Muslims need more non-Muslim allies, says Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed speaks up about Islamophobia, wants you to be phenomenally Muslim

Updated 20 Apr, 2019

Riz Ahmed has always been vocal about the typecasting of brown and Muslim people in movies and television and now he wants to make a point about the state of Islamophobia in the world today.

Joining hands with the Phenomenal Women Campaign to make a point about the importance of a united front now more than ever.

He took to Instagram to share a picture of himself in a shirt that says 'Phenomenally Muslim'.

View this post on Instagram

I’m feeling scared, defiant, and trying maintain love in the face of hate. I’m feeling #PhenomenallyMuslim. If you feel like I do, if every day you wonder how long it will be before they round up Muslims for deportation, imprisonment, or worse, then 1) tag a friend below and 2) wear one of these @phenomenal.ly t-shirts to raise money...cos guess what? All these things are already happening. In the USA; no fly lists and presidential incitement to violence leading to skyrocketing hate crimes. In China; mass detention camps. In India and Myanmar; state sponsored lynching. I’m all these places what’s at stake isn’t just the fate of Muslims, what’s at stake is much more fundamental and affects us all - a civilised world where we are all considered equally human. There’s something phenomenally wrong in our society when politicians and media outlets can spout anti Muslim hate with no consequences - except more votes and increased sales. This has to stop. And it can, but Muslims need more non-Muslim allies. To confront Islamaphobia wherever you see it, to speak out against the incitement of violence against us as a group and against individuals like Ilhan Omar, against travel bans and illegal detention, against the apologist politicians and media who make excuses for right wing terrorists who murder us at prayer. Make a stand on the right side of history. Because history has taught us what darkness lies ahead if we don’t act now. This t-shirt is by the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign and benefits CAIR, which defends Muslim civil liberties: www.phenomenalwoman.us. #PhenomenallyMuslim

A post shared by Riz Ahmed (@rizahmed) on Apr 19, 2019 at 4:16pm PDT

Says Riz in his post, "I’m feeling scared, defiant, and trying maintain love in the face of hate. I’m feeling Phenomenally Muslim."

"In the USA; no fly lists and presidential incitement to violence leading to skyrocketing hate crimes. In China; mass detention camps. In India and Myanmar; state sponsored lynching. I’m all these places what’s at stake isn’t just the fate of Muslims, what’s at stake is much more fundamental and affects us all - a civilised world where we are all considered equally human.

"There’s something phenomenally wrong in our society when politicians and media outlets can spout anti Muslim hate with no consequences - except more votes and increased sales. This has to stop. And it can, but Muslims need more non-Muslim allies."

He adds, "To confront Islamophobia wherever you see it, to speak out against the incitement of violence against us as a group and against individuals like Ilhan Omar, against travel bans and illegal detention, against the apologist politicians and media who make excuses for right wing terrorists who murder us at prayer."

He ends his note with, "Make a stand on the right side of history. Because history has taught us what darkness lies ahead if we don’t act now."

Comments

Welcome Apr 20, 2019 01:02pm

Your prescription does exactly the opposite, sir. Just advise people to behave like the rest of humanity. You don’t need allies, have company with sane people. The world is full of them....

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Amiya Deka Apr 20, 2019 04:19pm

Why talk of religion so much in public spaces? It's supposed to be a part within, isn't it?

Sachin Apr 20, 2019 05:51pm

Its just humans. It is a mistake to see things and world as Muslims and nonMuslims

NewBorn Apr 20, 2019 06:59pm

Why is it him vs. the white people; all the time. Look to Kumail Nanjiani for inspiration. He's settled well in Hollywood, getting the roles. Why? because he's not creating bridges, instead "working with the system."

Mahesh Vyas Apr 20, 2019 07:40pm

If you want more allies, change your T shirt. Instead write- I am human first. Good luck.

Sheraz Ahmad Apr 20, 2019 07:51pm

@NewBorn , Riz is also getting his fair share of roles, critically acclaimed to boot . He wants to use his fame to highlight current media bias . We should commend his efforts .

mady Apr 20, 2019 08:17pm

Why you wants to be seen as 'Phenomenal Muslim" rather than 'Normal human-being' in a place where religion is private-affair? This is an outdated idea in the modern-world.

RationalBabu Apr 20, 2019 08:43pm

Your thoughts don’t rhyme with your T shirt. You need a rethink!

Zulfiqar Apr 20, 2019 10:38pm

I like your thoughts. Shows you care about more than just your career. It reminds me of Jon Stewart!

Sadaf Apr 21, 2019 12:06am

Thank you Riz Ahmed. This couldn't come at a better time than this when hatred is trending at number one. I love your gesture . Well done Bro

Shahbaz Ali Apr 21, 2019 07:37am

@Amiya Deka Even if religion is supposed to be a part within, it ultimately finds expression in the without in our society while we interact with others. Why are some people anxious to make it a taboo?

Combaticus Apr 22, 2019 12:00am

@NewBorn Kumal is trying to fit-in and trying to behave as a white guy impression of a desi. Riz is asking why he needs to fit-in and abandon his cultural values. I respect Riz.

Zora Apr 22, 2019 04:33am

I totally agree with Riz. As a European muslim of Pakistani origin, I share his fares. We have witnessed the construction of a muslim enemy in the vacuum after the cold war. Bad communists were replaced with bad muslims.Post 9/11 legitimised islamophobia on every level. Today this blatant racism has become the new norm. This has to be fought back now!

mady Apr 23, 2019 05:43am

How about finding Muslim-allies in Islamic-countries?