For US Muslim Girls, Hijab No Obstacle

"My friends started to like me more because they know I have the courage to stand in front of the whole school and do something different,"...
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"We do what almost every teenage girl in America does, shopping and movies. I also go out with my family and family friends"...
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Even for younger Muslim girls, wearing hijab at public middle schools enhances their self-confidence and makes them feel distinguished among their peers.
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"I am very thankful that in my community we have youth group for Muslim teenagers at the local Masjid.
"We have events and girls only parties...
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Sometimes I feel different, but never isolated or left out,” ...
"Different: yes. But never isolated or left out,"...
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The Muslim community is growing, and non-Muslims are growing more accustomed to them. This does not prevent the stares I receive...
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For US Muslim Girls, Hijab No Obstacle
By Sahar Kassaimah, IOL Correspondent

"My friends started to like me more because they know I have the courage to stand in front of the whole school and do something different," said Maghawri. (IOL Photo)
WASHINGTON — For many Muslim girls in the United States, hijab is no obstacle whatsoever to enjoy their lives, but rather a source of strength, pride and a tool to spread correct information about much-stereotyped Islam. "I’ve been wearing my hijab for more than five years; since I was a fifth grader and I believe nothing has changed between me and my friends or classmates after I covered my hair," Huda Rabia, a Californian tenth grader student, told IslamOnline.net Friday, February 9.
"In the beginning they were all curious to know what this scarf is and why I am wearing it. They had tens of questions but after I answered all of them, they never asked me about it again."
During the few recent years, a debate has been raging in the West about Muslim women's right to wear hijab in public.
Describing it as a religious symbol and not an obligatory dress code as Muslims believe, France has triggered the controversy in 2004 by adopting a bill banning the hair veil in state schools.
Shortly afterwards, other European countries, chiefly Germany, followed the French lead.
But in the United States, it is a different story.
"I do what most people at my age do," said Salsabil Alwazzi, an 18-year-old and a freshman at Oklahoma City Community College. "I hang out with friends, watch movies and go out to restaurants."
"I spend a lot of time with my friends we go for dinners and throw parties for each other," added Mariam Khalid, a 16-year old and an 11th grader at El Camino Real Senior High.
"We do what almost every teenage girl in America does, shopping and movies. I also go out with my family and family friends," she added.
Nabilah Safa, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and also wears a hijab, feel pretty good about herself.
"Here in Dearborn, MI, with such a big Muslim population I feel very comfortable practicing my religion. Also I am very proud of who I am," she said.
There are between six to seven million Muslims in the United States, making up less than three percent of the country's 300 million population.
Responsibility
For many among hijab-donned Muslim girls, wearing a hijab is a responsibility that requires them to check their actions.
"Muslim girls wearing hijab are immediately recognized anywhere they go, without the need for us to say ‘I am Muslim.’ The hijab speaks for us, and I believe this helps to serve as a check on our actions, because anything we do is not just reflective on us, but on Islam as well," said Nour Habib, a 17-year-old and a freshman at Oklahoma State University.
Even for younger Muslim girls, wearing hijab at public middle schools enhances their self-confidence and makes them feel distinguished among their peers.
"I feel that I am special between all the people I hang out with because I have enough courage to do that," said Alia Maghawri, a 12-year-old and a sixth grader at Las Colinas middle school.
"I am also proud because I am different from all my Muslim friends. They are too shy to wear the hijab," added Maghawri.
For Maghawri, her hijab brings her more respect among her friends.
"My friends started to like me more because they know I have the courage to stand in front of the whole school and do something different," said Maghawri proudly.
No Isolation
"Here in Dearborn, MI, with such a big Muslim population I feel very comfortable practicing my religion. Also I am very proud of who I am," said Safa. (IOL Photo) Most of the hijab-donned girls agree that they did not feel isolated by their attire.
"Sometimes I feel different, but never isolated or left out,” said Safa.
Sarah Habib, a 15-year-old and a tenth grader, agrees with Safa.
"Different: yes. But never isolated or left out," she told IOL.
"Of course I feel different, because I am. But there is no reason for me to feel isolated or left out. There are things I stay away from, as a Muslim. But it is not because I am excluded; it is because I choose to stay away," Habib added.
Rabia wonders why a Muslim girl should feel isolated for wearing her hijab.
"I was Huda Rabia before wearing my hijab and I am still the same Huda Rabia after wearing it. The only change is that I covered my hair with this scarf. So why my friends should refuse or distance themselves from me because of my scarf?" asked Rabia surprisingly.
"I have a different belief system than most here in the US. However I was born and raised here so why should I feel any different?" added Alwazzi.
Habib believes that it is one’s actions that could isolate him/her from others.
"I believe that isolation is a choice. And if you do not choose to be isolated, then you won’t be. And the question is, left out from what? Again, it is a matter of choice. You choose whether or not to join in something, and in this way, I don’t think it’s being left out."
She said wearing hijab or being a Muslims is more like "staying out."
"There is nothing wrong with staying out of things that you feel are wrong. This is actually proof that you are 'above the influence.' By not letting someone pressure you into doing something, you are showing strength of character," she said.
Family Support
The girls, however, admit that they might face some derive their strength from strong family bonds and Muslim advocacy groups to face challenges that they might go through.
"Of course when you see other teenagers going to parties and hanging out you feel left out. But I think it is very important to have a strong family background that you know you can always go back to," said Khalid.
"I am very thankful that in my community we have youth group for Muslim teenagers at the local Masjid.
"We have events and girls only parties so that we don’t feel left out in today’s society. For example, in the summer we go camping, and during the winter’s we have snow day. During the month we have activities like going bowling and game’s night, but we also have classes on Sunday to learn more about Islam," she said.
"I think it’s a perfect balance. Even though I know I am different, I don’t feel; left out or isolated because of this youth group and my family," Khalid said.
Learn More
The girls also use their hijabs to spread correct information about much-stereotyped Islam.
"In High School, many people are very ignorant about Islam but they are also very curious," said Khalid.
"A lot of people come and ask me why I wear a scarf and I explain to them that the hair is the symbol of sensuality and beauty, and that I try to hide that. They are astounded when they discover that wearing the hijab was my choice. I also have a few classmates who are Muslim but not very religious, and they ask me questions to learn about their religion," she added.
Habib agrees.
"I believe people are getting used to seeing Muslims all around them," said Habib.
"The Muslim community is growing, and non-Muslims are growing more accustomed to them. This does not prevent the stares I receive, but I am accustomed to these as well. Not all non-Muslims look at me in the same way. I think it all depends on the level of knowledge they have about Islam."
For Sarah, people differ in their reactions, but she agrees that Muslims should be approachable to encourage others learning about Islam.
"Of course people react in different ways. I get stares all the time, some showing interest, some curiosity, some admiration/respect, and some, unfortunately, fear," Sarah told IOL.
"I try to look as approachable as possible, giving people a chance to ask what they want."
Ala Gebarin, 17, also takes into her strides stares and remarks she might come across.
"I am aware that my hijab can be intimidating, but it is only a layer of clothing," said Gebarin, a 12th grade student at Oak Forest High School.
"Once people get to know me, and how I act, their views change and really non-Muslims are very open and kind. They are often more curious than ignorant; as they are often portrayed."

