Striving for Social Justice
Below is the featured article from Mishkah’s weekly newsletter for June 4th 2020. You may view the full newsletter at Striving for Social Justice. View past newsletters here
Striving for Social Justice
The merciless killing of George Floyd under the custody of the Minneapolis Police is a stark reminder of the pervasive social injustices that we must work against as Muslims.
The merciless killing of George Floyd under the custody of the Minneapolis Police is a stark reminder of the pervasive social injustices that we must work against as Muslims.
We have a responsibility to speak out and stand up with the rest of the community against racism and inequality. When any segment of our society is oppressed or treated less humanely than others, it affects us all.
Furthermore social justice is at the core of our Islamic values. Our Prophet (saw) did not hold anyone superior over another because of skin color or origin, exhorting us to remember that it is only righteousness that distinguishes people. He forbade oppression and urged us to be agents of change, saying:”Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest level of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)
Especially as students of knowledge, we cannot be complicit in the suffering of others due to ignorance.
- We should educate ourselves and others on the history and persistence of systemic racism that impacts our African American brothers and sisters and other people of color.
- We should reflect on and address the racial biases and prejudices that may exist in our own Muslim communities and provide safe spaces for dialogue and action in our masajid and Islamic institutions.
- We should support the organizations working to bring justice for the many victims of police brutality like George Floyd, and to address social and racial inequities and bring reforms in other areas such as education, housing, employment, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.
- We should support peaceful movements and expressions of solidarity through legal frameworks and respect for the rights and property of others as among the best means to facilitate change.
- We should oppose policies or actions that bring about racial discord or that further injustice.
- We should make dua for our communities’ wellbeing in these times of unease and unrest, that Allah brings His divine justice to the families and friends of those who have brutally lost their lives, and that our communities’ disenfranchised find relief.
Many resources are being put forward both within the Muslim and non-Muslim community to educate and raise awareness. We have listed just a few below, but we encourage you to take active steps to find more resources in your local communities and social media platforms. May Allah enable us to be among those who stand up for the oppressed, enjoin good and act upon the truth.
Resources
- Imam Siraj Wahaj: Talking about George Floyd
- Yaqeen Institute: The Gravity of One Murder: Toolkit for Giving a Lecture on George Floyd
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Yaqeen Institute: Islam and Social Justice
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Crucial Conversations on Race: A Panel of Dallas Muslim Leaders
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ICNA Council For Social Justice: Resources on Structural Racism
- Noor Kids: Teaching Muslim Kids About Racism
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