I am cautious of mixing my faith with my politics despite being proud and influenced by both. Growing up after 9/11, I worried that I would be pigeonholed by my identity: that my faith, my name or the colour of my skin alone would predetermine what I represented or how people saw me. When I stood for parliament last year, I worked hard to focus on my skills, politics and local roots. What mattered to me were the same things that mattered to many of you: making sure the next generation had greater opportunities, that our communities were safe and inclusive and that we could rely on public services in times of need.
But the rules of the game have worryingly changed in the past year. 2016 has stayed true to form – with November being both Islamophobia Awareness Month and Donald Trump’s election win. As I write this, his advisers are talking about interning and registering Muslims, drawing menacing parallels to Japanese internment during World War 2. Trump’s campaign has fostered anger, prejudice, division and hate in the country that should be a beacon for progress and openness.
Police statistics show a 60 per cent increase in Islamophobic attacks since the Brexit referendum. But what worries me, and worries my Muslims friends (who are your friends, neighbours, colleagues and Sunday-league football teammates) is that we are living in a world where such prejudice is now validated. Because of this, while we have always seen ourselves as British, some of us do not recognize our own home which only months ago elected its first Muslim mayor to its capital.
So it is down to me and those progressives in the Labour party and around the world to be as vocal, engaged and bolder than ever before. Here are a few ways we can achieve this.
- We are all in this together – Raising awareness against Islamophobia is part of a fight against all forms of prejudice. Standing shoulder to shoulder with those fighting antisemitism, homophobia, racism and sexism strengthens our fight against the injustice of prejudice.
- Say what you see – We have all seen numerous videos of racist abuse in public. If you see this, speak up. Stand with those being persecuted even if just to stand by their side, it will make the world of difference. Learn more about Islamophobia following the hashtag #IAM2016 and visit the anti-Islamophobia website TELLMAMA.
- Quieten your echo – Social media is a fantastic tool, but we often only listen to those similar views. Brexit has shown a divided Britain. So recognise that drumming up your own view is not as powerful as engaging those who have differing ones. Let them hear your ideas and outlook, and let discussion and engagement win the day.
- Have difficult conversations – There is no shame in listening and engaging on how the system of immigration can be improved and more transparent, while standing up for its huge value and making it clear that it is not the cause of all the world’s problems. If we accept that not all Muslims share one world view, the same has to be true of those who would disagree with us.
- Open your circles – Those who would hijack my faith for their own nefarious ends have created a hostile media, misinformation, and resentment on all sides. Counter this by getting to know Muslims in your community and ask questions, whether at an interfaith forum or in your everyday lives. Let them tell you what being a Muslim really means: inclusive, charitable and open. Listen to their own frustrations about their identity and faith and their communities failings. Speak to them about what matters to them: their jobs, their homes and your shared community. You may realise that your similarities are a greater bond than what divide you.
There is an Islamic saying that you only ever really know someone once you have lived in their community. All of us (of all faiths or none) may find ourselves pleasantly surprised by heeding this piece of advice.
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Bilal Mahmood is the former parliamentary candidate in Chingford and Woodford Green. He tweets at @bilal_labour
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