Address by Zulkifl Mujahid to the attendees of the #1MillionMarch4Kids event, which took place on September 20, 2023. During his speech, he shed light on the pressing issues and challenges our community faces concerning the inappropriate sexualization of our children. Mr. Mujahid passionately conveyed his profound concerns regarding this matter. Here is an adapted version of his speech:
“I stand before you today as a Muslim man, united with my Christian brothers and sisters, in a solemn and crucial endeavor – the fight against the sexualization of our children in schools. Our faiths may differ, but our shared concern for the well-being and moral upbringing of our children transcends religious boundaries.It is imperative that we come together as a community, embracing our common values of compassion, righteousness, and the protection of innocence. The sexualization of children in schools is a concern that knows no religious distinctions; it is a concern that unites us all as parents, guardians, and advocates for the purity and integrity of childhood.Our faiths have always taught us the importance of nurturing and safeguarding the most vulnerable among us.Our shared goal is simple: to ensure that our educational institutions provide a safe and nurturing environment that respects the sanctity of childhood. We must work together to shield our children from premature exposure to explicit content, ensuring that they are free to grow, learn, and develop in a manner that is consistent with our shared moral values.We understand that there will be differences in how we approach this issue, but our shared dedication to the well-being of our children is a powerful force that can bridge any divides. By uniting across faiths, we send a clear message that protecting our children is a moral imperative that transcends religious differences.Together, as Muslims and Christians, we can advocate for changes in our educational systems that prioritize the protection of our children. Let us engage in constructive dialogue, collaborate with educators and policymakers, and work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where our children can flourish, free from the harmful influences of an over sexualized culture.I believe that our unity today, regardless of our religious backgrounds, is a testament to the power of our shared humanity and our shared commitment to the protection of our children. Let us move forward hand in hand, guided by our faith and our shared values, to make a positive difference in the lives of the young ones who depend on us.”
#1MillionMarch4Children #FortMcMurray #ZulkiflMujahid