US Teen Perceives Peacefulness in Ayatollah Khamenei’s Letter

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency in Manassas, Virginia, Shaya Zaid said the letter is very peaceful in nature, effectively preventing Islamophobia.

In a historic letter on January 21, Imam Khamenei asked Western youths to try to gain a direct and firsthand knowledge of the religion in reaction to the flood of prejudgments and disinformation campaigns.

Here is what the American Muslim girl has said of her views on the letter:

Tasnim: Regarding the recent letter from Iran’s Supreme Leader to the youth of Europe and North America, how could it be (more) effective in attracting those youth to the real and authentic Islam?

Zaid: The letter is effective and brings attention to youth. However, it can be more effective by the youth becoming more Islamic in their actions.

Tasnim: How capable is the message in preventing or at least reducing the ongoing Islamophobia in the West?

Zaid: I believe this message is fairly effective in reducing or preventing Islamophobia, but can be severely impactful if it’s spread through Western media.

Tasnim: Do you think America’s mainstream media are interested in publishing the Supreme Leader’s letter?

Zaid: No, I believe America’s mainstream media is so established with the fact that Islam is a “terrorist” religion rather than a peaceful one. Especially with recent ISIS executions that are occurring under their misunderstanding “in the name of God.”

Tasnim: How do you evaluate the content of the letter?

Zaid: The content of the letter is great; it consists of specific details that only request the re-evaluation of Islam and the media’s fallacies.

Tasnim: In your opinion, could this letter be a new chapter in paying attention to Islam by Europeans?

Zaid: Yes this letter can. Especially after the Je Suis massacre, which changed many minds about Islam in Europe. They will finally be able to view Islam’s true teachings.

Tasnim: Can this letter show the differences between authentic Islam and the one that ISIL and other terrorist’s groups have made?

Zaid: Of course this letter is clearly peaceful and doesn’t oppose Western influence, unlike ISIS teachings, which threaten the West’s existence.

Tasnim: If the letter reached the hands of the youth of Europe and North America and then they study the authentic sources of Islam, will it change anything special?

Zaid: Yes, it will change everything. Several sources have corrupted the image of Islam, but Islam’s authentic sources are able to reverse that.

Tasnim: In your opinion, what is the next step in order to enlighten the youth in the West on introducing real Islam?

Zaid: In my opinion, every step taken has been a great effort and should continue its’ effectiveness. There isn’t much else that can be done because everything is already at the maximum effort.