The recent tragedy in Plainfield, Illinois in the United States has really shed some light on where people stand. A 6-year-old Muslim boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume, of Palestinian descent was murdered. To call it a murder would be understating the facts. He was brutally, savagely, and mercilessly stabbed over 26 times by a 71-year-old American man who was their landlord after watching the news. As if that wasn’t horrific enough, his mother was strangled and stabbed over a dozen times.

Why??? Simply put, they were of Muslims of Palestinian descent. The evil, violent murderer committed a heinous act of terror. He was radicalized by the hateful media that covered the events in Palestine in a light favorable to the Zionist entity. Islamophobia and anti-Muslim propaganda are not new to us. The U.S. government and its media have long perpetuated a negative image of Islam and Muslims. The recent events have intensified those campaigns.

Since the recent assault of Gaza, there has been a significant increase in anti-Muslim sentiments, discrimination, and now, violence, all propagated by a reckless media and driven by government policies used to justify military interventions and paint the murderous occupiers as the victims.

We need to hold the media responsible for the murder of Wadea Al-Fayoume for their breeding of fear and hatred of Muslims. We also need to recognize that the government relies on the media as a tool that shapes public opinion and garners support for its policies and military adventures. It is evident that both the government and media have played a substantial role in creating a hostile environment for Muslims. And it is no mystery that at the heart of the hatred lies the fact that they see Islam as an ideological alternative and a capable opponent.

In conclusion, we Muslims need to remember that as long as we do not have a Khilafah (Caliphate), we will be at the mercy of various external forces that can manipulate our image, exploit our vulnerabilities, and subject us to their lies and violence. Our Khilafah is the only embodiment of true justice, protection, and unity. It plays a critical role in countering false narratives and ensuring our security in the face of adversity. Efforts need to be behind the work for Khilafah to protect both Palestine and the Muslims from assaults and insults by hateful disbelievers.

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ لاَ يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالاً وَدُّواْ مَا عَنِتُّمْ قَدْ بَدَتِ الْبَغْضَاء مِنْ أَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَمَا تُخْفِي صُدُورُهُمْ أَكْبَرُ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الآيَاتِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ]

“You who believe, do not take for your intimates such outsiders as spare no effort to ruin you and want to see you suffer: their hatred is evident from their mouths, but what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made Our revelations clear for you; will you not use your reason?” [Aali-Imran 3-118]

Haitham Ibn Thbait
Media Representative of Hizb ut Tahrir in America