MuslimARC 2020 Election Statement

Imam Ali (AS) said, “Speak the truth, and do good deeds to secure a good reward, and be adversaries to the oppressor and those who aid the oppressed.”

We live in a time where the political climate of fear fuels racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia across the country. According to the APA, the 2020 Presidential Election is a source of significant stress for more Americans than the 2016 Presidential Race. As an organization that provides anti-racism education and resources to advance racial justice, we want to focus on how the elections will impact our society's most vulnerable. MuslimARC recognizes the importance of fulfilling our Creator’s mandate to fight oppression through sacred resistance and build solidarity with marginalized communities, for whom this anxiety is even greater.

Let’s use this time to rethink our strategies and work harder toward our collective goals. We will get through this.

How can we prepare for these times when emotions are high, and fear is genuine?

Reflect and Build Resilience - Malcolm X said, “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” The work continues and we will always be committed to building community. Everything is subject to constant change by the will of Allah. Know that in the end, we will be better than okay. Stay Strong. The Quran implores us to reflect on the fates of societies long gone to draw our attention to the impermanence of creation and civilizations. Our elders can attest to the fact that we all live through radical changes in life and not to be too comfortable with the way things are.

Cherish Yourself and Cultivate Care- This means to be kind to yourself and others. First of all, we must remain calm. “It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism,” Angela Y. Davis. This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but sometimes a reminder of the obvious is what is needed to center ourselves. Allow yourself and others to feel and to process these feelings. For resources on how to cope with Traumatic Events and News, check out Muslim Wellness Foundation’s Resource page. Check in with your friends, family, and loved ones, as well as peers who may be affected. This is the time when we can build and strengthen authentic relationships where we care for each other.

Stay Focused and Build Solidarity- Part of remaining hopeful is knowing that there is something beyond the difficult periods in our lives. We will be able to gauge our next steps better and keep the hope alive by sticking to our previous goals of creating, connecting, and cultivating for a better world, while acknowledging the struggles/setbacks of current events. As an organization that creates an anti-racism curriculum, connects a multi-racial network for racial justice and cultivates leaders to advance racial equity, we understand that any outcome would require us to stay focused on our mission to strategize on building solidarity. “We’re gonna fight racism with solidarity.” Fred Hampton.

We are all struggling in this fight for justice. We are working to build a multi-racial, multi-faith coalition. For us, liberation is not a destination, it is the process. It is us, together. Join us by sharing your thoughts, prayers, and actions to co-create a better world.

Resources

For the Sacred Resistance Checklist, please check out MuslimARC’s 5 Things to do Post-Inauguration.

https://holdthelineguide.com/

https://www.electionwellness.com/

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KcQmN0ZnSldZfFo_TW5zOXpp1nx9CYlUwvnrfezzrNQ/edit