Election 2016

America today is no different than it was yesterday. The sun will shine, the birds will chirp and the clouds will still roll across the sky. We need to move beyond the cycle of panicked reactions to crises, real or perceived, and begin working more systematically to address issues concerning us and our fellow citizens.

Although the prospect of the Alt Right entering the mainstream poses clear challenges for Muslims and racial minorities in this country, every swing state Trump won yesterday was won by Obama in 2008 so it is not simply racist angst at work here. People are insecure and unsettled and Muslims should begin working to position ourselves to be a voice of reason, comfort and direction when Trump fails all of the people Obama failed after his landslide victory in 2008 (most popular votes ever). He will fail them - God knows best.

As alluded to above, there is of course a dangerous racist fringe that feels it is empowered by Trump's victory. We have to attempt to mitigate its attractiveness by working with others to develop a language of political discourse that creates the psychological space for those desiring a change to actually change in real, deep and perceptible ways. The radical left cannot provide us with that language. Far too many Muslims have adopted the language and politics of the radical left in our efforts to advance the interests of our community. We need to begin speaking confidently in the language that has helped to forge a tradition that has brought more disparate racial, ethnic and national groups together than any force in history. If not now, when? If not us, who?

In conclusion, perhaps the shock so many are dealing with will prove beneficial. There is a higher plan and logic governing these events. Do not despair, work hard and be patient. The passing days will reveal to us realities we are currently ignorant of.

May Allah bless, help and protect us all.