By: MIRNA AL-SHARIF
In light of the recent terror attacks
that took place in Paris, many have taken to social media to publish their
opinions. Hashtags including #JeSuisCharlie and #JeSuisAhmed went viral on
twitter. The world seemed to be buzzing; the terror attacks in France had affected
so many people.
What happened as a result of the
unprecedented attacks in France was a worldwide dialogue. People- regardless of
ethnicity and religion- were voicing their positions on the matter and
exchanging their views with others.
Dr. Pamela Chrabieh, who has published
seven books on the topic of religion and its relation to politics and culture,
believes “most religions’ central message is about love, respect, tolerance, coexistence,
conviviality, and peace.” “Personally, I’m not Charlie. I will never use their
logic and the type of expression they used; it’s offensive and disrespectful.
But at the same time, I condemn every act of violence,” says Dr. Chrabieh.
“If you really wanted to respond to
what Charlie Hebdo is doing, you could criticize it, using verbal expression, writing,
or maybe even cartoons,” continued Dr. Chrabieh. “Beyond religion, as a human
being, you have the choice. You can respond to certain events using violence or
you can use peaceful means. So let’s not always put it on the back of religion,”
she says.
Dr. Sarah Verdoia, who is a French
citizen and specializes in Swedish Language Variation, stands behind her
country’s constitution. “I’m against the terror attacks. But am I for the
freedom of expression? Yes, I am. This is in our constitution, and this is one
of the important values of the French republic,” Dr. Verdoia emphasizes.
“It is in
the French constitution that the state is separate from religion, and that
religious authorities do not interfere in government affairs; this is a law
that we had since 1905,” explains Dr. Verdoia. “Freedom of expression in France
doesn’t mean we can say anything. There are some limitations by law, but
religion, or expressing something about religion, is not within the
limitations. Now, is the majority in France willing to change the law? I’m not
sure,” she states.
The
aftermath of the acts of terrorism have many wondering what it will mean for
Muslims in France.
“Negative
consequences, at all levels,” says Dr. Pamela Chrabieh. “Already they are
talking about- in France and other European countries and North America- new
immigration laws. We’re going to witness more restrictive and discriminatory
laws targeting Muslims. Although this wasn’t mediatized, there were many
attacks on mosques and Muslims. But there are counter reactions based on
studies. For example, it was found that less than 2% of terror attacks in
Europe were done by Muslims” she states.
When asked
if she envisioned a positive outcome for Muslims following the aftermath of the
unfortunate events, Dr. Chrabieh’s reply was straightforward. “I don’t see a
positive outcome. What could be the positive outcome? A sense of unity between
Muslims? The more Muslims will withdraw themselves from the countries they live
in, the more they will be perceived as outcasts,” she explains.
Knowing that France’s way of
eradicating terrorism is to potentially enforce new immigration laws, Dr.
Verdoia did not seem to agree with her country’s stance. “French citizens
killed other French citizens, that’s important to mention. The terrorists were
born and raised in France. It would be sad for politicians to limit immigration
with the excuse of terrorism because it isn’t related,” Dr. Verdoia says. “If
we focus the debate in France on immigration and Islam, then we are missing the
point. I think we should focus on why those French citizens feel the need to do
this.”
Students and alumni of AUD also have
opinions of the terror attacks and what the aftermath of the attacks could mean
for Muslims.
The infamous cartoons offended Laima
Daudzai, a 21-year-old international studies student. “Making such comics was
like inviting trouble,” says Daudzai.“Some people claim that the cartoonists
were trying to show how extremists use Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) to justify what
they do and by being offensive they are trying to bring change with the use of
‘shock therapy.’ The only successful way change can happen is gradually,” she says.
Bassel Hussein, a 19-year-old
electrical engineering student, is appalled by the attacks. “When terrorists,
like the Kouachi brothers, use violence, they are tarnishing the image of Islam
and all Muslims. Those who don’t know any better think that this is what my
religion calls for its followers to do,” says Hussein. “I don’t want anyone to
think that all 1.6 billion of us are terrorists, but unfortunately, I think we
can expect more hate crimes against Muslims,” he says.
Sylvia Sarkies, a 21-year-old journalism
student who graduated in 2014, stresses that she is neither with Charlie nor is
she with the attackers. “I believe that freedom of speech needs limits,
however, I do condemn the attacks,” mentions Sarkies. “It’s not going to be
easy for Muslims living in France. Because of the actions of some radicals, the
innocent will suffer,” she says.
Regardless of the differing opinions
that have circulated on social media following the events in Paris, everyone
can agree that judging a whole religion based on the actions of terrorists is
unjust. Preying on Muslims by use of hate crimes is just as appalling as the
Charlie Hebdo massacre itself.
Tariq Ramadan, a Swiss-Egyptian writer and Professor of
Contemporary Islamic Studies, says, “In the name of
the rule of law, democracy and human rights, we cannot accept that populations
are targeted and discriminated against in the name of the war against
terrorism.”
It is important to understand that
terrorists do not represent the values of Islam or Muslims and that
generalizing when it comes to this matter could prove dangerous. If the rights
of innocent French Muslim citizens are violated as a result of the Paris attacks,
then the true issue will be left unresolved.
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