Wednesday 20-11-2024 - 11:10

For each week of Islamophobia Awareness Month, The Union are shining a spotlight on those in the community. We're asking them to tell us a little bit about themselves and what the month means to them. This week, we've spoken to Shahwar.

 

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Tell us about yourself

As-salamu Alaikum – meaning ‘peace be upon you’, it is the Islamic way of greeting others. This greeting carries both a spiritual and social significance, emphasising peace, harmony, and respect in interactions.

My name is Shahwar, I am a Pakistani Muslim and currently work at the Students Union as a FoH Coordinator. My role is difficult to summarise in just a few words, as it involves a wide range of responsibilities.

I provide support across all departments, assisting with everything from societies to events. As a staff member at the Union, I am committed to fostering a friendly, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere where students can thrive and develop as individuals.

 

What does Islamophobia Awareness Month mean to you?

For me, Islamophobia Awareness Month is a time to acknowledge and address the discrimination, prejudice and harmful stereotypes Muslims often face. IAM gives us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of creating an inclusive, comfortable, and respectful space where individuals can share their feelings and experiences while feeling safe, valued, and heard.

t is imperative that we raise awareness of Islamophobia in all its forms, whether expressed through words, actions or systemic inequalities and challenging the negative narratives that perpetuate hatred.

We should all use this month as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Islam and the diverse Muslim communities around the world. By fostering meaningful dialogue, we can come closer to bridging divides between communities.

We can this month to remind ourselves that we must always stand in solidarity with those affected by discrimination, and that we should always aim to work together to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and tolerant society.

 

How has your faith shaped your identity and helped you navigate through difficult times?

As a Muslim, my faith is a fundamental aspect of my life. It provides me with the tools to navigate everyday life and all its challenges. Through Islam I have learnt resilience, patience, and trust in Allah (God).

The belief that everything happens for a purpose, even if in the moment it is difficult to understand, has helped me maintain a positive perspective.

The Quran (the holy book of Islam) offers wisdom and encouragement, especially verses that speak of perseverance, hope, and Allah’s mercy. I find solace in the idea that trials are a way to grow stronger and draw closer to Allah. My faith provides me with a sense of peace and hope, even in the face of adversity.

It helps me trust that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a greater plan and that Allah's mercy, and wisdom are always present in our lives.

 

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about Islam that you’d like to address?

I think one of the biggest conceptions about Islam is that it promotes violence or terrorism. This can be a quite difficult topic to discuss for many due to its sensitive nature. The actions of extremist groups who misuse religion for their own gains and goals should not reflect Muslims as a whole. Islam, like any other faith teaches peace, compassion, and love for all.

would like to share a verse from the Holy Qur’an with you, it highlights the importance of sanctity of human life in Islam. The verse states that if anyone kills a person it is as though they have killed all of humanity, and if anyone saves a life it is as though they have saved all of humanity.

Another misconception about Islam is that all Muslims are the same. It is important to understand that Islam is a diverse religion, and Muslims comes from various countries, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Given the regional, cultural, and personal interpretations that way Islam is practiced can vary.

 

What message would you like to share with those who may not be familiar with Islam?

If you are unfamiliar with Islam, then I would suggest you set aside any misconceptions and stereotypes you may have and approach it with an open heart and mind. In doing this, I hope you learn that at its core, Islam teaches the belief in one God (Allah) and calls for kindness to all of humanity, respect for the dignity of every individual, and the pursuit of justice in both personal and societal matters.