A Pleading
a note on the online war on muslims
Dear anyone who cares enough to listen to this,
Please listen, just for a few minutes.
If you are new to my Vocal page, I am a Muslim. I don't hide that.
I reverted to Islam three years ago. I've been wearing a head covering for about three and a half years.
I am white, so I don't deal with racism, generally. Unless someone thinks I'm Arab. Although I'm Muslim, I have had many people express anti-Muslim and anti-Arab sentiments towards me.
I like the colour yellow. It's my favourite. I bought yellow hijabs when I first started wearing them. I love wearing skirts and long sleeve shirts of light fabrics or linen button ups.
I watch The Office and BoJack Horseman and Friends. I grew up playing with Barbies and Polly Pockets. I loved playing grounders on the playground.
I used to eat bacon in the mornings with my eggs and toast. My favourite food was, and still is, chicken wings.
I like to ride my bike and go swimming. I like to go to the gym. I like rock climbing. I like going camping. I like hiking. I like to go outside when it's raining. My go-to coffee order is two cream two sugar. Dark roast.
I'm telling you all of this because I want to humanize myself.
Because the moment I said "I am a Muslim," a lot of you might have perceived me as an alien. As something less than human. Something that doesn't deserve to live.
I am a revert. Muslims use the word "revert" instead of convert, but it just means I wasn't born a Muslim, and in a world of Christians, I chose to be Muslim.
And I am writing this now, to ask of you, please, not to generalize the people that follow my religion.
I understand that there are things to dislike about some of my religion's followers. The bolded statement does not mean that I tolerate or condone the Taliban. It does not mean I agree with ISIS. My being a Muslim does not mean that I would fly through buildings or terrorize people of another religion, nor would I condone it.
It's actually against my religion.
And I think that that's something a lot of people don't understand. Mistreatment of non-Muslims, mistreatment of women, mistreatment of children, are all against my religion.
And I feel the need to say this because of what I see online. Because of the utter hatred that I see pass online unchecked. Because it's only wrong when it's against certain people, but not Muslims.
This is a post I was sent earlier. For anyone who doesn't understand the context, it's basically implying that the wisher asks for world peace, and by asking for that, all Muslims disappear.
And then there are the comments.
I've blocked out the names, out of courtesy. I'm not asking for justice, but just awareness.
This post and these comments are not an isolated event. This is what I see on my feed all the time. These are the comments I find all the time. And it's heartbreaking and mentally draining.
Especially given the fact that we have a large population of people who are being killed and starved, without aid or intervention, because the world does not care about Muslims.
ALSO.
Notice how Islamophobia is being used in correlation with other kinds of racism and discrimination. The people that want Muslims gone are the same people that don't want Jewish people, Black people, or Indian people, or anyone else who isn't white.
I hope we can change the way things are.
A little bit.
If you have any questions, any misconceptions you want cleared, anything you saw or read that you think is missing context, my comments are open. I know it's not the most ideal way to have this kind of conversation, but I'm willing to talk. I have an educational series on here about Islam for those of you who are interested. It's pinned on my profile. You can ask questions there if you'd rather.
So, this is my pleading.
From the Muslim girl that wasn't always Muslim,
who loves the colour yellow,
who wants to become a teacher,
who wants to help people,
who used to play with Barbies,
who watches The Office,
and grew up watching SpongeBob,
and loves to read books,
and wants to see the world change.
I hope maybe one day it will.
𔘓 Belle 𔘓
About the Creator
Belle
I host unofficial challenges and enjoy writing microfiction and poetry.
