Our nation needs to unite

Dear Editor:

When a casual conversation with my neighbor became a heated one on the topic of critical race theory, the iconic words of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) came to mind, “O People, your Lord is One, you are the progeny of the same father…it is not permissible for you to make any discrimination between high and low… A white person is not superior to a black person, nor is a black superior to a white. The most honorable among you in the sight of God is the one who is the most righteous.” 

Over 1400 years ago, Islam gave us the beautiful guidance that mere race and social status cannot make us superior over one another. It is in fact our virtues and good actions that make us excel over each other. Now imagine a world where that is what people competed for! 

Eventually, Islam used its growing influence in Arabia to eradicate slavery altogether. Unfortunately, as a nation we also have a dark history of slavery. CRT identifies how systemic racism still exists in our society. It is ironic that the opponents of this theory are using propaganda to mislead people and further divide us as a nation, something they claim that CRT does itself!

CRT is not centered around calling out individuals as racists or making people feel accountable for something they had no part in. Rather, it explains how racism is still inherently embedded in our social and economic structure, yet it is so subtle that we play a part or fall victim to it without even realizing it. An example is Jim Crow laws which were acceptable due to status quo.

It’s concerning how divided our nation is becoming; anything can become a left/right issue. During Hajj, Muslims from around the world unite to worship One God. They bear testimony to the fact that we are one human race and have a bigger purpose in life. You cannot truly be Muslim without wanting for your brother what you want for yourself.

I hope our nation can also unite and hold our American values as true and common without letting political ideologies and agendas divide us any further.

Mehrunnisa Akbar 

Aldie