As an American Muslim, I have been hearing many misconceptions about my religion.
Organizations that breed fear and hatred like ISIS, the so-called “Islamic State” claim that they are “Islamic” to advance their spread, but ultimately show that they do not embody the values of Islam.
They break many cardinal rules such as those that say to not force Islam, to follow the laws of the country that one lives in, and especially the rule “whoever kills a soul, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
ISIS does not represent the Muslim community and uses heinous methods to achieve political goals and gain power. This organization wants to be validated for political gain by referring to itself as “Islamic.”
I commend the many nations such as France that are now referring to ISIS as DAESH, an acronym with negative undertones which sounds like the Arabic words for “to crush and trample underfoot” and “one who sows discord,” because it is being acknowledged that this malicious group is not a representation of Islam.
The heinous acts carried out by these terrorist groups do not represent what Islam teaches, or what many Muslims around the world believe. The goals of peace and understanding are replaced with poisonous ideology focused on promoting violence and intolerance.
The #notinmyname campaign condemns these groups that are committing despicable acts in the name of Islam.
Even the term jihad, which means a spiritual struggle has been taken by these terrorist groups and distorted into a concept of violence.
Through the #myjihad campaign, Muslims are trying to reclaim the word and educate others on its true meaning, which refers to improve one’s self through personal goals, not warfare.
These terrorist groups perpetuate hate and divide the citizens of nations by falsely claiming that they represent Muslims around the globe and that their corrupt ideology represents the Islamic faith. They do not speak on the behalf of the Muslim community. They speak of belligerence and intolerance.
These groups will never represent the many Muslims around the world who want compassion, understanding and unity.
As Americans, we will stand together and will not succumb to this hatred.