Picture Credit: Wikipedia By Androidmarsexpress – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93026655. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, represented as a pyramid with the more basic needs at the bottom

Part 1: Forgiveness Over Hatred – The First Step to Real Liberation

“Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is doubt, let me sow faith.
Where there is darkness, let me sow light.
Where there is despair, let me sow hope.
Where there is injury, let me sow pardon.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
— St. Francis of Assisi

The Best Revenge is Forgiveness

It may seem counterintuitive in times of persecution and suffering, but true strength lies not in revenge, but in forgiveness. As Myanmar Muslims, our community has endured systematic discrimination, social exclusion, and political erasure. Yet, in the face of such hardship, we must remember this eternal truth: hatred only multiplies hatred.

Carrying anger, hatred, and resentment only burns our own hearts. These destructive emotions not only hurt our enemies and the innocent around them, but they also poison our own souls. Hatred blinds us, sometimes even leading to paths of self-destruction. We risk becoming what we despise.

But there is a way out — a way to break this vicious cycle. Forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not weakness. In fact, it is the ultimate strength — especially when we are in a position to retaliate, but choose not to. That is the best time to forgive. Let your enemy feel what they never expected: kindness, generosity, compassion. A single act of unexpected mercy can change hearts. Even an enemy may become a loyal friend — and sometimes, even a savior.

Do not mistake this for naive idealism. It is strategy. It is transformation. And it is a deeply spiritual act.

One Enemy is Too Many

There’s a saying: “Even a thousand friends may not be enough, but even one enemy is too many.” In this era of uncertainty, division, and rising Islamophobia, the Myanmar Muslim community must rise beyond the basic instinct of retaliation and step into the higher calling of moral courage and visionary leadership.

Let’s Not Play the Victim Forever

Yes, institutionalized racism is real. Yes, discrimination exists. But it is dangerous to stay locked in a victim mentality. We must ask ourselves: are we actively preparing ourselves and our children for a better future?

Too many are content to complain about systemic injustice without making the effort to improve their own lives. No one is going to hand us freedom, dignity, or equality on a silver plate — not even our fellow Muslims worldwide. Many are selfish, inward-looking, or powerless.

We must stop depending on others — not on global Muslim solidarity, not on Western media attention, and certainly not on politicians with hollow promises.

We Must Help Ourselves

Most of us were not born with silver or golden spoons in our mouths. But we still have the most powerful tool: education.

Education remains the most effective path to empowerment, dignity, and upward mobility. It is how we claim our place in society — not through anger, not through riots, but through competence, confidence, and character.

Instead of merely lamenting our fate, let us deal with the cards we’ve been dealt — with wisdom, patience, and purposeful action.