In a recent terrorist attack in Kenya, Muslims protected Christians by refusing to separate into religious affiliations when the bus they were travelling on was ambushed by Al-Shabaab militants, a group known for targeting non-Muslims.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that that when the Islamic Al-Shabaab militants ordered the passengers off the bus and to separate into groups based on religion, the Muslims aboard the bus refused to do so. Mandera Governor Ali Roba stated that "The Muslims stood with the Christians and dared the attackers to kill them all or leave."
He elaborated further, claiming "This forced the militants to leave in a hurry fearing retaliation by residents from nearby villages. The locals showed a sense of patriotism and belonging to each other by insisting that the Al-Shabaab should kill them together or leave them alone."
This solidarity was a wonderful demonstration of two simple facts: Not all Muslims are terrorists and not all Muslims hate Christians. The current climate in America has demonstrated remarkable fear and anger towards the Muslim community, with leading presidential candidates expressing strong negative messages pertaining to Islam in America. This act of kindness, of good, is a strong reminder that there are many, many good people that follow Islam, and that Muslims do oppose the militant extremists within their own religion.
According to the Daily Nation, "Two people were killed and three others injured when suspected Al-Shabaab militants attacked a bus and a lorry in Mandera on Monday." This particular group is responsible for a number of massacres in Kenya over the last couple of years, including shopping malls, colleges, and hotels.
Hopefully this demonstration of solidarity will reinforce the fact most Muslims want peace, not war.
So what do you think about this incident? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!
