In the Name of Allah, the Indiscriminately Merciful, the Intimately Loving
On Tuesday, March 16th 2021, 8 people, including 6 of our Asian sisters, were murdered by a white supermacist gunman in Atlanta, Georgia. This tragic incident only amplified what has been proven time and time again: that the Asian American community is continuously subjected to xenophobic violence and discrimination. Not only is this evident from the recent spike in hate crimes across the country, but also from the role that the United States has played in xenophobic rhetoric towards the Asian community: From the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese incarceration camps to imperialism in other nations, ICE raids against immigrants, and surveillance programs across marginalized communities.
It is critical to acknowledge the sexual violence that our East Asian and South East Asian sisters are faced with at the hands of misogynistic systems. As Muslims, it is our responsibility to stand up against hate and injustice. It comes as no surprise that an inherently racist system attempts to separate marginalized communities and internally pit them against each other as another form of suppression with the use of the model minority myth when in fact they are subject to the same economic exploitation as other Black and brown communities. We must continue to fight and stand in solidarity with our Asian siblings, as we strive to heal our nation and unify against the systematic problems that continue to oppress communities of color.
While words of solidarity are important, it is crucial that we take action through educating ourselves and those around us, donating resources, and amplifying the voices of those on the ground. Here are some resources and action items to get started:
Action Items
Educational Resources:
- Active: Asian American Community Resource/Dono Post
- How to support the AAPI community in a time of hate and violence: A Resource List
- Donate/Support to:
- Verified Fundraisers for AAPI Justice on GoFundMe
- Asian American Advancing Justice — Atlanta
Oh Allah, you are Al-Wali (The Protecting Friend), protect our Asian brothers and sisters. You are Al-Hadi (The Guide), guide our community to speak up and take Prophetic action that creates structural change and liberates those who remain oppressed by unjust, man-made systems. We find peace knowing that Your system is the most High, the most Just; that You are Al-Baseer (All Seeing) and Al-Latif (The Gentle). We find hope knowing that You are Al-Mujeeb (The Answerer) and Al-Fattah (The Giver of Victory). We find strength knowing that You are Al-Hakam (The Judge) and our Al-Nasir (The Helper). Ya Rabb, guide us and be with each of us in every moment. Help us treat each other how our Beloved Prophet ﷺ did, with the same brother/sisterhood, dignity, and support. Envelop our Asian Muslim brothers and sisters in Your Light and Mercy. Ameen. Bring ease to the families of Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Sun Cha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, and Daoyou Feng. Ya Allah, protect the victims of senseless gun violence which we witness constantly in this nation including the recent tragedy of Boulder; please, bring ease to the families of Denny Stong, Neven Stanisic, Rikki Olds, Tralona Bartkowiak, Teri Leiker, Eric Talley, Suzanne Fountain, Kevin Mahoney, Lynn Murray, and Jodi Waters. Ameen.
In solidarity,
MSA West
MSA Signatories:
Mount San Antonio College MSA
University of California Santa Barbara MSA
