Being a Muslim in Trump’s America

The 2016 US presidential election left every Muslim residing in America speechless, helpless, unnerved and above all, terrified. As the votes came in, the incomprehensible outcome started taking shape as the American states turned red on the electoral maps on the news channels. And so, on 9th of November 2016, Donald Trump became the president of the United States of America.

The fact that Trump had been elected president was not even the most awful part; the fact that sixty million common Americans picked him up on that misogynistic pedestal and transported him to the White House with their own hands, instilling a deeper feeling of sheer dread in the hearts of Muslims not only in America, but across the globe. These Americans voted for Trump in spite of his blatant propagation and endorsement of misogyny, racism, anti-immigrant xenophobia and extreme Islamophobia. With Trump’s election as president, all Muslim American’s deep-rooted fears became reality.

With Trump’s anti-Muslim sentiment and openly hostile electoral campaigns against Muslims, hatred and Islamophobia spread like wildfire throughout America. Among other things, as part of his reign, Trump made repeated promises of banning all Muslims from the United States, regular listing and checking of all Muslims residing in America and increased inspection of all Muslim places of worship. This only goes to show the influence words can have on the masses; in this case, words have the potential of causing irreparable damage. This is most true if these words are uttered and endorsed by someone in a position of power and great influence and if the nature of the words empower and speak to a wider range of innate racists, fascists and bigots. Donald Trump’s words have been seen to do just that.


 
"Even the father of one of my best friends supports Trump. This man had me over to his house. I went to Thanksgiving with him. My friend asked him: ‘Dad, how can you support that man? Our friend Zahra is a Muslim.’ He told her: ‘Don’t worry. He won’t do everything that he says.’ Today has been difficult." 
 Humans of New York

Consequently, ever since the election, hate crimes against Muslims in America have escalated dramatically. The number of hate crimes committed against Muslims in 2015 surpassed all records, just like in the aftermath of 9/11. American Muslims are now the recipients of unruly harassment, violence, aggression and hate. Trump’s words have not only dehumanized Muslims but also robbed them of their sense of belonging in America.

American Muslim women have been attacked and assaulted on multiple occasions and now, women are terrified of wearing a Hijab in public spaces. Such incidences have also been reported in Universities and many work places across America. Many are dreading that such instances are only a trailer of the racism and discrimination Americans will have to face in the future, given the fact that this discrimination is being legitimized by the president of the United States himself.

However, Islam says, where there is hardship, there is also ease. Historically Muslims have had to face similar circumstances before, and they have always come out stronger. Where there is Allah (SWT), there is always hope. Allah (SWT) instructs us to be patient and never forsake righteousness, no matter how high the cost:

“Believers, stand firm for God, be witnesses for justice. Never allow the hatred of people to prevent you from being just. Be just, for this is closest to righteousness” [Quran 5:8].

Since the inception of Islam, it was this sense of righteousness and justice that became the driving force for Muslims. The message of Islam propagated by our Holy Prophet (PBUH) always incited anger and hate amongst the enemies of Islam and hence, the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers became constant targets of harassment and ridicule. In spite of these obstacles, they persevered and did not relinquish their mission because they knew Islam’s purpose was greater than any worldly barrier.
Therefore, giving into cynicism and hopelessness amidst difficulties is not the answer. Allah (SWT) afflicts us with trials and hardships in this world so we turn to Him, seek His refuge and above all else, have utter and complete faith in the fact that Allah (SWT) never forsakes us.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said. “If Allah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever has patience will have patience, and whoever is anxious will be anxious.” (Reported by al-Imam Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jami’: 1706)

One good that has come out of all of this is the sense of comradeship that has developed between not only American Muslims, but also African Americans, Latinos, and all those marginalized groups who are facing discrimination at the hands of Trump. Perhaps, this is where common struggles will unite and become a single purposeful struggle of the masses. No other time has called for such show of unity amongst us.


So take heart, for Allah (SWT) loves those are endure the struggles of this life patiently. Have faith in His plans and His Divine Will, for He is the best of planners and He has a plan for each one of us, all He requires from us is to have faith in Him and expect good from Him. Turn to Him, ask for His help and pray to Him, for He is always listening. Do not despair, for Allah (SWT) is bigger than you, and me, and everything in this universe.