STEROTYPES &false notions
SHATTERING
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n October 10th, while we were preoccupied with the results of the provincial election, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor accomplished two ‘firsts’ as he launched to the International Space Station. Firstly, Shukor, a 35-year old orthopedic surgeon, was the first Muslim to go into space during Ramadan, prompting special guidelines to be drawn up to allow him to practice his faith throughout his mission, as well as celebrate the religious Eid holiday with his crewmates. Secondly, Shukor was also the first Malaysian to travel into space. Shukor performed experiments on board the International Space Station relating to the characteristics and growth of cancerous cells, returning safely to earth on October 21st. Recently, many ‘firsts’ have been accomplished by Muslims around the world, showcasing to all that Muslims, like other adherents, 1010
are hardworking individuals working to serve humanity and to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. Most importantly, Muslims are shattering popular stereotypes and combating many misconceived notions—especially the notions of the “anti-Muslim West.” This notion of the “antiMuslim West” may seem absurd to the reader but it is held by quite a few Western Muslims who feel constantly discriminated against and/or under attack in the West. Despite all the bickering and commotion, Muslims should acknowledge all that is afforded to us. Moreover, it is important not to lose sight of the positive that also occurs in the West. It is incumbent upon us to recognize and congratulate the Muslim firsts occurring across the globe— starting with the ones in the West. In late 2006, Congressman Keith Ellison became the first Muslim to be elected into the
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United States’ House of Congress, representing Minnesota’s 5th district. Ellison was also the first African-American elected into the House from the state of Minnesota. Despite the controversy over his usage of the Quran in his oath ceremony, Ellison emphasized the need for mutual respect and understanding between all people which he derived from his religion—oft-quoting the Quranic verse 49:13: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other.” Since his election, he has helped become a representative for Muslim Americans as well as a key ally in combating anti-American sentiments in the Muslim world. In Denmark, Ahmed Aboutaleb and Nehabat Albayrak became the first Muslims to get sworn into the Dutch Cabinet. Aboutaleb was sworn in as the