Dispelling Misperceptions: Council on American-Islamic Relations hosts panel discussion in Kingwood

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) held a Women in Islam panel discussion at Lone Star College-Kingwood.
Six panelists convened Wednesday March 4, and took turns speaking about American society’s media-driven misconceptions concerning Muslim women and Islam in general.
Daniel Abdullah Hernandez, Imam of the Pearland Islamic Center and National spokesperson for Islam in Spanish, began the discussion by discrediting some of the errors in people’s understanding of Islam.
According to Hernandez, one of the most common fallacies is the belief that Muslim women are not granted autonomy.
“Islam dictates that women and men are spiritual equals,” explained Hernandez. “Both genders have an obligation to seek knowledge of God, of the world, and of their own interests.”
Another common misperception that some might have concerns the hijab – the traditional Muslim head-covering.
Despite public assumption, women are not forced to wear it. Moreover, the hijab is not as foreign of a concept as some Americans imagine. As a Muslim who converted from Catholicism, Hernandez is in the unique position of drawing parallels between both religions.
“Christianity has a similar link between God and veil,” Hernandez noted. “This can be seen in the garments worn by nuns.”
Mujidat Saaka, strategy and development consultant for various nonprofit organizations, expanded on Hernandez’s “unveiling” of the truth about Muslim women.
Saaka practices Islam, but like many American Muslims, she wears characteristic American attire. The stereotypical image of a Muslim – veils, abayas – represents only a fraction of Islam’s cultural diversity.
“Media has created a one dimensional portrayal of a multifaceted identity,” Saaka said. “In the city of Houston, over 90 different languages are spoken. That’s 90 different cultures in one city. So, how could it be possible that the second largest religion in the world has only one culture?”
Maryam Chambler, a post-graduate student at the University of Houston and member of many organizations including the Student Veterans of America, expounded upon why this narrow perception of Muslim women exists.
“Humanity has yet to evolve past bigotry,” Chambler said. “Recall public opinion of the Jewish community in Germany before World War II, or of African Americans post-emancipation, or of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor. People have the need to stereotype and group, and Muslims are the new target group.
“Unfortunately, because of traditional garb like the hijab and abaya, Muslim women attract more attention and therefore more prejudice. The only way to end this prejudice is by spreading knowledge of culture.”
Shireen Jasser works at a UT Family Practice and focused her speech during the panel on the impact of discrimination on the mental health of Muslims in America.
According to Jasser, “since 9/11, Islamiphobia has become much more prevalent. The media tends to show Islam in an extremist light, making Muslims seem more prone to violence, or more likely to be terrorists.”
“Muslims are getting a lot of negative attention. We’re under surveillance due to unfair legislation like the Patriot Act which disproportionally targets American Muslims. Law enforcement focuses a lot on the Muslim community; going to homes, asking ‘what are you doing,’ or ‘where are you going.’ What’s tragic is that we don’t see a lot of religious communities having to deal with this, but American Muslims do.”
With all of the negativity surrounding the perception of Islam, many Muslims reportedly suffer from identity confusion. They have an unjustified sense of guilt derived from the allegedly inseparable bond between Islam and terrorism. Such stress has led to an increased number of depression and anxiety cases in the Muslim community.
“We need to challenge Islamiphobia,” stated Jasser. “An individual shouldn’t feel like they have to internalize the wrong-doings of another. You answer for the actions of one.”
Afshan Jilani is active in the Spring Interfaith Dialogue council which brings several religions together to promote unity in diversity. Jilani believes that helping society is more important than any one religion.
“The media fuels this culture of mistrust which is perpetuated by fear of the unknown,” explained Jilani. “And a myopic attitude leads to xenophobia. Interfaith work is so important because we are seeking commonalities. When you do that, you’ll find that they far outweigh our differences.”
Lauren Santerre shares Jiliani’s advocacy of interfaith programs. Santerre believes that the solution to the problem of prejudice is simply to learn how to be humans in a pluralistic society.
“Use your heart,” she advised. “And use your ears. Often, we’re too quick to talk and too slow to listen. People will tell you what they need either through what they say, and often what they don’t say. It’s important to educate yourself about others, but also about your own religion. People will want to know. We all have our spheres of influence, so give your resources: time, talents, and money.”
Organizations like CAIR are doing their part to break the cycle of xenophobia. Knowledge is the only way to accomplish this goal, so it is vital to seek and distribute information about America’s misrepresented minorities like women in Islam.
Credit to Melanie Feuk

