Islam in America, unlike any other western country in the world, can be practiced as a way of life. Free of culture and social pressures. The American society emphasis on individual and ‘do what you want’ as long as you don’t bother another person’s personal space. There are European countries that do not allow free practice of Islam. In the states, it is ones right to practice what they believe in. Of course there are some negatives but overall, the Muslim community in the USA is heterogeneous, vibrant, warm and not judgmental. There are many mosque’s large and small in many small and large communities all around the States. There is also the equal opportunity act which doesn’t allow discrimination of hiring based gender, race, and religion. All should be given equal opportunity to compete for the work. Of course, biases cannot be controlled and there are always issues and in many cases much unfairness (not to mention the media highlights just the bad!) but to be fair, issues isn’t just faced by Muslims many other races and cultures face similar issues.
Personally, I think we live like the average American. Dealing with family stuff, school, kids, work, bills, cleaning my own home (no maids!), cooking meals, doing everything pretty much myself. But, minusthe partying, drinking, celebrating Halloween, Christmas and other American holidays. So minus all that, we live the traditional middle class American lifestyle. My weeks are pretty routine. Praying Fajr, getting the family ready for the day. Starting with making breakfast, packing lunches (for the whole family, and also it’s better to bring one’s own food for halal and health reasons), cleaning, dishes, laundry, taking kids to baseball practice and games, going to work, attending weekly sister’s halaqa, hanging out with the family, hardly any time to hang out with friends. At work, allhamdullilah I am able to pray, fast Ramadan (a little bit of commotion because it is incomprehensible I go all day working without drinking coffee or water or eating), answer questions freely about Islam (I think I don’t work in the typical corporate America workplace though. A smaller company where people are more personable.
The honest truth some non-Muslim American’s don’t celebrate some of those holidays because they themselves don’t believe in those holidays! But why are Muslim countries also celebrating Halloween? Go figure!
We live in a traditional suburban neighborhood where I have non-muslim neighbors. They aren’t super cozy or super nice but I think quite respectful and quiet. My children have tons of fun playing with the neighbor’s kids. So, it is quite normal to have an impromptu baseball game in the street. Some of the neighbors I am closer than others, but I think this goes for any neighbor wherever you are. Generally speaking most American’s I think are hesitant to speak or get friendly with Muslims I think because they may be afraid to offend. And vice versa, Muslims don’t talk to their fellow American’s because of pre-emptive thinking. Subhannallah. Each party thinks better to be quiet and go about their way. In the workplace there is always that first hesitance to interact but being professional and friendly it all becomes all about the work. Interestingly, I think the wives of the men I work with are relaxed because I am completely covered and it allows the whole team to be focused on the work rather than how you look.
Keeping this in mind I try to make sure I am approachable by any non-Muslim. This includes my co-workers. I keep in mind that I represent Islam and Islam is a religion of peace. We do not preach our religion by speaking but more so by actions. My actions are gentle, smiling and non-judgmental. Also, I wear my hijab in a nice simple way. No make up aside from using Khol occasionally and always wearing clean, slightly matching clothes. By being simple, my colleagues have gotten use to the hijab garb and find it weird when they don’t encounter this same demeanor and style in other Muslims they may see at the store or other public places.
In conclusion, know that Islam is a religion of peace and we as Muslims, especially Muslim Women have a duty to spread peace. This is done by your actions, attitude and what you are wearing. Treat people as you want to be treated. Smile. Accept people how they are. Who knows one day they may be a better Muslim than you. Allah is the turner of hearts. Not you. You don’t have the right to judge anyone and if someone judges you then it is your duty to be patient. Remember the prophet Mohammad Saw. was the most patient of all.
