Can I pray in peace!

Washington Post Question 11#




What’s your reaction to Sunday’s decision by voters in Switzerland to ban construction of minarets, the slender towers from which Muslims are called to daily prayer?



I am sadden and frustrated with the constant discrimination against the Muslim community. Switzerland is absolutely infringing on the Muslims freedom of religion. Throughout history the “other” has been push aside, told no, harassed, rejected, and murdered. With the harsh realities of life, the other needs a space to just be. To exist in a world of evil and hatred one must seek a space to be in the presence of God! For a person of faith it is a requirement for daily life! The minarets serve as that sacred holy place for daily prayer. It is the Muslims right to pray in peace to their God! No one or country should deny them that right. But when you are seen as the other people quickly dismiss your faith, your rituals and your God!

I have been reflecting on other religions and their forms of worship. I am thinking about the first Baptist church that was originally the white Baptist only. From that exclusion the third Baptist was form to give black Americans a place to worship. I think about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where Jews can go to mourn. The Catholic Church is an entity within itself. Enough said! Others races and ethical groups have a place to call their own. A space where they can be presence with God, so why not the Muslims? I believe that fear and ignorance fuels so much of this racist prejudice. If only people would take the time to listen and be open. We all have difference that should not exclude us out of society. The Swiss is not even allowing the Muslims to be apart of the society. France has the largest Muslim minority in Europe thus far. And as for now the French is only concerned about the height of the minarets. My prayer is that they do not get influence by the Swiss vote. There are reports that Italy’s Northern League has paraded pigs over mosque building sites to desecrate them. This is an insult! It reminds me of a white person putting on black face and degrading black people. As citizens of humanity we need to speak against this discrimination. Freedom of Religion gives the person the right to exercise ones faith without fear or consequences.

We as Christian believers seek fellowship with other believers and a sacred space for worship. Muslims should not be declined that right. We are of different races, cultures and religions but I mediate on Acts 2:44 which reads: all of the believers were together and had everything in common. These words should be extended to our Muslims brothers and sisters let them be together in prayer and leave their minarets alone!