Youth Riots
Let's Stop the Blame Game and Move Forward**

The strength of any society is measured by the equality, solidarity, and integration of its people. If a society ignores some of its youth because of their religion, race, or ethnic background, sooner or later they will turn against this society. The feeling of persecution will lead them to be a time-bomb which bursts out as a protest against unemployment, poor housing, poor education, and other kinds of discrimination they face for nothing but their ethnic origins.

Western Media tried to refer those riots to a religious base, because these suburbs were mainly populated by poor African Muslim immigrants. But the fact is that the Paris riots weren't by radical Muslim youth, nor by Muslim rioters only. It was a scream in the face of discrimination by some young rioters -from different backgrounds- who were tired of poverty and misery in a country that neglects their basic needs.

"There weren't just Muhammads and Alis in those groups (of rioters)—there were Tonys and Danials too," said Dalil Boubakeur, head of France's official Muslim Council (CFCM).

The youth uprising wasn't just some riots by a group of hooligans. But it was the only way they thought would make others pay attention to them and their plight and put them in the headlines. They eager hope that the world will become a better place for them; providing them with equal opportunities so they can be better.

These youth didn't find anyone to guide them to the right way of expressing themselves. That's why I am wondering where are their families and communities? And in what state are they in?

Any way I am not writing this to blame anyone. I want to ask the Muslim community –as a group of these minorities- to unit and cooperate to have their voices heard in the right way. They have to listen to the Muslim youth and follow the Sunnah of our Prophet of dealing with them. Mohammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) raised a strong nation and we have to keep it strong. He and his companions were a minority in their society, but they followed Allah's teachings to be one strong nation. And they turned to be an outstanding nation. I think it is time to stick to that. Islam is not only praying and fasting. It is a way of life.

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