The true definition of Islam is peace. Moreover, it is love, acceptance, respect and service. As stated by the Prophet Mohammed, “Forgive him who wrongs you; join him who cuts you off; do good to him who does evil to you, and speak the truth although it be against yourself.”
Two years ago, on Feb. 10, 2015, our community lost three beloved members because of prejudice, hatred and fear. Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha were the purest embodiment of what it means to be a strong, upstanding Muslim American citizen. Their untimely departures as a result of an Islamophobic hate crime highlight the horrific effects of misinformation, fear mongering and xenophobia, and should be consistent reminders within our community to increase awareness and education about bigotry and hate.
Despite the uncertain political climate and growing unrest toward Muslim people, Deah, Yusor and Razan made the conscious choice every day to openly live their lives by the values and pillars of their religion. The three were committed to serving the community they lived in, and actively participated in a number of different service endeavors.
Deah, who was a graduate of NC State University and a student in the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, was extremely passionate about donating to and fundraising for the Syrian Dental Relief in order to provide comprehensive dental care to citizens of the war torn country. Furthermore, he had been planning a trip to Turkey for “Project Refugee Smiles,” an organization that helps provide Syrian refugees with dental equipment and care.
Yusor, also a graduate of NC State University in human biology, had intended to attend the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry alongside her husband of six weeks. Her sister Razan was a student at NC State in the College of Design, majoring in architecture and environmental design. Razan was a strong supporter of Global Deaf Muslim, a charity that focuses on the right for equal access to Islam for the deaf and hard of hearing.
In the wake of their passing, the families and communities of Our Three Winners have mobilized and formed the Light House Project, which is based on Deah’s desire “to have a unified and structured community,” and to “Have a voice in our society and support the youth with their projects.” The project aims to give area Muslim youth and young adults incubator programs to encourage social, educational and professional development. Moreover, the Project represents the impact and success that Deah, his wife Yusor and her sister Razan had on the Muslim community, and the Triangle community at large.
As students, no matter what your political affiliation is, or what your opinions are on the political polarization under our current president, we, as a community — as a united Wolfpack — have a responsibility to ensure that this campus is welcoming and accepting to everyone. This is not just because it is what Deah, Yusor and Razan would have wanted, but also because without unity, education and acceptance, there can be no progress.
As of now, the trial date for Craig Stephen Hicks, who apparently committed the acts of murder in response to a parking dispute, has not yet been set. The Barakat and Abu-Salha families are fighting hard for justice in the deaths of their children.
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;” [Al-Qur’an 3:103]
