Islam is a set of religious beliefs held by over 1.6 billion people. These beliefs are not based on fear mongering, persecution, or hatred. Yet we're currently dealing with rampant Islamophobia in the United States, a possible ban on Muslims from entering the country and daily alarmist articles reminding us to fear ISIS.
If we are to understand Islam, we must understand the concept of loving one another. A true Muslim knows this, a true Muslim practices love, a true Muslim dedicates themselves to the pursuit of peace rather than taking up arms.
As Akram Shibly tells it in the video above, we owe it to each other to practice love and we must ensure that we all have proper knowledge about the world around us. We only need to look at the man who recently died as "The People's Champ," Muhammad Ali. He was celebrated around the world for his character, his philanthropy, and his anti-war stance. He attributed many of his greatest qualities to his devotion to Islam.
"I am a Muslim and there is nothing Islamic about killing innocent people in Paris, San Bernardino, or anywhere else in the world. True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so called Islamic Jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion." - Muhammad Ali
ISIS is not equal to Islam. Muslim is not synonymous with terrorist. These are facts. Facts that are routinely ignored to breed hatred, more ignorance, and xenophobia. Let's take a moment to recollect after the last week and practice love and acceptance. It's something the world needs more of right now.