True Islam: The Defense to Preserving Faith and Acceptance

In this time and age, our country is going through such devastating moments which hint at the contradictions of patriotism and justice. When it comes to remembering the violence which occurred in places such as Charlottesville, Las Vegas, school shootings, Texas Church shooting and Pittsburgh Synagogue shootings, our hearts become sore and stiff with sudden blanks upon questioning the occurrence of such attacks. This is only on a national level we are witnessing in our country; think about the cycle of corruption which occurs throughout the world. These days, the world is going through such uncertainty which cannot be measured by mere words. However, such injustice and ongoing hatred can be demolished if we stand up for peace and understand each other. Indeed, there is a need for mutuality in order to hasten to make peace because of the ultimate desire which would sink in our hearts in learning from one another.

As I hear of the tragic attacks and reckless politics occurring on American soil and around the world, my heart shivers. As an Ahmadi Muslim teenager in high school, it occurs to me that the world is in need of heroes - and maybe it needs to start in high school. It means a lot for one to stand up when dealing with a bully in a school environment. However, when there is an army of enemies approaching, disrupting our routines, now we have a reason to unite as a nation. In other words, if we are all human beings and want to live with tranquility, we must give respect to others so they don’t bother biting us back.

There is a time when we should be open minded and base our facts upon what we physically see and not from the ranting based upon the media. Otherwise, misconceptions of groups of people are created which builds up discrimination and injustice out of not knowing that these people don’t practice such foul attacks. Actually, the terrorists who kill innocent lives are the ones you are after. For example, if anti-Muslim groups were to speak cruelly against all Muslims, would their statements make any sense?

In life, the followers of a certain religion abide by their beliefs (if they choose to do so). Just because a group of people claim or say they are from this religion doesn’t mean they follow the true religion itself. In this case, are these members of these terrorist groups following the true teachings of Islam? If so, why are these “so called Muslims” killing innocent lives when the Holy Qur’an states, “There is no compulsion in religion”? The question is, how can we distinguish between all Muslims versus “so called” Muslims who go out in the world committing such barbaric attacks?

In order to answer this question, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA started the “True Islam” campaign. It is a national campaign which educates fellow Americans about the peaceful message of Islam. Hosting events like Coffee, Cake & True Islam at local mosques, libraries and coffee shops gives visitors a chance to talk to Ahmadi Muslims in informal settings about any doubts about Islam. You can visit www.trueislam.com to learn more about the top points that radicalize people, what the true Islamic teachings are behind those points and considering endorsing the True Islam campaign.

Thus, as an Ahmadi Muslim in high school, it is vital for me to respond to these issues. Is it not vital for me to appreciate my classmates no matter what beliefs they follow? If doubt inculcates me, there are various references on books and the Internet I can check out. Also, I should form bonds with my classmates through greeting them. These small bonds create a higher level of acceptance and potentially can delete the uncertainties of whom we befriend. If superheroes are supposed to fly, who says that superheroes can’t help their fans? Therefore, we should take into account how to capture the hearts through preaching about the power of love.