🔥 Quran Burning: An Assault on 1.3 Billion Hearts
Previously, in Sweden, protestant burned the Quran under police protection. Muslim-majority nations erupted in great outrage. This is a heart-wrenching incident for 1.3 billion Muslims—but why? The reason is this: systemic failure to understand Islam's sacred values and a leadership vacuum in the Muslim world.
🕊️ Islam ≠ Terrorism: The Truth They Won’t Tell You
It is very important for Muslims to convey to people in Western countries that there is no connection between Islam and terrorism. Unfortunately, due to a planned campaign, Islam has been wrongly associated with terrorism, putting 1.3 billion Muslims on the defensive, constantly trying to prove that Islam does not promote violence.
📖 Mercy, Not Mayhem: What the Quran Actually Teaches
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The Quran, like the Bible and the Torah, also teaches forgiveness. The most cited verse in Surat Al Anbiya
"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the world." (21:107)
declares that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as mercy to all creations. This message is drowned by extremists and amplified by sensationalist media.
📊 Double Standards in Global Terrorism Discourse
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Protest in Europe against islam
Before 9/11, the secular Tamil Tigers carried out 70% of global suicide bombings. In this, never was Hinduism questioned. Why, then, are 1.3 billion Muslims held hostage by the crimes of a fringe few?
⚖️ Islam: A Divine Call for Justice and Compassion
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According to the Holy Quran, 124,000 messengers of God were sent to Earth with the same message: Allah Almighty wants humans to live with compassion and justice rather than following the law of the jungle, where "might is right" and "survival of the fittest" prevails. Muslims were meant to be a community that upholds justice and kindness, just as every messenger of God preached to humanity.
🚫 Blaming 1.3 Billion for the Crimes of a Few
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When incidents like 9/11 occur, it is unfair to blame 1.3 billion Muslims for the actions of a few individuals. Terrorism has no religion. Before 9/11, 70% of all suicide bombings were carried out by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, yet no one blamed Hinduism for their actions. So why is Islam held responsible when a Muslim commits an act of violence?
🎭 “Moderate Muslims” and the Myth of Labels
Unfortunately, due to a lack of strong leadership, many Muslim rulers played along with this narrative, calling themselves "moderate Muslims" to gain Western support. This further strengthened the false division between "moderate" and "radical" Muslims.
🌍 Unity in Diversity: Islam’s Coexistence with Other Faiths
All human communities have different groups—moderates, liberals, conservatives, and extremists. Islam is no different. However, the majority of Muslims follow the true teachings of Islam, which promote peace, justice, and acceptance of other religions. Islam has coexisted with Hindus, Jews, Christians, and Buddhists for centuries. The Quran clearly states that human beings are divided into different communities by Allah’s will, and if He had wanted, all people would have been one nation. Instead of forcing one culture or religion upon others, Islam encourages people to compete in goodness and strive to be better human beings.
🧩 Sacred Symbols, Deep Wounds: What the West Must Understand
Labeling an entire religion as "radical Islam" and putting Muslims on the defensive is a failure to communicate Islam’s true teachings to the West. Another failure of Muslim leadership is their inability to make Western countries understand that two things are sacred in Islam: the Holy Quran and the personality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When these are insulted or ridiculed, it deeply hurts Muslims.
🛑 From Freedom of Speech to Hate Speech
Because Muslim leaders fail to address this issue diplomatically, frustrated youth react emotionally, sometimes violently, giving Islam’s enemies a chance to further misrepresent our religion.
🕌 Muslim Leaders Must Rise, Not Just React
It is not the duty of clerics only. It is the responsibility of the heads of Muslim states and organisations like OIC to take a firm stand. Just as Holocaust denial is illegal in many European countries to protect the sentiments of the Jewish community, similar respect should be given to the Quran and the Prophet (peace be upon him). Freedom of speech should not be used as an excuse to spread hatred. Instead of leaving these issues for radicals to exploit, Muslim leaders should explain our concerns to the West through proper channels.
💰 Materialism vs. Morality: What Religion Offers the Modern World
Islam, like all great religions revealed by Allah, stands for justice, peace, and compassion. It teaches selflessness and the importance of helping the underprivileged. Unfortunately, modern society has become driven by materialism, where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while many suffer in poverty. The collapse of major financial institutions due to human greed is proof of this imbalance. Religion, including Islam, teaches noble values that help maintain justice in society.
🗳️ Muslim Voices in the West: From Margins to Mainstream
Muslims living in Western countries should engage in the political process to ensure their voices are heard. They should not allow themselves to be marginalized, as "marginalization leads to radicalization." If Muslims face injustice, they should address it through peaceful forums rather than resorting to anger or violence.
🤝 We Are Not Your Enemies: A Message to the West
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“Our faith does not teach hatred. It teaches peace. We are your neighbors, your colleagues, and your fellow citizens—not your enemies.”
GULSHER HASHMI
Lahore, Pakistan.
