Yesterday during Jummah in Christchurch, New Zealand an act of violence and hate devastated the Muslim community there and Muslims around the world the same. We go through our day wondering how the world perceives us. Its clear we are stereotyped, discriminated against and there are those who are prejudice against our religion, Islam. If people just took the time to understand other people then maybe the would could be a better place. If somehow we could have open communication, positive platforms to be able to voice issues and have ways of solving these issues then maybe the world would be a better place. Isis are not real Muslims!! When I walk around the prison I can just imaging how many people think that I want to blow something up or shot somebody. The media and the narrative that the US has pushed has painted all Muslims with this stigma to be terrorist or have some involvement in terrorism. 49 children women and men lost their lives because some people felt like killing somebody who didn’t look like them, act like them, worship like them, pray like them, believe like them, or think like them. I couldn’t believe when in heard someone say “Kill them like they kill us”!! Its sick to have that way of thinking. Not only am I a black man but I’m Muslim and I love everyone and see everyone the same.. human, Allah’s creation. When we stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer and bow and prostrate and pray to Allah its to give thanks and ask for forgiveness and guidance and protection and peace and understanding. We all are born Muslim until we are taught otherwise. We all are innocent until we are corrupted with false teachings and evil ways tempt us into flawed lifestyles. White nationalist or the extremist who feel they are the superior race are the cause for what happened to my sisters and brothers at their Mosque in New Zealand. A place where they felt safe and free from the evils of the world and that was far from the case. I feel like the country I live in doesn’t care about the racism and discrimination against ones religion. Throughout history religion was use against many groups of people including my ancestors in Africa by people seeking to exploit and use them for their labor and anything else they could. Today’s society has built up this hate for Islam and Muslims and we will never be equal to those who are of different religions. Its sad because even now I don’t want to say anything that will offend anybody from another religion or background. On the other hand I’m positive there are people who are joyous over the events that has occurred and want to see more. What do we do about this?? How do we eradicate these terrorist?? Are they even considered terrorist?? All the facts are clear for the world to see and these types of terrorist and terrorism is on the rise. These types of groups are forming my the second. This way of thinking is in all of our communities and nothing is being done to prevent these hate crimes. Its all about money and not about love for the next person. The love of money is the root of all evil. If we simply treat people the way we want to be treated life would be beautiful. We have feelings too, we have families, we have children, we have loved ones, we have lives and we are apart of humanity as well. We are peaceful, we are giving, we are loving, we are forgiving, we are prayerful, we are humble, we are patient, and we are one. Allah said he has perfected and completed this religion for all of humanity. Not just a group of people… Islam is for all of mankind. Pray for the victims families and for those who are recovering and inshaAllah one day we all can live in harmony peacefully together. Right now its a war on our religion. Even in the mist of these attacks the media can’t help but compare the attacks to Isis and the method in which they commit mass murders. Why insult our religion and way of life and compare and link these events together. Terrorism is terrorism and hate is hate. The reason we pray 5 times a day is because we are obligated to. Jummah is a day in which we come together in our communities and worship and pray to Allah. Prayer helps us stay on the straight path by seeking Allah’s graciousness and his mercy. It really saddens me and hurts my heart and soul to see these things play out throughout the world. That’s my piece for now, Allahu Akbar!! (Allah is Greater) be safe and stay humble. ..Peace!!

Da’Von Joshua Motley Sr. (RaQeeb)
ODRC #707-119
Allen Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 4501
Lima, OH 45802