|
submit
articles |
| So Now What Do I Do? Uzma Mazhar At this juncture in our world's life, what do we need to do to ensure that history does not repeat itself? Like a broken record stuck on a jarring note, violence across the world grates on our nerves. Like the sound of fingernails on chalkboard, we all cringe when we see the images of disaster. Are we going to act like cartoon figures that spin their legs but stay in the same place? I am not interested in politics, most of the time it angers me to see fake posturing. I have the same reaction to religious leaders who lack depth and foresight, creating animosity and intolerance. Every religion is about love, respect and service, but all they seem to propagate is hatred. Nothing angers me more than ignorance and prejudice in any form. Our local Islamic center and school were closed for a few days, there is a sickening stench of fear in the air. In the midst of it some Americans came to the Center bearing flowers and cards, expressing support and compassion. This Sunday we attended the Interfaith Prayer Meeting at the Forest Park Pavilion in St. Louis, huge crowd... and many loving people came to thank us for being there. Such love and acceptance with open-arms. This is what I love about America... embracing diversity and the love for freedom. After the initial days of numbing shock, disbelief, grief and fear... now the questions... Why? & What do we do now? What do we do now??? Sūrah ash Shams 91: 9-10 Of course this is not going to be easy, but this is our only choice if we want to make a difference. All religions encourage the exercise of self-examination, accounting for self or muhāssabah. An honest look at ourselves and our world history is necessary.. without prejudices, without assigning blame.. with the intention to learn what we do wrong and how we need to change and correct. We cannot continue wearing blinders, we cannot avoid looking at how our own government creates chaos around the world, how other governments do the same.. and it just goes on and on. So the American government decided it was not going to hire 'human intelligence' but had no qualms in using the British and Israelis to do their dirty jobs for them? How 'politically correct' and how two-faced can we be? How easy it is to white-wash our conscience. We need to become more aware of everything. The next step... active change. Am I willing to stop doing something that I know harms me and others? Am I willing to grow up and be responsible? Or do I want to continue being irresponsible? Am I willing to make the necessary changes, starting at home, will I act with more love, respect and compassion toward my spouse, children and family members? Will I be more understanding and compassionate with my community? Will I go out of my way to help those in need? Will I take the risk to raise my voice in the face of what is wrong and oppressive.. even if it is against my own family member, community or religious leader? The goal is not to become rebellious, offensive and oppositional... but to stand up for justice for all. Can I do it? Have I been touched enough to do something or will I forget about all this in a few months? I hope and I pray that we can step up to becoming human and being humane. Change happens when we change not only our thinking but our actions and way of being. None of these changes will happen in isolation, the whole world has to make an equally strong commitment to let go of their anger and hostilities. Political and religious leaders have to change their tactics of divisiveness. United we stand, divided we fall. |