For many of us, the closing of the year 2010 was a sigh of relief. It was within those 365 days that some of the most terrible, hate-inspired events occurred- especially within the United States. The youth of the homosexual community were abused to the point of suicide, the Hispanic community in Arizona was targeted and discriminated against with the passing of Proposition 107, and the Muslim community was threatened with protests and public burnings of their holy book in an effort to stop the construction of the Park51 Community Center as well as mosques across the country.
But while looking back on this past year may seem very demoralizing, it is imperative that we do not become discouraged to the point where it prevents us from taking action to support what we know to be right. The Egyptian people, who are currently celebrating the fruits of their labors, are a clear reminder of the importance of not giving up. These people who, for thirty years, had been living without their most basic freedoms stood up against a dictator to reclaim the liberties that were rightfully theirs. They cast aside their differences in skin-color, religion, education, and social class as they worked together to achieve their goal.
We should remember that the end of a year does not necessarily mark the end of people's hatred and ignorance. In fact, just eight days into 2011, Congresswoman Giffords was victim of a shooting that killed six people, including a nine year-old girl. This year will not look any different from 2010 unless we empower ourselves to play an active role in making things better. The Egyptian people should inspire us to put our fears and differences aside in order to find peaceful solutions to our problems.
May Allah give us the push we need to take initiative in order to help shape the kind of world we wish to live in.
"Oh mankind, We created you from man and woman, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Indeed the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." [Qur'an 49:13]
