To Christians, Muslims, or anyone who is reading this article. I do not mean this to be out of a place of disrespect to my Christian beliefs, in fact, I am writing this because of them.

This is not an article about why ISIS does not equal Islam, rather an article on ending hate and pursuing love as brothers and sisters.

As a Christian, our main focus is to spread eternal love and put an end to all hatred. However, this past week I have seen more hate coming from ignorance than love coming from wisdom.

One of a Christian’s main frustrations is constantly denying the Westborough Baptist Church and all of its false teachings. This has been a large factor of Christianity being misunderstood and labeled incorrectly.

Now try to think about those of the Muslim faith, we are so angered by being compared to a Church that gives us as Christians a bad name yet we are blaming this religion for terrorist attacks.

Christians, now do you understand?

How can we as Christian’s get so angered when people falsely compare us to the Westborough Baptist Church who offends thousands, yet falsely blame the entire religion of Islam for terrorist attacks killing thousands.

Now that I have been able to address Christians on my beliefs on the subject, it is important for me to apologize to Muslims for the many years prior of my lack of maturity and pure ignorance on the subject matter.

I’m sorry that after 9/11 you had to walk into Elementary School and your childhood innocence was robbed from you when you were victimized as a villain by your classmates.

I’m sorry that in Middle School people made fun of your clothing and your parent's accent.

I’m sorry that in High School you were referred to by your religion and ethnicity rather than by your name or your personality.

I’m sorry that now as a fellow college student when you see terrorist attacks you have to feel the sorrow and grief we all feel from the circumstances, but I’m also sorry that you have to fear the backlash from others actions that have nothing to do with you.

I’m sorry you have to fear for your mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends due to the fact they are practicing their right to be of the Islam faith.

I’m sorry you ever had to fear for your life because of the ignorance of others.

Lastly, but most importantly, I am sorry.

I am sorry for believing lies at such a young age. I am sorry that it's only at the age of 20 I could read the translation of Quran on my own to find out about my own beliefs. I am sorry that it took me so long to speak out about this issue for the fear of angering any of those close to me. I am sorry it took me so long to learn that ISIS does not equal Islam. I am sorry I tossed and turned and lost sleep at the thought of publishing this as my first article in the fear of offending any family or friends.

I will not be silent for you any longer. I challenge all Christians to act on peace and love as you are called to and to cast all judgments to the side.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”