On September 11 in 2001, I was told I am a terrorist.
What I knew as my way of life was questioned, and the peaceful Islam as I knew it was replaced with a barbaric religion. I didn’t know at the time but we had entered a new era.
I was a young Australian with no voice, watching my religion become a victim to propaganda on national television led by government and media. I remember watching popular news programs with public executions and chopping off hands on football fields, in the name of Allah, in countries that I had never heard of.
Soon I began to question my faith and my religion. I remember asking myself, was this my religion? And why was I following so blindly?
Elhamdulilah, my father, raised me to lead and not follow. He always told me to ask and not assume. I began to question those around me and started my journey to understand Islam.
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Why is this relevant? Simple.
I was born a Muslim in Australia and at the age of 16 I questioned my faith because of its representation in the media. Is it the media’s fault why we have islamophobia today? The answer is yes. What will end islamophobia? The media and unbiased leadership.
49 per cent of Australians don’t want Muslim migration as a result of politicians who are supposed to lead, but instead reveal their own preconceptions of Islam, based on their own biases and fears.
Sharia Law is not a concern for Australia, and the reality is that the Muslim population in Australia, which is just over two per cent, is happy with a secular government.
Islamophobia is a greater problem for Australia - more than Muslim migration - and it hurts us Aussies that were born Muslim. We are a part of the communities that we live in, and for anyone to suggest we are not welcome will have a negative impact on our education and employment.
After 09/11 I made a choice to ask questions and educate myself and hold myself responsible for finding answers. I never blame people for not knowing Islam but I do hold those accountable who judge blindly without knowing.
Again today I had to choose whether I will sit around and be sad when almost half the Australian population doesn’t want me here, or I can choose to do something about it.
I am not joining ISIS. Instead I am hitting the roads with my caravan to reclaim my religion that was hijacked by bigotry and hate.
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