Hate Kills Enhances in Dispelling Western Ideas of Muslims

In this article, I will discuss  Mohammad Baig film, the Qur’an’s verses on peace and war, and how we can create a multilingual TV channel to counter such misconceptions. I will also discuss the Generation Change initiative and the need for a more inclusive dialogue about Islam. These initiatives are important steps toward a better future for Muslims.

Mohammad Baig’s film

The film ‘Hate Kills’ provides a clear overview of the misperceptions that fuel Islamophobia in the West and highlights the true teachings of Islam. It depicts the true story of a Muslim family who spreads kindness and generosity, only to be paid back with hate and life-threatening attacks in broad daylight.

The film highlights the consequences of Islamophobic statements made by leaders of Western countries. For instance, the assailant recalls the words of the President of a western country that influenced him to attack a Muslim woman in a veiled dress. In this way, Hate Kills is a necessary and powerful tool to help neutralize the misperceptions against Muslims and Islam in the West.

Qur’an verses about war as well as peace

The Qur’an contains numerous verses about war and peace. They are relevant to all levels of society, including those who are involved in politics or in front-line business. Young students in school and parents who are unsure about the right decision can all benefit from reading these verses. The Qur’an teaches us that war is not the best option.

One Qur’anic verse that is often quoted by al-Qaida selectively misrepresents Islam’s teachings on peace and war. This group is very clever in misinforming young Muslims and preparing them for the deadly act of suicide bombing. These verses are often applied in an unbalanced way by al-Qaida, which is far from religious or spiritual.

The Qur’an also contains references to the battlefield. Conflicts between people have characterized human civilization since the beginning of time. For example, in pre-Islamic Arabia, there was no central government or political institutions, so war was the only way for people to settle their differences. Because of this, enmity between tribes could last for decades. This means that battlefield atrocities were part of Arab culture for thousands of years before the advent of Islam.

Need for a multi-lingual TV channel to remove or reduce misperceptions about Islam in the West

In recent years, there has been an increase in hate crimes against Muslims in the West. The increase was mostly centered in Britain and France, where the majority of the victims were female and visible. This has led to a corresponding increase in misperceptions about Islam and Muslims in the West.

Reports by organizations such as Amnesty International and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have pointed out that there is a significant problem of Islamophobia in the West. According to these organizations, Islamophobia is fueled by the promotion of misperceptions and prejudice, which ultimately harm the general population’s well-being and create a dangerous environment for the victimized.

Generation Change initiative

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, American Muslims have experienced a toxic environment. A chorus of hateful voices created a powerful message that Muslims are untrustworthy. This societal unease has changed the lives of American Muslims. Today, American Muslims make up just over one percent of the country’s population, but the voices of hate have become an increasingly powerful force in our society.

The consequences of such attitudes are often very negative. For instance, Islamophobic attitudes fuel acts of discrimination and violence against Muslims. These attitudes are rooted in negative overgeneralizations of Islam and Muslims, and focus on the construction of irreconcilable cultural differences. They exacerbate misperceptions of Muslims and fuel anti-Muslim sentiments among broader populations.

The government and Muslim leaders have partnered with civil society to counter these misconceptions and reframe public discourse. One such partnership is Generation Change, a global network of young change-makers. The group has 30 chapters across the world, including the United States. In South Africa, one chapter has developed a hotline for young people seeking answers to their questions, and an online forum for young people to discuss identity and reject extremism.