The shocking murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich has been deeply troubling and Muslims wholeheartedly condemn these abhorrent acts. There is no validity or justification in the teachings of Islam and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) for indiscriminate and cold-blooded murder. Kindness and compassion without limitations is an Attribute of Allah (swt), Allah is "ar-Rahman and ar-Rahim", He is merciful to both disbelievers and believers. This mercy was manifested in its purest form by our beloved Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and there are many narrations which exemplify this. An oft quoted hadeeth states: "God is kind and likes kindness in all things" (Bukhari 6601).
We live in testing and difficult times and these events have only given the opponents of Islam fuel with which to further inflame the climate of fear that has been created.
As Muslims we will witness our faith being demonised once again and portrayed as a violent, anti-western ideology. There has been an alarming rise in anti-Muslim attacks both physical, verbal and through the social media and Muslims in general but particularly reverts may feel antagonism from family and friends who are not Muslim.
Undoubtedly the Muslim community has to seriously think about how it educates and supports not only those newly entered into the faith but also Muslims by birth; knowledge is the key, for a knowledgeable person does not make a fool of himself nor his faith. We must be informed as to our Islamic rights and obligations when living in a non-Muslim environment, so that we can rebut malicious untruths that are spread in the media and so that we reflect the true teachings of "mainstream" Islam in a logical and coherent manner. The West's stereotypical image of a Muslim is one of angry, banner waiving men and women with contorted faces shouting "Death to the West". We must counter these stereotypes through our acts and deeds in order to portray the true beauty of our faith, a faith that brings peace and tranquility to our daily lives.
We must also be mindful of the fact that we cannot trust the media as being impartial and non-partisan. The labeling of the incident in Woolwich as a "terrorist" act is totally unfounded and unjustified. These were the actions of misguided individuals and not that of an organised group. Indeed recent reports of MI5's knowledge and efforts to recruit one of the individuals and his mistreatment whilst on a recent visit to Kenya brings into question whether we will ever know the entirety of this story.
After Woolwich: how the media got it wrong and how the public can get it right
Woolwich deserves better than the attention of murderers and EDL racists
Wideshut: Woolwich Attack: Hysteria, Exploitation and Blowback
Woolwich deserves better than the attention of murderers and EDL racists
Wideshut: Woolwich Attack: Hysteria, Exploitation and Blowback
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