As-salaamu'Alaykum,
Okay, I read the article (before the sister edited her first post) and I have read most of the replies in this thread.
First, I will mention that I do not have the experience of growing up in America as a Muslim, regardless of skin colour.
I think there will be an agreement that no matter where you are in the world, unless it is predominantly Muslim (in population), we will have our own personal trials/experiences due to our beliefs. It doesn't matter about your skin colour, it is simply the 'way it is' currently that there is a lot of ignorance about Islam. (I have read some experiences about racism among Muslims in Muslim countries but I think that is a separate issue). I know there is this set notion that if you are of a one skin colour/ethnicity you will likely be more discriminated against than someone else of another skin colour/ethnicity. I could say that my experiences shows that this is not the case while someone else's experience could point to the former.
Or, experiences at the Masjid with other Muslims, them being suspicious or staying within their groups (in terms of who they can communicate with). This is not restricted to a person's skin colour, I feel my personal experience shows this.
Therefore we need to demonstrate as Muslims the characteristics as Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aala) has told us in the Qur'aan and the Prophet
in his Sunnah.
Therefore we should 'stick together' and support each other. (I have seen a couple of thread's, Muslims narrating their difficulties and Alhamdu'lillaah there are other Muslims helping).
It is important to remember what the Prophet Muhammad
said in his last sermon:
'All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action.'
I would say, the article was merely anecdotal, an experience. If there was a certain theme from the article - (that certain Muslims of a particular skin colour have it more difficult than others or it was championing XYZ skin colour) then that is an interpretation, because there could be another article of a Muslim (different skin colour) experiencing more difficulties. I find it pointless to be creating differences because of this.
Importantly, we should all remember that we are
Muslims first.
I find that it lacks common sense to take comment's and create arguments (or stating that one will leave because of that).
I completely understand though that often a short-term break is needed to re-evaluate oneself (and ask pertinent question's about one's faith, what you are seeking to gain from engaging in the forum). Subhaan'Allaah we should do this every time we reply to a post, will it be beneficial or a waste?
For all of us this will be to learn about Islam from the Qur'aan and Sunnah and help others (through whatever way).
I remind myself and others that we should be careful of what we say and how because it can bring consequences we may not expect.
I hope you understand and if you feel my post contains a lack of understanding as to the subject matter, then I ask you to pardon me for my lack of comprehension. What is important is that we are Muslims first and other factors (race, nationality, etc.) are secondary.
I am sure we all agree on one point though, that this thread doesn't really serve much purpose now and will remain closed.
Walaykum-Salaam.