Muslim Voices of Oak Park

By Bareerah Zafar
I never have a problem when it comes to defining what makes up my character. I proudly
let my Islamic heritage shape who I am, and I make it known wherever I go. Growing up in a
sometimes prejudice environment makes me hold closer onto my faith, but it also fills me with
fear and frustration.
Early November, at a Civil War reenactment, I wanted to take a picture holding a gun,
just to add a fun twist to my extra credit assignment. My father advised me against it, telling me
that if the government got a hold of it, they might wrongly accuse me of being a terrorist.
I obeyed without questioning my right that was written in the second amendment of the
American Constitution because I knew that to some people it would not matter for I am Muslim.
Late November, the Grand Jury failed to indict Darren Wilson for the murder of Michael
Brown. I wore all black to protest, inking my left arm with the words hands up, dont shoot.
My mother pleaded with me to wash it off, because she believed that a Muslim speaking out
against the American government will bring nothing but trouble for his/herself.
When I told her I had a right to protest under the first amendment of the Constitution, she
said, you are a Muslim living in America, you are not even a citizen, you have no rights in this
country.
Early December, I decided to no longer stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance. My parents
told me I will bring the wrath of the U.S. government onto my entire family.

I always feel safe at Oak Park because I do not face as much discrimination here as I do
in other places. But in a mainly Judeo-Christian school, Muslims voices be heard, even if there is
a total of four of us.
The terrorist group Islamic State has recently risen to power. They hide behind a wall of
false identity, using a false Islam to validate the crimes they commit. Because of them every
Muslim must face the fear of racism and must be careful in the actions they take and the words
they speak.
Some Americans think they know all there is to know about Islam by just observing these
terror groups. They believe Islam is about war and slaughtering anyone whose beliefs are
different from a Muslims. When I point out that this is not true, some people have the audacity
to tell me that I am wrong, as if I have not been practicing this religion my entire life.
A terrorist is someone who commits terror, said Muslim junior Faizan Anwar. A
terrorist is not a Muslim. Islam is not about what [the terrorists] say it is. Islam is peace-loving.
You need to have the knowledge of Islam to even judge the people.
Oftentimes people fail to recognize that Muslims suffer as well in these conflicts. This is
the mindset used when regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. While losses on both sides are
devastating, some people believe that Israelis can only be the poor helpless victims.
Where are the people of Gaza supposed to evacuate to? They are backed into a corner
trapped by Egypt on one side, and the Israeli Defense Force on the other. Unlike Israelis, they
have no bomb shelters, or apps to warn them of an airstrike.
Some people prefer to stay neutral on this situation. I wouldnt want to take sides
because there is a lot of diversity at this school, said Muslim junior Nabeel Saifi.

Other students do voice their thoughts. Jews talk of the fear not knowing when they will
be attacked as they go for prayer. I know how horrible it is to feel that way, especially in America
where the popular saying is that people are free to worship as they wish without being
threatened.
No one should ever have to feel this, for religion is something so pure and beautiful it is
meant to comfort and relive people from their mundane troubles. Jewish people and Muslim
people both know of the terrible fear that comes from discrimination.
The United States government seems to insist that these wars in the Middle East is about
terrorism, and currently believes that drones are the best way to deal with these threats. They do
not realize, as Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai pointed out, that these attacks are only
fueling terrorism. Muslim children who are afraid to go to school because of these airstrikes are
rarely heard from in the mainstream media. Some people do not like to think that Muslims are
suffering.
My parents ask why speak out at all? Why would I protest openly when I know that it
will land me into trouble? I asked them if I should I do it when we receive our citizenship? My
mother said, Even when we become citizens our rights will be limited.
My answer to why speak out is this: My generation will take over in a few years. If
worldly affairs continue to progress this way, the world will be a pile of ashes that we will have
the responsibility of sweeping up. If we act now, while we are young, we can extinguish the
flame of prejudice before it burns us.

The first step to this recovery is education. Learn about all religions and all cultures from
all types of sources, not just from television news reports. With true education comes
understanding and with true understanding comes tolerance.
The next step is to take action. Speak out for one another. Join hands with one another.
Work together to resolve this mess of a universe.
The organization Muslims and Jews Inspiring Change (MAJIC) is already at that task.
Jewish junior Frankie Alchanati is a part of this group. It is an amazing program, she
said. It offers individuals the chance to create lasting relationships across faith boundaries and
have an impact on important issues in Los Angeles.
I have faith that our generation can change the way the world is run, and that they can
change it for the better. We just need the guidance, education, and open mindedness required to
make a safe environment for people of all ethnicities and religions.