🌱 Amidst the devastation, environmentalists stand eerily silent as Israel's military onslaught ravages Gaza, leaving behind a trail of environmental destruction akin to burning 150,000 tonnes of coal.
🐾 Meanwhile, animal rights activists, who ardently champion the cause of sentient beings, turn a blind eye to the suffering of countless animals in Gaza, succumbing to starvation and dehydration amidst the chaos of war.
💃 And what of the feminists, champions of gender equality? Their voices are notably absent as women in Gaza endure the horrors of childbirth in makeshift conditions, resorting to using scraps of tent fabric as makeshift menstrual pads.
👶 The plight of innocent children in Gaza, robbed of their childhoods and their futures, echoes in the deafening silence of children's rights activists who fail to rise in their defense. Gaza has basically become a graveyard for innocent kids, and nobody seems to give a damn.
🎓 The sheer hypocrisy of academics is utterly infuriating! They have the audacity to get all worked up when their students dare to speak out for Palestine, yet they won’t lift a finger in righteous anger for the thousands of innocent students and countless academics slaughtered. Where is their outrage for the hundreds of academics ruthlessly killed and the systematic destruction of every university in Gaza by the IDF?
🎥 And where are the voices of Hollywood celebrities, who claim to champion diversity and freedom of expression? Their conspicuous silence in the face of Palestinian suffering betrays a disheartening bias that speaks volumes.
✊ As the world watches in horror, human rights activists remain shockingly silent amidst the escalating death toll (31,000) and mass displacement in Gaza. Those seeking refuge in supposed safe havens are met with relentless bombings, leading to the tragic loss of entire families. It's time for activists to break their silence and demand an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza.
The list goes on ...
The time for complacency is over. "Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter." This poignant African proverb serves as a clarion call to action, demanding that we confront the pervasive injustice and systemic bias ingrained in our narratives.
Let us not merely speak out, but let us take bold action and raise our voices as one. Together, we have the power to forge a world where every individual's rights are honored, where no one is left behind, and where justice reigns supreme.
So, let us stand in solidarity, wear our keffiyehs with pride, march forth to protests without hesitation and demand an immediate ceasefire. Now is the time to make our presence known, to advocate fiercely, and to never retreat. #Claimyourspace, my friends, and let your voice be heard in the pursuit of justice and equality for all.
]]>Anonymous
(Re-sharing a blogpost written by a Palestinian artist about her artwork)
As a Palestinian Muslim woman with a head covering who was born and raised in Israel, I had many questions about my identity. My art is my refuge, a place where I can express the depths of my mind and the storms of my thoughts and feelings. In the art I create, I raise questions of identity, tracing forgotten childhood memories, or seeking the closeness of Allah.
Who Are We?
“Who are we?” is a self-portrait in which I am depicted with a hijab and the traditional Palestinian outfit. The Palestinian and the Israeli flags seperated with a kufiyah are displayed in the background. My hand hides half of my face with (مين احنا؟)Who are we? written in Arabic . The Palestinian garment I am wearing symbolizes my identity as a Palestinian and my family history. The background symbolizes the storm of thoughts and the identity crisis I am forced to face. The Israeli flag symbolizes the occupier. The Palestinian flag symbolizes Palestine on all its good and bad levels—the Palestinian people and the corrupt leadership who abandoned the the Palestinian issue and decided to focus on their personal interests. It also symbolizes the lost youth who decides to carry out suicide bombings with the aim of liberating Palestine and finding redemption, but end up meeting death. The Palestinian kufiyah my grandfather, the simple Palestinian farmer, who just wants to live in peace and provide for his family with dignity.
My Kababir:
In Kababiri or my Kababir, I present the unique landscape of my special neighborhood. Kababir is a small village located on the western side of the Carmel Mountains. Before 1948, the year in which Palestine was conquered, and the State of Israel was established, my neighborhood was a village on the outskirts of Haifa. After the occupation and over the years, the city of Haifa grew and developed and ended up surrounding my village. My village became countryside in the middle of a growing city and retained its rural identity. . This is what sets the place apart, a village within a city.
Amazed:
Through the calligraphy I do I get closer to the Arab and the Muslim in me. My calligraphy is in Arabic even though I speak several other languages. Growing up as a Muslim Arab in Israel was challenging. No one wants to be different, everyone wants to own the controlling group. In the beginning, I did not like being an Arab. But when I grew up, I realized the uniqueness of it. The verses of the Quran showed me the beauty of the Arabic language. Language is identity and culture and I needed to be proud of my language, my identity and my culture.
In the work, “Amazed” I have written a poem by my favorite philosopher and Sufi Poet, Monsour Al Hallaj who dived deep until he announced a major shift in the history of Sufi thought, describing his relationship with God. The words say:
Amazed by you and by me, O you, the desire of the desirers
You drew me closer to thee, until I thought that you were me
I vanished in ecstasy until you erased me from myself by thee
O my blessing in life and my rest after death
I have no intimacy with anyone but thee
When I’m afraid or in safety
O you, the gardens of meanings that surround all my art
If I want anything, it’s you, my utmost desire
My art is my journey towards my identity and my work symbolizes each landmark I land on.
Read Saira’s honest reflection on her experience as a hijab-observing woman in America and find out how her story challenges the norm. Originally Posted on LinkedIn.
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By
Saira Bhatti
World Hijab Day got me thinking about what it means to be a visibly covered American Muslim woman in the workplace.
Rabia Salim
On December 11th, ladies of one chapter of the UK’s Ahmadiyya Muslim women’s auxiliary decided to partake in a National tree planing activity. Their destination was Ensfield. It was a surprisingly mild day and spirits in the car were high. A hearty breakfast was a must. One sister packed us fried leavened bread (paratha) with omelet, and a hearty chicken wrap, fruits, water, and rich and sugary cardamom tea (karak chai) for lunch. The day had a higher purpose for us all. Society is facing no end to challenges and unrest, The pandemic has highlighted difficult times for some struggling families. This day represented a day of hope, and optimism for the community.
The National Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Auxiliary has pledged to plant 100,000 trees to mark our centenary, as it’s been 100 years since this auxiliary has been established in the United Kingdom. Tree planting is a demonstration of our love of serving humanity, and practising the peaceful teachings of Islam. Islam teaches us that tree planting is a charitable and noble act. The Holy Prophet (sa) said, “anyone who plants a tree and waits patiently for it till it bears fruits, that will be on his behalf an act of a charity whenever anything benefits from this tree.”
Therefore this led to our involvement in tree planting with local councils. Guildford chapter has also planned which I was fortunate to be a part of. I looked forward to each one with anticipation, and not just the tea.
Our next trip was on 21st January, in Nicholson Park, Bracknell. 8 ladies were present, and the youngest member, a lovely 2 year old, Ayesha also joined us. It was a cold day, and this was felt by her, as she retreated to the car with her mum after an hour of dedication. The rest of us who remained kept working, planting trees at the foot of a hill in the park. The result of our labor was around 430 trees. One of the senior members who had physical issues insisted on doing at least a handful so she could take part in this noble cause. Following the planting, we enjoyed a delicious picnic consisting of sandwiches, fruit, and of course, tea, brought from home by our members. To add to this was Indian sweets by one local friend of the Bracknell council, and vegan hot chocolate that was provided by a local bespoke cafe owner. The warmth of friendship and the hot drinks were felt by all.
Personally, I felt a positive effect on my health from these few hours in nature, and can testify to sound and peaceful sleep that night. Our next expedition a few weeks later took us in the fringes of a green belt in an area that needed more trees to help prevent rainfall erosion. A lovely independent volunteer had the saplings and showed us the ropes. Each event had so far brought us to various terrain and this location was by far the most natural landscape. One of the members who had an arthritic knee paired up with me and inspired me with her determination. As we worked, cyclists passed us on the scenic path. The total trees planted by everyone was another few hundred.
In March, we were at Frimley Park to plant a hedge around the perimeter. 7 ladies were present as well as our youngest recruit, 2 year old Ayesha. We joined the director of tree planting in Surrey, Councillor of Camberley, some local Frimley people, and the female Mayor, who with all her philanthropic projects, was a delight to meet. This was speedy work, and in 90 minutes, the group had completed the hedges. Our ladies did 280, and the total was an amazing 900 native saplings. We did a lot of steps, and burned up quite a lot of calories!
In the beginning of the year, it seemed that it would be difficult for our UK Ahmadiyya ladies to reach 100,000 trees, but now it feels that this mark could be achieved and even surpassed. I feel honored that I can visit all of the sites we did tree planting with my family in the future, and see beautiful forests there. I highly recommend this enjoyable activity to all!
I first met Mrs. Edhi on May 4th 2010, when we decided to adopt a baby. We had just landed in Karachi the day before and were visiting her in the hopes that through her, Allah might bless us with our first adopted child. Outside of the Edhi center we were fortunate enough to recognize and meet Abdul Sattar Edhi. We said Salaams and explained why we were visiting. He walked us into the building and directed us to some stairs indicating that his wife was in the offices upstairs.
As we reached the top of these stairs we saw a very simply dressed lady with a Dupatta (a scarf) gracefully resting her head and shoulders. A number of people were already present. I was about to ask this lady if she could point me to Mrs. Edhi but I realized that she was Mrs. Edhi. So simple and humble was her appearance that initially I mistook her for one of the staff employees. Among the people present was a couple who had traveled from their village, a lady also from the US, and a number of staff members. The couple were pleading with Mrs. Edhi for a child. She asked when they had visited previously, and they answered a couple of months earlier. She told a staff member to record their visit today and asked them to come again.
I was told that Mrs. Edhi tests the commitment of the people looking to adopt a child and until she is satisfied does not place children with them. This began to worry me because I had only just arrived after a long flight and thought to myself that we might have a really long wait and I began to recite Darood and prayers in my heart. Then the lady from the US was trying to hand her a letter, she looked at this letter and immediately dismissed it saying that it was in English therefore she couldn’t read it and required it to be translated.
Finally she turned her attention to us, my husband and I. We introduced ourselves and shared with her copies of all the paperwork we had already submitted to her. Her daughter Almas brought that file and she studied this for a few minutes. Then she asked me a question, she asked me if I want a boy or a girl? I replied that I am ok with either. She went back to studying the file. The office was open with people coming and going constantly. The phone would also be ringing frequently and there were a few benches and filing cupboards. The paint was peeling off and the decor was bare bones.
