“Arabs are all Muslims and really bad people”

Well…this is one of the statements I hear quite often therefore I need to URGENTLY comment on it.

Firstly, being an “Arab” does not automatically mean that the person is Muslim.
(In Lebanon for eg. live more or less 54% Muslims and 41% Christians)

Secondly, there will always be bad people regardless of religion, nationality etc. and I’m pleased to say that most of the “Arabs” and “Muslims” I met were simply amazing.

Arabs
My friends here in Abu Dhabi are mainly guys (yes..males..oh oh!) from Palestine, Jordan, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Oman, Lebanon, Syria and the UAE (Locals).

We do what friends do – we go to the beach..to the club & dance..to the restaurant..to the cinema..to exhibitions..to a friends’ place etc. – yes, we interact and it is “allowed” 😉
They do respect me like I respect them and we absolutely enjoy our time together! It’s an ongoing interaction and cultural exchange for both sides.
My Arab guys would always make sure I get home safely; I don’t carry too heavy things as a female and value discussion at eye level.

Muslims
I do not wish to go into detail in regards to religion and beliefs but still I need to make three things clear:
A) Just because you are Muslim – you are not necessarily an extremist
B) The Quran is THE Holy Book in the Islam and at the same time an amazing piece of Arabic literature, written with the most precious Arabic words
C) Muslims do not necessarily have to be Arabic – they could also be Indian, Asian, Australian, Chinese or even American & German

The Muslims who I met appreciate the “female” (mother, wife etc.) contrary to their reputation. Some say there is no “law” which forces Muslim lady to cover her hair (hijab) – it is rather a personal choice – back in the days the covering intended protection against “annoyances” which is nowadays regulated by well-functioning law systems. Wearing a hijab (or not) does not portray her emancipation nor her “oppressed” opinion.
There will always be Muslims and/or Christians who practice or interpret something which was never meant to be practiced.
In the end it is all about communication and exchange – there is no right, no wrong.

Who says that your perception classifying something as “normal” is the correct one? 😉

Concluding:
Yes, almost all “Arabs” and “Muslims” are awful.. they are kind, graceful, food and family loving, generous, hospitable, understanding, loving, nice, funny, food-terrorists (“eat more, have more, serve yourself”), interested, respectful, caring and do not try to impose something on you. Horrible, isn’t it? 😉

We are all the same – we live to love.