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Categories: Classes · Get Involved
Did Obama’s trip to Turkey help Muslims here at home? It depends on how you view my headscarf.
By Hadia Mubarak | NEWSWEEK
Published Apr 25, 2009
From the magazine issue dated May 4, 2009
Last month, as I was watching the news coverage of President Obama’s visit to Turkey, I thought back to an awkward experience I had as an undergraduate student applying for a job at my university. When I handed the receptionist at the student union my Social Security card, a required form of identification, she told me she needed my passport as well.
Surprised, I questioned the need for it. She brought over her supervisor, who glanced at my hijab—a headscarf worn by many Muslim women—and asked, “Aren’t you an international student?” “No,” I said. “I’m an American citizen. I was born in New Jersey.” Her mouth dropped open and she stammered, “Oh, you’re not a foreigner?”
It was not a new experience for me, as a Muslim growing up in this country. Before people learned my name, saw me run at a track meet or heard me debate an argument, they assumed they knew who I am.That’s why Obama’s decision to visit a Muslim country within the first 100 days of his presidency was such a significant moment for me. Hearing his unwavering, unapologetic message to the Turkish Parliament filled me with pride: yes, he told the world, Muslim Americans exist, and our existence has enriched—not impoverished—American culture. His words mirrored what I have long sought to convey to other Americans: that you can be both a devout Muslim and a patriotic American. Keep reading →
Categories: In My Own Words
An update and reminder for the Saturday morning Sincerity class.
Maryland students: Due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, we have had to push back the start date. Insha Allah, the class will resume on Saturday, April 25th at Dar-us-Salaam, from 9:45am to 12:15pm.
Virginia students: A reminder that insha Allah, the class will resume on Saturday, April 18th at McLean High School, from 1pm to 1:45pm.
Categories: Beliefs and Practices of Islam
