After the LAX shooting incident, The Deen Show sat down with an Imam whose appearance remarkably resembles traditional depictions of Jesus (peace be upon him) to discuss the reality of Islam, the misconceptions that fuel hatred, and why Muslims cannot be Muslim without loving and believing in Jesus. This timely conversation addressed the rising tide of ignorance and offered a beautiful portrait of what Islam truly teaches about peace, morality, and the prophets.
Would Jesus Be Detained by the TSA Today?
The Imam shared a powerful observation: if Jesus (peace be upon him) were alive today, walking in his traditional garb with a beard and Middle Eastern features, he would likely be detained at airport security. This striking thought experiment exposes the irony of those who claim to follow Jesus yet harbor prejudice against the very people who look and dress as he did. Islam teaches that a Muslim cannot be a true believer without loving and revering Jesus as one of the mightiest messengers of Allah.
“God so loved the world that He sent prophets and messengers to guide mankind. That’s how God shows His love, by sending people like Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and the last and final Prophet Muhammad to guide us.”
The Best Response to Ignorance Is Good Character
When asked how he would respond if someone told him to “go back home,” the Imam cited the prophetic teaching that remaining silent in the face of ignorance is better than responding with anger. He emphasized that the most powerful form of dawah is simply practicing Islam properly. When non-Muslim coworkers see the news demonizing Islam but witness the excellent character of their Muslim colleagues daily, the propaganda falls apart on its own.
“If we practice the faith, this will only enlighten the people’s understanding of what Islam represents, and they would never have any chance to make a statement like that.”
- Islam is the fastest growing way of life in the world because people who investigate it sincerely find truth, peace, and purpose
- All prophets, including Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them), came with the same core message: worship the Creator alone, not the creation
- Muslims are encouraged to respond to hostility with patience, dialogue, and good character rather than anger or retaliation
- God sent messengers as an act of love and mercy, providing humanity with an instruction manual for how to live a righteous and fulfilling life
