Islamophobia has long existed in the world. Attacks carried out by militant groups in the name of Islam have only worsened the entire situation, especially for Muslims living abroad.
Samayya Afzal from Bradford, UK is one such Muslim who took to Twitter to talk about how Islamophobia has affected her life
Walking home (about a 15min walk) from my aunt's. Realised that the whole way me, mum & sis were exchanging tips on how to travel/stay safe
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
In a series of incredibly alarming tweets, Samayya warns her mother of cars that may potentially run her over intentionally
I'm talking things like: Mum "Always walk where there's a barrier between you and the road. That way no one can run you over with their car"
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
She goes on to mention how their own safety should come first
"If someone knocks on the car window, don't open it. Even if they're bleeding or injured, call an ambulance for them but don't open it."
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
Even stopping when someone hits their car is perceived to be a tactic to carry out an attack
"Be careful of stopping if someone hits your car, it might be a ploy to lure you out and attack you."
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
Samaya went on to talk about gendered Islamophobia being “one of the vilest manifestations of hate.”
Gendered Islamophobia is one of the vilest manifestations of hate. It reduces Muslim women as both bodies to fear, and bodies to mutilate.
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
She then mentions an incident where she, herself, was threatened with a knife after Trump was elected President
Day after Trump elected, I was threatened with a knife. Hours before Finsbury Park, a man whispered in my ear that he was going to kill me.
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
The incident left her “in a constant state of hyper-awareness,” as she puts it
Now I'm in a constant state of hyper-awareness. Is someone walking too close to me? If I'm on public transport, what are the escape routes?
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
And she went on to talk about how the various kinds of attacks taking place were enough to stop Muslims from leaving the safety of their houses
Anxieties. Acid attacks? Pregnant women losing babies? Headscarves torn off? It's enough to stop you from leaving the safety of your home.
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
However, she stated that despite everything, all one can do is continue onwards in a place that is supposed to be your home…
But you continue, because this whole country is supposed to be your home. These streets are still where you grew up, as hostile as they seem
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
…with people who you meet on a daily basis
These people are still those you used to exchange smiles with, take a flyer from in the station, offer a hand to, to help with a heavy bag
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
However, due to Islamophobia and the image of Muslims that has been projected, the fear in the eyes of people remains evident
Should you ignore that millisecond flicker of fear in their faces? Look past their eyes staring you down as you walk through the carriage?
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
Samayya’s tone of exhaustion was heard loud and clear through her tweets
I'm tired of this. Tired of being this. Tired of people denying that Islamophobia exists when I spend every second of every day fighting it
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
Even then, she went on to repeat how the Muslim community and Muslim women are more than the oppression they face
We are so much more than the oppression we face, but addressing it takes up such a disproportionate amount of our energy and time.
— samayya? (@SamayyaAfzal) June 30, 2017
People spoke up in support of Samayya and her stance
I'm so sorry you have to live that. No one should.
— Clarisse (@ClarisseinWales) July 1, 2017
Some spoke out against the widespread hate
such desperately sad tweets. Awful that it's so hard for you please know those whose hearts hate do not speak or act for the majority. ❤️
— eve cook (@cd_eve) June 30, 2017
While others suggested that precautions must be taken
must take precautions. May Allah protect us everywhere
— Jawed Akhtar (@Jawed_1401) July 1, 2017
The thread pertaining to Islamophobia is not only alarmingly concerning, it also highlights the fact that the isolated incidents that we keep hearing about are a reality for many Muslims living abroad. While we undermine just how terrifying the situation may truly be, there are women like Samayya having conversations about how to stay safe in a land they have always called home. While we battle the demons that exist within our society, let’s not forget the plight of those living in hostile environments abroad as well. Above all, let’s hope and pray that the negative image that the media has portrayed changes over time as well.
Cover image sources: nationofchange.org and capitalresearch.org