Column

It's kind of sad how some people seem to openly welcome the distinct beliefs and culture
of Muslims but are the first to point fingers after hearing about an unfortunate event. At times the
resentment towards Muslims crosses the limit and ends up leading to violence. Myself being a
Muslim am well aware about the danger above the heads of friends' lives, just for slightly
different beliefs. Like others, I have also been insulted, made fun of or even left out just because
of my title in society.
Not a while ago, around the end of summer break, news had spread out in our
community of a family friend who had a gun to her head, just for wearing a hijab, a religious
garment. The thing that may strike surprising to some is that this took place here, in Texas, part
of a nation that exercises amendments allowing free practice of religion and also, unfortunately,
the right to bear arms for defense. Although, that girl did not threaten the armed man. Instead,
she was followed by him on the highway all the way to a parking lot to attempt to take her life as
an act for "justice." However the police interfered before he could cause any damage and not
once it was mentioned or informed to the public as it would've if the roles were switched.
I myself have experienced racism as her but not to that extent nor out there on the
roads. In fact, it has commonly occurred in the "safe" environment all parents send their children
to, school. At first glance, no one would've guessed what I believe in but in the end it would
always come up, "What religion do you practice?" My answer to this question would either result
in more questions or in an awkward moment of silence. With one answer, I've had blossoming
friendships shy away just because I share a religion with Osama just as others do with Hitler. In
class Id also hear boys scream out Allah Hu Akbar as a phrase of violence while it simply
means that God is great. Without knowledge of something so simple, Im not surprised why
people often misconstrue the true meaning of Islam. Take the hijab for example, to many it is
seen as oppressing and objectifying while it really encourages to look beyond the beauty of a
woman.
The brewing hatred due to the notoriety of Islam hasnt only affected my school life but
has penetrated the walls of my mind like a virus. Everytime Id go out in public, Id worry about
the possibility of being in the same situation as the girl who was held at gunpoint rather than
planning out my day. In school Id avoid getting caught up in an argument so no one could
accuse me of everything. It has even gone to the point where Id walk into my mosque thinking
whether this would be the day where we would get attacked during our prayer. At a young age,
wondering if it would be your last day because the hostility towards the culture you believe in is
quite depressing. Even worse, this land of the free and home of the brave called the United
States cannot do anything about it.