While it is easier to hate than it is to set prejudices aside and love others, such a response to the atrocious attacks in Paris will do nothing to serve humanity.
Many recognize this, such as the father who compassionately shared similar realization with his son, and a large percent of the world is beginning to accept this thought, as well.
Truly, while there may be negative and unsettling happenings in the world, there are just as many – if not more! – positive people and hopeful situations to celebrate. If you let anger harden your heart, hope is lost.
To bring this message to the public, a brave French Muslim stood in the French capital’s Place de la République on Monday afternoon. The unnamed man had only one intention: make the world a bit kinder and understanding one hug at a time.
Blindfolded, with signs that read, “I’m a Muslim but I’m told that I’m a terrorist. I trust you, do you trust me? If yes, hug me,” the man stood with his arms outstretched, likely unsure of what to expect.
In a heartwarming moment for humanity, Parisians from all walks of life gathered around him to give him hugs.
As AddictingInfo reports, some shared photos, others broke down in tears.
By nightfall, he finally removed his blindfold and addressed the crowd who had gathered.
He said:
“I would like to thank every one of you for giving me a hug. I did this to send a message to everyone. I am a Muslim but that doesn’t make me a terrorist. I never killed anybody. I can even tell you that last Friday was my birthday, but I didn’t go out. I deeply feel for all the victims’ families. I want to tell you that ‘Muslim’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘terrorist’. A terrorist is a terrorist, someone willing to kill another human being over nothing.”
“A Muslim would never do that. Our religion forbids it.”
He refers to the Quran verse which states: “Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as though he has killed all of mankind.”
This anonymous man is not the only one decrying attacks against followers of the Islamic faith. Muslims from around the world are posting pictures with the hashtag #NotInMyName to send a message that, yes, they are Muslim, but they are not in league with ISIS and the horrors being carried out by the organization.
Remember who the real enemies are, and keep in mind that the very small percentage of extremists committing these murders do not represent the rest of the 1.6 billion Muslims who absolutely condemn killing and violence.
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