Following the Oct. 21 Police Log regarding the anti-Muslim graffiti painted on the Route 2 overpass, we, a Muslim family new to Harvard, have found the outpouring of community support to Muslims heartwarming; from the many Nextdoor Harvard messages to the Rev. J. Mark Worth’s piece in the Harvard Press last week (“Religious Prejudice and Islam”), we feel our community’s support and know that religious liberty is embraced here.
The Rev. J. Mark Worth eloquently debunked some misconceptions about Muslims and described how Muslims have been a part of the religious makeup of this country since the time of George Washington. Defending religious pluralism and the inclusion of Muslims, Jefferson wrote that Muslims should be treated equally. This has been our experience in the United States and especially in Harvard. We have seen genuine interest and a desire to learn about other cultures and religions from community members.
This notion is also shared in the Quran: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Quran: Chapter 29, Verse 13)
We are reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement, “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” It is our duty as a diverse community to continue to speak truthfully and correct misunderstandings, and in doing so we will conquer prejudice.
We are far from being scholars on Islam, but we are happy to answer questions relating to Islam and Muslims to the best of our ability or provide references for further information about Islam.
Thank you, neighbors, for speaking out for justice.
Sarah Saleh
Mass. Avenue
