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