Student Spectrums

As a teenage Muslimah in the 21st century, seeing the persecution of Muslim minorities in places such as Rohingya in Myanmar and Uyghur in China resonates with me emotionally. While I get to practice my religion freely, the Muslims in China face punishment for believing in the same thing I do. This heavily impacts my view on taking privileges for granted. The Rohingya in Myanmar have been subjected to ethnic cleansing and are being stripped of their basic human rights. The Uyghurs in China are being put in ‘re-education’ camps, where they are cut off from their religion, culture, and family. Though all these events may seem distant from me, they are close to my heart, and it affects my feelings toward faith in humanity, compassion, and the very right to practice religion. 

The fact that others are being denied to pray, live without fear, and to identify as Muslims completely changes my view of the world I live in. According to the United Nations in August, 2023, over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have been forced to flee Myanmar due to severe violence, including killing and the burning of villages, though it is still getting worse day by day. The U.N describes it as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” Human Rights organizations estimate that over a million Uyghur Muslims have been detained in ‘re-education’ camps in the Xinjiang region in China. These camps aim to suppress culture and religious practices, and there are reports of forced labor and torture. An overwhelming mix of frustration, sadness, and helplessness swirls within me. I’m forced to reflect on how privileged I am to practice my religion openly while others suffer for doing the same. This comes to show that humanity is deteriorating, along with common values that are being discarded with the loss of lives. 

It’s absolutely heart shattering that 6 years on into suffering, these people still receive no justice. I can attend a mosque, fast during Ramadan, and celebrate Eid with my loved ones. My greatest obstacle I have to face is explaining my faith to those who don’t understand, or deal with ignorance and prejudice. But when it comes to the Rohingya or Uyghur Muslims, their situations and hardships are far more dire. They aren’t only misunderstood, but also oppressed and stripped of their right to lead a normal Muslim life. The contrast between my life and theirs deepens my gratitude and responsibility. I feel the need to speak out, because their survival reminds me of the privileges I take for granted. 

All in all, what is happening to the Rohingya and Uyghur Muslims serves as a reminder that the freedom to practice one’s religion should never be taken for granted. I am fortunate enough to live without fear of oppression or violence for what I stand for. But knowing that the ummah is suffering so deeply fills me with a duty. It is not enough to keep my emotions of frustration and sadness to myself, but to raise awareness and speak out. I believe the smallest of actions, even educating others, can have an impact. As a person who stands for humanity and justice, it is my duty to be a voice for the voiceless and to appreciate the privileges not everyone shares.