World

Facebook post about a small act of kindness towards ostracised Muslim woman goes viral

Dante Coyne from Surrey simply sat next to a veiled woman on a train when no one else would, earning him praise

Web Desk October 30, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY: www.facebook.com/djcoyne

When Dante Jamie Coyne entered a busy train in Woking, England, Monday morning, he was surprised to find an entire section of seats empty. The reason? One of the seats was occupied by a girl wearing a Niqab (veil), and seemingly, no one wanted to sit beside her.

Seeing the girl being ostracised by other commuters for following her religious beliefs, the 25-year-old tech support engineer from Surrey decided to do something about it.

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154240215663356&set=a.375720878355.208879.586628355&type=3"]

In a post on Facebook, which went viral, receiving over 44,000 likes and 4,300 shares so far, Coyne said, “I jump on a busy train this morning and everyone had made it beyond obvious that they would not sit in this section of 6 seats, I loudly announced ‘I’ll sit here then’ and took my seat.”

Anti-Muslim protester in US won over by hugs

His kind gesture did not get unnoticed. Recalling his journey, Coyne said,” We said nothing the entire journey but as she got off train she nodded at me,” adding that he also heard a very quiet "thank you" from the girl. At the end of his post, Coyne urged people not to be judgmental.

Muslim woman doused in alcohol in UK

Many commentators, especially Muslim women, wrote on Coyne’s wall, expressing gratitude towards him for standing up for women who wear the hijab.

On such post said, “I couldn’t help but cry…. I know the feeling way all too well.” Another woman claimed she also receives similar treatment when she wears her hijab.

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/djcoyne/posts/10154246390383356"]

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/djcoyne/posts/10154246540718356"]

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/djcoyne/posts/10154245658783356"]

Overwhelmed by the reaction, Coyne said, “I did nothing but be a respectful human being and hope in time I see others do this more often.”

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/djcoyne/posts/10154248521688356"]

COMMENTS (3)

ajeet | 9 years ago | Reply She wanted to be in a cocoon and the people helped her be alone.

Omer | 9 years ago | Reply @Fahim....you do understand that Burka and an invisibility cloak are not the same things. Some women choose to cloth (not hide) themselves by wearing a burka. They are going out so obviously they want to interact with others.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Replying to X