I’ve long
since given up the need to refute common stereotypes about Muslim women. Of
course I’ve always known that these stereotypes were nothing short of
ridiculous. I’ve said this numerous times, and will say it again, Muslim women can never be stereotyped and categorized
into one general whole. Nonetheless, I’ve recently come into contact with
Muslim women involved in so many different projects that it reminded me that
stereotypes are undoubtedly a sign of stupid thinking. So I thought I’d just
share with you some of the projects that Muslim women in my community have
recently begun.
My favourite
project is the recent development of a Book club, cleverly named “Book Bytes”,
this book club ensures that Muslim women (and women from other faiths who would
like to join) come together and discuss their favourite reads and encourage
each other to read new and different books. I have not previously been exposed
to so many women who love reading to the extent that I do and I must say that I
am impressed. This proved to me that intellectual thought and intelligence is
vivid and thriving amongst Muslim women and contrary to a common stereotype,
there are women out there who would prefer to buy books over shoes any day!
Last month
some time I was invited to speak at a support group. This group called, H4U
(Here for You) has been established by two very ambitious, bold and outgoing
Muslim women who have the intention of improving the community in which they
live. I left that meeting feeling so impressed and inspired by all that I had
heard. It’s always a beautiful thing to witness or hear about the growth in
someone else. It reminds me of the vast human potential that we have and how
anyone is able to accomplish whatever they want to.
As part of
this support group these women are involved in a variety of projects, including
drug
counselling and support, and counselling and assistance for many other
issues. They’ve also set out to do youth upliftment and a kiddie’s recreational
programme. Honestly I know how much time and effort it takes to arrange all
these activities and projects and I really admire these women for their
selflessness.
Then, just
recently I was put in touch with a dynamic group of Muslim sisters, most of
whom had converted to Islam fairly recently. I can’t tell you how impressive
these women are. Masha Allah! The genuine love and care that they have for one
another and the support that they constantly offer each other has left me in
awe. I pray that their bonds are strengthened.
These are
just a few of my most recent encounters with amazing Muslim women. I have had
many others, and I am certain that there will be many more. For this reason, I
now have resorted to smiling silently or simply dismissing the relentless
stereotypes of Muslim women. If anyone is stupid enough to believe and follow
these stereotypes, then all I can say is that there’s a major problem with them
and there’s not much else I can do about that.
