In the wake of last week’s gruesome Paris attacks, Muslims have reignited the #NotInMyName campaign on social media to combat growing Islamaphobia perpetuated by ISIS’ extremism. The campaign allows Muslims to not only condemn the terrorism, but inform others that ISIS does not reflect Islam’s beliefs.

Here are some of the messages being shared using the hashtag:

Islam has taught me to show peace and goodwill to all. Terrorism has no religion. Thoughts are with those affected in Paris #notinmyname

— Hasan Ansari (@iamhasanansari) November 17, 2015

Most Muslims do not follow & aren’t aware of the violence in their scripture. Muslims ≠ Islam. Fight ideologies, not people. #NotInMyName — Ali A. Rizvi (@aliamjadrizvi) November 17, 2015

Another act of terrorism for Muslims to condemn. Another burden. #NotIslam #Paris #NotInMyName #NotAllMuslims pic.twitter.com/mbTsdX5fry

— Philistine Ayad (@Cre8tvlyLicnsd) November 14, 2015

“Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as though he has killed all of mankind” (Quran 5:32) #TerrorismHasNoReligion #NotInMyName — Shehnaz Khan (@shehnazkhan) November 14, 2015

Each time a bomb explodes I find myself pleading to God: “Please don’t let the culprit be Muslim” #NotInMyName

— Salina N. (@salinanas) November 13, 2015

For anyone confused about what we, as Muslims, believe. Remember, terrorism is #NotInMyName. pic.twitter.com/rJ1Zn57RVe — Noor Al-Khaled (@a_view_so_cruel) November 14, 2015

ISIS doesn’t represent Islam ISIS doesn’t represent Islam ISIS doesn’t represent Islam ISIS doesn’t represent Islam #NotInMyName @BDUTT — Syed Salman Chishty (@sufimusafir) November 17, 2015

A muslim can never be a terrorist and a terrorist can never be a muslim #NotInMyName — Awais Satti (@awasssatti) November 15, 2015

I don’t need another reason for the world to hate my religion once again #NotInMyName — Siti Arbaiya (@sitiarbaiya) November 14, 2015

For every terror attack claimed in the name of Islam: #notinmyname . Monsters do not represent my faith. — Ligwina Hananto (@mrshananto) November 14, 2015

A great campaign, spread this link & get involved! https://t.co/1h6J3l9fH8 #NotInMyName pic.twitter.com/LJcjcOmQav — Shekin D. (@Shxkin) November 16, 2015

Even though the campaign has been praised by many as an opportunity to combat religious and cultural stereotypes, some believe it actually does the opposite. In an oped for ABC News, Griffith University Associate Professor Mohamad Abdalla proclaimed that Muslims shouldn’t apologize for the murders in Paris and Lebanon writing,

While I’m required to stand for justice and condemn all acts of evil, I refuse to apologise for the actions of evil people, ISIS or anyone else. But this is exactly what seems to be expected of all Muslims. When a criminal act is committed by a Muslim in Paris, Lebanon or Australia, we are expected to apologise and take ownership of the crime. The same standard is not expected of anyone else.

He makes a valid point. When devout Christian  Dylann Roof attempted to incite a “race war” by shooting up a black church,  Christians weren’t expected to apologize for Roof’s warped religious beliefs. Nevertheless the #NotInMyName movement is empowering many Muslims to reclaim their beliefs and speak out against Islamic misconceptions.

Check out the hashtag to learn more about this movement.

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

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