Selective Empathy - An Evening of Open Conversation
We began by inviting everyone to share a thought on topics including: media bias, the impact of seeing violence, and some personal reflections. While people socialised and populated the boards with their ideas, It set the stage for real reflection on how our understanding is shaped by the world around us.
Afterwards we moved onto a group discussion on oppression, justice and lived experience. We spoke about how ultimate justice belongs to Allah, and how fitna, leadership and privilege show up within our own communities.
Anti-blackness, colourism, unfair power structures and painful double standards were discussed openly. The reminders were simple. We must be free thinkers. We must challenge injustice within ourselves first. We must not inherit prejudice from society or culture.
We ended by talking about mental health, intention and long-term action. Constant trauma is heavy, so filling our cup matters. Each of us has different skills, and Allah asks only that we use what we have with sincerity. Change begins quietly, like a ripple, and we may never see the results in this life. But our responsibility is to act with compassion, consistency and a heart free from arrogance.
