Be careful about how we use our language with each other. Some terminologies that are used, consciously or unconsciously, can alienate some members of our own community. These terminologies are not alienating in and of themselves, but it is how we use them that can cause that alienating feeling. I remember one incident told to me by a friend of mine. He wanted to invite a fellow Muslim to an Islamic event. He called the fellow Muslim by the most appropriate title: brother. But the person felt uneasy and asked my friend, Am I a brother? My friend was confused. Then the person explained that he thought the term brother is title suited only for a true practicing Muslim. My friend assured him that he was a brother. The person was so touched that he felt like crying. This might be a small thing for most of us, but our language can be very powerful, whether we realize it or not. Some might use the term akhi or ukhti only to refer to some Muslims who so called deserve the title. While in fact, we are all brothers and sisters, no matter what our level of faith is. Lets not build a faith hierarchy within our community, as if we have the divine ability to measure a persons faith.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 07:35:48 +0000
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