Women's rights in Islam - Part 2

Women in Islam are thought to be subjugated, degraded, oppressed – but are they really? Modern Muse investigates this theory further. 
Equal but different
While men and women have equal rights as a general principle, the specific rights and responsibilities granted to them are not identical. Men and women have complementary rights and responsibilities.
Aside from external and internal anatomical differences, scientists know there are many other subtle differences in the way the brains of men and women process language, information and emotion, just to mention a few.
A socio-biology expert, Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University, said that females tend to be higher than males in verbal skills, empathy and social skills, among other things, while men tend to be higher in independence, dominance, spatial and mathematical skills, rank-related aggression, and other characteristics.
It would be foolish to treat both genders the same and to ignore their differences. Islam teaches that men and women have complementary, yet different, roles because it is best suited to their nature. God says:
“And the male is not like the female.”Qur’an 3:36
“Does not the One who created, know? And He is the Most Kind, the All Aware.”Qur’an 67:14

The family unit
God created men and women to be different, with unique roles, skills and responsibilities. These differences are not viewed as evidences of superiority or inferiority, but of specialisation. In Islam, the family is of central importance. The man is responsible for the financial well being of the family while the woman contributes to the family’s physical, educational and emotional well being. This encourages cooperation rather than competition. By fulfilling their mutual responsibilities, strong families are created and hence strong societies.
Also, emotionally, neither men nor women live a happy life without one another. Allah describes this beautifully by saying:
“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.”Qur’an 2:187
Clothing provides comfort, warmth and security as well as making one look good – this is how the relationship between the husband and wife is defined in Islam.

Love and mercy in spousal relationships
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also encouraged men to treat their spouses in the best way, “The best of you are those who are best (in treatment) to their wives.”
“And among His signs is that He created or you wives amongst yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them; and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Surely in this are Signs for people who reflect.”Qur’an 30:21
Aisha (the Prophet’s wife) was once asked how the Prophet’s conduct was in his home. She said, “He was like one of you at home, yet he was most lenient and most generous … He was ready to give a helping hand to his wives in the ordinary work of the house, [he] sewed his own clothes and mended his own shoes.” In general, he helped in whatever work his wives did.

Lofty positions of mothers and daughters
A mother has the greatest influence on a child especially in the earlier years through her affection, care and love. Undoubtedly, the success of a society is due to mothers. Therefore, it is only right for Islam to honour and raise their status.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And we have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his Parents, His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship.” Qur’an 46:15
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was once asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who among people is most deserving of my good treatment?” He said, “Your mother.” The man asked twice more, “Then who?” and was given the same response. Only until the fourth time did the Prophet respond, “Then your father.” Reward is not only given to the good and kind treatment towards mothers. In fact, Islam has designated a special reward for raising daughters that is not granted for raising sons.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah has given two daughters and is kind towards them, they will be a reason for him entering Paradise.”

Conclusion
Before Islam, women were considered shameful, female children were buried alive, prostitution was rampant, divorce was only in the hands of the husband, inheritance was only for the strong, and oppression was widespread. Islam came and abolished these practices. Even now, in “developed countries”, women are not granted respect, dignity and honour, let alone equal pay for equal work. Islam, however, regards women as precious and valuable, not to be disrespected or disgraced. The mistreatment of women in some Middle-Eastern countries or Muslim families is due to cultural factors that some Muslims wrongly follow, not because of Islam. Why would many women around the world willingly enter Islam if it is an oppressive religion?
We end with the words of our Lord and your Lord, the Creator and Sustainer of all men and women:
“Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing men and the believing women, and the obedient men and the obedient women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women, and the humble men and the humble women… Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” Qur’an 33:35

Source: http://www.iisna.com/

Practicing Islam in short shorts? One Muslim woman says she won't judge.

