Communities around the UK have united to combat what was dubbed as 'Punish a Muslim' day on April 3.
Last month a letter was sent to Muslim MPs, including Cabinet member Sajid Javid, as well as businesses and homes in in east London, the Midlands and Yorkshire. It called for violence against Muslims with a range of 'points' given for various activities against Muslims including pulling a Muslim woman's headscarf off or beating someone up.
Counter-terror police are investigating the source of the letter, which is thought to originate in a two-year old campaign.
However community leaders are urging Muslims to go about activities as normal with the #PunishAMuslimDay hashtag met with counter-hashtags #LoveAMuslimDay and #WeStandTogether.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: 'At this time there is no credible information to suggest there is any criminal activity that will take place. We will be encouraging local faith and community networks to take part in a "#WeStandTogether" campaign.'
Here are three responses we loved to Punish a Muslim day.
1. Sign up to support a Muslims
Jamilla Hekmoun, a 24-year-old researcher, and Umar, a 22-year-old student from London, have set up a specific helpline. The pair have gathered more than a 100 volunteers who signed a Google Doc to say they are happy to talk on the phone or walk someone home if they feel nervous or threatened at any time on the day.
3rd of April has been planned as a "PunishAMuslimDay" To help our community feel safe, we have organised the #ProtectAMuslimDay initiative. We have organised volunteers from around the UK to help you if you feel unsafe on the day, call: 07985606148 or 07985601849. More info" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
* Especially sisters with a hijab. Be sure people know where you and where you are going at all times. * SPREAD THE WORD GUYS" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
2. #LoveAMuslim points on offer
There are also a number #LoveAMuslimDay events being organised in Nottingham, Bradford, Wakefield, Sheffield and Leeds. The idea originated with the charity Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) writing a counter-letter offering points for smiling at a Muslim or inviting them into your home.
We should all love Muslim people on all days, but considering hate levels going on right now, tomorrow you really need to #LoveAMuslim to counter the hate! Things you can do - Smiling at people would be a good start, better still invite Muslims into your home.... pic.twitter.com/CbcOy79a7v
— Agent of Change (@khbelizaire) 2 April 2018 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">3. It hasn't worked!
The campaign seems to have largely failed.. The #PunishAMuslimDay hashtag is largely full of support for Muslims.
Solidarity with all British Muslims today having to deal with #PunishAMuslimDay. We still have a long way to go before Britain takes anti-Muslim bigotry seriously.
— Sunny Hundal (@sunny_hundal) 3 April 2018 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">If you witness (non physical) islamophobic harassment today (or any day), this guide by @itsmaeril could come in handy #PunishAMuslimDay pic.twitter.com/H7w9q4lp4x
— ikran (@ikran) 3 April 2018 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Moreover the watchdog TellMAMAUK has at the time of publishing said it has received no reports of hate crimes directed at Muslims today.
#WeStandTogether: If extremists seek division, we rise above. If extremists cause harm, we rise above. If you face anti-Muslim hate, we rise to help. Speak to Tell MAMA in confidence.
Keep our safety tips in mind as you go about your day" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
