By: M.Ridwan
The world was shocked. A 14-year old boy, named Ahmed, was arrested by police simply for trying to show his creation to the teacher. Instead of getting praise, the teacher kindly reported the innocence kid to the police who then handcuffed him. This incident occurred in Texas, USA, a country that was said as a democratic and civilized one.
Thankfully, the case is finally closed. The school officials defended their action by saying that what they did was an attempt to protect the students. Congratulation ...
This case reinforces our conclusions that Islamophobia still continue to haunt the Western countries. Yes, we still remember September 11 attack on WTC. We give our condolencies to the victims. However, the excessive fear they showed, would be a mockery from the people all around the world.
So, no wonder if many criticism was directed to the Texas police department and the school, as well.
Yesterday, I got a parody on youtube which contained an allusions on this negligence. The story was about an uncle who was panicked and reported his nephew to 911 officers. His nephew were repairing a clock. The 911 officers was panicked by this report especially when knowing that the name of the kid is AHMED. They were very afraid of this name.
My question is, when will Islamophobia come to the end in the world?
I'm sure that Islamophobia has been entered into the blood and pulse of Western countries. Although, we speak loudly and proudly that Islam is a religion of love and peace, but the Western people do not care. Our voice can't convince them.
This condition is exacerbated by a partial image of Muslims who make the condition get worse. The Western countries may not care about the beauty of Islam. They only see the facts that many Muslim countries are not committed to the teachings of Muhammad.
See, how much trouble European countries are facing to shelter thousands of Syrian refugees who cross the sea to their countries?. Why they don't enter middle east countries?
We are out of words to convince the world that Islam is a religion of peace. Yet, some Westerners are wise indeed to understand this condition. They can distinguish between Islam as a doctrine and reality. They know that Muslim are also vulnerable to social and political problems.
Okey, maybe some Westerners do hope that this mess occurs to moslem as believed by conspiracy theory enthusiasts.
In my opinion, what we need is not just a lips service anymore. What we need is a real action to show that Islam is really a peace and trusted religion. We need a model of best moslems or countries who fully implemented islamic values such ad justice, corruption free goverment, equality, and so on.
I think we can start this effort from this country, Indonesia.
Sunday, 13.30.
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