Recent events and situations in society today paint negative images, and strengthen the generalizations that some may have towards followers of Islam. In the article, Hanif expresses his uncertainty and doubts about what it means to be Muslim considering the problems that we face currently. He writes that he does not worry about racism in the US and Europe, since he knows that opportunity awaits them. Instead, he is uneasy about the many Muslims left in their respective countries who die at the hands of fellow followers of Islam. Authoritarianism is present here since those who feel very strongly have set up their own interpretations and guidelines of what a good Muslim is, resulting in disputes within the Muslim community. Authority is also evident since ‘moderate’ Muslims use their voices to influence the majority that the problem does not come from the religion itself.
Lian Ira Payoen