Nadia Ghauri, Bournemouth

The narratives informing our views on the world are produced and perpetuated by media outlets, books, TV programmes, even our education system. It’s often the case that we unthinkingly embrace these viewpoints. However, we need to take a step back and adopt a more critical lens. Mainstream narratives frequently use language which divides, rather than unifies, society. Refugees, for example, are a case in point, often painted in threatening terms; arriving in ‘floods’, causing a national ‘meltdown’ or unbridled ‘chaos’. The dichotomising language of these dominating narratives splits society into ‘Us’ and ‘Them’. It’s always the ‘Them’; the homeless, the Muslims, the jobseekers, the foreign workers etc. whose voices are stifled, if not erased. The ‘Us’ controlling the narratives, typically white, privileged and able-bodied, in turn stifle any remaining empathy.

An Amnesty International representative recently commented, “This language of invasion has become increasingly mainstream as it trips off the tongue of populist political leaders”.[i]  But alarmingly, these narratives are seeping into more ‘mainstream’ politics. Earlier this year, refugees were described as ‘invading migrants’ by a group of 23 Tory MPs in a letter to the Home Secretary.[ii] This weaponisation of innocent people to further political agendas is utterly dehumanising and disingenuous. This rhetoric encourages racist and xenophobic suspicions towards individuals who have risked their lives to escape unimaginable horrors; often to protect their loved ones.

Another common yet detrimental narrative was highlighted by the recent controversy regarding food vouchers for children on free school meals. Certain outlets and high-platform individuals raised a hue and cry against this proposition, claiming low-income parents were irresponsible and would use the vouchers for personal reasons. One MP criticised that this act – of providing a basic human right – would be ‘nationalising children’[iii]. This narrative distracted from an ugly truth: children in one of the world’s most developed and richest nations are going to sleep hungry. It was particularly disturbing to see how people in positions of power i.e. MPs, echoed such sentiments. Countless other slurs against people supported by the welfare state reflect the class prejudices in the UK. This lack of compassion diverts people from practising a core value that Muslims are taught in the Holy Qur’an – justice:

“O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, being witnesses for the sake of Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably.” (4:136)

The one-dimensional narratives concerning Muslims also fail to engage with true Islamic teachings. As a result, many Muslim women like myself often find ourselves having to define our identities by what we are not, rather than who we actually are. It is ironic how platforms will discuss our ‘subjugation’ or ‘victimhood’ when they fail to offer Muslim women the opportunity to speak out openly about their experiences. Ultimately, such public discourses are more driven by power, politics or money.

 The recent Black Lives Matter movement calling for racial equality further illustrates a need to shift the vantage point away from the ruling elites. This will grant us an understanding of marginalised communities. It is unlikely that we can singlehandedly demolish the systemic issues in our society which suppress the voices that need to be heard. However, what we can do is encourage authorities to foster empathy. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him)stated, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” When he was then asked: “It is right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” He responded: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”[iv] These words convey that we can both alleviate the symptoms of social issues, whilst actively challenging the root causes. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad has beautifully explained that,

“Islam requires us to bandage the wounds of those in pain, to remove the anxieties of those who are distressed and to show love and compassion without any desire for recognition or worldly reward….”[v]

In light of these words, it is worth recognising that Covid-19 has disproportionately affected those who are oft misrepresented in the media. It is our responsibility to fulfil haqooq al-ibad – the rights of mankind, in whatever capacity we can, be it by food bank donations, signing petitions, or reaching out to friends and neighbours. The pandemic has further deepened the pre-existing divisions created by social and economic inequalities. We must look beyond the narratives which surround us, and instead, as His Holiness continued,

“…We should be there to wipe away the tears of those who have been left bereft, heartbroken and vulnerable.”[vi]

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[i] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/03/why-the-language-we-use-to-talk-about-refugees-matters/

[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/aug/11/dover-mp-natalie-elphicke-tories-invading-migrants-letter-channel-crossings

[iii] https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/21/marcus-rashford-in-despair-as-mps-reject-free-school-meal-plan

[iv] Bukhari, Vol 3, #624.

[v] https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2020/11/head-of-ahmadiyya-muslim-community-responds-to-comments-of-french-president-about-islam-and-calls-for-unity-amongst-the-islamic-world/

[vi] Ibid.