Perspective: Raise voices for tolerance | Fouzia Noor

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I spent the first 21 years of my life in the constant fear of being killed by extremists. To avoid fear, hatred, bigotry I left my undergrad degree incomplete and headed to America to pursue a peaceful and bright future.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
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By Fouzia Noor | February 14, 2014

As an American Muslim female student, studying in North Carolina, the news of the brutal killing of three American Muslim students has left me in deep pain and utmost shock. As I reflect, I realize I have many things in common with Yusor and Razan.

I was born in Pakistan without the right to call myself a Muslim because I belonged to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Pakistani law forbids Ahmadi Muslims from identifying as Muslims or practicing Islam.

I spent the first 21 years of my life in the constant fear of being killed by extremists. To avoid fear, hatred, bigotry I left my undergrad degree incomplete and headed to America to pursue a peaceful and bright future.

Once here, I embarked upon the journey of attaining an education, this time in North Carolina. I hoped for an environment where I will not be judged because of my appearance or faith. Alas, yesterdays’ horrible attack has shattered my dreams.

Whatever the reasons were, a parking spot issue or religious or racial hatred, Yusor and Razan did not deserve this brutality. They were young, bright, loving and ambitious people. They were living their dreams, pursuing their educational careers, and helping the people in need. A friend of mine who knew them personally told me: “they were very passionate about changing the world.” Through my first-hand experience of bigotry both in Pakistan and America, I can tell you we must stop the fire of intolerance before it grows any larger. And to put out this fire of intolerance we must raise our voices against such acts now.

Like Yusor and Razan, I am raising my voice for tolerance, and I invite all Americans to do so as well.

FOUZIA NOOR
Greenville


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