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Solidarity
2-07-2017
When you are going through a difficult situation, sometimes catching a friendly eye is all it takes to make things a bit better, to give a glimmer of hope, and to let you know you are not alone. Right now, the Muslim community in North America is definitely in the midst of a tough time. We are reeling from the insulting travel ban imposed upon seven Muslim-majority countries by the United States and in shellshock from the senseless mass murder of six men and injury of 19 more during Isha prayers in a modest neighbourhood mosque in Quebec.
The protectionist rhetoric and actions of Donald Trump are being interpreted by bigots and extremists as permission to say and do hateful things against anyone they see as inferior and unwanted, with Muslims being prime targets. Hate crimes are on the rise and our sense of security is shattered. The thought of “If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone” is ever present. Even the solace and peace previously found in the mosque is now shadowed with wary suspicion and watchfulness.
And yet, we are not alone. The outpouring of support from other faith groups and people of all types, gives hope. Rallies are being held in cities big and small. “Human chains” of love are formed around masjids during Jummah prayers. Flowers are being left on the doorsteps of mosques, including Masjid Al-Hidayah in Port Coquitlam with the message, “I have no words, only love.” Refugees are welcomed with a renewed sense of warmth. Social Media is flooded with cute, but poignant, pictures such as the one of the Jewish and Muslim men, who look like they could be brothers – same beard, wire-rimmed glasses, and hair styles, balancing their children on their shoulders with signs that say “Empathy” and “Hate has no home here”.
Interfaith councils are arranging forums and mosques are conducting outreach seminars and tours. The funerals of the slain men in Quebec had overwhelming crowds, strangers catching each other’s tear-filled eyes and sharing the pain. Government officials and business leaders have issued statements of support. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, publicly affirmed, “It is heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence. Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear.” We are not alone.
Allies have emerged to stand with us in solidarity. The values of compassion, empathy, and good old-fashioned friendliness have reemerged. Instead of sinking into a mindset of “me first” people are holding fast to the ideal of the “common good”. We are in this together. How we react to bigotry and hatred defines us as a society. At a demonstration in Fredericton, New Brunswick last week, Syrian refugee Ali Bakhash, who just arrived a couple of days earlier said it best, “ All the people in Canada, all the people – one family.”
The words of Pope John Paul II, written in 1987, remind us of the depth and power of solidarity and shared responsibility, “Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”
Solidarity is radical compassion. It’s a commitment to being aware of the suffering of others and taking action to alleviate it. It is an understanding that in each and every situation, we can choose to ignore someone’s pain, to add to it, or step forward with a kind heart to lessen it.
We can seize this opportunity of support flowing from our fellow Canadians to show them that not only do we appreciate their words and deeds, we also stand in solidarity with them. Right now, we are the thankful beneficiaries of compassion and empathy as we struggle to find peace and security in the land we love. Right now, and for the endless tomorrows that will come, we can also be the generous benefactors extending compassion, empathy and love to anyone and everyone going through difficulties. Instead of being labeled with the fear-mongering label of Radical Islamists, let’s be known for our radical solidarity – standing strong together to benefit all.
Zainab Dhanani can be reached at z_dhanani@yahoo.ca
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