Fartun Ahmed- Islamic Civic Society of America Youth Council

The first phase of the hearings is over, the protests are done with, and King got his way. The few minutes, hours, and even days have ended, and suddenly the intermission is over. The feelings of the Muslim community, the controlling reaction of the hearing looks almost like an enormous hourglass, absolute with towering anticipation, bottomless with discouragement. A basic notion of psychology suggests that poignant alters, mainly that which is experienced during a situation can manipulate logical competence therefore making it impractical to uphold significant progress. Of course large groups of people, the media, and different communication systems such as face-book, twitter, and cell phones intensify the exhilaration and the outcome becomes prone.

But now its time to take a step back, digest the hearing, and the current situation of the Muslim American community. As Muslims we tend to be emotionally filled, especially the first few days leading up to a situation and of course a few days after the situation. But as soon as a week goes by, our emotions die out as if they were in a burning fire to begin with. Now we must be less emotional and more critical, this is the first step in looking forward. Our commendable congressman Keith Ellison shed the light on the other side of the alley, and became a great voice for Muslims and non-Muslims who were against the hearing. The hearing misinformed many people Muslim and non-Muslim alike, thus as Muslims there has to be an emphasis on more awareness and education of Islam, not anger and rage.

My advice to the Muslim American youth is that we are carrying the torch; it is through us that the portrayal of Islam can come alive. Therefore do not let the hearing isolate you, or tell you that you are less American, or less productive. Instead use this as an encouragement to educate yourself, and go out into the world acting out Islam, so others can witness the beauty in it. With that be optimistic, because situations like these should bring us together, to better the common good of our society, and show the rest of the world that we are well-rounded Muslim American youth. Last but not least, look at it this way, the more articles and media outlets that showcase Islam, the more individuals who will read about it, and maybe just maybe become better informed about Islam and Muslims.

My two cents and advice to those who have a limited understanding of Islam and Muslims is that the King’s hearing on the “Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and that Community’s Response” affected me personally, because I am a Muslim, an American, and a part of this community, but I am not radicalized or even susceptible to radicalization. As a devout Muslim who is an American I felt that the hearing was unfair, and that the hearing went as far as to dishearten our religious institutions and our spiritual guides. I am a product of an Islamic institution and a mosque, the Islamic Civic Society of America and Dar Al-Hijrah mosque, these two components have had a huge affect on me, but it’s the lesson that is important. Both my instructors and Imam have had a massive affect on my education and the curriculum I have been taught, they are not extremists and they do not radicalize. Through the teachings of the Quran, the Prophet, and numerous general Islamic studies I received, tolerance and peace have been the foundation. I have never been taught that violence was the answer, only mercy and kindness. It was through my Islamic institution where I got the motivation to do well in school, to the point where I succeeded academically. It was through my Islamic institution that I learned the importance of community service and giving back. It was through this very institution where I learned to be a well-rounded citizen, open minded, and very well informed at all times. I want to emphasis it is through this institution that I learned about modernity and balance, and how vital these two components are in Islam. I am who I am today because of my Islamic institution, amazing instructors, and Imam. Not once have I been taught hatred or extremism: that was never on the agenda, but it was through this institution that I was taught the beauty of Islam and how I can live in America as an American and a practicing Muslim. It is in the very mosques and institutions, which were discussed in King’s hearing that bring about remarkable Muslim American citizens. So before you believe what is said, ask a Muslim.