A
MEMBER of the Muslim community has faced discrimination throughout her adult
life, the End Racism This Generation campaign has heard.
Mum-of-five
Rubbina Umar is a British-born Muslim who moved from east London to Cheshunt
with her husband in 1997 at the age of 18.
She
told the Mercury: “Growing up in east London, I went to a very multicultural
school and was part of a mostly tolerant and respectful society – or maybe I
just felt that way as I didn’t know any different.
“In
1997 University of Hertfordshire was not a very multicultural place and
definitely Cheshunt and Goffs Oak were not either.
“I
felt like an alien walking amongst people who shunned me and avoided me.
“I
was afraid to walk down the road to the library, as I had things like sweets
and small stones thrown at me.”
However,
she added: “I am careful not to generalise and appreciate that many people in
the community, even at that time, would be disgusted by this behaviour.”
Rubbina
reacted proactively by getting involved in the community, joining SACRE
(Standing Advisory Council of Religious Education) and Reach For Peace group in
Enfield.
“I
chose to try and tackle the problem,” she said.
“My
faith is based on submission to God – Allah – and on being a useful member of
whichever community you happen to live in.”
She
added: “My son was joining the local primary school, so when the opportunity
came I became a governor. I am the only covered woman in my school community,
and I am ready for any questions and discussion that may help people understand
what Muslims are really all about.
“More
recently I have joined forces with other local Muslims and we are endeavouring
to set up a group, Broxbourne Muslim Community (BMC), that will not only
benefit local Muslims but the wider community also.
“My
vision is that this will be a means for more Muslims to be active and effective
members of their community and work together on many different levels to break
down those barriers, that the media and bad examples of Muslims, have erected
in peoples’ minds.
“This
can only be done with open hearts and dialogue. I want to share my faith with
those around me and want to be part of the solution not the problem.
“I
only pray that more Muslims will get motivated and involved with the community
to prove that Muslims are a valuable part of society and have a lot to offer.”
Comments
Post a Comment