‘Spread love, not hate’ Uproar as 'Punish A Muslim Day’ threat spreads on social media
THOUSANDS of people have called for April 3 to be coined Love A Muslim Day after a sick point-scoring game saw the day dubbed Punish A Muslim Day.
Thousands have stood up against Punish A Muslim Day
The horrible threat – which was sent round in letters to UK residents last month – has seen a huge backlash.
#PunishAMuslimDay became an unpopular trend online as people took to Twitter to share their disgust.
Many used the platform to share love, not hate – blasting the hate-filled “game”.
Tweeter @Rachael_Swindon said: “Apparently it's #PunishAMuslimDay today. If I see a Muslim today I'm going to offer them a hug. Only if they look like they want one though, I can't be doing with getting arrested.”
@FizzaKazmi6 said: “Some maniac trying to destroy the peace.This disgusting #PunishAMuslimDay is so scary. Let's change it to #LoveAMuslimDay. Spread love,not hate. Let's do this.#banpunishmuslimday #3rdapril”
This made me so sad as it’s 2018
Others shared their personal experience such as Twitter user @Hash_im8.
He wrote: “My little sister has just melted my heart as she woke up this morning and said ‘we have to hide today’. This made me so sad as it’s 2018 and kids as young as 7 are growing up in fear. I told my little sister, 'no, we have no reason to hide it’s our home' #PunishAMuslimDay”
The large response comes after letters were sent to houses across the UK with five police forces - West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and the Metropolitan Police – investigating.
My little sister has just melted my heart as she woke up this morning and said “we have to hide today”. This made me so sad as it’s 2018 and kids as young as 7 are growing up in fear. I told my little sister, “no, we have no reason to hide it’s our home” #PunishAMuslimDay
— Hashim (@Hash_im8) April 3, 2018
I saw the #PunishAMuslimDay letter, and I think we can do better.
— Amit Alexander Lev-Brinker ������️������ (@amitlev) March 26, 2018
I declare April 3rd #LoveAMuslimDay pic.twitter.com/6UTWHoDaf5
Only recently found out about the #PunishAMuslimDay and I’m absolutely disgusted! Everyone thinking of going ahead with this next month should be ashamed of yourselves!
— Steph ⚓️ (@lewa86) March 25, 2018
In the words of Maya Angelou: “Hate has caused a lot of problems in this world, but has not solved one yet”
Apparently it's #PunishAMuslimDay today. If I see a Muslim today I'm going to offer them a hug. Only if they look like they want one though, I can't be doing with getting arrested.
— Rachael (@Rachael_Swindon) April 3, 2018
Honestly, to hell with "Punish A Muslim Day." Let's do the exact opposite. Let's celebrate #LoveAMuslimDay ♥️. Join me as we appreciate, respect, & love our Muslim neighbors, friends, activists, family members, brothers/sisters, teachers, caretakers, leaders, & kindred spirits.
— Dr. Craig Considine (@CraigCons) April 3, 2018
Hi @AmberRuddHR @theresa_may @10DowningStreet What have you been doing and what are you doing today to stop the horror that is #PunishAMuslimDay please? There are many people afraid to leave their home today!
— Sarah (@ScouseGirlMedia) April 3, 2018
In the note, it warns Muslims to protect themselves from unsuspecting attacks ahead of April 3.
Reports say some Muslim women were warned to avoid picking their children up from school ahead of the sick day.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed last month it was aware of the leaflets being distributed in the capital.
A spokesman said: "The MPS does not tolerate any form of hate crime. If anyone believes they have been a victim of such an offence we would encourage them to report it to police so it can be fully investigated."
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are investigating a number of reports of potentially malicious communications sent to individuals in the Bradford area.
"Officers are currently investigating the full circumstances."