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Local Muslim Couple Holding Conversations To Combat Islamophobia

Foley
Afreen Gaffar and Murtuza Amir at the Hilliard library

A husband and wife from India now living in central Ohio say a big reason for a rise in Islamophobia is that many Americans have never met a Muslim.

As Mike Foley reports, they're hoping to change that by starting conversations themselves.

Afreen Gaffar holds a sign that reads ‘Meet a Muslim,’ and her husband Murtuza Amir offers donuts inside the front door of the Hilliard library. They have a simple intention.

“We just want to let them know that every day to day difficulty that they deal with, we are dealing with it too. We are just people. You can come and interact with us and ask us anything you want. We are right here. If they need to find out more about Islam, then they will let us know. Our goal is to just reach out to people and let them know that this is who we are and not the way we have been portrayed in the media. That’s the goal.”

Lisa, a teacher in Hilliard brought had her two children with her on this library visit and appreciated the chance to meet the couple and learn more about the Muslim faith and culture.

“I was drawn to her, and I was drawn to the sign, and I definitely wanted to find out more. As I said to them, in light of the changes that are happening in our country, I think this message is really important for our neighbors here in Hilliard to know that there is an opportunity to gain information and education. So we just came in for some books, and I think we gained a greater appreciation and an understanding of our neighbors.”

Gaffar and Amir admit that sometimes people ignore their greeting or briefly smile and leave. But for the most part, they say the interactions are pleasant.

“I would say there’s a common story where people usually come out and they feel sorry that we have to do this. I think that really touches us. They say you shouldn’t have to do this, but then we have to do it just to reach out to people. They were really nice, and I got so many hugs. It was really touching.”

The couple hopes the conversation extends beyond the library

“If you see a Muslim going shopping in a grocery store or a mall, you can just reach out to them and talk to them. Before you judge somebody by how they look or how they dress, you don’t know that person also faces the same things probably that you have faced or is going through the same thing you are. There are Muslims everywhere. There are Muslims as doctors, engineers, artists, even in the music and entertainment industry you'll find Muslims everywhere. It’s hard to ignore us, so don’t ignore us. Just come forward, talk to us and embrace us.”

“I hope people in the administration will change, and it comes from the people, and the people will change the future of the country. So I hope this will be a great start, and we’re going to keep on doing it. I hope people realize that we are all one.”

Amir came to the U.S. from India in 2008, Gaffar in 2009. They’ve lived in six different states and moved to central Ohio about months ago. The couple has held two meet-up sessions this year and hope to host a gathering once a month around the Columbus-area. 

Mike Foley joined WCBE in February 2000, coming from WUFT in Gainesville, Florida. Foley has worked in various roles, from producing news and feature stories to engineering Live From Studio A sessions. A series of music features Foley started in 2018 called Music Journeys has grown into a podcast and radio show. He also assists in developing other programs in WCBE's Podcast Experience. Foley hosts The Morning Mix, a weekday music show featuring emerging and established musicians, our Columbus-area and Ohio-based talent, and additional artists that inspire him.
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