Saint Anne's School- post visit Q and A.

I would like to thank Saint Anne's faculty and students for extending an invitation to COH to address the Middle School body at their assembly!

1. Morgan's question

What are the difficulties you face being a Muslim woman?

I have never been negatively targeted as a Muslim woman. Sometimes I do feel that I am re-interpreting some beliefs that a few Muslim acquaintances may have about a woman's right in the 21st century. For example since many Muslin women are now socio-economically independent and educated they should have equal right to those of men. 1500 hundred years ago in Arabia women were unworldly and totally dependent on their men folk. Times have changed and with it certain laws related to women pertaining to equal inheritance and equal acceptance as an expert witness in court makes good sense.

2. Casey's question

What was the most interesting thing about Pakistan?

Life in Pakistan is more relaxed than in America. Most homes have several paid helpers who make life so much easier.The weather is more temperate though you can argue the summers are far too hot...

3. Nick's question

Is 9/11 the only reason for wanting to improve understanding between the East and the West or are there other reasons for bringing them closer?

No I think the damage that 9/11 wreaked and the media's portrayal of all Muslims as terrorist were the main reasons I wanted to be involved in presenting a truer picture.

4. Mary-Claire asked

Is your mission going well?

Yes I believe it is going well. We have addressed three schools in the last 5 months.We will be participating in an interfaith dialogue at the a Quaker's friendship meeting on April 25th.Please do contact me if you know any more schools that might be interested in learning about Muslim people and countries.

5. Jamie's question

How can you influence newscasters to write accurate and true accounts about issues related to Muslims?

Excellent question Jamie!More young Muslim men and women are choosing journalism as a career. This will allow the Muslim people in the US have a better representation in the media.Wonderful American journalists like Mr.Gary Soulsman who frequently writes and interviews Muslims in the community needs to be commended for his work!

6. Riley's question

Do you intend to take Circle of Hands and make it an international organization or do you only want to improve understanding here in the US?

Well if someone wanted to make an international chapter say in an European country, or even in another state within the US,we would do all to help them and guide them!

7. Hunter's question

Did you think about making COH because of 9/11 or the rejection you experienced from your patient you wrote about in your article?

Actually I can't say whether that elderly patient didn't want to see me as a patient because I was not white or perhaps because she had some idea that I maybe a Muslim? I never asked her but I and my staff felt it was because I was 'different'.

8. Meg's outstanding question

In your journey with COH, has it allowed you to learn and understand some ethnicities better?

Absolutely!I believe that the wisest of us are always learning new things. I have learnt that most Christians are not afraid to invite other religions to come and talk about their faiths. This shows acceptance of differences and a willingness to learn about other people. All religions should follow their example and many do.

9. Madi's question

What is your favorite part about being a Muslim woman?

As a Muslim woman I am entitled to all my husband's earnings and he is not entitled to mine! My children are ordered by Allah to care for me specially in my old age and if they do this He will make heaven closer for them. If by some terrible fate a Muslim women is widowed and has a family to support- Allah has ordered her men kin to protect her and care for her children if she cannot.

April 8, 2009 9:14 PM

Circle of Hands visits Saint Anne's Middle School

Saint Anne's Episcopal School: Pre-visit Q and A session
Middle School- 8th Grade

1. What inspired you to make Circle of Hands? How has working with the organization changed your life?

I was passionate about telling people that true Islam is respectful of differences between people and is a religion of compassion. Many times the media distorts the truth for sensationalism. Circle of Hands has provided myself and many other Muslims a platform to do just that!

Working with Circle of Hands has brought more meaning into my life. I enjoy being a physician, a wife and a mother but now with my interfaith work I feel I am filling in a much needed void in my community.

2. What challenges have you faced while trying to accomplish your mission?

Time is a valuable commodity in America because we all work very hard. I guess my biggest challenge has been to find the extra hours in the day to fulfill this wonderful mission of bringing the East and West closer. Thanks to the support of my family its has not been too hard.

