Bravery or Wisdom: Which Virtue Leads?

Bravery or Wisdom: These were the words most prominent in conversations that have taken place over the past two days within the Muslim community.

Leaders of charitable organisations working with city leaders have been assured by the police and authorities that the situation will be under control, and the police are prepared. They have been granted new powers by the government, enabling them to use stronger measures against hate crime perpetrators and rioters who cause disturbances and foster division and hate in our community.

City leaders and community leaders are eager to work together wisely, to unite, and to avoid spreading panic among the community. They want the majority of the Muslim and migrant communities to wake up the next day feeling safe in their workplaces, homes, schools, and universities.

On the other hand, there are brave, strong, feisty young people who want to rise up, stand their ground, and stand in unity—Muslims, non-Muslims, black and white, from all walks of life. They want to unite against hate preachers, fascists, and racists, and they see that the police will always have limited powers and numbers to defend our mosques, churches, and asylum centres where refugees are welcomed. They want to stand together to stop the chaos and show that Liverpool will always be united.

On one side, there is a call for wisdom, asking community members to be wise. On the other side, there is a call for bravery, urging people to stand up for their community and not show the cowards that this community is weak and can be bullied. Both narratives are correct, both are needed, and both are right. Those who side with only one perspective are not seeing the bigger picture.

The leaders practice wisdom, viewing matters from the perspective of the benefit of everyone. They do not want a single individual to be hurt, or a stone to be thrown at a large crowd, potentially causing loss of life or hospitalisation. It is a voice of responsibility and care that must be heard. On the other hand , we understand that these brave young men and women want to show the world they are united and strong. They want their brothers and sisters to feel safe in their city the next morning, for a hijabi woman to walk in the street feeling safe, and for a young boy to play in the park without fear. This voice too must be heard.

Both approaches are needed, and a balance must be found. Community leaders and youth energy come hand in hand, like the nurturing care of a mother and the steadfast protection of a father. If people wish to attend protests in large numbers, that is their right. Nobody can stop them from protesting, but they must also consider the calls from community leaders and the potential dangers. Both sides have a duty, to listen to each other; listen to the authorities and people on the ground. The unity, trust, and love they show to each other is what makes a strong community. Liverpudlians are united despite our differences, we are focused on what unites us. We all care about our community, making us one beautiful city. Let’s not let hate and rioters distract us. Forever, we will be united.

There is no time to be distracted by different opinions or to debate among ourselves. What matters is to unite during this difficulty, to plan strategically, and to tackle and eliminate hate in our community.

There were remarkable scenes, such as Imam Kelwick going out to show compassion, sharing food and conversations with those who came with aggression, often not even understanding what they were fighting against. There are scenes of community and mosque leaders approaching young people to protect them, to look after them, and to discourage participation in counter-protests out of care, love, and compassion. There are also scenes of brave young men and women wanting to protest, to show their strength in numbers. These are beautiful scenes seen across the city, and we should cherish them all.

No superiority over one another.

Liverpool has come together to show the world that it is one and forever united, with deep-rooted love in our community for all.

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