The following famous words by the tenth Guru highlight one of the central tenets of the Sikh faith:
maanas kee jaath sabai eaekai pehichaanabo.
Recognize the whole of the human race as one.
Sikhs have a responsibility to support the oppressed. Not in speech, but in deed. Our history is full of examples of how Sikhs protected others before themselves, and put humanity first and their own life last. This is a fundamental part of the Sikh ideology. With Mosques vandalized throughout the country, local government officials denouncing Islam, and state legislatures debating anti-Muslim laws, Muslim Americans are feeling more vulnerable than ever. There is increasing hostility toward Muslims in the United States and abroad. Hate crimes against Muslims reached almost record highs and there are ample incidents of Muslims in America being attacked, threatened, scapegoated, and profiled.
Sikhs have consistently refused to throw the Muslim community under the bus by simply distancing themselves from Islam. Sikhs have displayed unwavering and inspiring steadfastness in the face of Islamophobia. Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, a Sikh activist and religion professor, proposed another important way for allies to stand with Muslims. Rather than fall prey to fear, Singh urges people of all faiths and backgrounds to recognize that “True solidarity can only exist when we see attacks on other communities as attacks on us all.”
Simranjeet Singh drafted a letter of support and encouraged his allies to send it to Muslims everywhere. Singh expressed his hope that the letter he wrote will be widely distributed and serve as a reminder to Muslims that, despite what the administration may try to do, their friends and neighbors support them.
Simranjeet Singh’s template letter:
Dear Muslim Sisters and Brothers,
We realize that this is a very difficult time for you and your community. We recognize that there are people in this country who have negative feelings about Muslims and Islam. We also see how these negative feelings are being used to justify the mistreatment of Muslims.
We want you to know that we do not agree with those who mistreat you. We want you to know that we are with you. We want you to know that you are loved and that you are cherished and that you are valued members of this community.
Please remember that you have allies here – people who truly and sincerely care about your well-being. We ask you to please stay strong in these challenging times and to please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. As your allies, we promise to do everything that we can to stand up for your rights and to ensure that you are treated with the dignity and respect that you deserve.
Thank you for being such an important part of our community, and thank you for your enduring willingness to help preserve the freedoms that make our country great.
With Sincerity,
Your Neighbors
The letter simplified
Addressing the letter to all the Muslims, he refers to them as his brothers or sisters. He says that the Sikhs reach out to them during this difficult time. Muslims and Islam are generally viewed negatively by some in this country. These negative feelings can also be used to justify the mistreatment of Muslims. The entire Sikh Panth does not agree with those who mistreat the Muslims. Offering support, he adds that the Sikhs sincerely care about their well-being. He requests all Muslims to stay strong and take care of their family during challenging times. He thanks them for being such an invaluable part of the community and appreciates their contribution to our community and willingness to protect freedom. He said that the Sikhs will fight for their rights and ensure that they ( Muslims) would be treated with love and dignity.
Simranjeet Singh
Abiding by the teachings of the Gurus to Stand for the oppressed, weak and marginalized, Simranjeet Singh decided to write this letter following President Donald Trump's executive order that he claimed would keep "radical Islamic terrorists" out of the country. In a previous draft, it was suggested that the order would prevent refugees from Syria's war-torn territory from entering the country as well as deny visas to individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries.
As soon as Trump's executive order was announced, Singh's initial reaction was to reverse it and repel it in any way possible. Then he saw a tweet from one of his friends stating the utmost importance of reaching out to Muslims.
As a result, he changed his tactic from speaking out in general to reaching out to Muslim neighbors in particular. As he reached out to his friends in the local Muslim community, he realized how much his small gesture meant to them.
Simranjeet Singh is an inspiration. By going against the administration and standing for the oppressed and weak he has proven that the seemingly progressive values, of equality, freedom of religion, and justice for all that are thought were American are something Sikhs have been living, and dying for centuries over.
*Based on original article published in the Huffpost , Jan 27, 2017-This Sikh Activist Has An Important Message For Muslim Americans This Sikh Activist Has An Important Message For Muslim Americans