Things You Can Do to Fight Radical Islam

Things You Can Do to Fight Radical Islam
https://clarionproject.org/four-things-you-can-do-to-tackle-radical-islam/
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BY ELLIOT FRIEDLAND Sunday, August 20, 2017
Security in Times Square
Security in Times Square (Photo: LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images)
There are many different ways to challenge radical Islam. Here are five of our top suggestions that you can take on in your own life.

1.Get Educated

The first step to defeating a toxic ideology like that of radical Islam is to understand it. If you understand what it is and the goals of those who subscribe to it, you will be much better placed to resist it. Radical Islam is a totalitarian ideology based on a theological interpretation of Islam that sees the faith as political. It seeks to impose the religion onto others and to establish sharia governance as a system of laws for states. Countries which have implemented this system, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, have governments that perpetrate widespread human rights abuses in the name of Islam.Islamist terrorists carry out attacks in order to advance the cause of this ideology by waging what they see as holy war against the West. Understanding this ideology is vital to putting these outrages in context and understanding how to bring about positive change.

Start with Clarion’s introduction: Understanding Radical Islamism.

2.Support the Work of Muslim Human Rights Activists

There are many Muslim activists around the world who are on the front lines of the struggle against extremism, oftentimes risking their lives to promote change. Unfortunately they don’t get anywhere near the press coverage they deserve, despite the amazing work that they do. Support these brave activists on social media and share their work. This will empower them to have more clout against the radicals who don’t wish to see Muslims and non-Muslims getting along.

We are proud to support: Raheel Raza, Dr. Zudhi Jasser, Shireen Qudosi and Maajid Nawaz among others. Share this video of Raheel Raza speaking out.

3.Stand up Against Anti-Muslim Bigotry

No-one wants to feel victimized for things they didn’t do. Targeting ordinary Muslims for the actions of radicals is unfair and unjust. It also harms the fight against radical Islam. Increased anti-Muslim sentiment creates a sense of fear which makes Muslim activists less inclined to trust non-Muslims to defend their liberties and interests. If Muslims feel threatened in this way, they will be less willing and able to engage in difficult conversations about extremism.For the radicals, anti-Muslim bigotry make fertile ground for recruitment, since it enables them to stoke a sense of grievance in the vulnerable people they are seeking to radicalize.

Anti-Muslim bigotry and radical Islam empower each other. Say no to both and challenge anti-Musim bigotry whenever and wherever you find it.

Read and share our statement on anti-Muslim bigotry.

4.Speak Out About Radical Islam

Once you have become educated about the danger posed by radical Islam, you can play a role in spreading the word. Movements don’t bring change overnight, and every person is vital in the greater effort to confront this dangerous ideology. Social media is a great place to speak out. With enough exposure, real change can happen and has happened on a number of issues. Individuals, companies and even governments are forced to respond when enough people demand action.

Start with our bold informative video By The Numbers.Sign petitions, share stories and spread the message: Say NO to Radical Islam.

5.If You See Something, Say Something

If you see activity that you feel is suspicious, do report it to your local law enforcement. They are trained to be able to make a determination about which situations are appropriate to respond to and tips from the public help them to do their work. Educating yourself about the difference between radical Islam and non-political religious practice, which is protected under the first amendment is important however. Some Muslim-Americans have experienced being reported for innocuous activities such as speaking on a cell-phone in Arabic. Vigilance is important, tempered with a healthy dose of common sense.