This Open Letter To ‘Allah’ Will Silence People Who Spread Terror In The Name Of Islam

Dear Allah,

bismillah ir rahman ir rahim

I put these words out in the universe, hoping they will reach you someday.

But really, I have only questions.

I am largely an atheist and worship mere tranquility.

I bow before the endless sky, seek the water that gives,

and talk to the bird that sings. I pray to silence, and often in it.

The closest thing that comes to a religion, for me, is Humanity.

The power of good; the hand that heals, nurses and blesses.

I speak a language or two, but love is more powerful, I truly believe.

Just as I don’t believe in scriptures and manuscripts that time passes on.

About how the world has been, should be, or will be.

Needless to say, I don’t know any verses from the Quran.

But today, I fear for my loved ones or anyone who doesn’t.

And I ask of you, in as many words:

Do I need to know verses from the Quran, to earn the right to live?

The perpetrators in the guise of your protectors pumped bullets into those who couldn’t recite them.

Did you assign them the task to massacre millions in your name?

If not, how will you let it be known to them?

For, they may blow themselves up in your name and perish.

But where do we go from here?

Grant me an answer, in some way or another.

Because if there’s ever a man in front of me with a gun in his hand,

I’m going to look him straight in the eye and ask him to pull the trigger.

Only so that I can come knocking on your door quicker,

and keep pestering you with the same questions.

If that ever happens, I hope you let me in without asking me to recite a verse.

Will you?