Islam is a complex religion, which according to CAIR (Council on American-Islamic relations), has 1.200 billion followers from every race and every century in the world. It has survived persecutions, subjugation and defamation since its founding by the prophet Mohammed (pbuh) in 1440ad. Since its founding, different sects and ideologies have spread from the original peaceful teachings over 1,000 years ago.
One of the most media popular sects in Islam is the Shia's, they display their feelings of the Prophets brothers death by a ritual self-mutilation. This is expressed in ways such as taking sharp or bladed instruments and repetitively tapping their heads and/or body, even after they are bleeding. Though this display and personal expression of Islam may seem extreme but it is not any person's place to say how one should follow their religion. There is guidance and there is personal expression.
With all of the media focus on the terrorism and Islam in the recent years, it has caused a very real division within the Islamic community and has forced Muslims to re-evaluate their beliefs and faith. The moderate Muslims believe in the right for all faiths to live peacefully together and the best way to show your disapproval over political issues is through peaceful protest and campaigning. The hard liner Muslims however believe that Islam is the only way and Sharia law must be imposed on society for there to be peace. These Muslims are referred to as extremists and their views are considered to be dangerous, as they are not opposed to using violence.
This rift within Islam is not felt by non-Muslims and they would never truly be able to feel the impact it has on someone unless it is you. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept 11, 2001, there have been numerous xenophobic attacks on Muslims around the world. Any terrorist attacks by extremists have often ended up affecting moderate Muslims. Peaceful and law abiding Muslims are being made to feel marganalised and as if they need to apologise for their religion because of these attacks even though the majority of Muslims abhor the use of violence.
The moderate Muslims have often tried to segregate themselves from the extremists but the media isn't so kind in its portrayal of Islam and terrorism. Television, newspaper and radio are quick to point to Islam and terrorism as being related to one another. This misconception has caused a great amount of distress and is even counter productive in the fight against terrorism as it will only serve to further alienate those moderate Muslims who are already feeling persecuted for attacks they were never even responsible for.
Shazia Shah has been a driving force behind the Asian Matrimonial website http://www.asians4asians.com and Muslim Matrimonial website http://www.muslimandsingle.com . With Muslim Members from all over the UK and rest of the world.
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