Living in America/ the West

emsereen wrote: Asalam Alaikum, I also am American but of Italian heritage. I live within a very large Lebanese community in Michigan. I have always been treated differently because I'm American. I even wear the hijab, but it doesn't matter. I actually drive outside of my community to a mosque that is more Palestinian and Pakistani. And in my area the black muslim are very friendly. But remember, hold your head high in Islam. Allah (SWA) will guide you and keep you strong no matter where you are or live. We must grow in numbers to please him. salam

Sister, I understand your dilemna.  My heritage is mixed. I have the darker complexion of my mother, but when I removed my sunglasses I often startle those who do not know me with my very light sky blue eyes. hmmm, actually my closest friend here in the Ummah is Tamina, and she is African american. I believe that the Americans of African ancestry are more accepting of us because their culture was so oppressed and mistreated by the white culture in this country. They empathize more with our differences. I would not have renewed my faith in Islam and become active if it where not for Tamina. My husband who had not prayed in years is now more pious than me lol!

This calls to mind the last sermon of the Prophet, which is dear to me!

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0107-3 22

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."

What an AWESOME sermon!

 

emsereen wrote: Asalam Alaikum, I also am American but of Italian heritage. I live within a very large Lebanese community in Michigan. I have always been treated differently because I'm American. I even wear the hijab, but it doesn't matter. I actually drive outside of my community to a mosque that is more Palestinian and Pakistani. And in my area the black muslim are very friendly. But remember, hold your head high in Islam. Allah (SWA) will guide you and keep you strong no matter where you are or live. We must grow in numbers to please him. salam

Thank you, sisters (if mistaken I'll stand corrected) for your comments.

I recall the times that I spent in places like Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Jordan...as a Westerner in the streets there I was treated as an exotic novelty too.  That is not to say that people were unfriendly or unhelpful, but I still was watched differently because people did not know what to expect from me as they would from folks they were surrounded with all their lives.

Once I understood the situation I just came to expect it, and once I understood what was happening, and that was just how people were and it didn't necessarily mean anything threatening or unfriendly & it was easier accomodate.  Though I imagine that if I were in those settings a longer time it might get tiring.

I think emsereen's advice is probably good, and was along the lines that I was thinking earlier.  There are still large portions of the US (and the West) where people have simply not been exposed to Muslims in any form; the only repair for that situation is for them to see good Muslims so they can become accustomed to them/you.  What this also means is that the only Muslims they are exposed to are those shown on the news...and you know where that leads.  So unlike my experience this background (foisted upon you not by the evil Americans but by the terrorists whose activities give rise to the suspicion which unjustly falls upon you) makes it even more challenging.  But it can be overcome.

Between the time I initially posted this thread and now the webmaster has graced us with an article about a new North American Muslim leader who says exactly the same; http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=LT0609-3 115 .

Take courage and be your faithful and trustworthy selves, do not be afraid to show others that the stereotype is not true.  While not easy or fast, it is the most certain way to change the minds and calm the fears of those in places like 'redneckville'.