There is no such a thing as a “respectable” or decorous way to resist injustice.

One of the key lessons I have learnt from the lives and contributions of the ‘ordinary’ as well as luminary and revolutionary Muslim women I have come across in early Arabic-Islamic sources is that there is no such a thing as a “respectable” or decorous way to resist injustice.

Today, we see how in many Muslim communities, the view that those who are constantly dehumanised and subjected to racism, misogyny, misogynoir, and other forms of injustices, should exercise “sabr” (patience), “husn al-zann” (assuming the best of others), and adab (polite and respectable conduct) when speaking truth to power and resisting oppression is used to maintain the status quo and silence resistance, especially from women and black people. I plan to share my thoughts on this topic and learn from all members of the audience this coming Saturday at Free Word Centre London. ~ Michael Mumisa (Sheikh)

Michael Mumisa (Sheikh)

• Raise Your Gaze