Speaking last night to Anderson Cooper of CNN, Donald Trump went on record stating, "I think Islam hates us". This comment by the Republican candidate caught me off guard. In my ten years of studying the Islamic tradition, I have never felt the need to ponder the question, Who is "Islam"?
Is "Islam" a person? If so, I would like to know where "Islam" resides so I can go visit he, she, hir, or s/he. Hopefully, "Islam" lives in the United States - preferably in Texas, where I am based - so I will not have to rack up travel expenses to visit he, she, hir, or s/he. I also wonder if Trump has ever met "Islam"? That would be an interesting exchange. If they have met before, I wonder where and in what context.
Take another glance at Trump's comment and you might question if "Islam" is actually a thing. Or perhaps "Islam" is an object or place. It is not entirely clear.
As someone who teaches a college course on Islam and engages with Muslim Americans, I am interested in hearing how Trump describes "Islam". Is "Islam" tall or short, big or small, light or dark, liberal or conservative? Where does "Islam" live? In a tiny little house or in a big mansion in a far away land? In light of Trump's comment, one also might wonder about the values that "Islam" stands for. How does one measure "Islam's" values? What are the issues that make "Islam" tick? Has "Islam" changed over the years?
My sarcasm aside, Trump treats Islam as a monolith. According to him, it is a single bloc, static, and unresponsive to new realities. In five words ("I think Islam hates us"), Trump captured the essence of Islamophobia; "Islam" is separate, inferior, barbaric, irrational, primitive, violent, aggressive, and threatening. These five words have made him the most Islamophobic candidate ever to run for the highest office of the United States. That is the sad reality. That is un-American.
In short, there is absolutely no validity in Trump's comment. Islam in America has produced some of the best citizens that serve as doctors, lawyers, politicians, business executives, soldiers, and scientists. This is Islam - service, compassion, knowledge, and sacrifice.
Open your mind, Trump. Stop dumbing down America. Be a true leader and honor your fellow citizens who do so much for the country you claim to love so much.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
