In Our Own Words: Reflections of Youth > Mosque Foundation

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

In Our Own Words: Reflections of Youth
By CM @ 12:27 PM :: 681 Views :: Mosque Foundation, Featured Articles

Muslim Women More than Homemakers

By Hyatt Alaraj Aqsa School

Education throughout history has created a successful pathway for endless amounts of people- no matter their religion. As Muslims, we have not only proven to study rigorously in the monumental halls of Al-Azhar University in Egypt, or devoured ourselves within rich literature that has influenced the world of writing as we know it today, but we have also depicted the true meaning of perseverance. Although, at times, our reign has been belittled with darkness, education is one of the aspects that kept us fighting till the end.

Muslim women are often portrayed as oppressed individuals who clothe themselves from society and are robbed of their rights- their civil rights that allow them to participate in an influential assembly or the right to bear an education. The media has influenced the majority to believe that Muslim women are only robots, which are systematically programmed by their spouses. But, has the ignorant media heard of Aisha, the Prophet’s wife who was a woman military leader and a renowned hadith scholar, or have they familiarized themselves with the 12-volume biographical dictionary, Daw Al- Lami, which is dedicated to the works of female Muslim scholars? These same people that claim that Islam only degrades women are unaware of Allah’s order- an order, which places education as an obligatory action over both men and women.

Women played a vital role in the foundation of numerous Islamic educational institutions. Of these facilities include Fatima Al- Fihri’s founding of the University of Al-Karaouine in 859. Not only have Muslim women encouraged the lighting of one’s journey through the essence of knowledge, but they have toiled to create masjids that serve their community. A community in which they assumed would represent their success as a Muslim “extended” family. Throughout the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12^th and 13^th centuries, 160 mosques and educational facilities were established in Damascus – 26 of which were founded by the dedication of women- women who acknowledged their role as a wife and mother , but still were consistent to their most important duty, which was the duty to Allah (swt).

As caretakers of the future, Muslim women should aspire to be like Afrā’ bint ‘Ubayd and Suffiah bint Abdul Muttalib who fought beside the Prophet in the Battle of Uhud, holding their weapons courageously, fearing not the sharp arrows nor the vicious disbelievers, but Allah (swt). Or like the four women who were of the first to flee bravely to Abyssinia for asylum from the torture in Makah. Why is it we only read stories describing the loyal men of Islam as opposed to the daring and enlightening women? Before we look to the irrational media for their misconceptions, we must work within our communities and homes to foster the same amount of respect that the Prophet gave to his daughter, Fatima or to any other Muslim woman. These mothers are ultimately everlasting teachers who continue to teach the lessons of patience and tolerance (as told by the Prophet PBUH) to her companions as any other Sahabe did to his.

Women in Islam are the very umbrellas that shield our Ummah over hurt and agony. The fabric of this umbrella may tear and become coarse; however, it is through knowledge that we recover these aching wounds.

Family Treasures

By Taiser Elsaeed Aqsa School

The once hollow house in the middle of the day was now filled with the scent of a family dinner. Simple actions like eating dinner and sharing quality time can help a teenager become more honest and open with their parents. As I finish that last sentence in an English essay, warmth through the house fills me, and I suddenly find the urge to rush downstairs and join the rest of my clan in a relaxing setting. Why is it that the scenes of family gatherings are so close to our hearts, yet most of us never find time to actually practice what we preach?

My family and I try our best to always make an effort in spending quality time, especially with our hectic schedules. With my older brother in college and my parents both working full time, it is tough to create that time for each other. The sight of happiness in one another is all we need to keep us going throughout our complicated lives. The sound of joy and reminiscing helps a person realize that the most important thing, at the end of the day, is sitting right across from you at the dinner table. No matter how far you live or how big your family is, they are the ones who will forever believe in you.

It may be difficult for some to find the time to sit and relax with family at the dinner table, but there are always other ways to connect. Acts of affection, like a random hug while passing through the hallway, is a touching reminder of one’s care for the other. Spending five minutes in the morning with your father while sipping a cup of coffee could be all you need to unite. These little moments that you find for each other are essential building blocks for a long and happy relationship.

Besides dinner, my family and I make time to really get out and enjoy nature’s scenery. The long road trips across the country are the most meaningful in my heart because of the memories that were created and will forever live. As I watch the road go by, I think to myself, would I be able to enjoy such things without my brother sitting next to me? There is only so much a family can do to preserve those moments. The video camera can only work for so long, the tapes most certainly get lost, and all you have at the end, is the cherished time between you and those you love.

Attention Middle and High School Students! To submit your original Islamically appropriate articles or art work for the Community Pulse, email them to connie@mosquefoundation.org. Articles must be in Word format, Art work must be in jpg, pdf or png format. Include your name and school. All submissions will be considered according to Community Pulse guidelines.

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