BY SABRINA S. – 13 YEARS OLD
Islam is a very popular religion, but the hate is not often talked about. Many people love their religion and embrace it, but when people start to pass mean comments and even hurt you physically for your beliefs…it’s hard to embrace where you come from. I, as the writer of this article, am Muslim, although I’ve not had any mean comments said to me about my religion, many people close have experienced this.
I was maybe 9 years-old, walking with my cousins, my aunt, and my mom. My aunt wears an Abaya, a traditional but casual outfit, this lady walks by us and mutters an Islamophobic comment. Though I did not hear what she said, it was visible that the comment was full of hate.
I don’t understand why people don’t just let others have different beliefs. It doesn’t change the world for the worse. If we learn to let others be who they are, we can embrace others and live in peace. Muslims aren’t hurting anyone with their beliefs.
Just like Easter Mass or Christians going to Church on Sunday, Muslims also do something like this. We pray 5 times a day, on Eid, we go to the Musjid (mosque) to pray the Eid prayer just like Easter Mass. We have traditional clothes that are very pretty. On Eid, I wore a green kurta with fancy tulip pants, I also wore a Hijab upon arriving at the Musjid.
Some more Islamic traditions include giving Eidi to kids. When the time from Eid comes, the gift of giving comes along with it. Mother, father, aunts, uncles, and other relatives give presents to those who are younger than them. These presents can vary from clothes and toys to money and gift cards. After fasting for an entire month, these presents are really rewarding.
I hope one day, people can accept everyone for who they are and not for their beliefs.
