The topic of racism in Muslim communities is as sensitive as it is insidious. Tensions between Black Muslims and converts to Islam as well as within larger Muslim communities are increasing. Islam is a religion built on egalitarian principles, emphasizing that there is no superiority on the basis of race, gender, class or ethnicity except by piety and goodness. It is, however, disheartening that the reality amongst Muslims today is not a reflection of the values of Islam. As the conversation about racism once again takes centre stage amongst Muslims on social media, acknowledging the existence of these issues rather than sweeping them under the carpet is the first step to tackling them. Imams, scholars and leaders of Muslim communities must be willing to be held accountable by showing a commitment to working through this issue beyond paying lip service, turning the tables around, playing the blame game and glossing over the pain of actual victims of racism.
In this episode of her Youtube video series, The SHIFT with Maryyum, Dr Maryyum Mehmood unpacks the issue of racism and religion, explaining the dynamics of this problem and why we need to acknowledge and confront it. Dr Maryyum Mehmood is a Young Religious Leader-Media Maker at the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) where she spearheads the campaign to end spiritual abuse in faith-based communities. She is the Centre Facilitator at the Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion, University of Birmingham. Through her YouTube channel, The SHIFT with Maryyum, she curates content to increase religious literacy and foster social harmony. She is also a Trustee of the Women’s Interfaith Network. Make sure to watch this video to learn more.
