The November 2015 Paris coordinated terror attacks where 130 people died have been condemned by the whole world. They have also caused repercussions felt by Muslims residing in countries where Muslims are a minority. The United States is one glaring example of this prejudice. After the Paris attacks, many places of Islam worship such as mosques and Islamic community centers were vandalized. There were even numerous reported hate crimes targeting Muslim-Americans. These attacks are not doing any good. They are just damaging the already fragile relations between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in America.
The Orlando Billboard Campaign
The Orlando Billboard Campaign was launched weeks after the Paris attacks. Atif Fareed, the man behind the campaign, clarifies that the campaign is not in response to the backlash caused by the terror strikes in Paris. He further clarifies that the campaign has been in the works for months. He also defends that the near $10,000 spent for each billboard is well worth it, especially now that the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims seems to be crumbling. He also says that there couldn’t have been a better time to put the campaign in motion.
Spreading the Words of True Islam
Atif Fareed explains that each billboard is meant to clear up misconceptions about Islam. He says that terrorists such as ISIS, who claim to be working for the glory of Allah, should not be believed. He tells further that these terrorists have twisted the real meaning of Islam so they can use it as a defense for their despicable actions. Islam is not a religion of terror and terrorists do not represent Islam. The people of America should not be divided by terror. We should instead stand firm and hand-in-hand in combatting the menace. The American Muslim communities stand with the rest of America and the rest of the world in denouncing all forms of terrorism.
American-Muslims are Your Neighbors
Fareed says that the billboards are also there to remind everyone that American-Muslims are just like their non-Muslim neighbors. American-Muslims pay taxes, perform services for their community, and work to earn a living just as hard as any other American. American-Muslims should not be alienated. They respect the faith of others and they deserve to have their faith respected. The billboards are a way of reaching out to non-Muslims.
Know More About the Muslim Faith
A toll-free number and website address can be found on all billboards installed by the campaign. They intend to give a reliable resource for people who want to know more about Islam. Learn about Islam and be able to distinguish which is true and which is false about the religion.
Know more about Islam: