Show Unity Amidst the Worst Attack in Belgian History Urges Atif Fareed

unite against terrorism

The supposed to be a peaceful observance of Holy Tuesday turned into a scene of carnage and destruction when three suicide bombers detonated themselves bringing death and injury to people around them. Two of the suicide bombings were carried out at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem while the third one was carried out at the Maelbeek/Maalbeek metro station in Brussels. The three suicide bombers took with them the lives of 31 others while also causing injury to more than 300 people. The attack is considered the worst ever in Belgian History.

In this photo provided by Georgian Public Broadcaster and photographed by Ketevan Kardava, injured women are seen in Brussels Airport in Brussels, Belgium, after explosions were heard Tuesday, March 22, 2016. A developing situation left a number dead in explosions that ripped through the departure hall at Brussels airport Tuesday, police said. All flights were canceled, arriving planes were being diverted and Belgium's terror alert level was raised to maximum, officials said. (Ketevan Kardava/ Georgian Public Broadcaster via AP)Why are terrorists drawn to Belgium?

After the Paris attacks, Belgium’s importance for global terrorism has become even clearer. Its geographical location is just the first of many reasons.The reasons why Belgium is attractive to terrorists are diverse. Read More…

 

Reason of the Attacks

The Islamic State (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks and claim that they are in retaliation for Belgium’s military support against the Iraqi Civil War. Belgium has been steadily sending jihadists to combat ISIL in the still ongoing Iraqi civil war. Belgium has the most nationals, in relation to total population, fighting against ISIL. Belgium’s efforts against terrorists have been internationally recognized. CNN referred to Belgium as a hotbed of the jihadist ideology that the holy war should be fought against terrorism and not against anyone else. The Wall Street Journal, on the other hand, referred to the country as a jihadist-recruiting hub for those who want to fight terror.

 

unite against terror

Attacks Were to Divide Us

Atif Fareed believes that the Brussels attack was perpetrated by ISIL not just to get back at Belgium but also to create a rift between Muslims and people of other faiths. Belgium is a country where Muslims, Christians, and Hindus live in harmony and mutual respect for one another’s religion and culture. Belgium is also a place where people of various nationalities can mingle and have fun. In fact, the more than 300 victims of the terror attacks were people from more than 40 different nationalities. Fareed believes that ISIL hates every place where people of different religions can coexist and live harmoniously.

 

Honor the Victims by Staying United

Atif Fareed thinks that staying united in standing up to terrorists and denouncing acts of terror is the best way to honor the memory of those killed by the bombings. Letting the attack divide us will not only disgrace the victims, it will also mean letting the terrorists win. We should follow Belgium’s lead. We are all brothers. Our religions may be different but we are praying to the same God regardless of what we may call Him. We should sort out are differences. There is only one enemy and that enemy is terrorism.

Please Study Islam Says Atif Fareed and Other Muslim Representatives to Donald Trump

Atif Fareed, the president of the American Muslim Community Center, agrees with other Muslim leaders that republican presidential candidate Donald Trump needs to study Islam. This was after Trump made a controversial statement saying that all Muslims should be banned from entering the United States. Muslim leaders not just from the US, but even those from other countries denounced this statement saying that only someone ignorant of the teachings of Islam can utter such foolishness.

American Muslims accuse Trump of being misinformed to thinking that every single Muslim wanting to enter America does so with ill intent. Fareed says that this line of thinking is due to the many misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. The terror group Islamic State keeps on claiming that Islam requires Muslims to slaughter and take. Muslim leaders refute this claim saying that Muhammad tells Muslims to respect other faith. In fact, the Quran explicitly states that Muslims should be loyal to the country where they live in. And since Muslim Americans live in the United Sates, their loyalty lies with the US. Other lies about Islam being spread by terrorists are as follows:

donald trump on muslim american

  • Killing and rape of non-believers is allowed.
  • Taking from non-Muslims is allowed.
  • Women must follow men.
  • Women should remain at home to serve their husbands.
  • Women should not pursue education.
  • Women should not reject men.


Atif Fareed also says that it is abundantly clear that the terrorist’s version of Islam is twisted to justify their actions and to take away the rights of women. Muslims and non-Muslims alike should know only true Islam. Fareed further explains that American Muslim community centers have even taken initiative to promote gender equality. Mosques and Muslim centers are now advocates are now leading the way to clearing the misconception that women are mere possessions of men.

atif fareed of amcc

Muslim Americans have been at the receiving end of prejudice and hate crimes every time a major terror attack is committed in non-Muslim countries. Fareed wants everyone to know that terrorists do not represent Islam. Muslims are with the rest of the world in standing against terrorism and other needless and pointless acts of violence.

Fareed also stresses that it is the responsibility of government leaders as well as those aspiring to be government leaders to know more about Islam so they can make better and informed decisions when it comes to relevant issues. Fareed asks Trump to set an example and study Islam. All mosques and Muslim community centers are open to non-Muslims. Our Muslim brothers will be happy to teach you about our faith.