Thanks for your comment.

It is unfortunate that you feel this way.

Asking people to let go of their sense of brotherhood? Why? Does it intimidate you? Muslims believe that all humans are born as Muslims and their subsequent teachings and experiences determine whether or not they remain so.

You believe (Atheism?) the exact opposite of this.

I can’t tell you what to believe in nor can you tell me, and my brothers and sisters, what to believe in.

That’s a major part of the problem in this modern age. Everyone else wants to impose their beliefs and ideas on Muslims. Don’t wear the scarf, don’t go to the mosque, don’t be religious, be ‘Aussie’. In contrast, Muslims are often criticized for wanting to ‘impose’ their beliefs on others. Interesting isn’t it Joe?

Don’t football teams feel a sense of brotherhood? Church groups? Employees? Friends? Have you never felt a sense of brotherhood before?

As human beings we are all connected. We live and operate in the same societies and share common interests. Regardless of ethnicity and religion people need to stand together against greater evils out there. Imagine how quickly world hunger could be solved if every major corporation in Australia decided it was going to put an end to it and cooperate entirely for the benefit of those poor hungry souls out there! Just imagine how quickly it could be solved.

We have a duty to look after each other and to feel a sense of connectedness. Alone we are weak and insignificant, together we(humanity) have endless potential.

If we don’t put our differences aside we’ll never get anywhere as a society.

Now you’re telling Australians that you use the symbolism of a (likely made up) ancient guy who told some powerful stories to establish some sort of intra-defending brotherhood.

I have news for you Muhammad: you weren’t born Muslim. You were born an atheist. Your parents and society taught you about Islam. There is absolutely no link, whatsoever between two people of Islamic beliefs – except that their parents read them the same bed-time story about a prophet and a god – and told them it was true.

The sooner you let go of this brotherhood concept, the sooner Australians of all ages and all religions will stop seeing those Muslims who establish brotherhoods based on nothing other than religion – as being somehow apart.

If we only look at the “problems” with people’s ideas and suggestions then we’ll never get anywhere.

In my article I say that all humans should feel connected and empathize with each other. Muslim and non-Muslim.

“Rage” is not the answer and it will never solve anything.

You say:
“Yet there is no equivalent rage from Muslims…”

With all due respect, there is most certainly empathy and concern from many Muslims at all of the above – we just don’t hear about it.

“Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

There is rage around the world that some stupid person burns a Quran or insults the Prophet, which are victimless crimes. Yet there is no equivalent rage from Muslims for the oppression of Christians and Hindus in Pakistan, Coptics in Egypt, or what the people of South Sudan and East Timor suffered for so long.

Indeed, the greatest oppressors of Muslims around the world are other Muslims – fascist and undemocratic governments and theocracies. There is lots to be angry about there. But that doesn’t fit in with the overriding narrative that Muslims are perpetually being victimised by someone else, somewhere.

don’t waste Muhammad’s time I’m sure he’s got more important questions to consider… infidels, what a joke

Thank you for your comment.

I refuse to compare these protests to the Cronulla riots. I think the two events are completely unrelated and it is unfair to suggest otherwise. The Cronulla riots were planned, (somewhat) organised and heavily advertised (by the media).

I refer you to the last sentence of the second to last paragraph of the article. We are all brother and sister. We are all connected and we owe it to each other to genuinely try and exist harmoniously in our communities. I dream of the day when everyone, regardless of beliefs and ideals, can treat each other with respect, love and compassion.

How good would it be to receive a smile from your neighbour, colleague and just random people in the elevator at work, on the train and anywhere you go?

The Prophet (PBUH) said that a smile is a form of charity and it is so true.

A little respect and understanding goes a long way and until we all decide to put our differences aside these debates and arguments are pointless.

And how come non-Muslims are not your “brothers”? Is that because they are Infidels?

And what about Copts, Muhammad? No your brothers?