London: In a unique way to counter the letters encouraging people to mark April 3 as “Punish a Muslim Day” sent to several hundred people across the United Kingdon in March, some people declared the day as "Love a Muslim Day" and it soon took over the hate campaign.
"I saw the #PunishAMuslimDay letter, and I think we can do better. I declare April 3rd #LoveAMuslimDay", Amit Alexander Lev-Brinker tweeted using handler @amitlev offering point-wise rewards as the hate fliers did.
I saw the #PunishAMuslimDay letter, and I think we can do better.
— Amit Alexander Lev-Brinker (@amitlev) March 26, 2018
I declare April 3rd #LoveAMuslimDay pic.twitter.com/6UTWHoDaf5
Amit's tweet soon received support from netizens. Farnaz Ashaikh, a Twitter user, in fact tagged the images pf both the fliers and posted with one liner: "Islam is the religion of peace!"
Islam is the religion of peace#PunishAMuslimDay#LoveAMuslimDay pic.twitter.com/o7h01QtPwl
— Farnaz Ashaikh (@farnazashaikh) March 27, 2018
The "Love a Muslim Day" campaign started in response of a horrifying letter spread through the United Kingdom in the form of the flier encouraging people to observe April 3 as “Punish a Muslim Day”. The anonymous letter, which was sent to multiple people throughout the country also had a list of points awarding for acts of violence against Muslims like 10 points for verbal abuse, 100 points to beat up a Muslim, 1000 for burning or bombing a mosque, 2500 points to 'Nuke Mecca' and so on.
The outrageous letter sent out ripples of alarms not just nationally but around the world and prompted national counterterrorism investigation. The Muslim community, especially, felt terrorised after the fliers were widely circulated on social media. The embassy of Saudi Arabia posted a warning message on Twitter, calling on Saudi citizens in the UK to be cautious. Counter Terrorism Policing North East soon came in action and is leading an investigation into the “hate mail.”
Hasan Minhaj, an American comedian of Indian origin, who also happens to be a Muslim, shot down the hate campaign calling it ridiculous and with an intelligent punch line. When Trevor Noah, talk show host of The Daily Show said to him, “I was horrified when I heard about this disgusting campaign. So I imagine as a Muslim person this must be deeply upsetting to you.”
Minhaj, however, had a cheeky response ready. “Actually Trevor, I’m optimistic. I know it’s scary but they’re proposing ‘Punish a Muslim Day’. Day, Trevor, one day. That’s 364 days less than normal", he said.
"Love a Muslim Day" campaign posters created by Yorkshire Regional Manager Shahab Ud'deen of Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) meanwhile also received good support on Twitter.
#PunishAMuslimDay
— Mxhmd.y (@IN2_V) March 24, 2018
What it should really be :( pic.twitter.com/MO1na7N5OQ
To counter the hate campaign, the "Love a Muslim Day" also has rewards like "Smile at a Muslim" and get 10 points, "Buy a Muslim coffe and cake" 25 points, "Throw flowers on a Muslim" 50 points and 100 points for inviting a Muslim to your home. A maximum of 2500 points is fot sponsoring a Haj Package ( A lifetime trip to Mecca) for a Muslim family.
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