We All Know Racism, But What About Xenophobia?
While racism has been a major concern and a hot topic for many, xenophobia has silently aided racism’s growth, killing our souls in the process. But what does “killing our souls” mean? It means these behaviors strip away parts of our humanity. Often, we don’t realize how we’re becoming inhuman. When we indirectly support wrong actions like racism or xenophobia, hatred grows within us little by little, ultimately causing us to lose our basic sense of humanity. This is killing our souls. A soul full of hatred, discrimination, and ego cannot survive. It is dying, and a dying soul can’t offer you peace or bring light into your life. A dying soul pulls you deeper into darkness, distancing you from God, miracles, and paradise, and placing you in a loop of pain, loneliness, and suffering.
Xenophobia Meaning?
In simple terms, xenophobia is the rejection of people because of their nationality.
While xenophobia can be seen as a type of racism, it is different by definition. When racism was at its height, xenophobia was also there, quietly supporting racist feelings. Today, as people talk more about racism and protest against it, xenophobia is becoming more visible, stepping in where racism left off.
Rejection based on nationality has always existed. In the past, when someone was rejected for their country, it was often assumed they were being rejected for their color or status because racism was so prevalent. Now, xenophobia is coming to light, exposing people’s biases. Talking about it, understanding it, and working to cure ourselves and society of it is crucial.
The Modern Face of Xenophobia
Today, people are often rejected simply because of their country of origin. We need to understand that we don’t choose our countries; we are born there. So, if someone gets rejected because of their country, it is painful. On social media or apps, individuals from poorer countries frequently encounter immediate rejection, regardless of their character. This is shameful. The condition of your country is not your choice, so why should you be rejected because of it?
Logically and statistically, the US has high crime rates and rape rate is also high, but does it mean logically should everyone reject all Americans? No. Discrimination based on nationality never leads to goodness; it only fosters hate and negativity. If you choose to reject someone, do so based on their character, not their nationality, which they had no control over.
The Impact of Xenophobia
People from countries like Sudan, Nigeria, India, Nepal, Bangladesh etc. are rejected daily. They are often treated as less than human. On social media, if someone from these countries messages you, how often do you respond? Very rarely. Even if you’ve had bad experiences with people from these regions, that doesn’t mean everyone is the same. Everyone deserves a chance. People are rejected from interviews, jobs, opportunities, and visas solely because of their nationality.
The Systemic Problem
Just imagine how flawed our system is. Our systems are making us racist. How do we escape this when the very laws of our countries propagate rejection, xenophobia, and racism? If you are from a developed country, you can visit many places around the world without needing a visa. It doesn’t matter if you have a horrible character; your nationality grants you this privilege. On the other hand, if you are from a poorer country, even if you are a brilliant person with an amazing soul, it often counts for nothing.
Imagine you are shining like the sun, yet being rejected from entering other countries 99% of the time simply because of where you were born. You have to struggle more to survive, to travel, and to get a job. This constant rejection leads to feelings of isolation, which can turn into hate.
Who is responsible for this? We are, along with our so-called systems. Our laws claim to be fair for everyone, but are they really? No. Our systems and laws perpetuate inequality and discrimination, creating an environment where xenophobia and racism can thrive. Now, It’s up to us to recognize this and work towards a fairer, more inclusive world.
The Human Cost
Imagine avoiding someone just because of their nationality. It’s the same as avoiding someone because of their skin color. This behavior can cause immense pain and darken your soul. If you continue this, your soul will be filled with darkness, preventing you from experiencing peace and happiness. Good and bad people exist everywhere. Treat humans as humans, not as property. That’s why I stopped asking people where they are from. I don’t want to reject anyone based on their nationality or color, as doing so would harm my soul and create bad karma.
Religious Perspective
Biblical Teachings on Unity and Acceptance:
The Bible emphasizes treating all people with love and respect, regardless of their background. Here are some verses that highlight this message:
- Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- James 2:1: “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
- Acts 10:34-35: “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'”
- Leviticus 19:34: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
These verses remind us that in the eyes of God, all people are equal, and we should not reject anyone based on their nationality or ethnicity.
Islamic Practices of Equality and Brotherhood:
In Islam, the rituals and teachings emphasize unity, equality, and rejecting discrimination.
Salah (Five Daily Prayers): Muslims pray five times a day and gather in mosques where they stand shoulder to shoulder in rows, regardless of their social or economic status. A poor person can stand next to a rich person, a black person next to a white person, and a foreigner next to a local. This practice fosters humanity, love, and bonding, showing that God values you for your good deeds and character, not for your nationality.
Quran said in Chapter 49 and Verse 13 that to Allah only Taqwa matters, nothing else.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): During the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslims from around the world come together, dressed in simple white garments, performing rituals and praising God. This ritual demonstrates that, according to God, no one is superior or inferior based on their appearance or country of origin. Only your good deeds and bad deeds determine your standing.
Religious Leaders
Great leaders like Jesus and Muhammad were not born into wealth or power. They were born in challenging circumstances but still shined because of their character. Today, they have many followers. However, if they appeared now, many might still reject them because of their countries. This is a shame. Some of us speak about following Jesus or Muhammad and preach humanity, but we fail to practice it in our actions.
How to Overcome Xenophobia
Engage with Everyone: Force yourself to engage, talk, and communicate with people from all backgrounds. Stop asking where they are from initially. If you are suffering with rejection, feel free to contact me and share. Sharing can make you feel good.
Judge by Character, Not Nationality: Get to know people and judge them by their character. Rejecting someone without knowing them is unfair.
Reflect on Your Actions: Regularly question yourself. Have you rejected anyone today? Why? Reflect on your behavior and strive to improve.
Practice Humanity: Treat everyone as human beings. Remember, nature and God don’t discriminate based on nationality, so neither should you.
Life always answers back. If you reject someone for unnecessary reasons, you may face rejection too, possibly even from God. Change today, practice being a good person, and you will gradually become one. By default, we are all good, but our upbringing, systems, and culture can obscure this goodness. Practice to be good, and you will see the light of peace.