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Many Muslim communities in the United States say they feel unsafe after a recent string of violence directed at them following attacks by Islamic extremists in San Bernardino, California and Paris, France.
A Moroccan immigrant taxi driver was shot in Pittsburgh after being asked a question about the Islamic State and a mosque in southern California was firebombed last week. A recent New York Times poll said 44 percent of Americans are currently worried about the potential for a terrorist attack, more than at any time since September 11.
Fears of the “Islamization” of America have increased as many public officials, including several Republican presidential candidates, have called for restrictions on Muslim immigration and increased surveillance of mosques and American Muslim communities.
Fifteen-year-old Aya Laoufir attends a Northern Virginia mosque which was the recent target of smoke bombs and a Molotov cocktail in the middle of the night. She said she has experienced harassment on her way home from school. “When I smile at them, they don’t smile back, I’m just like, is it because I’m wearing my scarf? Is it because of what’s on the news?,” she said.
Aya’s father, Badr Laoufir, said he makes sure his wife and children travel in public areas with other people when they leave the house for their safety.
In Texas, local law enforcements have increased patrols near mosques in efforts to prevent vandalism and provide a sense of security.
Despite the backlash and repeated acts of vandalism against his mosque in Manassas, Virginia, Imam Abu Nahidian said it is important to continue to show kindness and faith in humanity even in times of volatility.
Vocab
Islam
— the monotheistic religion of approximately 1.6 billion Muslims around the world, founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the year 610 A.D./C.E.
mosque
— a Muslim house of worship
ideology
— a system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy
Warm up questions
- What is extremism?
- Who is responsible for the recent attacks in Paris, France?
- Do all members of a religion have the exact same beliefs? Explain.
Critical thinking questions
- Is it the job of the Muslim community in the U.S. and abroad to be vigilant when it comes to people who want to commit violence in the name of religion? Why or why not?
- What are some other examples of people using religion to justify violence?
- What can be done to help American Muslims feel safer when they pray or walk home from school?