She once again ushered me towards her and asked again, do you want a boy or girl, again I gave her the same response that I am open to either and have no preference. She became busy and seemed to be in a hurry, she told us to wait and left the area to go upstairs. The couple who came before had left, the lady with the letter was also gone, most of the staff members were busy with their work. My husband Salman and I were alone at this point, praying quietly and in awe of how this unassuming couple had accomplished so much. After some time Mrs Edhi came back downstairs and we automatically stood and approached her, she looked me in the eyes and for the third time asked me if I wanted a boy or girl, this time I said dear Mrs. Edhi, no matter how many times you ask me this question I will always give you the same response, I have no preference. In fact, I said, please if you can give me both. To which she gave me a look that suggested “don’t get ahead of yourself” and so I fell silent. Then she beckoned with her hand for me to get closer to her and very quietly she said, I have a child, come back at 1pm. I was stunned. I was still processing this news and tried to ask another question but she said again louder this time that “bas.. ek bajay aajana.” (Stop…come at 1 o’clock). Salman and I hurriedly left, simultaneously excited and unsure.
It was only 10am, so we had a few hours to wait. We went back to the hotel to give my mum this news and on the way back we picked up some formula, a bottle, diapers, and clothes. When we reached at 1pm, we were guided to the floor above and told to wait. Then, under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Edhi a nurse brought a baby wrapped in a pink blanket out towards me, I began to shake and cry so my mum stepped forward to receive the baby in her hands. Salman had started recording this whole event. My mum then asked if it is a son or daughter to which Mrs. Edhi said, “A son.”
She asked me what will you name him?'' I answered Rahman, it was the only name I had clearly in my mind. And although I was expecting a girl I couldn’t quite settle on a girl name at that time. Mrs Edhi explained that she had to place the baby that day because she and her husband were traveling tomorrow for their charity work to New York. She also told us that she had been trying to call another couple for the last two days but was unable to reach them. This was also very significant news for us because about three weeks prior I had started to become very anxious and kept telling my husband that we had to be in Pakistan by May 1st. He asked me why several times, to which I had no good answer, only that I had an overwhelming feeling that this date was important. As such and despite our best efforts we set off from Washington DC on May 1st which meant our arrival between travel time and time zone changes was May 3rd. This entire time I kept saying we were late, though I had absolutely no knowledge for what. Allah had graced us with this wait of two days such that we arrived in the last window of time before Mrs. Edhi was compelled to make a decision.
I was still crying as I held my baby for the first time. He was so tiny, not more than a week old. Mrs Edhi gently shook her head and said “no, no, don’t cry”. As I rocked him in my arms, Salman recited the Adhaan in Rahman’s ears. We changed his clothes and prepared a bottle to feed him. I turned to Mrs. Edhi again asked if she can give me his original clothes/possessions or anything that was left with him so that I may give it to him when he is older. She said he was dressed in rags that she threw away. So, unfortunately there was nothing. At this point we were ready to leave. With tremendous gratitude and joy we expressed our salaams to her and the entire staff as we left with our gift from Allah.
Today Rahman is almost 12 years old, he has an insatiable curiosity and a terrific memory that he’s applied to memorizing the Quran. His favorite pastime however playing with his cousins and friends
Mrs. Edhi achieved what was considered impossible by many. She rescued hundreds of children in her lifetime, including my son, and I will never forget her kindness. May Allah accept her extraordinary humanitarian work and grant her a high station in heaven, Ameen.
We spent the next few days exploring Chicago. For a new bride who was to start her life in an alien land, this was an experience in itself. In those first few days, you remember the smell of that new house you moved into. You remember how the water tastes a little bit differently. You remember where you went to eat in the first few weeks. Since I had come to Chicago from London, I felt the sun shone brighter, and the roads were unnecessarily wide. While I was trying to get used to the long distances, the cherry blossoms outside our house caught my attention and I fell in love with Chicago’s spring instantaneously. And later, fell in love with the entire country as I made my own path towards becoming an American citizen.
When I came to America, I thought I knew everything because of the books I’d read, the movies I’d watched, and the news I used to hear. It wasn't until after spending a good few years that I understood American culture in a more intimate way. The time I spent in this country has been incredible. Of course there have been ups and downs in everything you do and anywhere you live. But the last 14 years have given me lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. I am grateful to people who opened their homes for us, shared their family recipes, looked after my children, and entrusted their children with me. Without knowing it, I became an advocate of my faith and my culture. I’ve volunteered at shelter homes and soup kitchens, took my kids to the tree planting activities, and visited countless museums. I remember being stopped at the grocery stores because someone had a question about my headscarf. I spent hours at the public libraries holding talks about Islam and women’s and minorities’ rights. I spoke at universities and wrote for local and national news outlets. Eventually, those discussions became stepping stones for Equal Entrance. This is how I, a Muslim woman assimilated in American culture, by infusing my culture in a new alien land, and made it home. Without compromising my values and my identity, I became an American in my own way. That salty experience upon my arrival still disturbs me but I take solace in the fact that the majority of Americans are open minded, welcoming, and sweet people.
Thank you to everyone who helped along the way. Whether we are intouch or not, you are a part of this story, and you will always be in my heart for the next 14 years, and beyond.
By Amal Ahmad
Being brought up in a religious family, wearing a headscarf in public was a rite of passage that the women went through in order to become stronger in both their faith and their identity. After I graduated elementary school, I remembered telling my parents that I was going to go through this ‘rite of passage’, and start wearing a headscarf in sixth grade. I very much regretted doing so once sixth grade orientation was near, as the fear and panic of my decision started to set in. What would all my friends say? Will they even be friends with me after seeing me? Will I be a loser at school? Was I even making the right decision? I mean I’m literally only ten years old, which is too young to be making a big life-changing decision like this… right? When the first day of school rolled around, I was a mess. The burden of everyone’s expectations was pushing me deeper into the ocean of my anxiety, pressuring and pressuring me until finally, an hour before I was supposed to leave, I broke down in tears. My mother came to calm me down and talk me into going to school.
“Amal, lado, if you don’t want to wear the headscarf, then don’t. It is entirely up to you,” mom said, stroking my hair.
“But if I don’t then you and baba are going to be mad at me,” I sniffled.
“No we won’t,” mom said, “honestly I will be a little sad but definitely not mad.”
“I’m scared,” I said, not being able to meet my mother’s eyes. “I’m scared that I’m going to lose my friends and that people will look at me differently.”
“Well of course everyone is going to look at you differently,” mom started, “that is a normal reaction for middle schoolers. You just have to defy the crowd and be your own person, and the longer you wait, the harder it will get, trust me.”
I sniffled.
“And as for your friends, think of it this way. If they are your real friends, they won’t judge you for your attire. You are still you, but now simply with a headscarf. Honestly, if people want to judge, let them. Just know that they are those types of people who care more about your appearance rather than your personality.” mom said, holding my hand.
“Okay,” I said, really absorbing my mother’s words.
Mom looked at me with warmth in her eyes and said, “Listen lado, now is the time where you ask yourself if you are able to put your faith in front of everything else. Know that you are not doing this for me, you are doing it for God. I am going to wait in the car, and when you feel ready, come join me.”
I sat there for a few minutes, trying to absorb and implement my mother’s words. Once I had a firm belief that I was doing the right thing by God, I got up, wiped my tears, and picked up my headscarf. As I donned it, I realized that I was also donning a new and better identity, one with confidence, grace and firm faith. I looked at myself in the mirror and started smiling. That was me. The girl in the scarf was me. I felt happiness spread throughout me and went out to the car, where my mom gave me a long hug. Then we set out for the real test- school
Once we arrived at school, I remember being extremely nervous and self-aware. I was scared that everyone was going to look at me weird and judge me. However, when people saw me, they treated me like any other stranger, a glance and then they moved on. Wow, this isn’t so bad, I thought, and my confidence began to grow. Then I saw my friend and we made eye contact. I braced for impact, but she just smiled, and a wave of relief washed over me. I walked over to her and she said, “Nice fit.” “Eh, can’t say the same about you,” I replied, and we both laughed. After that, I felt a huge boost of confidence and started tackling the day with it. Then I saw someone from my fifth-grade class. We made eye contact and he looked at me with a combination of astonishment, disgust and mostly looked like he was weirded out. Why did he make that face? We weren’t even friends in fifth grade, but his reaction still felt like a punch to the gut. Then I remembered what Mom said, that there are of course going to be people that look at you weird, but these are the type of people that care more about appearances than personality. This made me feel a lot better as I realized that my headscarf was a vital tool in making real friendships with good people. That day, I went home to proud parents, a happy household, and most importantly, a sense of self.
It has been around six years since this event, and I can definitely say that wearing a headscarf changed my life dramatically, by teaching me self-importance and confidence. I am very happy and grateful that I fought past my fear and anxiety of being different and have truly embraced who I have become.
Amal Ahmad is a senior at Battlefield High School. Her hobbies include cooking, running, napping, and binge-watching television. She lives in central Virginia with her family.
Sidra Tul Muntaha
Women naturally look for equality and respect in the public sphere. We are living through these unfortunate times, when the moral standards of our society are falling apart. The feeling of being unsafe and insecure is something most of us can relate to. However, there are still places that provide equal space to women in terms of dignity and safety.
Today, I would like to share my experience of one such convention that I attended several years ago in India. As the end of the year comes close, a small village in India gets ready to celebrate 3 days of peace, equality, diversity, faith and spirituality. Today, the 3 day annual convention came to an end and I couldn't help but reminisce about the time I attended it several years ago.
Qadian is known to be the birthplace of the Promised Messiah, who’s advent was promised by Almighty in almost all religious scriptures in the later days. And people who believe that His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahamd of Qadian was that Promised Messiah. When the Promised Messiah Established Ahmadiyya Muslim community, a sect within Islam. Fulfilling the purpose of his coming, he reintroduced the true and beautiful teachings of Quran and Islam and in doing so, he advocated women rights to the highest degree. He announced a unique religious and spiritual event. Which was going to provide an equal opportunity to both men and women to attain higher moral and spiritual standards. The first ever annual convention of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was held in December 1891 in Qadian. While only 75 people attended this convention, today, thousands of men, women, and children from across the globe attend this blessed event and it has turned into one of the oldest religious conventions today.
