Reflections Of A Muslimah

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

There is no Sisterhood like that of Muslim Sisterhood. Sometimes you meet people unexpectedly at different places who are on the same path as you are and you just connect. It is as if Allah azza wa Jal has purposely has made your paths cross. In the past few years, I've met a few Sisters that have become very close to my heart.

Recently, I attended an Islamic Seminar on the Weekend and there again was the bonding between Women. We talked, ate, prayed in Jam'ah together [congregation], shared our stories, exchanged Hijab tips and Abaya Shop Numbers and gained knowledge. There was also a Muslim Sister who had reverted to Islam and she shared her story which brought tears to our eyes. The difference in this bonding is hard to explain, but one reason why it is different is because you bond for the sake of Allah subhana wa ta'ala and that makes all the difference. This bonding knows no bounds, no cultural restriction or age limit. What you might share in common may be only the passion for Islam and your quest for Islamic knowledge, but that is enough to make you lifelong friends. The beauty of Islam is unimaginable.

At times when people see a mix of Women of different nationalities and culture out together for coffee or dinner, they turn around to look twice because it is strange. [Even when you all are wearing Hijab, because different Women wear Hijaab/Niqaab differently and you can tell they're not all from the same background] And this is especially true within Dubai because the society here has become so artifical. Sadly enough, a lot of times people choose not to look beyond their own set ideals and very rarely mingle. We tend to flock to people who are similar to us with regards to culture and background and we've thrown up barriers, albeit unconciously.

But, in my experience, if you come together for the sake of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala, or you meet someone when you are out to seek ilm, there is no feeling of supriority or inferiority or any other baseless feeling involved because your hearts are clean. The other person understands you because they are on the same path and level of understanding as you are. You don't have to think twice before discussing Islam related issues. They won't be shocked when you say you don't listen to music or when you express your views on sensitive issues like Jihad.

Secondly, Islam teaches us not to discriminate on the basis of Nationality, Tribalism, Colour or Wealth and this is something forgotten by many Muslims from all over the World, especially within Muslim Countries. We tend to live in our own little bubble, not wanting to venture out and we dispute over silly matters. We take pride in our culture and tribes and leave what Islam teaches us. We forget that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam admonished those who practice asabiyyah.

It is narrated by Abu Dawud that the Messenger of Allah (Sallalahu alayhi wasallam) said, "He is not one us who calls for `Asabiyah, (nationalism/tribalism) or who fights for `Asabiyah or who dies for `Asabiyah."

A Man or Woman will only be equal or less to another Man or Woman infront of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala only in terms of his or her good deeds.