Comments on: Response to a Christian Sister

By: faransa

faransa — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:28:00 +0000

“If an American woman goes to your country of origin…”

What if the US is our country of origin? There are many Muslims born in the US – they are Americans too – and Americans who convert to Islam. Being Muslim doesn’t necessarily mean being from a certain country. A Muslim can be from anywhere.

Plus, it’s rare that women are legally obligated to cover up in Muslim countries, except places like Saudi Arabia and Iran. In most other predominantly Muslim countries, you’re never required to wear a hijab unless you enter a mosque, etc. If you want to wear one to blend in, that’s your choice, but you don’t have to.

By: closetsuperhero

closetsuperhero — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:15:23 +0000

I think my Christian sister speaks more from a biased, eurocentric, political perspective than from a Christian perspective. Despite what she said, we are no longer expected to assimilate in American society. This is and should continue to be a thing of the past. The melting pot concept in modern times is viewed as insulting. We do not have to give up our culture, religion or clothing to become Americans. In the old days, people gave up these things because they were forced or because they were made fun of or abused by the previous wave of immigrants who were now the established majority. Abusing people and making them feel bad about their ancestry and homeland is not an American practice we should want to continue. It is also clearly not Christian.
The scripture that the writer may be referring to says that we should not pray aloud in front of people and ‘wear our religion’ fas a show of arrogance in public. I do not by any means believe that it is appropriate to use that scripture to argue against hijab. Hijab is the opposite of being a show off, it is clearly modesty, reverence and submission to God. Thank you, Amani for responding so kindly to her. As you said, let the conversation continue. Amen.
sisterdeie, closetsuperhero

By: Shanzay Farzan

Shanzay Farzan — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:00:51 +0000

Oh my, Amani your response is amazing!

By: Zainab

Zainab — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:41:45 +0000

I just got an opportunity to read this article, but I just had to say it is superbly written. Amazing job, Amani!

By: Amani

Amani — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:59:08 +0000

I don’t agree with what you’re saying. First of all, it is never the fault of the person being discriminated against if they’re faced with prejudice. How a person can blame that on the person they’re stereotyping is beyond me. If a person is put off by seeing a hijabi walking down the street, then that’s their own personal defect. Furthermore, thinking Muslims act “holier than thou” and “closed off to their non-Muslim surroundings” are perfect examples of stereotypes. Labeling all Muslims as such is completely unfounded and does not justify judging someone before asking them about their beliefs or practices.

The reason why the comments here are negative towards the email isn’t because the sender was asking a question – but rather because her approach was dogmatic and trying to legitimize hating another person for practicing their religion. No one will tell you they’re not willing to teach as long as they’re speaking to a person who’s willing to learn.

By: jackyD

jackyD — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:40:49 +0000

The comments here are a PRIME example of why people still feel this way about Muslims in America. Many Muslims need to stop acting so “holier than thou” and closed off to their non-Muslim surroundings. People don’t want to approach you and ask questions, to learn, because of this reason. You call people ignorant and want people to “educate themselves”, but none of these comments prove any willingness to teach.

Anyways, the article was a very well written and intelligent response that actually gave some insight. Thank you for writing.

By: Rebellious Arab Girl

Rebellious Arab Girl — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:13:48 +0000

Nice response!!

By: Megan

Megan — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:48:41 +0000

i agree with everything you have pointed out in your reply to this girl’s email. it seems to me she is a little ignorant and needs to read up on islam and even christianity. she seems quite judgmental, which is not necessary.

“Being an American doesn’t mean giving something up; it means gaining something, because you’re part of a beautiful spectrum of faiths and backgrounds.”
i could not agree more! being an american, no one has ever asked me to change who i am. if anything i have been able to embrace my family’s culture, all the while being patriotic and loving america for the amazing country that it is!

By: Readbooks

Readbooks — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:12:03 +0000

“We were taught as children that it is rude and dangerous to discuss religion and politics in public.”

That’s not my idea of democracy. Wasn’t there something like the freedom of expression ? Why dangerous ? Do she live in China or Iran ?
I think this woman should educate herself before wasting her time writing such an inept letter like that.
I also doubt that she is christian, because a real christian does not judge people by their looks or their religion.

By: taz2k11

taz2k11 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:32:17 +0000

I find the email rather ignorant.

There is too much I want to point out. I doubt this person has even approached a muslim sister to ask her about her scarf,or else they have had bad experience and are judging the rest of us based on that (stereotyping, anyone?)

The emailer also probably managed to offend a high number of jews. How can you suggest that what happened was the fault of people merely wishing to practice their religion?

I do not have a problem with people practicing their religion, nor do I care about people openly declaring support for their political party. As long as they do not preach to me, I do not care what they do.

You live your life, let me live mine.