This following letter was published by The London Free Press, on Jan. 24, 2013
To the many people in today’s society who view the Muslim world through the lens of small fringe groups such as the one causing havoc in Mali: this is not what Islam is about.
Time and time again, our society cries for the “moderate” Muslims to come forth on such issues. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, I speak out against this violence committed in the name of a religion that literally means peace.
As a 17 year-old Canadian-born Muslim, it is my mantra to spread awareness of the true teachings of Islam in this country — a philosophy that stands upon the foundation of love and peace — much like Canada itself — not compulsion and warfare.
To castigate the majority of Muslims for the crimes of a handful is not only unfair, but discouraging to those Muslims who, throughout their lives, have spread tolerance, peace, and fellow-feeling among their communities.
Shakil Mirza, Missisaga
