The individual suspected of carrying out the act—which authorities described as a probable “Islamist terror attack” during the Berlin Pride Parade—was shot dead by police. It has been confirmed that the attacker was a radical Islamist.
In fact, following this terror attack, it would be beneficial for all Muslims to pause and reflect. Why do terrorist organizations constantly emerge from within the Muslim community, and why do these individuals strive to turn the countries where they live into centers of terror? What do they hope to gain by killing innocent people?
Instead of getting angry about the rising anti-Muslim sentiment, Muslims would do better to ponder why this hostility is increasing. Muslims must learn—and teach—how to live without violence. Otherwise, they will find themselves at the center of demonization. Indeed, the anti-immigrant sentiment rising across the world today stems largely from anti-Islamic sentiment; in countries dominated by the far-right, the underlying philosophy is often opposition to Islam. Muslims have simply failed to learn how to coexist with—and respect—other religions. They insist on attempting all manner of illegal acts to force everyone and every religion to conform to their own faith.
Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen. He was at an age that could still be considered childhood—falling squarely into the demographic most easily misled or radicalized. How are these young people being poisoned? Why do they betray the very society from which they come?
Muslims have only themselves to blame for the rising hostility toward Islam—not others. As long as these heinous attacks continue, it seems there is no alternative for sensible, non-violent Muslims but to turn against Islam themselves.