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Best Things to Do in Marrakech With Kids by Morocco Family Vacation
Before visiting Marrakech, I worried it might be “too much” for kids. Too busy. Too loud. Too intense. As a mom, those concerns are always front and center. I imagined crowded streets, nonstop noise, and my kids becoming overwhelmed before we even found our rhythm. What I learned instead was that Marrakech can be incredibly family-friendly if you approach it the right way. This city isn’t designed for rushing. It rewards slow travel, flexibility, and seeing everything through a child’s perspective. Once we stopped trying to “see it all” and focused on how our kids were feeling, Marrakech transformed from intimidating to magical. Timing Is Everything in Marrakech One of the biggest lessons we learned was when to explore. Early mornings and late afternoons were magical. The city felt calmer, the light was softer, and the streets were easier to navigate with children. Midday, on the other hand, was best reserved for rest. We learned quickly that pushing through the heat and crowds only led to tired kids and stressed parents. Once we adjusted our rhythm sightseeing in the morning, relaxing at midday, and going out again later everything felt easier. The kids were happier, and so were we. Jemaa el-fnaa: Short Visits, Big Memories Jemaa el-Fnaa was one of the places I was most nervous about. It’s famous for its energy, but that can feel overwhelming with kids. Instead of diving in headfirst, we approached it slowly. We didn’t rush into the main square. We visited briefly, stood on the edges, and let the kids observe at their own pace. They were fascinated by: The musicians and drummers Storytellers surrounded by small crowds Fresh orange juice stands being squeezed right in front of them We treated it like a short experience rather than a long stay. When we felt the energy shifting toward overload, we left — and that made all the difference. Jemaa el-Fnaa became exciting instead of exhausting. Majorelle Garden: A Calm Reset After the medina, Majorelle Garden felt like a sanctuary. The bold blue buildings, exotic plants, and open pathways gave the kids space to explore quietly without worrying about traffic or crowds. For the first time that day, everyone slowed down naturally. It was one of the few places where all of us relaxed instantly. The kids wandered, pointed out plants, and asked questions. I realized how important it was to balance busy areas with peaceful ones. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride This simple activity became a highlight of our time in Marrakech. The horse-drawn carriage ride allowed the kids to see the city without walking endlessly. They loved the gentle rhythm of the ride, waving at people as we passed by. For us, it was a chance to rest while still experiencing the city. It also helped us understand the layout of Marrakech without stress. Seeing neighborhoods from a distance gave us confidence for later walks. Cooking Classes That Include Kids A short Moroccan cooking experience turned into an unexpected favorite. The kids helped mix ingredients, shape dough, and taste what they made. They were proud of their involvement and suddenly much more interested in Moroccan food than before. It wasn’t just fun it changed their mindset. Instead of being hesitant about unfamiliar dishes, they were curious and excited. Meals became something they looked forward to, not worried about. Riads: Perfect for Families Staying in a riad completely changed our experience. The courtyards provided quiet space after busy days. The fountains fascinated the kids, and the enclosed layout made everything feel safe and contained. Evenings were calm, which helped the kids wind down naturally. It felt personal and peaceful exactly what families need after navigating a lively city. Souks as a Game, Not a Task Instead of serious shopping, we turned souk visits into small adventures. We made it into a game: Spot the brightest lantern Choose one small souvenir each Guess spices by smell This approach kept the kids engaged and prevented meltdowns. The souks stopped feeling chaotic and started feeling playful. What We Chose Not to Do Just as important as what we did was what we skipped. We avoided: Overpacked itineraries Late nights Long walks without breaks We learned that saying no to certain activities meant saying yes to better moments as a family. Planning Marrakech with kids takes experience. Having guidance from the company we booked with helped us avoid common mistakes and choose activities that matched our family’s pace instead of fighting against it. Final Thoughts Marrakech isn’t chaotic when you slow it down. With kids, it becomes colorful, musical, and surprisingly gentle. By choosing the right moments, pacing our days carefully, and listening to our children’s energy levels, Marrakech became one of the most rewarding cities we’ve ever visited together not despite traveling with kids, but because of it.
By Ariel Cohena day ago in Journal
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It starts with love.. The Power to the God Of War and Wealth Walk into a Chinese restaurant (even in Oklahoma, USA), a Chinese police station, a kung fu martial arts studio or even a Chinese temple and you often see a red faced warrior holding a heavy quan-do (spear like weapon).
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Comments (13)
Power to you. HUGS Belle I have nothing against Muslims BLESSINGS
It's absolutely heinous the amount of horrid comments about the war and Palestinians are online. I was married long ago to a Muslim raised man from Algeria. He detached from his faith and due to his french language and also Berber heritage he escaped the stereotypes. I wonder how it is for him now, in the states where he is a citizen but not white. It's important we all speak up and I am grateful you published this. It shouldn't have begun in the first place. Now a population is starving. 😢
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Thank u for sharing this
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." - Arundhati Roy The hate and ignorance has made itself tired and broken down. We need to stay the course and be intolerant of intolerance everywhere we see it. Great top story!