I started my journey as a pilgrim to attend this annual convention in 2015. Being an Ahmadi Muslim, it was a unique spiritual experience; walking on the same soil where a prophet of God walked, still gives me goosebumps. As a woman, it was more special to me for a number of reasons. I witnessed the true colors of equality and respect which Islam gives to women. I remember going to the house of the Promised Messiah also known as “Dar ul Massih” several times a day to offer prayers. Unlike many other public places, all the holy places in Qadian have visiting hours and schedules for both men and women sperately. Women only areas and women-only hours ensure safety for women and the ability for them to pray freely and comfortably. The amount of safety and security that I felt during my stay there was something that I only felt inside my own house.
Jalsa Qadian is a historic event and must be attended at least once in a lifetime to fully absorb the feel of equality, diversity and spirituality in a purely Islamic environment.
Sidra Tul Muntaha is a Toronto based photographer, writer and a community worker. She volunteers for @mtacanada. Follow her on twitter @SiddraaRana
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Equal Entrance.
]]>Rabia Salim
Nowadays the crisis of Afghanistan, especially the plight of women, has once again brought many attacks on Islam into the forefront. I feel compelled to talk about the Annual Convention of Ahmadi Muslims last month in the UK, in which the head of the Ahmadiyya Community delivered a beautiful speech on women’s rights
Within the speech were gems of encouragement for all women and girls. He spoke about how a righteous woman can be many steps and ranks above men. Can any worldly organisation be proud of such an assertion? Sadly, no, as even in recent times, men are treated as superior to women, in pay, respect, and status. However, our faith leader reiterated the Islamic view, that men and women are equal. In fact, in the Nikah (marriage) sermon it states that men and women are equal in qualities and intellect. This makes me feel absolutely reassured, and the fact that I am a Muslim woman writing this should make it evident.
Our leader also recounted several examples of situations of female subjugation, and explained what rights women have in those instances. Firstly, how men shouldn’t feel too superior to take counsel from women. In this connection, he related an incident from the life of the Prophet Muhammad’s companion and successor Omar (ra). In this incident Omar (ra)’s wife is assertive and vocal, and when he as a husband questioned it, she backed it up with examples of Prophet Muhammad, and gave the credit to Islam. In Pakistani and Indian culture sometimes it is considered that living in a joint family is a noble and Islamic deed. However, Islam requires that the couple lives in their own house rather than living in a joint family system, unless there is a specific need to live together. Contrary to the common belief, Islam is very particular about respecting each person and their role in their own right.
In Islam, the husband should give his wife the agreed dowry and the husband is not entitled to her property at any point unless this is her wish - either during the marriage, or at the end of the marriage if it ends unfortunately or after death. The wife’s earnings are hers, and the husband’s earnings go towards taking care of the family, as he is responsible for the family’s well being.
The concept of polygamy in Islam is always questioned. In this particular speech, the Khalifa laid out when a man is allowed to remarry. If the man can’t fulfill these strict rules, then he shouldn’t marry more than one wife. Men may talk about multiple marriages in Islam, however, this is certainly very restricted and cannot be a way to feed his carnal desires.
When we look at Islam, it doesn't subject or belittle women - rather it addresses the rights and responsibilities of all to uphold a peaceful society. Take the concept of the Islamic veil, or ‘purdah’ for example. Literally, the purpose of this is to put a barrier between men and women, to avoid indecencies in society, however, it certainly does not mean to lock someone up. In fact, men and women are both told to practice lowering of the eyes, or ‘Ghadde Basr’ first, and then women are enjoined to cover their heads and so on. I would like to quote my own example here. While wearing the headscarf at work as a speech therapist, I feel free to voice my professional opinion and certainly feel apart from objectification by men.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. The speech not only clarified so many misconceptions about women in Islam but also empowered them in countless ways.
The Taliban claims they will guarantee women’s rights “under the limits of Islam.” As a Muslim woman, I don’t believe a word they say. But let me tell you about the guarantees Islam makes for women, and you’ll see why I don’t believe the Taliban.
Let’s start with the most basic of rights—rights over my own body. The Qur’an 4:20 declares, “Inherit not women against their will.” In this simple declaration Islam mandates that women cannot ever be coerced into doing anything they don’t want to do. I matter. My will matters, and is final.
Next, I want to talk about property & economic rights. The Qu’ran guarantees women’s property rights. The Taliban instead strips property ownership from women. The Afghan women have been kept unaware of their land rights and far from owning property. Islam mandates that women receive inheritance, that they can wholly own their own property, and that they must be provided for financially.
Moreover, Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet, was a wealthy CEO and business owner. Islam mandates that everything a woman earns, is her own, and everything her husband earns, belongs equally to her. Islam affords women complete financial independence (something the west still hasn’t stipulated as law for women).
Let’s talk about education rights. 1400 years ago Prophet Muhammad (sa) declared, “Education is incumbent upon every Muslim male and every Muslim female.” Education isn’t only my right, it’s my obligation. Ayesha, wife of the Prophet, was a brilliant scholar and jurist. She taught Muslim men & its because of her we have so much Islamic scholarship.
Moreover, how many of you know that Fatimah al-Fihri, an African Muslim woman queen, established the world’s oldest and longest running university? Centuries before Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge, Fatimah established Al-Quariune University in Morocco. The Taliban meanwhile tried to kill young Malala for her ‘crime’ of education.
Let's talk about marital rights. Islam mandates that a woman cannot be married off with out her will. Taliban on the other hand are finding unmarried girls and women between the age of 12 & 45 and turning them into brides of those people whom they dont even know or making them sex slaves. Islam came to condemn this barbarity, not endorse it.
Islam was the first religion to mandate that a woman cannot be married without her consent, and that she can unilaterally divorce for any reason whatsoever. (Btw such rights weren’t afforded to women in the west until the last century). Prophet Muhammad categorically condemned domestic violence in all its forms.
The Qur’an rejects the idea that woman was created from the rib of Adam. Instead, it declares that man and woman were equal parts created from the same soul. The dying words of Prophet Muhammad were “Women are your committed partners, so treat them well.” Partners. Not slaves. Not servants. PARTNERS. Equals.
How about the rights of mothers. Prophet Muhammad (sa) said that heaven can be found under the feet of mothers. He didn't let a companion join in a battle because his mother was old and needed her son to be at home. Taliban on the other hand have never regarded mothers rights.
Taliban fighters were sent to the uncalled for wars without the consent of their mothers. They put young mothers in trials of not having food for their babies, so much so that they were forced to beg on the streets.
Which reminds me of Prophet Muhammad’s (sa) rules of war, in which he forbade killing women, children, or any non-combatant, for any reason whatsoever. These are rules once again that the Taliban completely ignores out of their barbarity and cowardice.
The Taliban claims they will support women's rights, but haven’t even allowed women to be part of any decision making process. Their own actions demonstrate their hypocrisy. This truly is a nightmare for all Afghan women. The many women in government, teachers, and scientists, deserve better.
As you can see, the Taliban has never fulfilled even a single one of these Islamic obligations for women. Frankly no nation on Earth (Muslim or Non-Muslim) has. This is the standard of equity, equality, and justice that Islam mandates for women. You want me to believe the Taliban? Forget it. We must protect Afghan refugees and ensure they can come here safely.
I launched my Equal Entrance blog to ensure I’m playing my part in elevating voices and spaces for women. Especially now, I need everyone to listen to the women most impacted by these atrocities. And if you’re an Afghan woman reading this, I would be privileged to have you write for us to share your story. DMs open. God bless you.
As an Ahmadi Muslim, I have always felt as the ‘other’ in my homeland. Despite it being the land of my ancestors and their ancestors, I always felt the need of proving my loyalty. Despite being the daughter of a father who gave the best years of his life to his homeland and fought two wars for it, I always needed to explain my love for the country. Despite being a law-abiding citizen, I had to claim my space which was often denied. Despite having the same nationality, I had to fight for equal entrance on every single step.
This is the reality for too many Pakistanis. Religious freedom is reprehensible in Pakistan. We as Ahmadi Muslims have lost too many people at the hand of extremism. Too many mosques have been desecrated because extremist Mullahs won't have it any other way. Our dead people aren't safe either for they are denied burial and their graves have been exhumed. Our Pakistani hindu neighbors fear abduction of their girl child every day. Their mandirs are ransacked as if it's no big deal. Our christian neighbors fear the draconian blasphemy laws. Their churches aren't safe, several have been burned down. Our shia neighbors fear target killing every single day, and Imam Bargahs aren't as safe as they used to be. Once a sizable community, Parsi and Jewish Pakistanis are hard to find in today's Pakistan. This is the bitter reality of today’s Pakistan.
The founder of Pakistan, Qaide Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, foresaw this and categorically rejected religious extremism in his Aug 11, 1947 speech. He said, “ you are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan.” I wish that this becomes a reality in Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad!
]]>Danila Jonnud
Monday 19th July – all remaining restrictions that were put in place for the Covid-19 pandemic in theUK were lifted. No compulsory social distancing, no compulsory masks, and to me what seems to be no regard for people’s safety. Many people now treat Covid-19 as something which can easily be dealt with or as something which will have little impact on them in the long run. For a while now, there has been an idea that those who are “young and healthy” will be less likely to catch it, or if they do, it won’t affect them badly. This is the prevailing argument I’ve seen and been subjected to by those who refuse preventive measures. So, I’m going to share my experience of Covid-19, from the perspective of a “young and healthy” person.
I was 15 when I tested positive last December. I hadn’t had any colds last year, and don’t have any underlying health problems. I did PE/sports twice a week, and walked 20 minutes to school every day. I won’t say I was in perfect condition, but I was what you would call “young and healthy” - these same adjectives I have seen being used as objections to wearing masks or getting the vaccine. Three members of my family also tested positive after Christmas – which I had had to spend alone in my room. My symptoms during Covid were not as bad, it’s true. It was just like an especially persistent cold, a bit of a sore throat, a small cough and a fever for the first three days. Constant fatigue, headaches, and random bouts of nausea was probably the worst it got. My parents had similar symptoms, only theirs were a little worse due to maybe age and a few underlying health
problems.