Usra Ghazi and Thanaa El-Naggar discuss issues that divide some women in the Muslim community. El-Naggar is viewed in a sketch since she isn't comfortable attaching a photo to views some might consider controversial.

When author Thanaa El-Naggar penned an essay for Gawker's True Stories last week, she says she didn't think her words would reverberate far beyond her immediate circle of friends. She was wrong.
"It would be difficult to tell you who I know who hasn't read this piece," says Usra Ghazi, a research assistant with the Islam in the West Program at Harvard University.
The title should have been a tip off that the essay would cause a stir. It's called "Practicing Islam in Short Shorts." It describes what El-Naggar says is a common experience for her: Walking into a shop in a Western city and stopping herself before greeting a Muslim clerk who, unlike herself, is veiled.
"As soon as I walk into the store, I feel like she's my sister. The way she wears her headscarf, the way she covers her arms and legs. I've sort of grown up with her. She looks like, you know, she's wearing something my mother would wear," El-Naggar says. "I feel a sense of community with her."
But El-Naggar isn't covered. Her shorts aren't long and she has piercings in her nose and belly button. She says she'd like to establish a connection with the Muslim clerk, but she doesn't greet her.
"Because of the way I'm dressed, I don't think she will see the same sort of sisterhood that I see," she says. "I'm worried that she will look at me and think I'm a bad girl, a bad Muslim, someone who brings shame to the community, someone who's lost her way."
El-Naggar calls herself a practicing Muslim. She grew up in the Arab world and has been living in the US for the last 19 years. She says she has a large group of Muslim friends who dress as she does. She says her acquaintances are tired of hearing others talk about them in a way that's "riddled with judgment and condescension."
But these days, she says she has a new mantra — one that will allow her to greet anyone.
It's a short surah — a verse or chapter in the Koran — titled Al-Kafirun. The last line in that surah is "Lakum deenakum wa liya deen," meaning "for you is your religion, and for me is mine," she says. "I have to admit that I created the meaning of that surah a little bit to sort of fit my view on life. But I think the overall meaning is that we should live and let live."
Ghazi, the Harvard researcher, says she can relate to El-Naggar's experience. But she says parts of her fellow Muslim's essay "trouble" her.
"She misinterprets the reasons why Muslims in the community she has been involved in would treat her in that way," Ghazi says. "Those admonishments, that chastisement comes from a place of love, and [from] taking really literally and personally the Koranic commandment to enjoin good and forbid evil for the sake of the salvation of other Muslims."
Ghazi acknowledges that many women in the Muslim community often feel objectified. "It's degrading to be told to dress a certain way," she says. "But it's also degrading, the broad brush with which [El-Naggar] paints Muslims who follow traditional practices. ... The Muslim world is such a beautifully diverse community, and I think I would give a little more credit on the other side of that store counter."
Ghazi urges honoring women who cover themselves, as well as those who don't. And she says she'd appreciate hearing the Muslim greeting, Salaam-Alaikum, or "peace be upon you," from a stranger.
"In a time when there's a lot of tension in light of the Charlie Hebdo attacks and all the conversations about a rise of Islamaphobia in Europe and the US, when someone approaches a Muslim, a visibly Muslim person, with an Islamic greeting, it's the best type of scenario to be in," she says.

