CPTnet
30 October 2012
IRAQI KURDISTAN REFLECTION: Islamophobia’s disconnect

by Rosemary Milazzo

How is it that all over the world, we read of Islamophobia?

Here in Sulaimani, we have experienced radical hospitality. We hear the call to worship five times during the day, creating a space of mystery. We watch gentlemen fingering their beads, heading towards the mosque across the road from us. As they gather, we all experience the energy that public worship creates. Oftentimes, we whisper thanks for the reminder that we are all called to worship. We walk to our corner and buy bread from the friendly bakers themselves. They are always gentle and helpful. We stop to buy our fruit and vegetables from a kindly man next door who, after a warm greeting, immediately introduces us to his family and friends who have gathered inside. Only then do we start our business of buying the produce. We are at home here.

So, how is it that all over the world, we read of Islamophobia?

	Mullah Kamaran Ali with CPT translator Mohammed Salah

We recently met with a Muslim Mullah Kamaran Ali here. He was imprisoned after speaking publicly at anti-corruption demonstrations last year. Ali began his presentation here with a prayer and then spoke of the role of a Mullah in the demonstrations. He sees the role of the Mullah as one of advising people, urging them to do what is ethically and morally right. He told us that as religious people, Mullahs have to speak out. Islam is against violence and oppression and therefore, they must be courageous and stand together to protest it. They are called to be reformers, encouraging people to actively defend the human rights of all. Religion teaches that no one should oppress people, and religious leaders should be willing to place themselves at risk. If they don't get involved and speak out, their prayer has no value!

During the demonstrations, Ali stood up publicly on the stage to protest any use of violence. He called on government officials to protect all the people and for the armed militia to lay down their guns. He called on all as students of the Qu'ran. He spoke publicly against any use of force. Later, because of his public statements, his house was broken into by masked gunmen. He was kidnapped and thrown into prison and tortured. The people, together with various organizations, mobilized and pressured on authorities to release him.

As we listened to Mullah Ali, we realized that this is a man who speaks with authority, who seems to have no fear and who is living what he speaks. As a religious leader, he strongly believes that this is the way for him. I saw him gently defend his actions, stating that one day he would be rewarded. He told us that he can endure this because "I am ready for any suffering in order for people to live in justice. I am ready."

So how is it that all over the world, we read of Islamophobia?