My sister was 28 at the time, likes keeping fit, having a healthy diet, and has no underlying health problems that would cause Covid to affect her more. And yet she had the worst experience out of all of us - ironic since she’s young, and was probably the healthiest. High fever for almost all of her isolation, a constant migraine, a sore throat and a bad cough. Weakness, fatigue, and constant aching limbs meant she could barely get out of bed. Even after isolation, she had chest tightness causing her to have a slight difficulty in breathing.
We all had symptoms that remained with us long after Covid. Dulled taste marred all enjoyment of food, meaning that eating became a chore. My chilli tolerance was impressive, but only because it was one of the few things I could actually taste for 6 months. Worse sensitivity to car journeys, more regular headaches, nausea and general fatigue were some things experienced by us all.
So here is the reality many overlook - Long Covid. Being tired for no reason, feeling nauseous, having a strange smell hanging about the nose. How about not being able to enjoy food? Having cravings that can’t be satisfied, eating what was once your favourite dish and barely tasting anything? What if a five minute car journey causes you to gag when it never used to? What about when simply running up the stairs causes you to lose your breath? What then? Young I may be, but I don’t think having these symptoms means I’m as healthy as I was before Covid. And I’m only 16 years old, in my GCSE (middle school) year. I’ve personally been affected by Covid for over half a year now. My overall welfare has suffered so much, and it’s been tiring and frustrating, especially because I can’t even blame myself for it. As the Covid-19 vaccines rolled out, opposition started and arguments often used by vaccine skeptics are that those taking the vaccine have been sucked in by government lies, and are misguided. Throughout the pandemic, our spiritual leader, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has advised us to follow Government guidelines. As an Ahmadi Muslim I feel how can someone guided by God be under the influence of harmful propaganda? Isn’t it better to listen to the overwhelming scientific advice and trust in God?
My overall point is that Covid is dangerous. Maybe it won’t affect someone as much if they’re fit and healthy, but there is absolutely no guarantee of this. And then there’s the long-term effects of Covid, something many don’t consider, but which is a hindrance in everyday life. And finally, even if someone is “young and healthy” and they manage to quickly recover, there are many who are not. They and their families shouldn’t have to suffer either. It’s important that we are still careful, and remember that Coronavirus and what it can do will not disappear with the restrictions.
Danila Jonnud is a student in the UK. She is interested in current issues and justice.
]]>Rabia Salim
It’s a shame that the European Union has banned wearing religious symbols and clothing and this decision won’t and shouldn't go down with the public easily. After this decision, two German Muslim women came into the headlines because they went to court when they were banned from wearing their headscarves at work. These headlines hit a chord with me as I am a Muslim woman that practices her hijab as a Speech Language Pathologist in my workplace freely.
The two main issues here are firstly, the oppression of women that want to wear the religious symbols, and secondly, the loss to the workplace of competent individuals. The European Union is going down a dangerous path of infringing on the rights of these individuals, to practise their religion. It also means this narrows the number of people who would be available to work. It would create a loss of qualified individuals not willing to take off their scarves to keep their jobs.
What’s dangerous is preventing any group of people from practicing core values, begs the question, why target people of faith? The wearing of a scarf has become inherent to me and I can’t imagine life without it. I wear it comfortably at work and I don’t feel it impedes my service to my clients. I am not self conscious about it, and my colleagues and clients know me well enough by now. Of course clients sometimes comment on it or ask questions about it, and I answer any questions. Also I value my career as a Speech Therapist but if I was banned from wearing a scarf to work I would have to find another pathway, maybe try consulting where face to face interaction isn’t required. I would actually feel very uncomfortable without it. There is already a shortage of professionals able to fulfill school and college Educational Health Care Plans; therefore this also puts children with Special Education needs unnecessarily at risk.
I also believe the European Union's ruling is only perpetuating discrimination. At a time when my profession in particular, and many others, are opening up about diversity and speaking against racism, this is very disappointing, and is a backwards move. I recently attended a webinar with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy on Anti-Racism. We had many constructive conversations to combat racism in which members shared their negative experiences, especially stereotypes, and unconscious bias and how it feels. I mentioned a few things, for example, when my 14 years old daughter got told at school, ‘you look like an Indian Barbie’, when ironically she is Pakistani. Opening up and having others accept discrimination is a step in the right direction.
With the European Union’s inherently discriminatory ruling, that doesn’t allow for individual religious differences, it’s a lose-lose situation for too many.
Rabia Salim is a mother of 3 and a Speech Therapist for pediatrics, school and college aged children with a range of special education needs. In her spare time she volunteers, cooks, plays sports travels and reads. She lives with her family in the outskirts of London, England.
]]>Rabia Salim
I am often amazed by the achievements of particular people in my community. As I mourn the tragic and sad demise of my dear friend Nadia Saba Qazi, I am left speechless at the legacy she’s already left. How did she inspire so many people around her to take action, to do better, to aim higher, and to fight stronger?
I lost my father when he was a young 47 year old man. At the time, in addition to my disbelief and grief, I experienced hope. I wanted to keep his amazing memory alive. “Sadqa Jariya” is an Islamic concept of paying your good deeds forward. Therefore, when alive, if you donate to a hospital where people are treated, your good deeds bless you forever. Thus, my late father's advice, strength and guidance to me, his daughter, is a source of blessing towards his soul. Recently, I gave charity in my father's name, Farooq Ahmad Khan, towards the building of a hospital. This is our family’s way to contribute to the ‘Sadqa Jariya’.
When I told my mother of the passing of my great friend Nadia, she advised me to ask for forgiveness, for myself and the deceased, (another way of sending prayers on for the departed soul). My dear sister in law reminded me to seek blessings from Nadia’s memory, and there are so many ways to do this. Firstly is to remember the good times, and secondly to adopt their good qualities. I posted about her in my online local women's mosque group and they in turn prayed for her soul and were inspired by her incredible characteristics. Other people have commented on what a full life she lived and how she kept strong ties with her friends.
Good times and pristine qualities aplenty, Nadia’s memory is amazing. One of the things Ayesha (the creator of Equal Entrance) and I have in common is Nadia’s kind treatment towards us when we were ‘newbies’ in Chicago. I met Nadia when I moved there - newly wed to, and new member of the Chicago mosque. My first memory of her was at an annual gathering. We were at a workshop about good deeds. She smiled, and stated “I promise to smile at others and make them feel at ease and welcomed.” And everytime I saw her she always had a warm, welcoming air about her. Her intellect was sharp as an arrow. Along with one of the local presidents of the women’s auxiliary organisation of Chicago, people like Nadia unknowingly were role models to me. She was knowledgeable and kind to all, and especially magnanimous towards people of other faiths and backgrounds. This was her natural charm. Finally, from 2016-17 I worked with her in Masroor Academy. And this is where I witnessed her in a role she was made for—as an educator. She taught my son Sami in year 1. He’s now in middle school and many years have passed since Nadia taught him, but on hearing of her sad demise he reflected “she was my favourite teacher.” My son reminds me of Nadia. He saw something in her that was also in him; curiosity and passion. As colleagues, Nadia and I often talked about career, work life balance, women's rights, and how to support each other. When we kept in touch after I moved to the UK, my birthplace, we would cheer each other on during life’s achievements.
Like me, countless people all remark and attest the same about Nadia’s characteristics. I find myself wondering, “How is it that certain people continue to make you better even after they pass away?” Strangers enquire from your tears why are the departed so loved? And this is the answer:
It is that such beautiful people are so beloved in this world and the next, and their good deeds keep going, never ending. Nadia was such a soul. I’m so glad that I lived in Chicago for 15 years. That experience is forever a part of me. And Nadia’s, and other departed souls are a part of this life and the next. I pray we can follow in their footsteps.
Read Nadia's obituary here and visit her blog here.
Rabia Salim is a mother of 3 and a Speech Therapist for pediatrics, school and college aged children with a range of special education needs. In her spare time she volunteers, cooks, plays sports travels and reads. She lives with her family in the outskirts of London, England.Madiha hailed from Peshawar, where I was born and raised. She went to the University of Engineering and Technology located in the premises of my Alma Mater, University of Peshawar. Even now I can see how she maneuvered through her academic path as the only woman in a class of 174 men in one of the most conservative cities of Pakistan. She worked in a field that is considered a highly male dominated field even in America. She moved to Canada for a better future. In Canada, she was working as an Environmental Engineer and pursuing her doctorate while raising her beautiful children. She smashed a number of stereotypes and broke that glass ceiling not once but throughout her life. In the end, an ignorant man with no life put an end to her beautiful life.
In Pakistan, extremists opposed the burial of an Ahmadi grandma just because she belonged to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The mob raised hateful slogans and incited violence against the members of her family. The deceased grandma must have spent her entire life in that village. It was the land where she was born, raised, and died. She was not an immigrant—she belonged to that soil and yet that soil was denied to her. Likely, many of those men who turned against her burial were raised right in front of her eyes. They say it takes a village to raise a child. In her case, the village she raised became her staunch enemy.
What happened in both Canada and Pakistan stemmed out of sheer ignorance and the fear of otherness, be it because of the color of their skin, their culture, or simply because of a different religious belief. While these incidents have uncanny resemblance, they also have a fundamental difference. In Canada, people came out in droves to put flowers on the crime scene, Prime Minister Justin Trudeo condemned it in strongest words possible and called it Islamophobia and terrorism, and people from all walks of life spoke up against it. However, there were still several people who made comments such as, “I am surprised this didn't happen earlier,” because immigrants are taking over our country—flat out justifying the barbarism. My heart is aching with what happened to Madiha and her family. But I am happy to see the support her family is receiving. I am happy to see that Canadian Police and government didn't push it under the carpet like American police usually does by labelling the terrorist a lone wolf or someone going through a mental crisis.
Sadly, none of this happened in Pakistan after a mob attacked the funeral of an Ahmadi Muslim grandma. The Government and the media ignored it as usual and law enforcement agencies conveniently made the victim at fault for what happened. The Ulemas issued Fatwas that it was the Ahmadis’ fault for trying to bury their loved one in her ancestral piece of land, because surely, Non Muslims cannot be buried with the Muslims. The same people who cry their eyes out against the injustices against Muslims being done in Palestine, Kashmir, the Rohingya, and the Uighurs—actively participate in violently persecuting Ahmadis in Pakistan. The Paksitani media that highlights Islamophobia in the west, conveniently ignores Ahmadiphobia in Pakistan. The government that's always eager to point out the double standard of the western governments turns a blind eye when it comes to Ahmadis in Pakistan.
