4 Times Muslims Were Winning in 2016 – And We Loved It

January 16, 2017Science & Faith

I guess it’s safe to say that 2016 was overflowing with surprises. Despite the downfalls that brought us desperately clinging to our hopes, it wasn’t all bad. In fact, much of it is reshaping our 2017 positively; here are 4 times Muslims were winning in 2016.

1.The world’s oldest university, Al-Qawariyyin got refurbished

This Moroccan university and library was founded in 859 by Fatima Al-Fihriyya, preserving manuscripts that date back as far as the 1300s. Being the most ancient operational library, it was in dire need of rehabilitation. The Moroccan Ministry of Culture decided to approach TED Fellow Aziza Chaouni to revive this historical building. Now it looks as beautiful as ever.

2. The burkini ban in France was suspended

After many controversial debates, the burkini ban was suspended after France’s highest administrative court viewed it as a violation of fundamental liberties. Conservative Mayor of Villeneuve-Loubet, Lionnel Luca said the ban is “far from calming” in addition to commenting that “this decision can only heighten passions and tensions, with the risk of trouble we wanted to avoid”.

The ban was confronted by the Human Rights League as well as the CCIF (Collective Against Islamophobia in France) who later took the case to the State Council. The CCIF commented the State Council’s verdict to suspend the ban was a “great relief”. “This victory has a strong symbolic resonance that will put an end to the onslaught of stigmatising and Draconian political statements,” the group added.

To the beach, anyone?

3. The hijab becomes acceptable as part of a police uniform in Scotland

In an attempt to create a more diverse police force, Scotland approved the hijab as a part of the official uniform. Chief constable Phil Gormley said: “Like many other employers, especially in the public sector, we are working towards ensuring our service is representative of the communities we serve. I hope that this addition to our uniform options will contribute to making our staff mix more diverse and adds to the life skills, experiences and personal qualities that our officers and staff bring to policing the communities of Scotland.”

Because no person should be limited simply by their ethnicity or religion, am I right?

4. London elected their first Muslim mayor

Sadiq Aman Khan, the first Muslim Mayor of London breaks barriers. Being elected so close to Ramadan, Sadiq Aman Khan said the time was a “great opportunity to do things in the community and break down the mystique and suspicion around the religion”. Many people viewed this as a huge victory and a chance to unite London’s division between ethnic minorities and non.

From Mvslim.com