“Islamophobia” is described as prejudice against, hatred or irrational fear of Muslims or the religion of Islam. It is an old term but has recently gained popularity since the 9/11 attacks.

On one hand, awareness of the true teachings of Islam have increased and Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. On the other hand, terrorist attacks under the guise of “Islam” have intentionally, or unintentionally set Muslims on a stage of political and social scrutiny. Humanity is witnessing an era where Muslims all over the world from different countries, cultures and backgrounds are subject to violation of human rights, violence, and discrimination on a daily basis. So what steps can Muslims take to respond in an efficient and effective way towards Islamophobia?

All over the world, Muslims are strict believers of the fact that the Quran and the Sunnah (way of life for believers prescribed by the Prophet) are the best sources of guidance for every aspect of our lives. Responding appropriately towards hostility is addressed by numerous instances in the life of the Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him.

One of the most significant examples from his blessed life is when he went to spread his message about the Oneness of God in Taif, a city located on the outskirts of Makkah. Arriving alone with his companion Zaid, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet simply preached his message to the people. In response, the people of Taif seriously injured him and subject him to severe humiliation. Almost everyone in the town participated in verbal and physical abuse. People at the lowest rung of pre-Islamic Arabian society (such as women, children and slaves) were invited to diminish the best of creation.

The Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, was pelted with rocks, spat on and publicly ridiculed and humiliated. The extent of his injuries was such that his shoes were filled with blood. He fainted and had to be carried away to safety on the back of his companion. When the Prophet regained consciousness, the supplication he made to Allah was as follows:

“O Allah! To you alone I complain of my weakness, of my scarcity of resources and the humiliation I have been subjected to by the people. O Most Merciful of those who have mercy! You are the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord too. To whom have you entrusted me? To a distant person who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy to whom you have granted authority over my affair? But as long as you are not angry with me I do not care, except that Your favor is a more expansive relief to me [easier for me to bear]. I seek refuge in the light of Your Face by which all darkness is dispelled and every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest Your anger or Your displeasure descends upon me. Yours is the right to reproach until You are pleased. There is no power and no might except by You.”

The significance of this supplication is staggering considering that he is the best of creation, the leader of all humanity, the prophet of the people who were alive in his time and those to come later, 1400 years and further still. A prophet whose status is such that he acquired the title “Habibullah” (Beloved of  Allah) and is therefore higher in status than the Prophets Moses, Jesus and Abraham; all formidable giants in the realms of history, spirituality and morality.

Despite his status, the injustice he had faced and the humiliation he had experienced, the Prophet was only concerned that Allah Almighty may be displeased with him. Furthermore, he expresses his confidence and faith in Allah by bearing the burden of spreading the message so long as it is in the path of Allah. He is not even concerned about his well-being so long as Allah is not displeased with him!

In response to this prayer, Allah sent the angel of the mountains to the Prophet. The angel told the Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, that if he so wished the two mountains on either side of Taif would be brought down to crush the city and its inhabitants. The Prophet replied that he had been sent as mercy to mankind and instead prayed that the offspring of the people he had met in Taif would turn to the light of Islam.

What can Muslims learn from this? We need to be more patient, forgiving and tolerant. Particularly Muslims in the West, who for the most part, experience Islamophobia indirectly via pressure in the media, debate and political misrepresentation.

Muslims believe that Islam is a mercy and a truth from the Lord of the Worlds, the Quran says: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold.” (Ch.2, v. 256)

Therefore, let us be tolerant, patient and place our trust in Allah, who witnesses and supervises all affairs: the firmest of handholds. It is through our actions that society at large would realize the potential progress Muslims can bring to the community. Hopefully by this, Muslims can create tolerance and erase Islamophobia. ■

The Prophet’s supplication in Taif

“O Allah! To you alone I complain of my weakness, of my scarcity of resources and the humiliation I have been subjected to by the people. O Most Merciful of those who have mercy! You are the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord too. To whom have you entrusted me? To a distant person who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy to whom you have granted authority over my affair? But as long as you are not angry with me I do not care, except that Your favor is a more expansive relief to me [easier for me to bear]. I seek refuge in the light of Your Face by which all darkness is dispelled and every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest Your anger or Your displeasure descends upon me. Yours is the right to reproach until You are pleased. There is no power and no might except by You.”