Unity in Humanity2 min read

On a Saturday night, I with countless other Muslim families were enjoying the breaking of our fast, not long after sharing our meals and seeing my baby nephew just about walking, I found out the terrible news, that London had once again been attacked. Innocent people had targeted in the streets and everyone was once again reminded of the nature of these crazed individuals, who continue to attempt at the age old strategy, divide and conquer.
The disheartening attack on innocents in Manchester have taken away the lives of many, it has taken away mothers, children, partners and even an 8 year old little sister. It had complete lack of regard for human life written all over, the targets being many innocent children unfortunately shows the desperate lengths these terrorists will go to divide us. It then stirred the murderous rage of the other side of blindly ignorant, leading to innocent Muslims being run over to death in the streets, after their prayers outside the Muslim Welfare House. These attacks take away many more lives than just those whom they attack, they are attacks on all humanity.
The timing of these attacks is seriously concerning, happening just before and within the holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims retreat spiritually, it aimed at creating further division and disunity at a time when many Muslims are fasting and putting a greater emphasis on doing good.
We feel the pain of all attacks on innocent people throughout the world, especially when associated with our religion. We feel it even more when remembering all the further innocents who are subsequently abused, attacked and murdered in retaliatory hate related crimes around the world. So an apathy for this would be ignorant, brutal hate crimes continue to rise throughout the world intending to create dividing lines, all the while not being classed as terrorism. Events like this bring fear in being seen as a Muslim, freedom is capped and practising faith is discarded for the all too real feeling of being attacked.
I am a firm believer that little things bring big rewards, that even a smile towards someone, or by someone eases and dispels some concerns we may have, that sharing some food with your neighbour, or providing your seat for someone on the train goes a long way. It is these little acts that bring us that little bit closer and although tragedies like this may continue, all I ask is that we all become even closer and united in our humanity, against this common struggle.