Towards a Brighter Future: The Importance of Promoting Justice and Equality in All Aspects of Life
As Muslims, we are called upon by Allah to uphold justice and protect the rights of all people, even those who are marginalized and vulnerable. It is, therefore, alarming to hear about incidents such as the one recently reported in which a traumatized autistic boy and ejected from a cinema in New Jersey, USA. This incident highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive spaces for all people, regardless of their background or identity.
As per Islamic beliefs, safeguarding the vulnerable is a critical responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once aptly stated, "The best of people are those who are the most beneficial to people." (Al-Muwatta 56:18). This quote beautifully highlights the significance of being of service to others and avoiding any harm. We should strive to follow this noble path and work towards positively impacting the lives of those in need.
The Quran also teaches us to be kind and just to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In Surah Al-Ma'ida, Allah says, "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both." (Al-Ma'ida 5:8)
This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness, even if it means standing up against those who are close to us.
I have provided some further instances of real-life scenarios that demonstrate discrimination and prejudice in business environments:
- In a different scenario, a Muslim restaurant owner faced backlash after putting up a sign that read “No Wine Is Allowed.” The owner made the sign based on his Islamic beliefs, but it sparked widespread outrage and calls for a boycott of the restaurant.
- Another real-life scenario involved a Black customer who was racially profiled and accused of theft by a store team member. The incident was caught on video and sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests and calls for accountability. This situation highlights the ongoing problem of racial bias and profiling in retail and other business environments.
Sadly, incidents of discrimination and harassment against vulnerable communities are not uncommon, and this can lead to severe trauma and distress. It is important that we take practical steps to create more inclusive and supportive spaces for all people.
Here are some practical solutions that could help create more inclusive and supportive spaces for all people, including those from marginalized communities:
1. Provide Education and Training:
For example, cinemas and other public spaces staff could benefit from training sessions on recognizing and responding to discrimination and harassment. This could include providing education about different forms of discrimination, such as racism and transphobia, as well as practical skills, such as how to de-escalate tense situations.
2. Create Safe Spaces:
Establishing safe spaces for marginalized communities can effectively cultivate more inclusive environments. For example, some cinemas may hold regular screening events for the community or people with disabilities. These events could be promoted as safe spaces where everyone is welcome, and any discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
3. Increase Representation:
More representation in the media and public spaces can help promote greater understanding and acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles. In the case of cinemas, this could involve showing more films that feature diverse characters and stories and ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds are represented in cinema staff and leadership positions.
4. Take Complaints Seriously:
When someone reports discrimination or harassment, it is important to take their complaint seriously, and that appropriate action is taken. This may involve investigating the incident, providing support to the victim, and taking disciplinary action against any staff or customers who engage in discriminatory behavior. Making it clear to customers that discriminatory behavior is not tolerated can also deter future incidents.
5. Consult with Marginalized Communities:
Consulting with communities that have experienced discrimination and marginalization can be a valuable way to gain insight into their experiences and needs. Cinemas may wish to consult with groups such as autistic self-advocacy organizations to learn more about creating more inclusive environments and getting feedback on their efforts.
As followers of Islam, we are responsible for fostering a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere for individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their ancestry or orientation. It is imperative to recognize that every human being is equal in the eyes of Allah, and we are mandated to safeguard the interests of the underprivileged. By undertaking pragmatic measures to establish more inclusive surroundings and combat bias and intimidation, we can strive towards an optimistic tomorrow for all. Let us unite to create a harmonious community that embraces diversity and celebrates uniqueness.