A MESSAGE TO THE HARAM POLICE – MUSKA JAHAN

A MESSAGE TO THE HARAM POLICE

HARAM POLICE:

Hardline or judgemental Muslim(s) who frequently and bossily point out sins (Source: Wikipedia)

I have always loved being Muslim, but ……certain things have gotten in the way of my journey. At a young age, I always knew that Islam would be a big part of my life. There are so many things about this religion that make so much sense to me and I am so blessed to have been born into a Muslim family.

Growing up with a Different Religion is Hard

I can’t even explain how many times I have questioned my religion as a result of living in America. I mean, how many times can I tell people that I don’t drink alcohol, mess around with boys, and eat bacon before I start to question if it is really worth separating myself from the crowd? There have been times where I’ve actually considered just leaving everything so that I could become like everyone else. However, although that was a fantasy that played in a corner of my mind, I knew that Islam would always be my guiding light. There is so much wisdom in this way of life that I can’t imagine myself straying from this path. I know that as I become a better Muslim, Inshallah, I will become a more fulfilled human being. Alhamdulilah, this realization has helped me grow and strengthen my faith.

Our Muslim Community Is Very Judgmental and Quick to Point out Flaws

I realized as a little girl that becoming more dedicated to Islam would entail a lot more than just studying my religion and getting closer Allah SWT. It would mean that I’d have to deal with other Muslim people, aka the Haram Police. Although our religion is perfect, I have realized over time that the people in it (including myself) are flawed. We are only human and this is the reality. It is kind of sad and pathetic that this is our current situation. I have witnessed so much judgement among our Ummah. After praying at the masjid I used to get the worst anxiety because occasionally, an auntie would go up to a young girl and let her know what she was “doing wrong” in an embarrassing way and I was terrified it would happen to me.

Technically speaking, maybe she shouldn’t have worn such a small t-shirt in the mosque, but don’t you think this situation could be better handled if you took the time to make her feel comfortable beforehand? Maybe she has gone through a recent growth spurt….who knows? The point is that if you have a problem with the way people dress in your place of worship, you need to handle the situation in a more courteous manner or keep it to yourself.

I think people don’t realize that presentation is everything, especially in terms of religion. This preteen girl that you decided to call out in front of everyone is going to feel alienated. She already has to deal with being lonely and different among her peers at school….so do you think it’s okay to make her feel isolated in this situation as well? Where will she find her sense of community? It is possible that this scene you have caused will deter her from pursuing the religion further as she grows into an adult. At the moment, her parents are bringing her to the mosque, but don’t you think that in a few years she will think twice about going if she has to deal with such harsh critics?

I think people don’t realize that our religion is more than just a set of rules that we have to follow. The righteous and pious person is the one that doesn’t compare himself/herself to others. You don’t need to keep a tally on who is “collecting the most sins”. There is so much more to Islam than making sure everyone stays in line to follow your interpretation of the religion.

There will always be conservatives, liberals, and everything in between.

Deal with it.

Stop throwing the word haram around like it’s nothing. If we just spend our time forbidding things and pointing fingers at people we will alienate the next generation and the rest of the world. If you walk past a fellow Muslim and the only thoughts that come to your head are about their “flaws”…….

then you seriously need to get your mind checked.