Little Rock, Big Impact

Less than 24 hours ago I hugged Zainab goodbye as I prepared to leave Little Rock, Arkansas.

In the less than 11 hours that I had known Zainab, we had bonded. She told me about how her brothers, lacking an MSA, had found a comfortable home at a Fraternity that respected their religion. We discussed everything from Muslim Country singer Kareem Salama to MSA and youth group. But for me the most amazing thing about our discussions was that Zainab was 11 years old. Despite the fact that she was half my age, as two American-born Muslim sisters we found a lot to talk about.

My time in Little Rock was a brief retreat from classes and e-mails. I had been invited by ISNA in my capacity as an advisor to MYNA and my role with MSA National to speak about Youth Development. The enthusiasm and excitement of these youth, parents and MSAers was contagious and yet eye opening. The presentations, practical advice, and resources were welcomed with hungry eyes by the community members so eager to take their organizations to the next level.

While I remain obsessed with organizational management, my e-mail, and have a cell phone practically sewed into my hijab, physically seeing the needs of our diverse, dispersed community and working directly with students will always be my passion. This is the stuff that drives activists: making a positive difference in the lives of others all in the service of God.

When I first got involved with MSA National as a zonal rep, my activism completely changed. From serving 20+ Muslim students on campus, I was now connected to hundreds. Starting an MSA in Maryland, holding a workshop in New Jersey, meeting with a council chair in DC to discuss how to address issues; this is the life of a zonal rep. And it is by far the biggest joy and Amana, trust, at the same time.

The goal of any institution, for or non-profit, is take what one person can do to the next level; to serve its users better on a larger scale. I have never believed more in the need for strong organizations that serve our community. Like Zainab said, we need people to do more.

Peace...Not Prejudice

Sorry for my recent lack of posting, here's what I've been up to:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/09/AR2007110901961.html

Life Lessons From the Streets of Georgetown

Orignially I titled this post "Life Lessons From the Street" but I realized it might give off the wrong impression :) I admire people from all different backgrounds and experiences while realizing that I am a girl from suburbia and I'm proud of it; my experiences and upbringing have made me who I am.

My friend Khadijeh recently sent me the below list; commuters everywhere will definately appreciate her thoughts :)

Everything I Need to Know I Learned Parking on the Street at Georgetown

10. Take the first spot you come across; you might not have another chance.

9. Park in the sun, on a hill, or on the cable car tracks if you have to. Beggars can't be choosers.

8. Don't let a horn-happy driver rush you when parallel-parking, it usually results in a fender-bender.

7. Don't assume the other driver has seen your signal. Some things have to be made more obvious if you want someone to understand.

6. Everyone else on the road is going to be myopic and short-tempered- a little sense of humor goes a long way.

5. When you're walking to class, remember what it's like to be a driver on a street full of students who think they own the road.

4. Just because you're in a car doesn't mean people can't see you belting your heart out to Faith Hill (or Counting Crows). And you never know who's watching (like fellow MSA Board members)

3. You may think you're doing a charitable service to passersby by blasting your favorite music out your open windows, but 95% of them wouldn't agree.

2. A good conversation over a good cup of coffee is always worth the risk of a $50 ticket. You can't put a price on that kind of thing.

1. Keep spare change handy for the homeless people on Key Bridge. A grateful smile and a "God bless you" will make your morning. And you just may have made theirs.

Rollercoaster Ramadan

Its incredible how much and how little things change from Ramadan to Ramadan.

For me Ramadan invokes the memories of last year, what I was doing and what life I was leading only one year before. Its a yearly reminder of how much I've changed and how much more I want to grow.

This Ramadan was a stark contrast from last year. One year ago I was a consultant eating cereal bars and instant oatmeal made with my coffee maker for sahur in my hotel room. This year I'm back to being a student and experiencing Ramadan on campus.

Every time I experience Ramadan on campus my admiration grows for the thousands of Muslim students and their MSAs. Holding regular iftars and programs while keeping up with school and doing extra worship is no easy task. Yet somehow our students manage to do all that while using this opportunity to reach out to students, hold Fast-A-Thons and get published in their school newspapers.