The Canadian Muslim family is laid to rest wrapped in deep red Canadian flags, while Pakistani Ahmadis are labeled as traitors, denying them even the white part of the flag.
Sameea Jonnud
A recent story in the UK media focused on women complaining about being excluded from mosques during Ramadan; this and the pandemic situation in the past year has made me think about women, mosques and adapting the way we pray together. I've never felt excluded, as Ahmadi Muslim mosques have always had space for women, but since the Covid-19 pandemic hit early last year, I haven't set foot inside a mosque.
My local mosque is in Tilford, near Farnham, and I have been going to it for many years - especially for Friday Prayers and to meet with my local women's group. Dropping my daughter at school one Friday, I commented to another mother how busy Fridays were with Jumma, the congregational Friday Prayer; she responded that women didn’t go for prayers at her mosque. I couldn't imagine being in that situation, so I felt very fortunate to have a space in my mosque and appreciated it all the more. When the purpose built Mubarak Mosque opened in Spring 2019, I would go several days a week as well as for Friday Prayer; it is such a special feeling to be in the same room as the Imam, in this case His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
In Islam the instruction to go to the mosque for congregational prayer is principally for men, while women have been given the choice to go to the mosque or to pray at home. In fact, women don’t perform the daily prayers at all while on their periods, because Islam recognises a woman’s extreme discomfort during this time and makes allowances for it – something which is not the case in the day
to day lives of female students and employees in general and so they may feel the negative impact if it affects their work. But for a Muslim woman not being able to pray or not praying in a mosque, in no way lessens the blessings they earn.
Praying in the mosque quickly became routine, so when the first lockdown happened it was a shock to all of us because suddenly we were unable to go. Instead, we prayed in congregation at home which was nothing new for my family, as we have done so for many years; what was strange was holding the Friday Prayer at home, rather than just reading the normal five daily prayers together.
Fortunately, we were able to stay connected with our community through the usual live broadcast of His Holiness’s Friday Sermon. This became normal over the rest of the year as our home became our only mosque.
When places of worship began to reopen, a limited number of men under the age of 60, showing no symptoms and wearing masks, were allowed back for prayers. This was the first time there had been any restriction on going to the mosque, and it was only because of the dangerous condition caused by the pandemic; none of my female friends and family felt discriminated against in this situation, as we all knew that as soon as it was safe we would return to attending the mosque, praying, and holding events as usual.
Covid-19 itself struck my home over Christmas and New Year; four of us became ill at different times while two didn’t get it, and so we found ourselves isolating in separate rooms. It appeared as if congregational prayers would have to stop for the duration of this time. However, Islam embraces the modern world, and we were able to continue congregational prayers in isolation from our different rooms around the house, connected through our mobile phones. As well as suffering physical symptoms, it was a highly stressful and emotional time, so the ability to be together for prayers was a great comfort.
For a Muslim, a mosque is the principal place to worship, but unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures and God does not only live inside a mosque. He is all around us. We adapted the way we prayed according to the situation throughout the pandemic, and this kept us close to God in the same way as going to a mosque would have done, and will do, once the situation is safe enough to fully open mosques again.
This reminds me of the line by Marvin Gaye, “Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home”. Well, I can empathise because “wherever I lay my prayer mat, that’s my mosque.”
__________________________________________
Sameea Jonnud is a UK mother and blogger with a background in pharmacy and complementary health. She volunteers, promotes community relations and has an interest in history, literature, women's issues and observing life. Tweets: @Zoya_o1
]]>As we return to some sort of normalcy, Mothers Day is a welcome comfort. A time to tastefully pick flowers, enjoy mother-daughter spa sessions, personalized cakes, special menus at the restaurants, and high tea in a beautiful setting.
The pandemic has hit aging parents really hard. So many of us have lost their parents and several of us are waiting to meet them in person. Additionally, aging mothers have felt most lonely and isolated than anytime in recent memory. While buying them a gift or arranging a delicious brunch is nice, a Muslim has a crucial year-round responsibility to his or her mother. In Islam, the place of a mother is second to none.
There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran which command the believers to be kind to their parents (17:25). Muslims pray for forgiveness from Allah for their parents five times a day, every day of the year. This is what the Quran has taught them (14:42) and this is what Muhammad (sa) practiced. It is reported that once a person came to Muhammad (sa) and sought his advice about taking part in battle with him. Muhammad (sa) asked him whether his mother was alive? He answered `yes’. Muhammad (sa) then told him `Go back home and serve her as Heaven was under her feet’.
There are countless sayings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) about the status of mother. A companion of Muhammad (sa) relates that once a person came to the Holy Prophet (saw) and asked, `O Holy Messenger of Allah, who is the most deserving person to get nice treatment from me?’ He replied, `Your mother.’ He asked, `Who next?’ To this, he got the same reply and again the same reply when the disciple asked a third time. When the disciple finally repeated this question for the fourth time, he was told by the Holy Prophet (saw), `Your father.’ Such is the rank of mothers in Islam.
On another occasion, a person came to Muhammad (sa) and complained that his mother was ill-tempered. Muhammad (sa) said, `She was not ill-tempered when she kept you in her womb for nine months.’ The person insisted, `Sir, I am telling you the truth that she is ill-tempered.’ Muhammad (sa) said, `She was not ill-tempered when she used to keep awake the whole night for your sake and fed you.’ The man replied, `I have recompensed all the favors of my mother.’ The Holy Prophet (saw) then asked: `How have you recompensed her?’ He replied, `I have helped her perform Hajj (holy pilgrimage) by putting her on my shoulders.’ After hearing this, the Holy Prophet (saw) put a question to the complainant, `Can you recompense the painful pangs your mother bore at the time of your birth?’ According to the Holy Quran, one must not even say “ugh” to his or her elderly parents. (17:25)
In the Islamic culture there is no concept of elderly parents living on their own. Even in America, Muslim families like to have their elderly parents living with them. This gives them the satisfaction of spending quality time with their parents, which otherwise would not have been possible. Children are prepared for the responsibility they will have of their parents. Above all, it brings them countless blessings of Allah and promises them a place in heaven.
May this pandemic be a wake up call for us to take care of our parents, especially mothers. They deserve much more than a single Mothers Day celebration. Let's give them the pleasure of being close to us, even if it is a meaningful FaceTime call. Let's listen to the tales of their childhood and youth without being annoyed. Lets make each day of the year, Mothers day, for heaven is under their feet.
Kafi
On Thursday September 24th, 2020, at the age of twenty-one, I had my first major face-to-face encounter with sectarian intolerance. By September 27th, I had filed a police report against the man who had intimidated me. On March 1st, 2021, I decided to document my experience of the entire ordeal on Twitter. To my surprise, my story resonated with a lot of people.
Now, weeks after that post, I want to reflect on the responses I received (both positive and negative) and elaborate on some of the details which were either omitted or glossed over in that original thread, within the wider context of minority-sect abuses, both in the UK and overseas.
So, let’s start at the beginning. As in, before this incident even occurred. My name is Kafi, and I was born in London. I am the daughter of two migrant parents, one of whom was an asylum seeker. I don’t like to hold the title of asylum seeker with the same shame many seem to associate it with, because it is a testament to following that human survival instinct that is innately built into each and every one of us; we all want to feel safe and have the freedom to exist as we are.
Unfortunately, in the case of Ahmadi Muslims living in Pakistan, this is something that is almost entirely unattainable. Even in the town of Rabwah, where much of the Ahmadi community of Pakistan resides, there is an underlying sense of danger which comes with the simple act of existence. In 1974, the Second Amendment of the Pakistani Constitution essentially declared Ahmadis to not be Muslims due to our beliefs in regard to the finality of prophethood, and by 1984, President Zia Ul Haq passed Ordinance XX, which essentially criminalized Ahmadis who chose to proclaim, demonstrate or practice their faith in any way.
With such openly discriminatory laws in place, it is easy to see how the culture of anti-Ahmadi sentiment has rooted itself within Pakistan. It is because of this, that so many people have been forced to leave a land which they and their ancestors have once cherished and called home. But just like poison spreads through soil, this wicked ideology has begun to seep not only across the Indian Subcontinent, but far beyond it, too.
For those of us who call ourselves Londoners, we proudly refer to the city as a cultural melting pot. There is no denying that divides and cliques still exist over here, but in general, people from all walks of life can confidently call this place home. That’s why it’s even more saddening that these inter-sectarian conflicts have manifested themselves within migrant communities here in the West, including those who are second- or third-generation British Asians.
Up until then, I didn't feel like I had to defend my faith, or that it had ever put me in a dangerous situation. Because of this, I felt detached from the persecution, because it didn’t feel like it lived on my own doorstep. Suddenly, I was awoken to the very real realities of anti-Ahmadi hate that existed within my own community.
It began when I arrived at work, after getting off the very first train of the morning at around 5:20am. I greeted the security guard who had been placed at the store while our shutters were broken, a man likely in his sixties, and of Pakistani origin. He makes general small talk, but then the conversation took a turn.
In that moment, those four words had the power to make my blood turn cold, jolting me awake from the sleepy haze of the early morning. Instead of engaging any further, I tried to shut it down by telling him I am an Ahmadi, and we do not like to be called Qadiani (due to the word being used in a derogatory term, as a sort of slur). I try to walk away and get on with my work, preparing the store for opening, but instead he follows me and continues his rant.
I can only be thankful that I didn’t have to have such an encounter at an even younger age, when I would have been stunned into silence, and not have even attempted to defend myself. I would have probably been a nervous wreck afterwards, have waited far too long to tell anyone at all, maybe keeping it to myself entirely out of some sort of twisted shame for being targeted.
While I hate the idea of trying to claim victimization, I’ve grown to realize, especially after this incident, that there is a difference between self-victimization and being victimized. Not only that, but the narrative does not have to end after coming to terms with being the ‘victim’ of someone else’s poor behavior and aggression.
For me, it was just the beginning in trying to get some sort of justice. Not only for myself, but for each end every young Ahmadi who may not know how to act in such a situation. I wanted to give them the courage to speak up for themselves, and not allow anyone to degrade them for their beliefs. So, I went to the police, and reported him for verbally abusing me.
