, and as two or more races. Together, these groups now comprise more than 40% of the U.S. population. Here is the amount of change that took place by race or ethnicity:

 

Words Matter: Learn the Vocabulary of Racism

By Zahirah Lynn Eppard

MuslimARC has produced a must-read glossary of 71 terms associated with racism and anti-racist work. From Advocacy to Xenophobia, these words describe policies and practices that are connected to racist history and attempts to thwart bigotry and dismantle institutional racism. Words matter and we need to fully understand them. Check out the list from A to Z here.

 

Online Resources

MuslimARC Essential Reads - This is a substantive selected reading list to introduce a lay Muslim to the basic historical, sociological, and theological framework for doing anti-racism work in the Muslim community, particularly in education institutions. This work is a difficult and challenging topic that requires some general background knowledge to help make sense of the complex intersections of race, class, culture, language, religious identity, and gender. 

MuslimARC Anti-Racism Guide for White Muslims - This 16-page guide written by and for white Muslims provides practical examples for working to address racism in the Muslim community and in the broader society. 

Untangling Controversy around Critical Race Theory - It is important for Muslims to understand the concept of critical race theory and the politicization of it since it is being debated in local school districts across the country. This article by Temple University Professor Charles A. Price is a great place to start.

The First Nation Turtle Island’s Identify Continues to be Erased - This article, published in the Islamic Horizons May/June 2021 magazine, speaks to the devastating  history of European wealthy elites usurping the land, oppressing the people and culture, and committing genocide against the Indigenous People in Canada. 

A Look Back: Discrimination against Asian American, Pacific Islander Communities - This article presents a comprehensive history of the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. in hopes that allies can help stop the hate that has escalated today.

 

Adam’s World Video: Let’s Talk about Racism: Fishing Buddies

Adam’s father  has just returned from a fishing trip with his friend Mr. Makwa, a member of the Anishinabek Nation. The two talked about the history of oppression against the First Peoples in Canada and the impact of the practice of destroying their cultural heritage by placing Indigenous children in residential boarding schools. (4:11)

 

Experienced educators and creative hosts have put together a special treat for the entire family during our Winter Break! 

Four separate classes designed for children ages 5 through 12 offer maximum learning opportunities in an engaging learning environment. Students explore:

  • the beauty of Allah and His creation 
  • the best of human ingenuity 
  • beautiful Muslim lands and cultures
  • delicious baked sweets

Recorded classes make it easy to learn at a time that works for your family and in the safety of your home. Tuition is family based and scholarships are available. Make a plan to join us!

Visit Academy.AdamsWorld.org for more details and online registration.

 
 

The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same.

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