The Bahrain Conflict

so I did this research/interview task for yr 11 Studies or Religion, I loved it, it was so interesting to here a different perspective. The woman who spoke to me is so brave, so intelligent and an incredible person.
* she gave me full permission to publish, don't worry:) 

Research Task
Aim; to interview a member of the Islamic community to examine the impact of the Bahrain conflict affected the lives of the Muslims in Australia.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:- THE BAHRAIN CONFLICT.

Bahrain, which is located in the Persian Gulf is ruled by the Al Khalifa family, a Sunni Royal Family. The population is said to be approximately 738, 000 and is made up of about 65 percent Shiites and 35 percent Sunnis.
Currently there is a conflict between the two Islamic sects in this country as the majority Shiites say that they have suffered discrimination at the rule of the Royal Family.
The conflict of Sunni versus Shi’a has been manifesting for centuries but it finally became dangers. The hanging of Suddam Hussein increased the problem. The execution was held on the eve of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals for Sunni Muslims, and they took this as a deliberate insult. Shiites celebrated world wide the death of who they see as an oppressor.

This conflict has become widespread across all the Arab nations, with many fleeing into neighbouring countries.
Demonstrations against the government have turned into civil warfare, with what is known as sectarian killings claiming a hundred people per day.
The king has now ordered his troops to kill protestors taking action. Many Bahrainis are now asking for world communities to interview and end the death and warfare in the small country

Results from Interview.

* notes, this interview was conducted on the 11^th of March 2011. The interview took place within the home of the interviewee, who would like to remain anonymous as she wishes not want to offend others.
The interview was recorded on my mobile phone, after I asked permission of the interviewee.
This interviewee was a female Islamic woman who lives in Charlestown NSW. I only included information that she gave me full permission for.

• Explain your religious views within Islam (Shi’a or Sunni), and your place within the Islamic community? I regard myself as a Shi’a Muslim, as brought up by my family in Iraq. My sect is Imami. I am part of a small Islamic community here in Newcastle, which includes both Shiites and Sunnis, from nations all over the world. My husband and I are members of the prayer group, and also attend larger Islamic community meetings.
• How many members are within your prayer group? How often are you within in each other’s company?Our prayer group has about 15 members of which 11 are Sunni. We meet three times a week officially but often see each other every day. We don’t often go anywhere without being in the company of someone else in our prayer group.
• Are you aware of the current conflict in Bahrain? Is this an important issue within your prayer group and the local Islamic community? The turmoil in Bahrain is constantly on my mind. Both my husband and I have friends in Bahrain, and we constantly are worried about what is happening. The conflict is creating an uncomfortable feeling between the Sunnis and Shiites in our prayer group. All of us try to agree and respect each other, so we offer prayers to both groups. The stories of death and hatred coming out of the Middle Eastern countries shock us, and make us sad. But they also make us feel lucky to be in Australia.
• How has this conflict affected your faith in Islam and opinion on Bahrain and the neighbouring Arab countries?The civil war in Bahrain brings to the surface issues that have always affected Muslims. Islam is a peaceful religion, and it is hard for me to understand warfare. I left Iraq when I was young and grew up in Australia so I have never really experienced conflict like this. I know that this is a major issue, but I believe it is not the will of Allah. I believe that Bahraini’s should look to the teachings of the Prophet for guidance.
• Do you think this conflict impacts the Islamic community in Australia?The Islamic community is shocked at the conflict in Bahrain. The division between Shi’a and Sunni is usually a very small issue, and doesn’t impact the peace in the community, but the Bahrain issue creates a rift between Shiites and Sunnis in Australia. I believe it makes the community less peaceful, and ruins all the work we have done becoming one peaceful Islamic group.
• As a Muslim how do you feel about the sectarian killings in Bahrain? Do you feel the reasons for this civil war, such as inequality and discrimination, are just?Sectarian killings make no sense to me. This is not the will of Allah. No matter the differences between Shiites and Sunnis, death is not the answer. I do feel for the Shi’a Muslims in Bahrain, I understand what it is like to suffer discrimination. Sunni is the majority, and Shiites often are discriminated against, I’m lucky to live in such an understanding and equal group of Muslims. I believe that this sort of equality should be worldwide, and I don’t the Shiites in Bahrain are finding this the right way. Hatred and riots aren’t the way to find peace.
• Do you feel that the conflict in Bahrain draws negative attention to Muslims in Australia? Do you notice or experience any of this attention? Do you believe such attention is fair?Events that draw attention to Muslims always have a negative impact to us Muslims in Australia. Ever since 9/11 Islam has been viewed negatively. Muslims are seen as threats and are never treated warmly. Whenever I go out shopping people look at my husband and me strangely, the media attention makes everything worst.
  

Summary and Conclusion

Researching the conflict in Bahrain allowed me to gain knowledge about an issue that is impacting the world.

This issue is claiming thousands of lives in the Middle East and is tearing apart Muslims everywhere.
This opened up my eyes and made me realise how ignorant of topics outside the Western World.

My interviewee had lived almost her whole life in Australia and regards herself as an Aussie. Yet her ties with her country of origin and the Middle East are still a major part of her identity.
She watches the conflict occurring in Bahrain with wet eyes and shock in her heart.
Although she says that she does not understand why the schism between Sunni and Shi’a is causing such an issue, she knows what it is like to feel discriminated against, by Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.
The civil war that that she believes is created only by the great rift between Muslims, affects her and those in the local Islamic community. She finds that the attention given to Muslims in Australia is very much impacted by the conflict, and is felt as negative. She makes reference to the bombing of the twin towers, an event that shocked the world and brought hatred to many Muslims.

Yet despite all this she says that her faith is still strong. She states that she does not see the reason for warfare, and that Islam is a peaceful. She stands by her statement that “this is not the will of Allah” and gives her advice to the Bahrainis to “look to the prophet for guidance.”

In conclusion it is evident that the issue unfolding in Bahrain is affecting Muslims directly and indirectly all over the world. Muslims and non-Muslims alike are turning to the media to fill them in on the conflict that is tearing countries and people apart.
The problems in Bahrain and the media attention also create issues for people in Australia and other Western countries. According to the information I have gathered both primary and secondary, issues such as this and 9/11 cause unwanted and negative attention to Muslims. My interviewee mentioned ‘weird looks’ and feeling the negative attitudes towards her.
From my research it is apparent that the conflict in Bahrain is affecting Islamic people all over the world, including Australia.