Kafi is a twenty one year old British Pakistani Muslim living in London. She has completed a BSc in Social Sciences and is currently studying towards an MA in Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @cup_of_kafi and on Instagram @cupofkafi
We live in a world where we order online, and our device can quite easily feedback to us our likes, dislikes, and buying history. Allowing this to happen, is an unhealthy state of living. Expect this to happen on a much larger scale during the holiday season. Such as now for Muslims as they celebrate Ramadan, a whole month of fasting and ending it with Eid Festivities.
Sometime in history (I say this tongue in cheek as I am not young anymore), the way we shared details about our lives was most commonly through the community phone or social gatherings. Never in a million years would we have been able to accurately predict that our online status would become one of the main ways we can share information about birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, pregnancies and lunch menus with many of our contacts at the same time. A side story here; my first experience of misunderstandings on social media, when Equal Entrance creator and I used to live in the same neighbourhood, and she had her first son, Hassan, I posted a picture of my daughter Safiya, and her son playing. The caption was ‘cute pair bonding.’ Although I had not been explicit that it was Ayesha’s son, this was a mistake - I immediately got messages congratulating me, and asking why I hadn’t mentioned my pregnancy. Strangely, even people who’d seen me recently and knew I was not expecting saw the photo and jumped the gun. I had spread my first ‘fake news’.
I often wonder why we’re sharing with more people online than we would offline. We use platforms every day that are not designed to be about privacy. Since 2018 Facebook has been under fire on its use of stored information. However, years before that, our data, our demographics were being sold. How do you think your social media knows you so well? And remains free to use? Three years later, in 2021, we’re still hearing about it, including WhatsApp. Now it’s common knowledge that people and their information is being used as ‘data mines,’ and we generate money for the company when we use it. Often we agree to this unknowingly, unless we actually read the long, wordy privacy agreement. However, many of us are not ready to delete WhatsApp! So we click “agree” anyway.
I’m not saying we shut ourselves off to the online world, but certainly not sell ourselves online, and let it overcome and become addictive. Psychologically, self-esteem comes internally, as external approval is fickle and unstable. We have alarm systems for our houses, vitamins for our immune system when harmful agents try to enter and cause havoc, so online protection is also a logical step, if we are careful. It’s similar to if a dodgy car salesman was trying to sell us a defective car, or a spam caller was trying to rob our money, would we let this happen? The Holy founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Comunity, Messiah Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wrote that would a mother wilfully let her child go towards harm no matter how much they wanted it? Of course not. With the right tools we can navigate our whole selves in our online life and stay in control, not become victims. We can shape what we are online, not the big corporate, wealthy companies that feed immorally off human foibles, need for validation, and social desires.
During the month of Ramadan we are encouraged to keep a self check of our behavior, and make improvements. We also serve humanity more. Some of these improvements we make privately to gain nearness to our Creator. In this respect, a bit of privacy goes a long way to increase our self respect and ego-less reflection. After all, if you can't be real to yourself how can you be truly honest on social media?
Rabia Salim is a mother of 3 and a Speech Therapist for pediatrics, school and college aged children with a range of special education needs. In her spare time she volunteers, cooks, plays sports travels and reads. She lives with her family in the outskirts of London, England. Follow Rabia on twitter @RabiawsstMy Sister and I have always had a passion for clothing and making uniquely inspirational pieces. As sisters we have cultivated our own styles over the years hand making our own pieces. We want to share our eye for design and passion for style with fashion forward women around the world. Our pieces are made from ethically sourced fabrics in Pakistan by remarkable artisans. When you buy from us, know that you are getting a piece that was made with a heart and soul.
Place your orders here and follow us on Instagram @samina-sumra.
During this blessed month of Ramadan, we would continue to donate 10% of our sales to humanity in the spirit of giving and sharing.”
Samar’s Creations - Handmade Crocheted Baby Outfit
For Ramadan, I am offering a 10% discount to all customers. Connect with me at @samarscreations on Instagram to place an order.”
Farah’s Jewelry
Eid is not complete without pearls and rubies and emeralds. Check out Sabiha’s tasteful jewelry collection for yourself and for those beautiful women in your life:
I am the founder & owner of an online Jewelry brand “Farah Jewelry.” As a mother of three very accomplished children who I raised whilst pursuing my own career, my passion is to help women achieve fulfillment and working around motherhood and their families. This Eid I am offering free shipping on all orders.
You can place your orders here and follow me on Instagram at @farahjewelryllc.
Sumera’s Canvas - Abstract Paintings
When it comes to Ramadan/Eid decorations, there is nothing better than a unique Islamic Wall Art. Sumera’s vibrant artwork with the customization option is truly amazing. She says:
“As long as I can remember, I have always been fond of color and design. At a very early age I enjoy anything to do with arts and crafts. I paint custom paintings for your home. I work with you to help find the best color scheme to enhance your existing home decor. I have done various custom Islamic calligraphy art work for clients. I also enjoy the freedom of creating what comes to mind. I love working with various mediums such as, Acrylic, Alcohol inks, texture paints, gold/silver leaf, wood and resin.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram where I post my latest art work: @sumerascanvas
All my art work is for sale. Please contact me for any custom painting you would like customized with your home decor by sending me an email at sumerascanvas@gmail.com or message me on Instagram. My Etsy page is: www.etsy.com/shop/Sumerascanvas
Contact me for your Ramadan and Eid gifts. I offer free shipping in the USA!”
Tay On the Move - Islamic Art and Design
Whether you are looking for some simple Ramadan decorations, DIY projects or are looking to keep your little ones engaged while instilling Islamic values in them, Tay Designs is your one stop shop. Here is what, the founder shared with us:
“I am a graphic designer who creates professional printables to decorate homes, give as gifts or help teach children. A lot of these items are designed based on Islamic art and teachings. Since most items are downloadable prints, you get instant access to them which is great for those who need something fast. Find me on Instagram at @taydesigns_ or view my shop at etsy.com/shop/tayonthemove”
Crafty Amma - Fun Crafts for little Ones and Childrens Books
Crafty Amma does an excellent job of providing effortless ideas to teach children basic concepts of Islam with her crafts experties. She says,
“I Provide crafty ideas and products to enhance concepts of Islamic teachings in children through diverse learning styles. Please follow my instagram account @crafty.amma and find printable materials at the etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/tayonthemove
I also came up with two Islamic themed childrens books I am a Muslim and A Day Out with Duck and Sheep. I hope you will benefit from some of these products during the month of Ramadan with your children.”
Maya Organica - Guatemalan Coffee Beans
Stock up on your coffee beans with Maya Organica this Ramadan. Once you try it, you will be hooked. The founder of Maya Organica, Anila says:
“We are a small female and Guatemalan-owned and operated business who are passionate about delicious coffee beans from single-origin regions of Mayan Guatemala. We also have an extensive volunteer background in these beloved communities. Therefore giving back through our business is something that we also strive to do and feel is our human responsibility.
Ramadan is another precious reminder that caring for each other in every way, including through sacrifice, is the only way towards a more equitable world. Maya Organica wishes everyone an introspective and blessed Ramadan!
Place your orders here and Free USA shipping with code Ramadan. Also follow me on instagram at @mayaorganica”
MK Bakes - A British Baker in DMV area
Eid is no fun without desserts. Order your bakes for Eid if you are in DMV area or surprise your loved one with a delicious treat. Munazza says,
“I am a self taught baker by hobby, journalist by profession and a full time mum to two.
My passion for baking developed during my college days. On the weekends, I started recreating the cakes I had consumed at coffee shops. With the helpful critique of family and friends, my bakes were perfected. I launched MK Bakes as a business in 2015. The kitchen soon became my happy place where I could unwind and unleash my creativity through my bakes, a feeling that I seldom found in my hefty law books!
Creating a personalized experience, unique to every client, is what sets my business apart. Offering a 10% discount with any order made during Ramadan and Eid with some proceeds going to charity during this Holy month. Follow me on Instagram @m_k_bakes and don’t forget to quote the code EEMK21 for your 10% off.”
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We can't emphasize enough on supporting small businesses. Shopping small means getting that personalized treatment that we all secretly crave. Small businesses are helping our economy grow stronger and more vibrant. So in the spirit of Ramadan, let's support a small business and be unique as we style for Eid this year.
If you are a female small business owner too and would like to be featured on Equal Entrance Blog, please email us at equalentrance@gmail.com.
Sign up for our newsletter at www.equalentrance.com and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @equalentrance.]]>By
Fazeela Wadan
Aisles at grocery stores completely wiped clean. A woman pushing a crate full of Lysol wipes and her partner pushing a shopping cart filled to the brim with packages of toilet paper at a Costco while others rush around them, trying to get their own hands on the last pack of water bottles before they sell out again. For anyone catching a glimpse of this scene unaware of what was going on in the world, it would appear as a reenactment of a scene from a dramatic apocalyptic SciFi movie. Looking back at what was happening in the world this time last year, it is astounding how much has changed since the news of the first COVID-19 positive patient in the United States was heard.
I was on spring break of my sophomore year in college when the first lockdown was announced. Because no one expected the lockdown to last more than a week or two at most, my spring break was extended another week, and everyone was cherishing the staycation they were granted for another few days. Of course, that week of lockdown turned into months and online learning, masks, and social distancing quickly became the new normal. The transition to online learning was especially tough on students like me who found their motivation to always be at its lowest when at home. As someone who associated home with sleep and lounging, trying to finish up my organic chemistry class at my desk which happened to be a mere few feet from my bed was a struggle I had never experienced before. The lifestyle adjustment was a major one and took me a while to finally settle into a mindset suitable for online learning. I learned having a routine is everything. Without a routine, I quickly fall into an endless pit of unproductive darkness that takes a significant toll on my mental health as well as my schoolwork and every other aspect of my life. I found myself reflecting more on myself and journaling the highlights of my day as I was limited to who I could talk to and ranting to my mom as she made roti (Pakistani/Indian version of flatbread) was just not cutting it for me anymore. I found an appreciation for myself and found a sense of peace when letting go of all my anxieties onto a sheet of paper and feeling the emotions that burdened me all day flow out as my pen glided across the pages of my journal.
