How to behave in the 21st century? How steadfast should we be? How much we reveal our Muslim affiliation, or any affiliation at all? Should we hide it? In the public mind we are an enemy image, a target. We are branded as terrorists and some people is worried about the future of Europe because of us. Do we give ammunition to negative communication by having beard and our women wear hijab in public? Don't others take this as a provocation from us?
It is my personal opinion that we have to reveal ourselves. And everyone should reveal proudly who and what he/she is. Reveal themselves the Gypsies, Jews, Swabians, because everyone is part of this human community that is diverse. Why can't we be a color in the palette? Why should we be ashamed of what we profess? Why should we be ashamed of what we profess? If the savannah is home for a variety of wild game, but lions dominate the terrain, cannot dress every gazelle, gnu and zebra the cloth of lion because he likes it! If people reveal their affiliation, it is not a provocation, but an act what gains respect. At least in a normal, intelligent society, it is.

O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah. that ye may prosper. (Quran 3:200)

A qualified medical worker from India emigrated to Canada to live a better life. This Muslim brother had a beard. He applied to many different places for a job and was called for interviews. Though he was highly qualified for the jobs, the interviewers hesitated to hire him because of his beard. One by one, he was rejected from all the companies. One interviewer actually mentioned to him indirectly that his beard was an obstacle to getting the job. Truly, it was a big test for him from Allah. Hopeless and exhausted, the brother decided to remove the obstacle, which was to shave off his beard. Then he returned to that company and requested for another interview. When the interviewer saw him without a beard this time, he refused to give him the job again. The brother became confused and asked to know the reason. The interviewer said "If you are not faithful to your God, how will you be faithful to us?"

This story should serve as a lesson for all of us.