Personally, this was the busiest Ramadan of my life. I attended meeting after meeting, iftar after iftar hoping and praying my words will benefit the Muslim Community. From Congressional meetings to events at the State Department, my mantra was the same: we need to improve policy and show our government will not tolerate hate speech against Muslims.

Yes, I will continue to condemn terrorism; yes, I will show you our Muslim Students believe in reaching out to people of all faiths and backgrounds. We are doing our part; don't tolerate hate, and give our Muslim professors and students their freedom of speech.

My late nights got even later with the addition of Taraweeh and dozens of conference calls to help students deal with anti-Islamic sentiments on their campus.

Media experts, organizational leaders and speakers all told me the same things. These individuals will show how ridiculous their message is. Do your part - reach out to people, write editorials, respond immediately to hate crimes, talk to all the major organizations but let them show how untrue their message is.

So we will. While others attempt to spark controversy we will work to unify our campuses by dispelling stereotypes. While Muslim students continue to choose peace over prejudice, I will continue to meet with students, officials and organizational leaders to get the support and resources we as students need.

This year, like years past, Ramadan has given me a true sense of calmness and Peace. I believe in my fellow Muslim students, I believe in Allah and my faith, I believe in my fellow Americans and pluralism, and I believe that we can overcome the challenges we face.

Virginia...

We often ignore the differences between different cultures, the speaker said. We interpret other people based on our own cultural reference, he noted.


He softly clicked the presentation remote and a question about American culture lit up the screen. He looked around the room of 120 MBA students and gently pointed to me.

"Why don't you answer this question dear. Where are you from?"


As I tilted my scarf-covered head, I said "Virginia" in an almost confused tone.


The entire auditorium errupted in laughter as the speaker's face dropped.

Pledge of Mutual Respect and Cooperation Between Sunni Muslim Scholars, Organizations, and Students of Sacred Knowledge

A few weeks ago after speaking at an evening session, I received a phone call. The scholars present at the ISNA and MSA Continental Conference were meeting and requesting my presence.

As I rushed over I was on my cell phone with MSA volunteers who were running around complying with the scholar's request to get a room and food for the meeting.

After a long day of meetings and speaking, Imam Zaid opened the gathering. Less than a few weeks ago, a few scholars were at an event and began talking. As often happens with individuals of amazing intellect, they decided it was time for Muslim educational organizations to come together, to stop disagreements between their students.

As Imam Zaid opened the floor for comments, I politely raised my hand. After Imam Magid spoke, the moderator called on Dr. Jackson. "Asma, go ahead" he said as he gestured towards me.

I looked around the conference table at all of our teachers. They slouched slightly as if the weight of the long day pulled their shoulders down. Their faces showed the lack of sleep from a long conference weekend. Yet, they were here. They met at well past 11pm because this Pledge, this sign of cooperation and respect is important, even crucial to our community.

I began slowly, first thanking Dr. Jackson and Imam Zaid. Then I turned to everyone in the room. May Allah bless you for this initiative. Our students, our campus communities will benefit so much from this sign of leadership from our teachers. Several MSAs have been hurt by ideological disagreements; they've let go of the principle of unity, of brother and sisterhood. If those who teach us our religion stand against this degradation, then insha'Allah, God willing, their students will follow. It is my honor for MSA National to help facilitate this meeting in the small way that we have.

Thus on that historic night, over twenty leaders of Muslim organizations signed the Pledge of Mutual Respect and Cooperation Between Sunni Muslim Scholars, Organizations, and Students of Sacred Knowledge.

Wow

I know its been a long time since I posted, so forgive me my readers.

Its been hectic, crazy but exciting month that I hope to recap to everyone. But only one word can really capture it all: Wow.

Wow because I moved to Maryland and am experiencing life without Internet.

Wow because school has begun and I'm remembering what its like to be a full time student.

Wow because I have come face to face with some of the challenges of my position and with individuals whose words are hurting people more than they will ever know because they are threatening the very thing that makes America great.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I hope this post signals that I am alive and well and look forward to continuing to blog!