With the end of the first lockdown came the reality of the selfishness of humanity. As the initial scare of COVID-19 which kept people indoors began to wear off, so came the ignoance and recklessness that is the reason we are all still in this pandemic. The refusal to wear masks, the unadvised social intermingling, and restaurants and flights opening up, all of which led to an increase in cases. With people prioritizing traveling and living their lives over protecting themselves and others from a life-threatening virus, what could have been an uncomfortable few months quickly turned into a new normal that should have never come to be. I have begun avoiding my usual social media rounds during my study breaks because every time I log into Instagram to scroll through stories, I find myself watching people post about their vacations to Miami or Cancun when it has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Even with the vaccine, we see many cases of non-essential workers cheating the system and getting their grasps on both dosages before many health care workers
As this pandemic and the actions of many are proving this to be one for the long haul, it is important to stay grounded and remember the importance every single person plays in the spread. As the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad said “[People] should not put themselves at risk unnecessarily. That would only be ignorance, not bravery. It is sheer ignorance. Hence, we must ensure to take great care.” It is important to hone into our empathy for others and put their needs before our wants, especially right now.
As we reach the one-year mark since COVID-19 became a part of our lives, it is equally important to reflect how much good has come as a result of this pandemic. From this isolating past year, the connection between friends and family has been very limited to virtual or socially distant interactions. This lack of social interaction between the people we love has led to a heightened appreciation for the relationships we have and the bonds we share with certain people. I often find myself missing people I would rarely see before the pandemic, but I cherish our relationship more as even the occasional interactions had a greater impact on me than I would have ever known if I had not been stripped of their company altogether.
Another important point that I have come to realize from my reflection of the past year is the reliance we all have on our communities’ support. Knowing friends who have lost loved ones and being unable to be a physical support for them or having my sister’s wedding but not being able to invite anyone has brought an amplified appreciation for the support we have. In times like this, it is important to reflect and value the smaller things, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Everyone is having to cope in this trial that we are all going through at the same time, but we are all impacted by it to varying degrees.
Follow Fazeela on twitter @httpfazeela and on Medium @fazeelawadan
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French parliamentarians have voted to ban the wearing of the hijab in public for those under 18, to ban burkinis in public pools, and to ban the wearing of the hijab for those accompanying children on school trips. While all three of these votes are absurd to say the least, the last one hit me personally.
A few years ago when my eldest son was in 2nd grade, his class took a field trip to Washington D.C.’s famous Natural History Museum. When he mentioned the field trip to me, I instantly decided to volunteer as a chaperon. However, his response left me heartbroken. To my utter surprise, he said, “No, Ami I don't want you to go with me.” His reasoning was truly devastating. He said, "Ami, I understand it's your choice, but my friends think you are bald. Please don't feel sad, but I won't like it if my friends made fun of you." I was shattered as it took me off guard. Here I was, considering myself fully empowered and confident in my faith, my clothing, my accent, and my culture. All without realizing that my own son had to make explanations on my behalf. I felt embarrassed for causing my son humiliation and unnecessary stress.
Studies report that over 40% of American Muslim kids are bullied for their faith. Any parent can tell you how painful it is to see their kids depressed and not wanting to return to school. I know a number of high school girls who are happy that they are taking virtual classes during the pandemic because that saves them from the humiliation of going to school. But if I've learned one thing in my life, it's that representation matters.
So I made up my mind. I told my son that I'm going to chaperon anyway. What's more, I told him, I will be happy to show my hair to his friends if it helps ease their concerns. I see his friends and classmates as my own children in one way or another. Doesn't it take an entire village to raise a child? So very reluctantly, my son agreed. He was genuinely fearful that kids would make fun of his mom, and that deeply hurt him. Well, the day came and we went on the field trip. I could see my son's awkwardness slowly transform into genuine joy. We had an amazing time. I met so many of his friends and they all seemed like amazing kids. I helped them in their scavenger hunt activity and learnt a great deal myself. I truly appreciated their teachers and other chaperons for taking such good care of children. Not a single kid looked uncomfortable because of my headscarf and thankfully there were no name callings. It ended so well that my son admitted that he had much more fun that he would have had otherwise. Imagine if I had backed out?
When we got home we had a long conversation about why I cover my head, and why it's important to me. I gave him a number of reasons which all made sense. But then, there was the icing on the cake that even I didn't expect. A couple of days later, at the dinner table he told me with such pride and confidence that his substitute teacher, lets call her Miss T, also wore a headscarf. All of a sudden, all his concerns and reservations went away. Again, representation matters. He now saw not only his own mother, but his own school teacher dressed in a headscarf. He no longer feels left out because of his mother’s choice to cover her head in public. After all, teachers can cover their heads too. So the lesson in all this is to be present, to be proud of your identity and faith, and to let your children see your faith living in action.
Sadly, none of this will happen in France. The Muslim kids will learn that to fit in, their mothers have to sacrifice their hijabs. The non-Muslim kids will live in a fallacy that Hijab wearing woman do not exist, or if they do, it is a life of oppression. Muslim women will either be forced to let go of their values or will gradually vanish away behind the closed doors of their homes. A confused generation will prevail under the weight of these oppressive and discriminatory laws, all because representation doesn't matter for some narrow-minded politicians.
Follow Ayesha @AyeshaNRashid
By
Sabiha Ijaz
This week, the daughter of a poor immigrant who emigrated in a broken boat from Abyan, Yemen became a new leader. This may sound like the American dream we are promised in the United States—equality of all sexes and genders—but it is not. This is a dream realized in Tanzania, the country of my birth. And that new leader is Samia Hassan Suluhu, who was sworn in as the President of Tanzania, succeeding President John Magufuli.
Tanzania has witnessed immigration for ages. My grandfather started his business there and my dad pursued his passion for teaching as an education officer, whilst my mom was a successful businesswoman and mother of six. She was not only a great designer, but she also raised 4 strong daughters. Our life in Africa was beautiful, but the promise of the American dream encouraged my father to emigrate with his wife and two teenage daughters. They wanted us to have the privilege of the best higher education possible, and they pursued that in the US. However, comparing the rights and status of women in Tanzania to the veiled xenophobia and Islamophobia in the USA, I can’t help but feel that all too often, our American values of equality are too much in name and not enough in action.
Growing up later even in Central Africa, I can remember never feeling a difference in my treatment as a female. On the contrary, I felt a freedom to be and pursue anything. In Tanzania, women today own 47% of non-agricultural household enterprises in the country and occupy more than a third of Parliamentary seats. In contrast, in the United States, women only account for about 20% of members of Congress and about a quarter of state legislature members. Women made up only 5% of Fortune 500 company CEOs in 2017 and about 20% of Fortune 500 board members in 2016.
I have yet to see a female President in the United States, but that day has come for my homeland in Tanzania. I have hopes that America can follow the example of this African nation, usually referred to as “third-world,” but far ahead of itself in terms of gender equality. When the day does come for America, I believe our country can welcome not only a female President, but one that can be welcomed from a minority background, or with an accent, or proudly wearing a hijab.
Sabiha Ijaz is the founder & owner of an online Jewelry brand “Farah Jewelry.” As a mother of three very accomplished children who she raised whilst pursuing her own career, her passion is to help women achieve fulfillment and working around motherhood and their families. She comes from a background of Finance & Banking and also supports women focused charities through Humanity First and now the newly established Noor ul Haq Khan foundation for education founded in honor of her father.
By
Aneela Wadan
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I thought it would be a good time to shed light on the topic of domestic violence. In Virginia, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner and 1 in every 3 women faces some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse.
Distressingly, following lockdown, reports show that domestic violence has shot up. Relations between husbands and wives form the nucleus of the family system. If there is no love, mutual respect, appreciation and covering of faults within both partners for each other, then the peace of a family will be destroyed, ultimately leading to abuse and negatively impacting children. This leads to the start of a vicious cycle that will carry on from generation to generation.
Being a medical student trying to land a job as a future psychiatrist, these statistics caught my eye and completely threw me off guard. Furthermore, growing up as an Ahmadi Muslim, I was only taught how the Prophet of Islam showed his wife nothing but love and respect. He said, “the best among you is one who is best to his wife, and I am the best among you in my dealings with my wives.” The status of women has been exalted in Islam – far more than the status of men. By bringing awareness to the domestic abuse of women during this month brings us one step closer to realizing the flaws in the system.
I already know that women are a force to be reckoned with, and now it’s time the rest of the world sees it too.
Aneela Wadan is currently a final year medical student from St. George's University. She aspires to peruse a career in Psychiatry. Just as she passionate about the importance of mental health, she is also zealous about women in healthcare. Aneela enjoys writing about awareness towards women's issues, humanitarian rights and other hot button issues.
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Happy International Women’s Day!
I have bittersweet feelings today. I want to celebrate all the amazing women and girls in my life, including my mother, my grandmother, my sister, my aunts, my daughter, my teachers, friends, and more, each of whom have made their mark fighting an uphill battle and bringing us this far. But if I’m honest, today I struggle under the weight of all the work that still lies ahead of us.
Just today my alma mater, the University of Peshawar, made it compulsory for women to wear Shalwar Qameez (a loose fitted outfit). I personally love Shalwar Qameez and have nothing against it, but what bothers me is the fact that women are once more being dictated to about what they may or may not wear. Worse, rather than standing for women’s independence and autonomy, men are celebrating this backwards decision.
Likewise, I am appalled that Switzerland has voted to ban all sorts of face coverings for religious reasons. The media is calling it a Burka Ban. While I don’t cover my face for religious reasons, many women even in my own family have and do. Once again, why are a group of people, in this case parliament, deciding what a woman may or may not wear? It is ironic that Switzerland made this decision in the middle of a pandemic. A pandemic that requires mandatory face coverings. It seems some politicians will never learn basic common sense.
Third, I am beyond angry about the sexual harassment stories around New York Governor Cuomo. It appears the #MeToo movement didn’t teach these men anything. Even after countless discussions on sexual abuse, and increased measures to combat this disease, men in power find a way to sexually harass women.
Finally, Duchess Megan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey opened another Pandora’s box. It is sickening how the British Royal Family and the British Media treated her and still treat her. Her experience is that even women, particularly BIPOC women, in powerful positions face incredible obstacles built on racism and misogyny.
And as if the above were not disheartening enough, the ongoing atrocities of Uighyr women suffering in concentration camps in China is beyond heart-wrenching. The world is watching this genocide unfold before us, and not doing enough.
