Has it Really Made a Difference?

Has it really made a difference? This is a question that might cross our minds regarding the Mosque Foundation Community Center. For Rana Nassar and Maha Zaghmoury, two young girls who regularly attend the youth programs, the answer to that question would be a definite 'YES!' These two girls recently made the decision to wear hijab in fulfillment of their Islamic obligation, and they say that attending the Community Center inspired them to take that step.

Maha, a 6th grader at Kolb School, started wearing the hijab this past December. When asked what inspired her the most, she replied that many of the Tuesday lectures by MFCC Director Lena Tleib made her think seriously about how important it is to obey the orders of Allah. One lecture in particular stayed in her memory about how "Allah grades us on what we do." Maha said that going to school wearing hijab wasn't too hard. "My friends and teachers treated me the same as before, but there were a few mean kids who told me to take that rag off my head." Even after enduring those hurtful comments, Maha said she has never felt a moment of regret, and that she feels she has more courage now to face whatever comes, knowing that Allah is pleased with her. Maha said her family was initially surprised by her decision because she used to like to wear capris, but they were very pleased and supportive. Her father had a serious talk with her about the importance of maintaining good behavior in public because wearing the hijab is a responsibility to be a "good role model for Islam." Maha wanted to give this advice to girls who may have never attended the youth programs at the MFCC: "If you want to be a stronger Muslim, you should come here because they will push you to the right path."

Rana Nassar is a sophomore attending Stagg High School, and she started wearing hijab this past August. She said the Tuesday lectures also had a big impact on her decision, saying that she thought about it over the entire summer until she finally wore it full time in August. Rana said her family was very happy with her decision, and told her this would bring her closer to Allah, and make her a better Muslim. Rana credits her regular involvement in the youth programs for giving her a push in the right direction. Luckily, Rana never experienced any of the cruel remarks that Maha did at school, adding that the other muhajaba girls were proud of her and continue to encourage her. Both Maha and Rana were surprised with a party at MFCC when they first wore the hijab to celebrate their first step toward a new journey. The counselors and the other girls warmly congratulated them, and counselor Amani Suleiman even gave each one their first new scarf as a gift. Both girls proudly said that Amani was like a real sister to them, always trying to push them toward the right path.

The Mosque Foundation Community Center is open daily from 9am-10pm. Youth programs for girls are Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday from 3-10pm, and for boys Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 3- 10pm. Adult programs include a Women's Fitness class on Tuesday & Thursday mornings, a men's Computer Basics class on Saturday evening, as well as a community breakfast alternating every 2nd Wednesday or Saturday of each month. For more information about MFCC programs, call (708) 598-6307.