[VYholden]

Ameen.

There is great effort in putting fear in everyone's hearts... what peace is this? What citizenship is this?

Result: some non-Muslims live in fear and suspicion of Muslims (and even non-Muslims whom they mistake as Muslim). Violence and oppression against Muslims - both at home and abroad - which they justify through fear and government policies. Unfortunately, Muslims at home become uncomfortable by such negative attention and are affected by the fear of unjust violence (like the Iraqi mother that was recently killed in the US)... and fear of entrapment... fear of bullying at school... fear of denial of immigration applications... fear of losing jobs... fear of not being able to find jobs... what has all this achieved? As far as I know, Islam is not such a minority in North America that such policies will work (as in achieve whatever the goal is) in the long run. Some are forced out, others are practically assimilated away from their Muslim selves into versions that are 'less-threatening', yet other choose to leave... but the majority are firm and steadfast in their beliefs which are peaceful and not at all threatening. Are policy makers so delusional that they really think they can achieve an ideal of homogeneity and 'safety' through such measures? Safety for who? Safety from whom? It is counterproductive and insha'Allah will strengthen Islam in NA.

These stories really make me sad... but at the same time, there is something about these contemporary examples of real struggle and perseverance that give hope.