I’m reminded, however, that courageous women before us built through untold difficulty, and their example should inspire us. It may yet be a long time before we are able to fully claim our space, but that doesn’t mean we should give up or slow down. Let’s continue to fight and claim our rights, our dignity, and our humanity. While it is a somber International Women’s Day today, we stay hopeful and fight for a better tomorrow.
STAFFORD – Imagine this. You walk into a gorgeous building, filled with elaborate décor and plenty of space. But rather than remain in the spacious area, you go to a separate, considerably smaller room. That’s the tiny, designated spot where you can worship, solely because you’re a woman.
It’s an issue that Ayesha Noor came across years ago, as she entered mosques to pray.
Thankfully, the unequal situation wasn’t the norm in Noor’s life. In fact, it was quite the opposite.“In my community, they always made sure men and women had equal space,” Noor said. “If it’s a small space, even then, they would get the equal space.”
That’s why, after entering a few mosques where women did not have an equal space to gather, she decided to bring attention to the issue she observed.
“I saw beautiful mosques, which were amazing. They had massive chandeliers and massive prayer halls” Noor said. “But they put women in, like, a side room. That wasn’t acceptable to me.”
Noor began documenting mosques in 2014, blogging about both the positive and negative experiences she had, given each house of worship’s space.
As her Equal Entrance online presence grew, so did a business opportunity of the same name. Aside from looking for equal worshiping spaces, Noor also sought out fashionable items that spread various powerful messages.
Unfortunately, she found few options to wear over her outer cover, which conceals the clothing she wears underneath.
“Whatever t-shirt I’m wearing, whatever message [t-shirt] I’m wearing, I’m not showing it to people – and I wanted to show it to people,” Noor said. “I would search scarves because I wear a headscarf all the time when I go out. And as I was searching for headscarves, I could not find any with a message on it. I came up with my own plan.”
Noor sought to spread messages of empowerment for women, in addition to spreading love for all.
“I thought, you cannot go wrong with that,” Noor said. “It’s an all-encompassing motto and message.”
She started her line based off of those two principals, designing scarves with a purpose. Also, owning several scarves herself, she knew the best materials to source for both fashionable and utilitarian purposes.
As more and more people became familiar with her products, customers requested additional options.
“Men were like, ‘Can we have it on a t-shirt?’” Noor said. “So men bought it as well.”
“I think the messages that were close to my heart, I just wanted to share with people,” Noor said.
A welcomed surprise came when Noor realized her clientele wasn’t contingent on one faith tradition. Instead of ordering headscarves to use solely as hijabs, people also bought her scarves as a fashion statement.
“Most of my clients are not Muslims. They’re from all religious backgrounds,” Noor said. “This is what makes it interesting.”
The business owner strives for her line to represent all kinds of people.
“It worked,” Noor said. “People loved it.”
In fact, people love the products so much that Noor ships orders all over the world.
The business was a hit. Then, suddenly, it took a hit. When COVID came to Virginia in March, like many small businesses, Equal Entrance’s sales went down.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, it was definitely very slow,” Noor said.
People weren’t leaving their homes, so there wasn’t as much of a need for clothing designed for going out.
Noor needed a new plan. She quickly devised one. In addition to offering headscarves and t-shirts, she also started designing face masks in Virginia.
Noor offered the facial accessories as quickly as she could, selling them at affordable prices.
She also came up with another design, based off of an idea her clients provided – a virtual meeting scarf. It’s a lighter material than the headscarves Noor traditionally sells because it’s main purpose gives a pop of color to an outfit for Zoom meetings.
As Noor came up with new, innovative ideas for Equal Entrance, keeping her business afloat wasn’t her only ambition during the pandemic.
“I tried to make sure that I’m also giving my share to the community,” Noor said.
The businesswoman donated to local organizations, including student organizations and children’s organizations.
“At this time, this is not a time to make money,” Noor said. “This is a time to stop this virus as much as we can.”
As the holidays approached, business boomed once again as people purchased quality, meaningful gifts for others.
“I’m seeing a big shift toward the small businesses, the women-owned small businesses, where people are promoting on Instagram and other people are promoting,” Noor said. “I’m just loving, loving, loving the idea of a lot of women in businesses now, and side businesses, and the way that they’re handling it right now. There’s an element of compassion there.”
In the future, Noor hopes to expand her line to include more options, reaching an even broader clientele.
Additionally, she hopes to add to her Equal Entrance blog more regularly as more religious centers continue to open their doors. Her blog initially took a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to create not just a big business, but also I want to create a community where I am able to talk about the issues that I care about, other people. Creating a safe space,” Noor said. “My whole idea of creating this space is for women to be able to have equal space, whether it’s a mosque or a church or a public transport or a concert. I don’t want women to ever feel they can be sexually harassed. I want that kind of public space on the internet too, where women are able to talk about their issues, their problems, their solutions and how they can take it from there.”
Interviewed by Amie Knowles. Originally published in Dogwood News.
By
Munazza Khan
Returning to schools for in person learning has been one of the most difficult conundrums for policy makers, teachers, students and parents to come to terms with. On the one hand, we still see Coronavirus cases continue to escalate in some parts of the world and wish nothing more than for teachers and students to be in a safe and healthy environment; and on the flip side, there is the growing concern that years of progress risk being reversed.
At the heart of it all no doubt remains the health and wellbeing of students and teachers, but with the announcements of schools and education facilities reopening, the long term implications of lack of progression in learning and how teachers will bridge the gap remains a cause for concern for many.
Studies at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic had already suggested that the pandemic would undo months of academic gains. Researchers predicted that, on average, students will experience substantial drops in reading and mathematics, losing roughly three months’ worth of gains in reading and five months’ worth of gains in mathematics by autumn 2020. For Megan Kuhfeld, the lead author of the study, the biggest takeaway isn’t that learning loss will happen - that’s a given - but that students will come back to school having declined at vastly different rates: “We might be facing unprecedented levels of variability,” she says (Projecting the potential impacts of COVID-19 school closures on academic achievement, 05/2020).
It is not merely the curriculum targets that are of concern, but also the disproportionate impact on students living in poverty and students of colour. As Kuhfeld suggests in her study, these families suffer higher rates of infection and the economic burden disproportionately falls on Black and Hispanic parents, who are less likely to be able to work from home during the pandemic.
Schools have long served as “great equalizers,” bridging the gap for lower income families. Remote learning and social isolation in the pandemic has unfortunately unveiled many inequities in the education system. Despite resources being allocated by schools to students for remote learning, the closure of in person learning has been disruptive for students particularly from these families.
Let’s now also take into consideration the impact of the unprecedented changes in education on students' mental wellbeing. Schools have served as a de facto mental health system for many children and adolescents, providing mental health services to 57 percent of adolescents who need care. Restricted access to these basic resources that give some mental and financial comfort for these households has been amplifying the learning crisis and widening the achievement gap, leaving many students behind.
Post-COVID policy initiatives to improve education will need to rise to the challenges posed by increased reliance on remote learning. Educators will need to consider responses to address COVID-19’s short-term disruptions for children falling behind, while also working on relationship building in a safe and supportive environment. This would lay the groundwork to improve children’s mental health services in the long term in order to provide a more fair and equal education system post Covid-19. That is key to combating inequality in education.
By prioritising investments that can help students achieve their fullest potential, no matter their background, policymakers across the globe can set their countries on the path towards healthier and more productive societies in a post-pandemic world, thus providing a basis for nurturing responsible citizens. These young individuals are ultimately the policy makers of the future who will be using the education provided to them today to rebuild our tomorrow.
Munazza Khan is a mother of two children, a writer and a baker. She has a Masters in Journalism from London, where she has spent most of her life. She now resides in Maryland, USA with her family. She extended her side baking business to American customers @m_k_bakes. In her spare time, she also likes to try her hand at modern Arabic calligraphy art and assists small women owned businesses in her local community.
This job is challenging when we’re not in a pandemic. However, I wouldn’t recommend it in a pandemic. There are many things on pause. Schooling and socialization. Working in an office and not your home office. Believe it or not, one day the endless hot cups of tea and slightly longer lunches than planned, or the Teams/ Zoom meetings with a child interrupting and asking for something as you give them the death stare will come to an end. As a pandemic, like life, has to run its course.
Until then, what does this mean for families, for parents, children, elderly? Life doesn’t stop. There’s funerals and births. However what goes on for the nitty gritty, daily grind in a household? One way of describing it is mental aerobics. You have to juggle the home schooling log in, one hour window of productivity before someone has a meltdown. Maybe even the adult. Following on from this is the afternoon slump close to assembly. That three hours in the morning has really taken its toll. And what of the poor children missing out on ‘Normal' school. Well actually for some it’s not too bad. They have a catered lunch. Sometimes self catered but usually it might be a special request put in to which the parent agrees. As if mum/dad isn’t busy enough. In our house Dad may disappear up to ‘work’ while I’m juggling six ‘job’ descriptions that I’ve inadvertently interviewed for and got the job for every single one. On top of my paid job as a Speech and Language Therapist. Dad returns from work and rolls up his sleeves to start the dishes or take part in juggling time. Our three children may break into a strange song at any moment. Hmm didn’t think we signed up for choir classes, this must be freestyle.
But what of the whole child? Spirituality, health, emotional well being. Who is in charge of that? Well, again parents need to be on the ball. Make sure they don’t miss Zoom friend meet ups, or counseling sessions. I’d crack if I didn’t leave it to God. And in remembrance of God your heart finds incredible comfort. As that’s who’s in charge, the whole show is run by Him. We’re just making a cameo. The Salims are one brief act in an infinite production.
Somehow mum/dad remembers to mark special days in lockdown with a reminder on a said day their family members are loved. It’s on the 'to do' list. One perk is we can do a leisurely Friday prayer. We even perform the routine weekly. Apply perfume, and listen to a live sermon by our Imam. Finish with our prayer, and say thanks to God. That we reached the end of another week of homeschooling!
Thanks to the Almighty we are all somehow more fortunate than someone else out there. Let’s not lose our heads, and pray we get through 2021 together. God willing.
Rabia Salim is a mother of 3 and a Speech Therapist for pediatrics, school and college aged children with a range of special education needs. In her spare time she volunteers, cooks, plays sports travels and reads. She lives with her family in the outskirts of London, England. ]]>