3. Have you ever come across people in America or else where who do not support your efforts? How have you overcome it if you have?

Most people have been extraordinarily supportive of our efforts and works. Circle of Hands is at present a regional organization but I do hope to see it grow all over the country.

4. How has your religious back ground affected your life in America?

America is a wonderful nation where everyone can practise their own beliefs without other people's interference. There have been times since 9/11/01 when I have felt voice-less with the media's negative coverage about Islam and Muslims. Now with Circle of Hands I have found my voice and I feel I can answer questions that arise regarding the East and Islam in particular.

5. What is challenging about being a Muslim woman in America?

I am a very happy American Muslim woman and I love living in the US. I can practise my religion to its fullest without feeling restricted. During the month of Ramadan(when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset) it is somewhat a challenge for all Muslims who fast and work or go to school. I must admit its difficult but the rewards are worth it for a Muslim.

Some of my women friends who wear the Hijab (cover their hair with a scarf) have told me that on occasion they feel scrutinized for dressing differently than others. I feel we need to learn and understand our differences and respect them. This is what makes us a better and stronger nation.

6. How has your faith and background affected your life?

This is an excellent question. Growing up I have lived in six countries spread across 3 different continents before I turned 26. The people and experiences I have come across have left a strong impression on me. I am in the process of writing a memoir about my faith and travels.

7. Have you ever visited Muslim countries in the Middle East or North Africa? How is life different there?

Unfortunately I have never visited any country in North Africa. I have read many wonderful books that delve into the Egyptian culture and way of life. I would also love to visit Morocco some day!

I have lived in Saudi Arabia for many years. Actually my most formative years were spent in Saudi Arabia. We lived in Riyadh which is also the capital of the country. It is located in the 'Empty Quarter' a desert where for centuries only the Bedouins had survived. The landscape was arid and almost nothing grew. The Bedouins survived on camel milk, camel and lamb meat and lived in camel hair tents.

Now with the boom of oil riches in Saudi Arabia it has high ways and high rises just like the ones in the US. The Saudi culture is the most closed society in the Muslim world because of their tribal values where a lot still needs to be done for women's emancipation.

I spent my time in an English school in Riyadh and lived comfortably with my parents. I really didn't miss movie theaters, or not being able to drive while living in that country probably because I was too young. Now if I had to live there indefinitely I think it would be a major re-adjustment for me. There are many Americans and westerners who do live in Riyadh and have done so for many years.

I have read a lot about the Jordanian society and I think it to be open and fun, welcoming tourists from every where. Queen Noor and now Queen Rania are both forward looking women who are very involved with the different issues of Jordon specially related to women.

8. Has American/Western culture ever made it hard for you to express yourself or your beliefs? Has your faith in Islam ever made it hard for you to express yourself or your beliefs?

No I almost never find it difficult to express my beliefs. I am an honest person and I do love being a Muslim woman. I try to express what I have witnessed and the life I have lived with my faith. Some may not agree with me but I understand that people will always have differences of opinion and that's O.K with me. In a civilized society we learn to express our differences without hurting one another!

9. What are some of the important things that need to be accomplished before the East and the West can fully accept each other? How long do you think it will take?

I think it will take special people like all of you and President Obama to create harmony and respect between the East and the West. I think what you and I can begin by doing are some of the following things:

- Acknowledge that people are different but that does not make them bad or more inferior than us

-Make an effort to get to know your Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Christian acquaintances

-Media loves sensationalism but we should always try to get at the truth of the story

-Get involved in learning what policies the US is implementing internationally and ask yourself if you agree with them

I wish I had an answer to when the East and West will have better relations. I think perhaps President Obama has turned the tide a bit towards a better understanding with his international trip this week. The real change will come from minds like yours who question, and then seek a better understanding. You are the true leaders and hope of tomorrow!