A duty to speak out

Letters

This letter was originally sent to the Muslim-Jewish Discussion list that is being facilitated by Rabbi David Mivasair of Ahavat Olam Synagogue and Imam Fode of the Masjid-ul-Haqq. It is reprinted with permission.

Editor: I am so offended by Younus Kathrada's bigotry. I am deeply embarrassed and angered that someone from the Muslim community would have such polarized thinking and then utter those thoughts through ugly speech without thinking twice and without caring enough to explain why. I am aware that in the current political climate, religious fervor is abundant throughout the world, and this fervor is both articulated and justified by so-called religious "authority." It is both unjust as well as despicable.

As a Muslim, it is my duty to speak out against injustice. I, Rabia Kurd, do not hate Jewish people. I do not agree with the statements made by Younus Kathrada nor do I tolerate hateful, racist, oppressive speech, acts, attitudes and, overall, I do not tolerate intolerance and ignorance. This is what being Muslim is for me, my family, Imam Fode and all of my friends and the Muslims at Welwyn Masjid. Tolerance, especially religious tolerance, is a virtue that is of utmost importance in the world, both on a micro and macro level. I say this and believe this because this is what Allah asks of us as Muslims and as human beings on His Earth.

Insha'Allah, may Allah give us His rahma (mercy) so that we may tolerate one another. Amen.

Rabia Kurd
Vancouver

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