Saad Malik (one of the organizers of the American Muslim Consumer Conference) wrote an excellent article titled, “Lowe’s: 3 Facts About The Muslim Consumer That Should Scare The Crap Out of You” – I highly recommend you read it.

For those who may not know what this is about, here’s some context regarding Lowe’s

TLC launched a reality show featuring Muslims from Dearborn, MI. Some welcomed it, others didn’t think very highly of it and some paranoid individuals felt that it was a jihadist plot to overthrow American freedom.

The Florida Family Association encouraged people to write letters to the companies who had advertising spots on the TV show to pull their spots in order to fight terrorism. Lowe’s decided to pulled their ads. As a result, they suffered a backlash and many people came out in support of the American Muslim consumer. Russell Simmons went in and bought the last remaining advertising spots (he’s the man!) in support of anti-bigotry.

The following two steps, in my humble opinion, can help rectify the situation

1 – Own up to your mistake and acknowledge us for who we are, not what they say we are.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Be conscious of God wherever you are. Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will blot it out. And deal with people in a good manner.

We’re human beings, just like everyone else. We have feelings too. Deal with us in kindness.

When someone says or does something hurtful against us, well, as a community we feel hurt. We don’t like being picked on. Just because the media made us their punching bag, doesn’t give you the right to join the bullies.

Sooner or later (as you’ve now experienced), we’ll stand up and say “enough!” and other will stand by our side.

A company is a group of human beings that make mistakes. Own up to mistakes. Say, “I’m sorry” and work toward treating us better!.

2 – Be an example for others to follow. Support us and we’ll support you!

A lot of people who support your decision to pull the ads are taking the position that you’re exercising your right to do so. No one’s denying that. The argument here isn’t whether or not you had the right to pull the ads, but whether or not the reason for which you pulled them was founded in social responsibility.

The pulling of the ads basically gave bigotry support that it desired. Whether that was your intention or not is water under the bridge now.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.
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Let’s move forward toward a better tomorrow and, as you so keenly say in your tagline, let’s build something together! In every city across the country, we’re working hard toward building and expanding community centers. We’re seeking a means to support our neighbors and community.

There’s so much you can help with. Help build playgrounds for disadvantaged neighborhoods. Perhaps you can mandate sensitivity training within your corporation (if you don’t already). Help us in community outreach effort to better the country as a whole.

All I ask is: become a leader in social responsibility.

I look forward to witnessing the greatness of your potential realized!

(Shout out to Salim Patel for the suggestion and hadeeth reminder)