When we look around and observe carefully we will notice discrimination in our society. Wheresoever it may be in offices, restaurants, or even local malls, we people discriminated each other, on the sole basis of skin colour, cast creed, religions, cultures. yes of course race.

We may define racism as the hatred of one person by another or the belief that another person is less than human because of skin colour, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person.  This can then lead to abusive or aggressive behaviour towards members of another community on the basis of such a belief. That is how the slave trade began many years ago.

Racism is one of the severe diseases of human society. Racism has birthed many of society’s ills. Discrimination, separation, and segregation are products of a racist mentality. When one race acts out its superior beliefs in a society, there is no room for harmony or community.

Racism is treating someone differently or unfairly simply because they belong to a different ethnic community.

Racists tend to feel threatened by anyone who is from a different race, religion, or culture. It comes from ignorance and fear brought on by stereotypes.
Racism affects badly, if anyone experiences racism of any kind, they can feel lonely and, getting depressed, sad. Like bullying, they may also try and avoid situations where racist behaviour could occur, and pretend to be ill, play truant from school, or be scared to leave their house.
We are not born racist and racism is not in our genes. It comes from our views and beliefs that develop as we grow up. We can be influenced by friends, family, newspapers, and society in general. Racism is abnormal and unacceptable, it is based on ignorance and fear. It’s serious stuff and one that we all want to avoid.

Growing up, you read me the Ugly Duckling. And for years I believed that was me. I am a woman—that ugly duckling among men. For so long you taught me I was nothing more than a bad copy of the standard.

I couldn’t run as fast or lift as much. I didn’t make the same money and I cried too often. I grew up in a man’s world where I didn’t belong.

And when I couldn’t be him, I wanted only to please him. I put on your makeup and wore your short skirts. I gave my life, my body, my dignity, for the cause of being pretty. I knew that no matter what I did, I was worthy only to the degree that I could please and be beautiful for my master. And so I spent my life on the cover of Cosmo and gave my body for you to sell.

I was a slave, but you taught me I was free. I was your object, but you swore it was success. You taught me that my purpose in life was to be on display, to attract and be beautiful for men. You had me believe that my body was created to market your cars. And you raised me to think I was an ugly duckling.

Islam tells me I’m a Swan. I’m different—it’s meant to be that way. And my body, my soul, were created for something more.

Allah (God) says in the Qur’an:

‘O people! We created you from one man and one woman and made you branches and tribes that you may recognize one another. Undoubtedly, the most respected among you in the sight of Allah is he who is more pious, verily, Allah is knowing, Aware. Surah Al-Hujurat : Ayat 13

So I am honored. But it is not by my relationship to men. My value as a woman is not measured by the size of my waist or the number of men who like me. My worth as a human being is measured on a higher scale: a scale of righteousness and piety. And my purpose in life, despite what the fashion magazines say; is something more sublime than just looking good for men.

And so Allah (God) tells me to cover myself, to hide my beauty, and to tell the world that I’m not here to please men with my body; I’m here to please Allah (God). Allah (God) elevates the dignity of a woman’s body by commanding that it be respected and covered, shown only to the deserving, only to the man I marry.

So to those who wish to “liberate” me, I have only one thing to say:

Thanks, but no thanks.

I’m not here to be on display. And my body is not for public consumption. I will not be reduced to an object or a pair of legs to sell shoes. I’m a soul, a mind, a servant of Allah(God). My worth is defined by the beauty of my soul, my heart, my moral character. So I won’t worship your beauty standards, and I don’t submit to your fashion sense. My submission is to something higher.

With my veil I put my faith on display rather than my beauty. My value as a human is defined by my relationship with Allah (God), not by my looks. So I cover the irrelevant. And when you look at me, you don’t see a body. You view me only for what I am: a servant of my Creator.

So you see, as a Muslim woman, I’ve been liberated from a silent kind of bondage. I don’t answer to the slaves of Allah (God) on earth. I answer to their King.