Your words are raw and real. And they matter. But I want to say something that’s been sitting heavy on my chest. You talked about how people dehumanize Muslims online. How hate spreads and no one stops it. I agree. It’s sickening. But here’s the part that hurts just as much — and it needs to be said: Where are the good Muslims when the bad ones speak the loudest? Where are the voices when extremists twist your religion into a weapon? When women are silenced, when minorities are crushed, when violence is justified in the name of God? I'm not talking about people like you — you’re speaking, you're brave. But the silence from so many others? It’s deafening. There’s a saying: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” And I think that applies here, too. The world sees the hate because it’s loud. And when good people — kind, peaceful, faithful Muslims — don’t speak out just as loudly, the hate fills the silence. That silence doesn’t protect Islam. It damages it. It makes it easier for the world to believe the worst. I’m not blaming. I’m pleading — just like you are. If you want people to see the heart of your faith, the good hearts inside your community have to show up. Speak up. Push back. Not just when Muslims are hated. But when hate is coming from people claiming to be Muslim. Because the silence of good people — no matter the religion — always helps the wrong side win.
I just don't understand why people so easily choose to hate and discriminate. Keyboard warriors have become a plague, perpetuating close-minded narratives and slowly erasing our ability to have meaningful conversations. I am so sorry you experience this. That anyone has to deal with this. It's heartbreaking. Thank you for choosing to highlight your struggles despite the negative attention it may bring. Sending hugs :)
Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing this. It’s so important that people see that we are all human. That we all need love and understanding and support. It breaks my heart that so many don’t care about what is happening in Gaza because they see people that are subhuman.
Congratulations on TS, sister 💖🤝
All religions are sacred and speak of peace. And those who speak badly about Islam! do they even have the slightest understanding of it? I don’t think so. People are ignorant, misled, and brainwashed. They need to think a little!
I’m simultaneously glad and sad you felt the need to write this. Good people deserve respect no matter what belief system they follow, and it sucks that Muslims are seen as “dangerous” because of extremist terrorist groups that have nothing to do with the vast, vast, VAST majority of them—it’s so insane. It also so often crosses beyond the territory of just religious discrimination, which is bad on its own, and into straight anti-Arab racist talking points as well. Absolutely gross. Please ignore those disgusting, racist edgelords in the TikTok comments, Belle. They are unhappy with their own lives, so they take it out on other groups of people, pushing the blame off themselves, and it’s pathetic. These echo-chambers of racist memes and hate exist everywhere online for every group, sadly, and there’s just no getting through to most of these people. But it is so anger-inducing to see Muslims have to attempt to go out of their way to humanize themselves just to be granted human decency and respect. That goes for the genocide in Palestine too, which would have an incredible amount more of media coverage, and more of people’s compassion and attention and sympathy, if it were a majority white/non-Arabic country. It’s just sad.
Yes, people have to stop generalising and stereotyping. Not all Muslims are bad. Not all men cheat. Not all women are gold diggers. People really need to pause and think
Belle!! I have no words left! You said it all... You just said it all. People online make a decision without even getting to know what the real truth is. I've dealt with all of this a lot. A lot... Just because some UGLY people did UGLY things using the name of ISLAM, doesn't allow anyone to objectify the religion. I mean, when a person with xyz religion does something IMMORAL, they say, "He is mentally unstable, he wasn't in his senses" and when a Muslim does that, "His religion teaches them to do this". Why? WHY tho? Also, talking about making muslims inhumane online... Most of the people think Muslims don't even deserve to live...! And that's so cruel. You are a revert too... Why? 'cause all of a sudden you chose VIOLENCE over peace (ex-religon)...? I'm not saying your ex-religion wasn't good enough, but you must have found somthing more peacful and worthy in Islam to choose it. People need to dig in deep. People need to study before making an oppressing statement! I've dealt with so much online(instagram etc) shit texts from non-muslims around the globe, for just commenting on Islamic posts! I would never mock a religion, no matter what! My religion doesn't teach it... I'll never declare any one more or less of a human, just because of their different belief... Now, I wouldn't also, say that THEIR religion teaches it to them; to hate and mock other religions, 'cause I know NO religion teaches HATE and disrespect. Thank you for this, Belle! Thank you for speaking up ❤