As a Norwegian Muslim, I use my voice to confront Sian

Let it be quite clear that I do not agree with what Sian stands for and does, but that we live in a society in which freedom of expression is more of a security than a threat.

Debate
This is a discussion post. Opinions in the text are the responsibility of the writer.

The ideal would have been to completely ignore Sian and her activities. But a relevant question in this context remains, how can an anti-Islamic group that burns the Holy Scriptures and wants to end the so-called “Islamization of Norway” be allowed to carry out such offensive demonstrations without consequences?

Here freedom of expression comes into play. We live in a free country, with the right to say and say exactly what we want. You have the right to believe that Muslims have nothing to do in the Western world and you have the freedom of expression to burn the Holy Scriptures without consequences.

Let it be quite clear that I do not agree with what Sian stands for and does, but that we live in a society in which freedom of expression is more of a security than a threat. The challenge for all of us is how to tolerate what we cannot accept. I believe that disagreement should be addressed through debate, not by denying actors the opportunity to debate.

Today, therefore, I use my voice, as a Norwegian Muslim, to confront Sian and his hateful perception of Islam. It is not their statements that are a threat to Norwegian society, but their lack of knowledge about Islam.

The worst thing is that they spread toxic hatred and fear based on false claims about Islam. The best medicine against this poison is to seek knowledge about what Islam really stands for and based on the silent question that can contribute to constructive debate and change of attitudes and actions.

If we do not act now, the situation could escalate and affect innocent lives. Here we need politicians who oppose hatred and discrimination, not politicians who talk about stealth Islamization. We need a curriculum that teaches us to understand and respect each other, not a curriculum that only tells us that Muslims believe in Allah. We need a population with knowledge, not prejudice and hatred.

This is the only way we can have a Norway that includes everyone, and this is the only way we can live together in peace with understanding and respect for each other’s differences.