A Peaceful Plea Against Persecution

“In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.”

These are the honorable words of the man whom we commemorate each year on the third Monday of January—civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr.

In celebrating Martin Luther King Day, we must reflect on his beautiful teachings and efforts to leading and transforming a nation that was still struggling with racial equality and was tainted with racial segregation and violence, especially in areas of the Deep South.

His nonviolent methods taught the nation to take a stand in a peaceful manner and to use noble actions to overcome persecution and violence. His own life was a big example of this, as he received many threats and had violence used against him on many accounts. He was once stabbed in the chest, his house was fire-bombed, and along with his family, he suffered from relentless threats. Yet, due to his fearlessness and courage, he continued on his mission for freedom and change. He became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

These exact teachings of equality, peace, and steadfastness take us back fourteen hundred years ago when Islam and the Qur’an were introduced in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) faced cruelty and violence throughout his life, yet he continued with his mission to spread Islam and its peaceful teachings. According to the Qur’anic teachings, he prohibited many immoral traditions of the Arab world that included killing of newborn baby girls and slavery. He in fact honored a freed African slave, Bilal and requested him to give the Adhan (call to prayer) when the first mosque of Islam was built. His compassion and love for others turned his biggest enemies into his devotees.

His actions and words went hand-in-hand when he taught us the significance of peace, equality, and love for all mankind. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized; “God does not look upon your bodies and your outward appearance but He looks at your hearts.” Furthermore, the Qur’an states, “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honorable among you, in the sight of God, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, God is All-knowing, All-Aware” (49:14).

How amazing is it that this same declaration is witnessed through Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech when he passionately insists;

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

In a world where we still suffer from inequality, violence, and injustice, we need to reflect on these words and learn how to take careful action with patience. Let us carry these very dreams and teachings and spread this message of worldly peace and love through our own actions of kindness and tolerance towards each other.