It is not that Islam is being singled out. It is just human nature to be fearful of harm. Unfortunately, the terrorists of 09/11 and other heinous activities across the world claim to be Islamic. It created a great impact on people who lost friends or family, or who were simply disturbed by such disregard for human life. Had the terrorists claimed to be Christian, Jewish or Hindu etc – then people would have viewed that religion differently.
No one believes that beard equates extremism. However, since most extremists bore beards and many fanatical ones started growing beards to flaunt their faith – the beard unfortunately got negative connotation. Not just Muslims, but Jews, Sikhs and other people who grow beards, wear religious head gear and turbans have had to change their ways to avoid prejudice. At the same time many people are growing long beards too in order to show that a long beard does not mean one is an extremist.
Nuns, Buddhist monks, priests etc take up their religious profession by choice. Being a nun or a monk is not necessary. These religions do not require strict dress codes for everyday ordinary people. Many Christian sects are also loosening up their restrictions. Priests and nuns can wear modest everyday clothing when not in service. There are sisters and nuns at Catholic institutions in India who wear sarees, salwar kameez, long skirts etc to fit in better with conventional society.
For many Muslim women the full body gear is not a garment that comes with a religious choice. It is expected to be worn by everyday ordinary people. Many women have been forced to do so without a choice. Many women are indeed afraid to say they don't want to. Hence, many countries are against such limited clothing. By speaking against this people do not want to restrict someone's religious right, but to encourage people to open their horizons and not be limiting. If we allow such clothing for everyday wear, how will we know who is being forced and who is choosing to do so? Muslim people have a choice whether they want to live in a western society or an Islamic country. Moreover there are many ways to be modest and cover oneself with conventional clothing. And its not just Muslims who are being asked to change their ways. Mormons, Southern Baptists, Amish who have many restrictions are also being constantly pressured to change their ways.
You are under the misconception that only Muslim women are under scrutiny when they choose to stay at home. This is completely untrue. Due to the male dominated culture in many Asian, South Asian, Latin American and even certain western communities – thousands of families are under scrutiny when women choose to stay at home. Even well to do WASP women who choose to stay at home are often questioned of their choices and encouraged to assert their individuality through volunteering, social work or hosting social clubs etc. It is not about religion, it is about fair treatment of women.
As for Israel-Palestine that is another huge political, social, religious debate. There are many factors to it that need extensive scrutiny and discussion. While I will admit that Israel has been guilty of aggression on many occasions, I am not aware of Israeli army conducting rape. Moreover there is a difference between declared war and terrorist attack.
At the same time please flip the coin – people who lost their families to Islamic terror, who found their children, loved ones, mangled and in pieces in the name of a religion – can you really expect them to be rational about it. Can you expect them to hold composure in distress and not even think of hating the religion under whose name the terrorists slaughtered.
As for the car I crash a Toyota. It is my fault. My family crashes Toyota. My family does not know to drive. Everyone keeps crashing Toyota. Something is wrong with Toyota. With Islam it is the one in between with the family. Only extreme views will say Islam is blameless or Islam has to bear all blame. A lot of these terrorists have been Muslim and the religion needs to accept that and try and reform.
Hate and prejudice is wrong, and I do not agree with those people who are prejudiced or biased against Muslims. Many people do misinterpret Islam - but it is not just outsiders. There are people within the religion too who give it a bad name. Everything must be held in perspective. Pulling out the victim card does not always solve problems. As John F Kennedy said Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. In similar vein Ask not what the world can do for Islam, ask what Islam can do for the world.
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Kumkum Bhagya