Ellison tells US Muslims to stand up for justice

DEARBORN, Michigan: The first Muslim elected to Congress returned to his home state and told fellow Muslims to observe their faith and work for justice.

“You can’t back down, you can’t chicken out, you can’t be afraid, you got to have faith in Almighty Allah, and you got to stand up and be a real Muslim,” Keith Ellison said on Sunday night in this Detroit suburb, which is the centre of Michigan’s Arab American community.

He spoke at a convention of the Muslim American Society and the Islamic Circle of North America, attended by about 3,000 people.

Born in Detroit, Ellison converted to Islam while in college. Heran successfully as a Democratic candidate for a Minnesota US House seat. US Rep. Virgil Goode, a Virginia Republican, drew widespread criticism when he challenged Ellison’s intention to take the oath of office on the Qura’an, rather than the Bible. Goode said more Muslims would be elected to office unless immigration was limited. Muslims can expect more attacks in the future, Ellison said.

“We’re going to continue to face them,” he was quoted as saying by the Detroit Free Press on Monday. “They’re not going to stop right away. But if you, and me too, stick together, if we believe in Almighty Allah ... if we turn to the Qura’an for guidance, we’ll find an answer to the questions we have.

US Congressman taking an oath on the Quran

12/2/2006 - Political - Article Ref: IV0612-3178
By: Dr. Aslam Abdullah

The newly elected first Muslim congressman Keith Ellison must not be allowed to take an oath on the Quran, says Dennis Prager, a radio talk show host in Southern California. Why? It would destroy the foundation of American culture.

Really! If the culture is so fragile that it would disintegrate by a simple act of swearing in on the Quran, then it deserves to be analyzed carefully.

Even though the first amendment guarantees freedom of religion, and the constitution does not require people to talk an oath of allegiance on the Bible, the issue goes beyond the realm of legalities. It is a debate about the future of this country and a discussion on changing demographic, intellectual and social realities.

