The world's view of Muslims in the last six years has been distorted out of all proportion due to the actions of a minority. It's time to give all Muslims a second chance
Since the attack on the Twin Towers six years ago, as well as the Madrid bombings and the London bombings in 2005, Muslims have been the focus of unfair media attention resulting in a suspicious public. How can these barriers be broken down?
Suspicious Minds Following the Attack on the Twin Towers
Before the Twin Towers attack, little was known about Islam or Muslims in the world. It appeared to be a very closed community, like any other not thrust into the media spotlight. The subsequent terrorist attacks changed not only the nature of the world but also the perception of one of the world’s largest religions.
Some Muslims have struggled to be heard as they positively promote their religion in the face of adversity, while others have done little to alter people’s opinions.
The Majority of Muslims are Good Citizens
First of all, it’s important to realise that not all Muslims are the same. The vast majority of Muslims are good, law-abiding citizens who know their place in society the same as any other individual. It is the minority of followers who have distorted and helped change the view of their religion but it is unfortunate that it’s these who have grabbed the headlines.
Sensationalism makes good headlines. It is far more interesting and morale boosting to hear that police have tackled a potential suicide bomber and taken him into custody after a skirmish, rather than a headline telling us to be nice to each other. The media should take responsibility for the way they show Muslims and the damaging headlines they sometimes write.
Non-Muslims can also be far too suspicious of Muslims. They are afraid of what might happen, of a perceived threat or just frightened of something different because they don’t understand it. This suspicion creates barriers and breeds suspicion in return. The growing void helps to separate communities which in turn helps both sides become even more suspicious.
The Way Forward
Muslims need to take some responsibility for defending their own faith and protecting the majority of its followers. They should be standing up in mosques, in front of others Muslims and to the media in efforts to repeat that Islam is not a violent faith and that acts of terrorism are not Islamic acts.
Non-Muslims must also understand that not all Muslims are the same. Just because some are terrorists, it doesn’t mean that they should all be classified the same. Many Muslims are proud to be called British, American or European and many don’t have any problems reconciling their faith and their nationality. The majority shouldn’t be blamed for the actions of the minority.
Thirdly, the media needs to take a huge responsibility for accurate and fair reporting. They need to listen to the message being given out by the Imams rather than the extremist views offered by the few. They should focus on the teachings of the religion and the mosques rather than the distorted version of minority.
Only by the concerted effort of everyone can the world be made a safer and fairer place.
