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How to respond to a hate march

How to respond to a hate march
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August 06, 2024
in Khutbah
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Racism rears its ugly head

It is sadly ironic that the marches protesting the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, which have been ongoing for the last 10 months were dubbed “hate marches” by a certain British politician. Ironic firstly because they were marches of compassion, highlighting the tragic loss of lives, dreams and futures, homes, schools and hospitals.

Secondly because the demonstrations were so peaceful they rarely made the news. The news was only ever interested when it could report violence, but was completely uninterested in the fact that tens of thousands, if not over a hundred thousand people were giving up their weekends to say the killing was not in their name. These people were not just Muslims, but belonged to all ages, faiths, races, ethnicities and genders. They were united in their desire for peace. They were united in their voices for justice and humanity.

In stark contrast, we have seen the recent violent riots organised to stoke up racial division. The anarchy, destruction and fear that they have spread within a short space of time, could more appropriately be termed Hate Marches.

The Muslim community has reacted with dismay as once again the Far Right has turned upon them with unrestrained vilification and vitriol. Mobs chanting “get them out” and “burn it down” have attacked mosques, asylum hotels and Muslim neighbourhoods and businesses.

Ideologically, the English Defence League rejects the idea that Muslims can truly be English, claiming that Islam is a threat to European values and blaming a perceived decline in “English culture” on high immigration rates. There is no doubt that we are being used as a political scapegoat and punchbag, but we need to use our intelligence and intellect to not be provoked by the events into a reaction that will harm our community.

What many do not realise is that Muslims generate in excess of £31 billion a year for the economy, and create 70,000 jobs in the UK. With 40,000 Muslims in the NHS – a huge number were frontline doctors during Covid. In addition, Muslims donate four times more than the national average in charity – giving away an estimated £500 million per annum. However, such statistics are unlikely to change how racists and Islamophobes think – because their hatred is not based on fact or reality.

Do not respond to hate with hate

Historically, the Muslim Ummah has been easy to trigger and it only takes a bunch of people – ignorant or planted to rile us. We are the easily-baited Ummah, but this time, we must make sure we do not play straight into the hands of those who want to use our reaction to further their own agenda. This time we should not be predictable. If you are predictable, you can be easily defeated by your enemy. They know well what triggers you, and what your moves will be, and then they play you.

As Muslims, we have to take the moral high ground, which was always the way of our Prophet (peace be on him).

Indeed from the time Islam emerged on the scene, it was received with hostility and attacked as a religion that challenged the long established traditions of society. In reality it came to reform society, bring justice and give rights to the oppressed.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently demonstrated exemplary conduct in response to incitements of hate. His actions were marked by patience, forgiveness, and a commitment to higher principles.

Our reaction must never be the antithesis of the message conveyed to us by the Prophet (peace be on him). We should stay safe, and maintain our dignity.

As Allah Almighty says in the Quran:

The true servants of the Merciful One are those who walk on the earth gently and when the foolish ones address them, they simply say: “Peace to you. (25:63)

At the same time, we need to ask the government why such openly racist and aggressive marches are being allowed?

Islamophobia

It is beyond ignorant when politicians such as Robert Jenrick say people shouting “Allahu Akbar” on London streets “should be arrested immediately”.

These appalling attacks and statements by some politicians have exposed deep seated Islamophobia and racism which needs to be addressed.

We need the proscribing of groups that incite violence and hatred. It is time to acknowledge that Islam – whose greeting means “peace” is more in line with British values than those who claim they are reclaiming Britishness.

Thankfully we also have those who have shown that this hostile attitude does not reflect their views. And indeed local tradesmen have been rallying around, helping the local mosque that was damaged in Southport, rebuilding walls, etc. Those are the positives to take out of this.

Meanwhile during this tense atmosphere, what can we do?

Five things you can do

  • Stay vigilant and safe.
  • Use this opportunity to invite people to Islam who have questions following what is happening.
  • Report any incidents to www.report-it.org.uk/ or 101 or 999 if there is danger.
  • Write to your MP.
  • Write to the media to respond to the attacks and call out any media biases that you see.

Do not take provocative actions which further incite hatred or violence. In line with prophetic guidance we should stay vigilant, remain peaceful and take the moral high ground. Any response should be through only legitimate and legal means.

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