“Do Muslim lives matter?” Are we considered ‘Black’ enough by race and equality groups?

Published on: 4 August 2024 at 07:19

Chaos. Loud noises. Bangs. Shops burnt. Mosques attacked. Libraries set aflame. These are the terrifying scenes that have unfolded in Liverpool and other cities recently. The riots have exposed not only a simmering undercurrent of hatred but also a deeply troubling lack of support from institutions that claim to champion equality and minority rights.

The most worrisome aspect of these riots is the age of the attackers and rioters—school-age children, university students, and even some primary school children. This begs the question: How much do our schools, universities, and race equality groups really care about the Muslim community in Liverpool? Are Muslim lives considered valuable enough to warrant protection and support?

Do Muslim Lives Matter?

It is ironic, even cynical, that institutions and organisations that advocate for equality and represent ethnic minorities have let us down. There are many institutions in our city that have stayed silent, many who only condemned the violence on social media, and a few who openly supported the Muslim community. While we appreciate every bit of support, there is a glaring need for more substantial actions, especially around the protection of Muslim organisations, individuals, and institutions.

Integration Efforts and Their Reception

Muslims are often told to integrate more, with social media and news outlets frequently questioning how well integrated Muslims are. The truth is, Muslims are already doing a lot to integrate. They participate in various organisations, from Citizens UK to different boards, echoing their voices in building institutions across the national spectrum. We have always been proud Liverpudlians, championing Liverpool as a united city that welcomes everyone.

As a student of Liverpool John Moores University and later a researcher, I have spent over a decade of my life contributing to the field of research there. Many members of our community have spent three, four decades supporting different departments of the university. We hold these institutions very deeply and respect them wholeheartedly. They play a significant role in our lives and are very sentimental to us. Yet, we find ourselves, in times like this, feeling abandoned by these very institutions.

Muslims have significantly contributed to universities like Liverpool John Moores, Liverpool Hope University, University of Liverpool, and other colleges and schools. We find them lacking even a tweet or a post on social media, or releasing a statement at least showing guidance and concern for their students and staff. We are still waiting for them to condemn these attacks and support the Muslim community. This begs the question: Are there more underlying problems in these institutions? Are the people attacking the Muslim community students in these institutions or members of staff? It is a scary thought for the Muslim community.

A Call to Action for Local Organisations

There is a lot of pondering and thinking that needs to be done following these events. Local organisations need to deeply and thoroughly revise their agendas around the BAME and ethnic minority communities. The term “black” hypothetically should include Arabs, Asians, and other ethnic minorities. However, events like these reveal a dangerous misuse of the term, where the rights of the Muslim community are ignored, and everyone stays silent as if this matter does not concern them.

The silence around the protection of the Muslim community is alarming. Many were very vocal and aggressive on the streets for other causes, but when it comes to Muslim lives, the silence is deafening. We, Muslims, have always been part of every momentum for change. We have contributed heavily to supporting and building cohesion and unity across the city. We participated in supporting the different human rights movement because all lives matter to us. Our religion teaches us that the destruction of the world is better than the killing of an innocent soul. Yet, these organisations seem content to watch us face real attacks and serious threats.

Complicit Silence and Appreciated Support

Not only are our institutions at risk, but the whole society is at risk. The lives of innocent people in our community are in danger. The rumours spread online against Muslims have fuelled these riots, and very little has been done to counteract this narrative. Some seem too shy to come out and openly support the EDL, but their silence is nothing short of complicit participation.

For those who did not stay silent and supported us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, especially the Southport community who supported the Southport mosque and are working on healing. But for those organisations that stayed silent and did nothing except post a tweet or a statement following the aftermath of these attacks, we say: hold yourselves accountable and rethink what you can do within your organisations.

Final Thoughts

There is a pressing need for reflection and action. The recent events have shown us that we cannot rely solely on the current systems and organisations for support. We must come together, demand change, and ensure that the rights and lives of the Muslim community are protected and valued equally.