How do the people in this world perceive Muslims?
There are positive, negative, good or bad perceptions about Muslims by others. Muslims can be misunderstood just for the faults of few Muslims, or some people may deliberately spread false stereotypes about Muslims, or may watch negative news in the media about Muslims and then spread it without checking the truth.
Why is negative perception dangerous? Since it shapes the understanding, relationship, and treatment of Muslims. Negative ideas breed suspicion, fear, unhealthy relationship, phobia, hatred, discrimination and even killing.
Is it good for anyone? No, it does not do any good to anyone. Why not? Worn perception damages well-being, harmony, and prosperity because humans in this world are connected to one another. If one suffers then the ripple effect continues.
Therefore, negative perceptions of Muslims are neither good for Muslims, nor good for those who have wrong perceptions.
We must work together to remove misunderstanding to turn the world into a better place.
What can Muslims do if there is wrong perception about them? As Muslims, we should face it with positivity, such as:
- Be active in finding negativity: Muslims should actively learn if there is wrong perception being spread against them. It can be done individually or collectively. No complacency should be about it.
- Consider it an opportunity: Do not get upset, scared, or angry if you find out wrong perception about you. Consider it as an opportunity for you. Take the chance and explain properly with nice, calm and logical manner.
- Address the issues: Do not feel shy or hesitant to speak up, to talk with reason peacefully to remove the fear or wrong perception about you. Train knowledgeable Muslims for this purpose in each area. Use various platforms such as events, seminars, conferences etc. Remember! Majority of people out there are hungry for truth.
- Have independent media: You need trustworthy media of your own to spread the truth. These days, most people are too busy to investigate for the truth by themselves. They need short, sharp, logical explanations. Muslims can establish their reliable media to remove misunderstanding to save the world from confusion and phobias.
- Increase kind actions: Most people are not academics to read and find out the truth about you. They want to know you through your actions. Actions speaks louder than words. Set up voluntary efforts to do kind actions starting from the neighbours. Every person, family or Masjid can take many voluntary kind actions. Compete with kindness, compassion and love and be seen loving. Kind actions can change bad perception to good perception.
- Reciprocate bad with good: When evil actions are against you, be patient, kind and loving, and forgiving as much as you can. Do not allow the evil to make you do the evil. Continue doing best, and Allah will turn the enmity into friendship, Insha-Allah!
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