Scarves for Solidarity

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Scarves for Solidarity
Ayla
12/17/01 at 11:47:33
I am a non-muslim who has been here for a while, and only started posting recently.  Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome.  I was wondering if any of you have heard of [url=www.interfaith.org] Scarves for Solidarity[/url]?  It's an interfaith organization of women who are wearing Hajib during Eid-ul-Fitr to support our Muslim Brother's and Sisters during this difficult and volitile time.  We are hoping to promote awareness and begin dialogue with Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  From the official newsletter:

[quote] This effort is to show solidarity with Muslim women everywhere who are oppressed by political and societal intolerance and to show support for the Muslim community in general by increasing the understanding of Islam by non-Muslim people. It is about encouraging freedom, liberation and unity through the eradication of intolerance, hatred and ignorance [/quote]

I am participating in this and wore a scarf out yesterday to the mall.  It was such an interesting experiance.  Mostly I got strange looks only when I was with my husband (he's 6', blond, blue eyes and quintessentially American)  It was interesting though to note who would look me in the eye and who was completely comfortable - and on the other hand who didn't want to be near me.  I have so much respect for everyone who has made the Hajib a part of their life.

Today I'm wearing it at work (I work in a law firm), a few people who I usually engage in casual conversation with just aren't talking to me.  Some though have asked me if I'm Muslim and why I've started covering.  I'll let you know how it goes with my volunteer position at a local theatre...I have been asked most of my life if I was Arab.  People stop me in stores all the time - many Muslim women - asking if I'm Iranian.  The scarf is a little itchy and a new feeling but in general I feel beautiful and strong and peacefull.

I do have to admit that remembering to cover when taking out the trash and running to the corner store was difficult (I forgot with the Trash and felt so bad!)  The most difficult thing though has been the Christmas Carols - they are playing everywhere! and keep getting stuck in my head :)

Salaam
Re: Scarves for Solidarity
Merimda
12/18/01 at 23:45:56
Salam,

Wow, masha-Allah, that's great. Thanks Ayla for going through all this. I admire you very much for your courage and dedication. ^_^

Re: Scarves for Solidarity
Ayla
12/19/01 at 08:43:01
Thanks Meri -

I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  Now that I am not in hajib I feel a little naked.  Had to wear my hair up today it felt so odd.  I have had some great conversations with all kinds of different people over the past few days.  I really feel I have a new understanding and appreciation of the world around me.  I only hope that the gestures of a few can convey the love and peace in our hearts.

Salaam
Re: Scarves for Solidarity
NewJehad
12/19/01 at 10:07:37
In a lot of countries in Asia and and Africa people of all religions wear scarves.
Re: Scarves for Solidarity
Zafirah
12/19/01 at 12:13:11
I too participated in the Scarves for Solidarity event!

My dear daughter (she'll be 6 in March) wanted to wear a headscarf too so I let her wear one of the one's I purchased from from a Muslim friend who sells hijab on her website!

We both wore loose slacks and long sleeved shirts with our two-piece hijabs.  We went to breakfast at Burger King and I was amazed at the cold - no outright rude - reception we received.  First of all it took us forever to get service at the counter.  Then I had to issue my order twice before the girl started ringing it up.  She didn't say a word except to point out the total.  Our food took forever and it was cold.

At first I thought it was just another minimum wage attitude - fast food workers aren't usually the friendliest.  Nope.  The next three families who came in were greeted with smiles and friendliness.  The kids were asked about their holiday plans and given attention.  By the same woman who snubbed us.

I expected stares.  I never expected obvious resentment.  

The funniest thing is that you have to picture me... I'm 5'8", I weigh too much, I have Medium brown hair, very pale skin and really big blue eyes.  I'm the farthest thing from the "stereotypical" Muslim.  

You should have seen the looks on people's faces when they heard me speak.  You could have knocked them over with a feather they were so shocked.  What did they expect?  I mean even with the hijab I am obviously not Arab or Pakistani or Indian - not by any stretch of the imagination.

I held the door open for one couple and they just looked at me like I was from outer space!

If it weren't such a sad reminder of what the wonderful Muslims I know go through on a daily basis it would have been funny.

May Allah bless and keep you all!

Peace,

Zafirah

P.S. - I've had many Muslim friends tell me that they are "sorry" that I had such a negative experience.  You know what.. I'm not*

I'm glad that it wasn't all sunshine and light.  I was truly glad for the opportunity to get even the smallest glimpse of the prejudicial treatment Muslims in the U.S. receive.  For the first time in my typically Middle-classed White American life I got a tast of discrimination.

To quote my favourite Christian quote (which truly applies to all people) by Dietrich Bonhoffer (who was killed in a Nazi Concentration Camp):  “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

It made me more determined to stand up for what I know to be right and to wear proper hijab when I make my Shahadah.
Re: Scarves for Solidarity
Merimda
12/20/01 at 02:26:47
salam,

Both of your experiences are interesting...When I read the reactions you both received, I thought.. hmm, that's odd bc when I'm out in my hijab I don't notice these things.. But then I thought; it's probably because I have been wearing the head scarf for a while so I don't pay much attention to peoples' reactions..

But then this reminded me of something I did in High School. In High School I covered my face for a day just to see what it was like. My experience was somewhat similar to both of yours. Some people in the school gave me weird glances. Others pretended that nothing was different and talked to me as usual (I can only imagine what they were thinking). Others were cold..When I entered the office the secretaries were just outright rude. However, when they realised who I was they apologised. Others asked me questions out of curiosity.

On the street. I noticed I got some second glances but no comments. I was expecting someone to call me a ninja or something.

It's very warming to see an understanding and a deep appreciation for the Hijab and Muslims in general. For years one hears nothing but negative things...

Personally, I have been really touched by responses from many non-Muslims since the Sept 11 event..

On my campus I have seen gestures of genuine solidarity from many non-Muslim groups

A friend of mine told me that a Buddhist group even fasted a few days during Ramadan to show their solidarity with Muslims.

A non-Muslim friend of mine, as well, fasted some days during Ramadan. On the first day she fasted until 7pm..We're supposed to break fast before 5 pm! But she didn't know what time to break fast. Lol, she's more dedicated than some Muslims. ^_^

Anyway, thanks again to both of you ..I greatly appreciate what you have done to foster understanding and solidarity. ^_^

salam


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