Rights in Islam, have no color or nationality

Sometimes just because of looks, people get you all wrong.

  As I walked on a narrow sidewalk  along Jamal Abdul Nasser, a woman and her two children were coming towards my way. I guess rules of etiquette would mean that someone gives way, I thought that since there were three of them standing side by side, the mother would tell the two children to get in front of her or behind her and for a single file line so that we could all share the walkway without endangering ourselves walking in the street and oncoming traffic. This was not the case however, she decided that it was better to push against and nearly smashing me into her son.

I’ve faced this sort of petty violence against myself as many people assume so many things about me. In this particular case, the women was Indian and was determined not to be bullied by an Arab, which she perceived me to be. I’ve seen this sort of behavior time and time again. One time a doctor assumed that I was Emirati and had pushed my way into her office without an appointment, but I had been sent there from emergency. She didn’t care, she began shouting at me and refused to see me and sent me to the other doctor, who nevertheless was kind and thorough in doing his duty. So much for doctors helping people.

 Now those are my perceptions, however it could be another element to it-the Muslim non-Muslim factor. This usually occurs within the Indian context where some non-Indians just refuse to talk to you regardless of who you are or what you do. This was the case of my neighbor across the street, whose friend who used give me cold looks each time, we chatted. I tried to smile at her. Both were Indians and both were non-Muslims. Of course I had my assumptions, perhaps she didn’t want to talk to Muslims, since she was Hindu and the other, friendlier, woman, a Catholic. However, the non-smiler did come around after two years of my nodding her way. I guess perseverance is the key.  Without asking, I haven't a clue why she chose not speak to me for such a long time. 

All American Muslims must be spies.

This is one theme that bubbles up often out of nowhere, without provocation. I would love to think that this is just me, who has suffered from this, however, I’ve heard it so often, even I began suspect certain people after a while.

What does a spy look like? I have no clue. However, some may suspect Americans especially if they are white and Muslim. Suhaib Webb is a white convert to Islam from Oklahoma, who found Islam while studying in California. He them went on around the Muslim world studying Islam and later on, teaching it. However, he has complained more than once of been accused of being a spy and being spied on. This is in part in some ways from the notion, of Islam being as a step down and especially those who are white. I’ve often heard of whites suffering after becoming Muslim, so much so that they often have to leave their families. So, being called a spy is often becomes extremely painful.

Then you have people like me, whose overt curiosity and sociological background forces me to ask a lot of questions in order to understand how people function within the society. Living in UAE, were people often live within sort of closed bubbles, it makes everyone seem fascinating, especially for me. So, I too have had the moniker of spy attached to me as well. I’m not white, but I am still
American.

Of course looking to others to give you your rights in this world should be is almost like looking for applause for taking out the trash.  Allah is the only one who can give you your rights. This is the social politics of UAE, many people run on assumptions. Also, when dealing with you, they often suspect acts of kindness or even a ‘salaam’. But this I am told is just the signs of the end of days. Allah protect us from evil and harm during these trials.

I remember the woman who teaches my daughters Quran at the masjid, forbade them coming too early asking them, “Aren’t you afraid that the Indian men will get you?” Meanwhile she never got the hint that my husband is Indian and my daughters are too.  How may Arab mothers have I heard threaten their children with the evil ‘Hindi’ man who is going to get them and do them harm?

Shaytan is an equal opportunity, employer. He reaches out to everyone, in every language and those who respond, come from all walks of life.

Then, while shopping, the sales lady told my daughter, “You have to be careful about touching everything, there are many Indians around and they are very dirty.” I hear it all of the time. However, whenever I got to Majaz Park, It’s not the Indians who are eating a million pumpkin seeds and throwing their shells on the ground. Nor is it the Indians who bring cups, food, plates and tissues and not even bother to dispose of them properly.

Then I hear many Arabs say, “Oh, those Indian children are so polite and respectful.” It is true. Then again, fear and racism makes you polite doesn’t it?

In Fredrick Douglass’ autobiography, he describes his master beating him when he was a slave. Then I remember the shocked I felt while reading the words that I have often hear African American used130 years later. Black people beat their children using the same language. Then when you think of the unbridled cruelty of the Israeli government towards Palestinians, it is also, in some way the same cruelty if not worst than that they suffered from while living in Nazi Germany.

Similarly, there are millions of South Asians, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis who who live and work in UAE. Many of them are Muslims. Yet, many are so careless with giving them their rights according to Islam. The UAE national anthem says, “Our faith is Islam and Quran is our guide.” There are many proofs that there are many who believe this, but there are also, many that show that there is some doubt.

Islam came to end cruelty, to stop violence. However, it can only do so if one uses it and the model provided to us from our beloved Prophet Muhammad Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Imagine the ajer multiplied by millions with justice and safety, that comes when people treat each other well, think the best of each person they meet, and do their best to help each other. This is not some fairy tale, it is the promise of Islam and a command from Allah. 

There is no doubt that UAE has been showered with many blessings, I pray that Allah continues to shower his niamah, barakat, and rizq upon this oasis in the desert.