Finally, Ghazi urges El-Naggar to reconsider living a "dual life." "I'd tell her, you don't have to do that," Ghazi says. "Let's talk, let's have a conversation, even with our disagreements. I think there's a lot we can come together around."
Credit to Joyce Hackel

Leadership: Stupid Is As Stupid Does

I have long held to the belief that leadership exists to disrupt mediocrity. However my observation is that many in positions of leadership tend to protect the status quo (mediocrity’s best friend) at all costs. The best path forward for any organization is through the creation of value and by developing advantage – both of which rarely occur by embracing outdated, static, or politically correct thinking.
We live in a world that far too easily suffers fools in leadership. We embrace pseudo intellectuals and idiot savants as thought leaders, we accept poor performance as normative, and we value being politically correct more than we fear being incorrect. As we close out 2014 and head into a new year, I want to encourage you to be bold and think differently. While there are many things I could offer as advice moving forward, I thought it best to share 5 things I believe all leaders should immediately stop capitulating to in order to become more effective:

1. Best Practices – There exists no greater example of herd mentality than that of best practices. I have always believed that a so-called best practice ceases the minute it is labeled as such. By definition, best practices protect the status quo and gate innovation by ensuring people/processes follow the same methodologies. You cannot differentiate by embracing sameness. The concept of best practices is little more than blending to the norm at your own peril. Smart leaders innovate beyond best practices always in search of next practices. If your decision to do something is born by others doing it the same way, you are doing little more than ceding advantage and opportunity to those competitors more creative than you. Don’t copy – create.

2. Cost Cutting: It is simply impossible to beat your competition to the future by spending less than they do – you get there first by investing smarter than they do. Companies who outperform their competition focus less on risk management on more on opportunity management. They are less concerned with containing expenditures and more concerned with finding new ways to create greater return on investment. I’ve often espoused that a leaders job is not to leverage their people, but to create more leverage for their people. Stop asking your people to do more with less (Stupid) and find ways to provide them with a resource advantage (Smart). Stop imposing hiring freezes (Stupid) and begin a relentless pursuit of creating a talent advantage (Smart). Leaders who complain about a lack of resources are doing nothing more than demonstrating their lack of resourcefulness.

3. Political Correctness – By its very nature, politically correct thinking is most often disingenuous, if not altogether intellectually dishonest. Politically correct thinking replaces individuality and authentic opinions with socially acceptable rhetoric and watered-down behavioral tendencies. I actually miss the days when most conversations consisted of unpredictable, highly charged, and stimulating discourse where people were encouraged to openly share their true thoughts and opinions. The irony of politically correct thinking is that a society void of individual thought actually creates the opposite of diversity. It is in fact politically correct thinking that results in a brainwashed group of sheep who completely lack diversity as a result of a generification of thoughts and actions. The dark secret behind politically correct thinking is that it slowly dulls your senses, and neuters your innate ability to be discerning. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to hear what you think I want you to say, or what you think you should say, but rather I want to hear what you’re really thinking. Have you ever sat in a meeting where all parties sit around the table with a deer in the headlights look trying to figure out how to dance around an issue rather than address it head-on? It is this type of issue that pollutes our culture, stifles innovation, undermines our productivity, and sentences those who embrace politically correct thinking to a life of mediocrity.

4. Lionizing The Few – Leadership is not a position or a title. It is not a job reserved only for a precious few presiding over the masses. Here’s something to keep in mind – if you tell people long enough or loud enough that they’re not leaders, you shouldn’t be surprised when they begin to believe you. Your job is not to keep people from leadership, but to create leadership ubiquity. The most successful organizations are ones in which everyone views themselves as leaders. Leadership that isn’t transferrable, repeatable, scalable, and sustainable isn’t really leadership at all. Build your organization on a framework that builds into all team members regardless of where they reside on the org chart.

5. Unwillingness to Change – Examine any study on the rate of change, and you’ll find we’re living in an unprecedented time. The rate of change is clearly outpacing most leaders ability to learn and unlearn. Many leaders struggle to remain current, much less find a way to move ahead of the curve. Here’s the thing – if leaders are stuck in the past, their organizations will be forced to travel a very rough road to the future. Leadership isn’t destination based – it’s a continuum. Great leaders think beyond the outcome. They think about what if and what’s next. They don’t get trapped in the journey to a specific destination, but remain in constant search of discovery in order to seek new and better opportunities. Anything in business can be improved, everything can be reimagined, and many things can flat out be eliminated. The harsh reality is this: leaders who embrace “what is” by failing to broaden their worldview will be replaced by those who pursue “what if” by embracing new and creative ways of thinking.