Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
I am hoping to get a clarification on what a Musilm parent’s position should be regarding Pink Shirt Day.
Answer:
Jazāk Allāh Khayr / Thank you for your question.
Pink Shirt Day
“Pink Shirt Day” is a campaign to raise awareness to end bullying and discrimination at schools, work places and online. Usually, at schools, private and public institutions and businesses, participants wear some form of pink apparel to show solidarity with the campaign to end bullying.
Alliances to Promote Peace and Justice
In principle, there is nothing objectionable about the above. In fact, it is encouraged from an Islamic point of view to stop all injustices and to work with others to promote peace, respect, harmony and unity for one and all.
“And cooperate with one another in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Qurʿān 5:2)
The Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) participated with Makkans to eradicate injustices and bullying that was taking place in the vicinity. He, later on in life, recalled the alliance and stated,
“Certainly, I had witnessed a pact of justice in the house of ʿAbd Allāh ibn Jud’ān which, if I were called to it now in the time of Islam, I would respond. Make such alliances in order to return rights to their people, that no oppressor should have power over the oppressed.” (Dalāil and Sunan al-Kubrā)
Homophobia, Transphobia, and Transmisogyny
Some Muslims may feel uneasy to participate or have their children participate in Pink Shirt Day since it may be an indirect approval of anti-Islamic values or views. The reality of the matter is that Islam teaches decent, fair and upright treatment to all, even though others may belong to various faith groups or practices. As long as the Muslim is not forced to commit or approve a sin, one may collaborate for the bigger picture. It should be noted that the same “Pink Shirt Day” campaign has tackled islamophobia and bullying against Muslim students. Hence, there is no issue in participating in the Pink Shirt Day campaign, while maintaining one’s Islamic identity, value system and practices.
If there is a school, institution, teacher, politician or any individual who uses the ‘Pink Shirt Day’ platform to bully you and or your children to approve or agree with a belief or value system you disagree with, then confront and challenge them. If they are forcing you to shove something down your throat while you democratically disagree with it, confront this bullying. Talk to administrators and raise the concern. For it is this very act of bullying that needs to stop. This is precisely what the ‘Pink Shirt Day’ stands for.
“Allāh does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.” (Qurʿān 60:8)
“And do not insult those who invoke other than Allāh.” (Qurʿān 6:108)
“O you who believe, be persistently standing firm for Allāh, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is Acquainted with what you do.” (Qurʿān 5:8)
The concept is “Dislike the sin, not the sinner.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) interacted and also cooperated with sinners, drunkards, polytheists etc. when it came to the common good.
Homosexuals, transgenders and transsexuals are also humans who deserve the respect of humanity. It is our Islamic duty to end all forms of bullying, discrimination, injustice and violence against them also.
In a diverse non Muslim society, it is important to engage and participate with fellow citizens of other faiths and backgrounds, in matters of mutual interest, such as peace, justice, respect, diversity and human rights.
And Allāh Knows Best
