In these dangerous times we should not scapegoat innocent Muslims

It seems that polarization has now entered new terrains - those of religion and ‘patriotism’. I am aware that some of you may hit the ceiling and shut me out … this seems to be the state of affairs in the era of the social media and blogs whenever the ideas of others no longer resonate the sound of our own voice.

The public outcry against the open-air Muslim Friday prayers in Msida provoked these thoughts:

1. Perceptions that all Muslims are foreigners is misleading and hence calls to “throw them out”, “go back where they came from” are not merely superfluous but also disrespectful to segments of our community. Many are as Maltese as you and I; others were naturalised (acquired citizenship) after decades living among us. Believe it or not, they have voting rights too (you may ask your political party).

2. Refugees boosted the Muslim community and in many instances the Mosque assumed an important social role. Mosques, led by the right individuals, may help people settle and integrate. Malta has to accept people in distress irrespective of religion. This is an international obligation that must be followed by integrative policies and practices, which are currently being discussed and strengthened by Helena Dalli’s Ministry.

3. It seems that Muslims in Malta wish to have more than their single Mosque in Paola (that was built in the 1970s when the community was much smaller). It is paradoxical that those same Maltese people who oppose more Mosques, were those most scandalized with Friday’s open-air prayers (that had full police permits). They are also the most fretful of Muslim prayer meetings that take place in garages around the island. I would rather have another mosque led by a sensible Imam like Al Saadi, than unlawful or clandestine meetings ... and my rational includes security concerns.

Why is it that I am suddenly so interested in things that are related to religion?

Why should I care when I easily fit into the pigeon-hole of humanism?

Because in a liberal democracy, freedom of expression and religion are fundamental values and Constitutional rights.

We must respect the rights of all minorities and individuals, as long as they are law-abiding and do not constitute a threat to society.

Since when has prayer become dangerous? The danger lies in fanaticism, the isolation of specific groups and provocative hatred. In such tense and dangerous times we must protect our rights not to the exclusion of the rights of others. Given the international tensions in the region, we must resist temptations to scapegoat innocent Muslims and blame them for the sins of others.