Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States of America, the most powerful man in the world.
American Muslims are very concerned about the increased backlash that they will face, in the aftermath of a toxic Presidential campaign. The message ‘Make America Great Again’ appealed to many but was played along the lines of fear and division.
Evidence confirmed that whenever anti-Muslim speeches were delivered by Trump, it led to an increase in religiously motivated hate crimes and attacks.
The easily identifiable hijab-wearing Muslim women are a prime target and the most vulnerable to attacks.
The main concerns are that under Trump’s leadership the tone has been set for a rise in ‘Islamophobia’, which has sadly become socially acceptable in the US.
Trump’s outspoken remarks about banning Muslims from entering the USA and the need for registration of Muslims already in the US, has created disharmony. The divisive rhetoric has created a difficult environment for US Muslims not witnessed since the 9/11 terror attacks.
Trump’s victory acceptance speech was conciliatory, he said he wanted to be President for all Americans. However only time will tell whether he will reach out and engage with the US Muslim communities, he has alienated. But one must not forget that the white supremacist organization, Ku Klux Klan (KKK) has strongly backed Trump and intend to hold victory parades celebrating his success.
It is shocking for many that from the first US black President Barack Obama we will be moving onto Donald Trump.
Many Muslims across the world will be having second thoughts about traveling to America. The concerns I fear are real.
It will be interesting to see how the US-Pakistan relationship develops over time, as Trump is a great supporter of India.
The only way ahead is for all of us to work to bring communities and nations together in our shared goal of global peace.
