Every Muslim student has a story of discrimination. 

“They would call me a bomber,” said freshman Zahra Shafari.

Islamophobia shows up in many different aspects of Muslim students’ lives, sometimes in the form of quick comments or ignorant questions that limit a student’s sense of belonging. 

Senior Daniel Husain learned from a young age that he may be treated differently because he is a Muslim.

“[My parents said] ‘kids in your class who are white… can say things that you’re not allowed to because you’re gonna get in trouble for it,’” said Husain.

Islamophobia is a pervasive issue, but Husain intends to create a supportive community to combat this through the creation of a Muslim Student Association, which will meet every Friday during lunch in room 209.

“I’ve noticed Lincoln does not have that strong of a Muslim community,” said Husain. “[So] I’m starting the Muslim Student Association this year. I’m hoping that it is something that will grow in this year and then years in the future.”

Arabic teacher Ruqayya Jarad stresses the importance of having a safe space for Muslim students at Lincoln. 

“I think if we have this club, it will give students the opportunity to practice what they need to practice, and to feel safe and acknowledged, ” said Jarad.

In addition to building a community, educating others on Islam can promote empathy and help students develop awareness of offensive behavior, which prevents Islamophobia, according to Learning for Justice, an organization focused on highlighting injustices in Southern America. 

Freshman Sehar Quraishi says a lack of knowledge about Islam affects her negatively.

“‘Do you take a shower with the scarf on your head?’ That’s one of the dumbest questions I’ve heard. I get that asked a lot,” said Quraishi. 

 Hate against minority groups is skyrocketing. In its most recent yearly report, the Council on American-Islamic Relations received 8,658 civil rights complaints, the highest amount since its founding in 1994. 

Islamophobia is just one symptom of a greater issue in our society: hate. 

“Love and care will solve all the problems; hate and aggression will make everything worse,” said Jarad. “So have some empathy, have an open mind and open heart to people that you don’t know anything about.”