Voice of British Muslim Women

Maleeha Mansur, Hayes

If I were to describe 2020 with the words, ‘unity, success and hope’, one would think I was writing this in 2019, for I cannot have lived through 2020 with such descriptors in mind.

2020 has become synonymous with Covid-19. It has certainly changed humanity in ways one could never have imagined. It has been a stark reminder of human vulnerability. Mankind takes so much pride in its medicinal and technological advances. Yet, the devastation brought about by a minute, 140 nanometre wide particle has grounded our feet and bought the realisation that we are but weak humans at the bidding of nature and its Creator. Covid-19 has certainly also shown the beautiful face and strength of humanity united; neighbours supporting the shielded and vulnerable, depleted food banks now overflowing, scientists united in the race for a vaccine and the likes of the mighty Dyson pulling out all the stops to produce medical ventilators. Then, you have the rather unexpected changes that will no doubt be remembered for generations; grandparents now savvy Zoom and video callers, parents turned homeschooling teachers, and the claps and rainbows celebrating our great NHS service. Whilst celebrating these great successes, one cannot ignore the loss of precious lives, the unexpected robbing of fathers, mothers, husbands and wives. The financial struggles of those denied incomes as a consequence of necessary national restrictions. Certainly, even at the end of 2020 we are left questioning, when will it end? For it certainly will.

Events in Paris have shown an ugly side to humanity; the blood of a heinous murder on the hands of one who calls himself a Muslim. My deepest sympathies to those affected and indeed, to every Parisian undoubtedly devastated. Once more, Islam is brought under fire. My heart bleeds for such actions are anything but in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sustained incessant onslaughts of personal abuse during his blessed life, and yet he responded with peace, and peace alone. When will the world see that just as this murder must be condemned in no uncertain terms, freedom of speech must also come with respect for the sentiments of others? I find hope in the words of the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau “But freedom of expression is not without limits, (…) we owe it to ourselves to act with respect for others and to seek not to arbitrarily or unnecessarily injure those with whom we are sharing a society and a planet.” One hopes for sense in this needless misunderstanding of freedom, but once again we wonder, when will it end? For it certainly will.

The US Presidential election was a breath of fresh air from the suffocation of news about Covid. Van Jones showed us the level of suffering people in the US were quietly enduring. His tears on CNN announcing Joe Biden’s win of the election, revealed to the world just the level of oppression many in the US have been facing; hidden racism, slowly manifesting itself into the open. He and many Americans are moved to tears with a future of justice and freedom. Whilst they shed tears of hope, Ahmadi Muslims see the state-sponsored persecution they have endured since 1984 escalating in Pakistan. Ahmadis are persecuted and martyred for merely professing and practising their faith. Imprisonment is the punishment for an Ahmadi Muslim who calls himself a Muslim, or his faith Islam. With such unjust rulings in law, the clergy of Pakistan instigate the youth to murder and attack Ahmadi Muslims, for they know that with persecution inscribed in law, the Pakistani police will only stand and watch. Yet, Ahmadis following their master the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) respond with peace and peace alone. They continue to serve their country and help in its prosperity. Tears they do shed, but only at the threshold of their Almighty. My heart bleeds and prays, when will it end? For it certainly will.

This year has been a stark reminder that just as 2020 will certainly come to an end, so will our lives. It is a time for us to reflect upon our life thus far, is it a life worthy of presenting at the threshold of the Almighty? Have we found the meaning and purpose of life? Our true journey is to the Hereafter, and the 80 odd years of life we have on earth are but a rest in the shade as we continue our journey. You may ask, when will my years end? I do not know when or where, but, I know that they certainly will.