Rafiq ibn Jubair
To the Christchurch terrorist,
You said you did what you did to get rid of the ‘invaders’ from Europe and in this open letter, I’d like to respond to you and anyone else who may be thinking about doing the same…
To begin, you mention that during your travels to Europe, specifically France, you saw what you call ‘invaders’ everywhere. I’d like to ask you, how did they get there?
If it’s the Algerians you saw in France, have you forgotten that France occupied and colonised Algeria for more than a century – forcing Algerians to come to France for hard-labour work in coal mines and factories because their own country’s economy was devastated? In fact, immigrants helped rebuild France after the World Wars.
If it’s the West Africans you saw in France, have you forgotten that France occupied and colonised many countries in West Africa since the 1800’s?
If it’s the South Asians in Britain, have you forgotten the British invasion and colonisation of the Indian where they looted its wealth for close to a century? The destruction of India’s economy (modern-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) forced people to immigrate to places like Britain who needed them after the World War!
If it’s the non-white immigrants in America, Australia and New Zealand then excuse me, are the Europeans not immigrants as well? Actually, as you rightly say, they are European colonies so in your own words, they are invaders themselves!
You say you have no problem with other races and cultures as long as they stay in their own countries. Maybe they would have, if European countries didn’t invade and colonise their countries and exploit their people and their natural resources.
If you did what you did because of the terrible terror attacks by Muslims in Europe then know that Muslims have been living peacefully in Europe for many years contributing positively to society as doctors, civil servants, scientists, and business-people etc.
Terrorist incidents are a somewhat recent phenomenon and many experts have linked the invasions of Muslim countries to be factors in the radicalisation of Muslims who unjustifiably think it’s OK to kill innocent civilians as a response. Their twisted logic is no different to yours.
If you did what you did to divide people, you have only brought people closer.
If you did what you did to make people hate Muslims, know that there has been an overwhelming amount of support and solidarity.
If you did what you did to scare Muslims, know that we will be defiant and we will continue to go to our mosques. Muslims in the West will stay because this is their home.
You mention the break down of society and family values in the West due to individualism and nihilism. For this, a lot can be said but I think the very people you targeted are the ones who value the traditional family structure, who look out for the down-trodden in society, and are among the highest in charity givers who have a strong sense of community.
I invite you and others to embrace Islam (as many antagonists of Islam have done in history). You will not be required to give up your culture but only make slight adjustments which are for your own benefit.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to the whole of humanity and he said: “There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab. Neither is the white superior over the black, nor is the black superior over the white – except by piety.”
