Source: Guardian

By Carmen Fishwick

slamic leaders and Muslims were quick to show solidarity with France and condemn last Friday’s terror attacks.

On social media, people used the hashtags #IamMuslim and #PrayforParis in a show of unity. But what effect have the attacks had on Muslims and do they feel public sentiment towards them and their community has changed?

We asked British Muslims to share their thoughts and experiences, including whether they think the media covered the attacks sensitively. Here’s what they had to say:

Sharma, 17, London

Muslims, if anything, have it the worst. We carry the dual burden of not only fearing a terror attack, just like the rest of the western world, but also the threat from people who feel they have the right to attack Muslims in response to Paris. Lone Muslim women are particularly vulnerable; I’ve experienced stares and horrible looks on public transport.

People now associate the Muslim community with terror and violence, and people see us as aliens. Sweeping statements have been made to generalise an entire religion of 1.6 billion people on the bases of the actions of a few corrupt individuals. British Muslims, like myself, now feel frightened or at risk to leave our houses due to backlash attacks. We were born and bred in this country and now fear a simple walk to the shop more inconceivable than ever.

The media have failed Muslims completely by making no distinction between a minority terror group, who even Muslims are victims of, and ordinary Muslims who follow a peaceful religion which perpetuates joy and social cohesion. By the media sparking fears around ordinary Muslims, we are playing into the hands of the terrorists. The terrorists want to see a rift between Muslims and non-Muslims and in the long term want to recruit lost Muslims who feel neglected from their British societies.

Zaynab, 32, Stanmore

I’m the 9/11 generation. I was in London for a university open day and saw the second plane crash in to the twin towers live on television. But now for the first time, I’m worried to travel on public transport after seeing clips of insults and hearing of the abuse my friends have gone through. One of my friends had something thrown behind her, which sounded like a pop, and then the boys who threw it laughed and called her a terrorist. And I regularly see Facebook status updates about similar comments.

Personally, I haven’t felt the public’s perception change however Muslim friends say they feel people are staring at them more. I feel very conscious when I see Wembley stadium in the distance, lit up in the colours of the French flag, as though it’s reminding me of tough times to come.

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