10/08/2019
Dear family, friends and community members,
As you may have seen, our organization caught the attention of conservative reporter Andy Ngo. More specifically, he came across an Instagram story promoting a discussion we are holding tonight on Islam and Feminism. He posted a tweet about our event that reads, “Muslim Student Assoc. Event at the University of Oregon explains how Islam grants ‘womxn’ many rights and that Muhammad was a feminist. According to Islamic scriptures, Islam’s prophet had female s*x slaves and up to 13 wives. The Quran instructs husbands to beat disobedient wives.”
Everything he wrote is completely false. Our Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, was a champion for womxn’s rights before the term “Feminism” was coined. He ended female infanticide in his tribe, he did housework for his wives, he destigmatized mensuration, among many other things. He stated that paradise lies beneath our mothers’ feet. The Quran grants womxn the right to property and the right to divorce. The Quran also states that men have a responsibility to protect womxn, not that men are superior to womxn. The Quran never instructs men to beat their wives. Above all else, the message of the Quran and the Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, encourages Muslims to treat EVERYONE with love and respect.
The misinformation that Ngo and other far-right journalists spread is extremely dangerous, especially in an era of increasing islamophobia. It fuels ignorance and hate which leads to crimes against Muslims and those perceived as Muslim. Those who criticize Islam do not know the first thing about Islam.
This is why we invite everyone, Muslim and non-Muslim, to research and learn about Islam, and not just rely on what they see in the media. Our discussion on Islam an Feminism is tonight at 6 p.m. in Straub Hall 253. We encourage everyone to join us. This way, people can learn CORRECT information about Islam. We have discussions on various Islamic topics every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Straub 253, and executive meetings every Friday at 5 p.m. in the MSA office.
Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who reached out to us with words of kindness and solidarity. Our community is strong because it is made up of such wonderful people.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions. Together, through the power of education, we can eradicate all hate.
In solidarity,
Muslim Student Association
University of Oregon.