Changes in the demography indicate that America has become home of various religious communities that were considered insignificant a few decades ago. Muslims with over six million, Hindus with more than three million, Buddhists with about two million, Bhais with over a million and of course Jews with about seven million as well as Sikhs, Jains, Pagans, atheists and agnostics make up about 15 percent of the population. With the exception of Jews who accept the Old Testament and reject the New Testament, none view the Bible as their Holy Scripture. Muslims acknowledge the divine origin of Torah (Old Testament) and Injeel, (New Testament), but question its authenticity. Hindus have a polytheistic perspective and Buddhist don't believe in the concept of one God. Bahais view all religions equal and add that their leader was the last of the exponent of the divine message. Fifteen-percent of the population is not an insignificant number. Its religious identity cannot be ignored
and certainly commentators like Dennis Prager, himself a Jew, have failed to recognize it's existence.

Socially, these communities have their own religious institutions and many of them are actively involved in the political arena as well. To expect them to show allegiance to a Book that they don't accept as a guiding principle in their every day life is meaningless. Those who demand such an act either do not understand the significance of an oath or do not take the act seriously. They are either reacting on the basis of their chauvinistic tendencies or religious bigotry.

However, it is at the intellectual level that debate about using a book other than the Bible assumes much significance, because it is this discussion that is going to have its impact on the future of the country.

There are four different dimensions of the debate on the issue. Some tend to believe that the country is founded on Judeo-Christian traditions and the inclusion of any other religious tradition would corrupt the ideological foundations of the state. Then there are those that believe Judeo-Christian traditions are incomplete without the inclusion of Islam. Hence they argue that America should recognize it as a country guided by Judeo-Christian-Islamic values. The third group argues that in a secular polity, no religious book should be required for an oath of allegiance and the fourth group believes that everyone should be given the freedom to choose whatever book, he or she chooses to take an oath of any office.

Those who believe in the supremacy of the Judeo-Christian traditions of the country comprise three perspectives. The first one include a great majority of Americans who sincerely believe that the country is essentially Christian and the constitutional freedoms primarily refer to guarantees given to various Christian denominations. They don't view other religions worthy of impacting the social and cultural life of Americans. They believe that others can enjoy freedom of religion as long as they accept the supremacy of the Bible. The proponents of the second perspective argue that Judeo-Christian traditions of America are crucial to maintain the current political system and practices. Most of them realize that there is nothing Judeo-Christian in their theology. Jews, for instance do not recognize the New Testament and consider Jesus as a false Messiah. However, they accept the supremacy of Judeo-Christian tradition for political purposes. They view Muslims as the most vocal
opponents of their political policies and practices. In their view, Israel occupies a central status in the so called divine politics and America is seen as a country doing the divine work by ensuring that Israel fulfills the divine prophecy in years to come.

They tend to believe that the acceptance of anything else other than the Bible would erode the political support for the state of Israel as other perspectives will gain legitimacy, thus, neutralizing or softening the stand of Americans on its continued one sided support for the state of Israel. It is this paranoia that has driven commentators like Dennis Prager to express their opinion on the issue of taking oath on the Quran.

The third perspective within the Judeo-Christian traditions sincerely believes that the Quran has no place within the socio-political structure of the country. They believe that through their tireless tirade against Islam, they would intimidate Muslims to renounce Islam or at least change those portions of the Quran they don't approve. They view the Quran as a book contrary to their conservatism or liberalism promoting hatred and violence. They don't want to see the Quran finding its place in the corridors of power.

When Dennis Prager wrote his piece, he apparently had in mind the support that he would gather from the three proponents of the Judeo-Christian traditions.

And sure he did. The initial response to what he wrote came from right wing conservatives, political Zionists and extremist right wing groups. Prager knows that he would not be able to stop Ellison from taking an oath on the Quran, but he would spark a debate about the Quran raising doubts in the mind of average Americans about its relevance to America.

How should Muslims respond to the debate? From a Quranic perspective, the Muslims can take either of the two following positions. Either they line up with those who believe that no book other than the constitution should be used for an oath of allegiance or all books should be permitted for that purpose. Some Muslims will argue that the sovereignty belongs to God and by showing allegiance to the constitution they would be transferring the powers to the people who are considered the ultimate power in determining the legislative directions of the country.

However, the outcome of the debate would also be determined on the basis of Muslim's outreach in explaining to others including their opponents what the Quran is and what is its relevance to America. If they fail in this attempt, they would not become marginalized, but would become irrelevant to America as well.

Muslims have to realize that some amongst us have distorted the message of the Quran for their own political gains, some have misused it for their personal interests, and some have ignored the call of the Quran for justice and peace.

Through their behavior and constant references of the Quran they have created negative feelings about the Quran among many non-Muslims. It is this outreach that will help most Americans overcome their fears about the Quran.


Dr. Aslam Abdullah is the director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, acting chairman of the Muslim Council of America as well as the editor-in-Chief of the weekly Muslim Observer.