From one tragedy after another to the mean tweets to the social media posts encouraging Muslim women to take self-defense classes, it is beginning to feel surreal. Have things really come to this? Where no one or place is safe.
You can be in a movie theater or your own place of worship and become a victim of a random act of violence. You can be an innocent person and be blamed for the actions of others. With the continuous updates on what is happening in our neighborhoods, domestically, and around the world, it is easy to become overwhelmed and overcome with fear. But at times like these, I remember to hold onto my faith and am reminded of the words of God:
"Certainly, We shall test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient - those who, when afflicted with calamity say, Truly to God we belong, and truly to Him shall we return" [Qur'an, 2:155-156].
I have to remember amidst the horrifying stories of senseless attacks and retaliation that this is a test. My faith is being tested. We are all being tested. Through adversity is how we learn who we truly are. So who am I? I'm a Muslim woman who wants to serve a higher purpose than myself and positively impact those around me. I can't do that if I'm in a state of worry. I can't do that if I'm afraid to leave my house. I can't do that if I remove my headscarf. I must stay the course.
I must still wake up in the morning, say my prayers, and go to work. And as I sit across from my Christian neighbor at work and we receive news alerts that shooters in San Bernardino, CA have killed several people, we both look at each other in disappointment. We both shake our heads. We both lament about what is happening around us. We are both impacted.
And when I later learn the suspects are Muslim, I understand the possible implications of that for other Muslims. But, I must go on with a greater awareness and even greater confidence and certainty that is God is with me:
"And God is the Protector of those Who have faith" [Qur'an, 3:68].
I can't afford to let my mind wonder on the what-ifs because during that time I may miss an opportunity to do and be great. But, of course I'm saddened. It is disheartening to see tragedy unfold and to witness my community fearing to walk out of their homes dressed like a Muslim.
However, during these moments when it feels like I am being inundated with bad news, I remind myself that for every one bad person that creates tragedy, there are thousands of others creating good. For every one person who blames an entire race or religion for the actions of a few, there are many others who have an informed perspective.
So with that, I say to myself and all, don't despair. We are being tested and asked to rise to the occasion, dig deep, and be our best selves. We are being asked to place our trust in the Creator. We are being asked to respond from a place of love, patience, and faith.