My children who live in the United States see and hear anti-Islamic statements or are the 'beneficiaries' of anti-Islamic policies on a regular basis – and I suspect that is the same for other children living in non-Muslim lands. They hear reports on the news, read inaccuracies in books, overhear an adult conversation, to list just a few examples. It is a fact of life and one that I do not believe parents can or should shelter them from – our children need to learn how to be proud Muslims in the midst of unfair criticisms and negative perceptions.
I remember when I was invited to speak at a conference sponsored by the CDC in Atlanta. I worked in public health at the time and it was the first time my colleagues there were going to see me in a hijab. I was dreading the trip as previous experience taught me that my new look had consequences, mostly negative. I had a mantra that I kept repeating to myself from the airport – to my hotel – on my walk to the lecture – as I approached the podium – and right before I began to speak, "I am a proud and beautiful Muslim woman. I am a proud and beautiful Muslim woman". We have a right to be proud as Muslims. We have that right because our values and our system of norms are from Allah.
Read Full Article »