*** The Session Has Begun. Please Submit Your Questions. ***
Answer
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Name
Kimmi
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Profession
Question
Are Muslim women really discriminated against in these United States of America?
Answer
Yes, They are. Especically woman who wear hijab (head scarf). They have a hard time getting hired. If you are already working, CAIR can assist you, if you are discriminated against. If you are looking it is harder to prove that they didn’t hire you because of hijab.
Name
Leila
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Profession
Editor
Question
What are some of the recommendations you have for people seeking to dispel Western stereotypes of Muslim women as being opressed, uneducated and generally mistreated.
Answer
I think the first thing we can do is start behaving according to the Qur'an and Sunnah. We should greet everyone with a smiling face. The other thing is we need to know how to answer questions. Too often people ask us questions and we don’t answer them correctly or we answer them in a way that causes more antagonism. We should not be defensive. I would recommend a book by Yahya Emmerick called “How to tell other about Islam”.
Name
Aamna Shah
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Profession
Question
As-Salaam-o-Alaikum!
I got the honor of reading about your journey to Islam. I am really impressed by your story and thanks to Allah much more than before I am thankful that he brought me up in a Muslim family, Alhamdo-lillah. I read that you were diagnosed with cancer. I am really concerned for your health & pray for it. How are you doing now?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, Allah gives me the strength to handle whatever He puts in my path. Each thing is a source of blessing. Jazakum Allah Khair for asking.
Name
Kamal
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Profession
architect
Question
Is feminism compatible with Islam? If so, how does one achieve the balance between adhering to the gender roles provided by Allah and the notion that women are to be treated equally in every sense of the word?
Answer
Islam goes beyond feminism. Islam provides equality in a sense that feminism doesn’t even dream about. Islam benefits women and all of society far more than feminism ever will. Feminism is based more on confrontation, anger, and frustration. Allah SWT gave us all the information needed to establish justice for every human being.
Name
James
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Profession
Software Developer
Question
What are your views on the Taliban? Do you think they are adding to Islamic principles or are they innovators?
Answer
I have both sympathy and frustration when it comes to the Taliban. It is a struggle to establish Islam in a place where Islam has not had a chance to exist and where knowledge has been denied. Any innovation is against Islam. Even if they think it is a good innovation. Success in establishing an Islamic nation can only happen when we follow Quran and Sunnah and exclude all bid’ah.
Name
Anissa
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Profession
Student
Question
I think that as long as men are considered (in many Muslim cultures) the decision makers, and consequently ignoring women's role, I think Muslims will always be considered non-respecting them. How far do you agree with this?
Answer
The problem is that while man was given the final word, that final word must be decided based on what is best on all individuals. That requires consultation, compassion, love, and mercy. The man cannot be a dictator. Dictators are not permitted in Islam. Man must also remember that he will answer to Allah SWT for whatever decision he makes and how that decision affects other people. He will answer for any injustice that he has inflicted upon his wife.
Name
Jamila
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Profession
Question
What can Muslim Women do to become more visible in the U.S.
Answer
Subhan Allah. If she has children get involve with the PTA or be a Room Mother. Women can also do volunteer work with the red cross, American cancer society march of dimes.etc.. Every woman should be a registered voter. Get involved in local politics as well as regional and national politics. Know what is going on and be willing to speak out. There are many organizations that she can be involved in where she can make a serious difference. She must learn to stand up and be proud that she is a Muslim woman. Be willing and able to answer all questions in the best way and to live Islam in every aspect of her life.
Name
GiGi
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Profession
Question
I have a daughter who is now a little over the age of puberty, but she doesn't want to wear the Hijab. Should I force her to wear it as it is a religious duty or what should I do? I am at my wits ends and I am pulling out my hairs.
Answer
I find usually that girls are hesitant to wear the hijab because we don’t explain why they should wear it. I have a book called giving your children the Power of Islam. The book talks about how to get children to love being Muslim. You cannot force someone to where hijab. That only makes them hate it. Hijab is not just an act of modesty. And for many it is not enough that it is a commandment of Allah. The Quran says: “To cover that we would be recognized as muslim women”, but if you do not have pride in being a muslim woman, it is difficult to allow your self to be easily identified.
Name
Aslam
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Profession
Student
Question
I think that Muslims should not feel intimidated when they hear that we have archaic concepts vis-a-vis women. But the challenge is how to change this reality?
Answer
First of all, we do not have archaic concepts vis a vis Muslim women, not in Islam. Cultural practice is loaded with archaic concepts that are more inline with Victorian Christianity than Islam. We have no reason to be defensive, because Islam gives women more than any system existing.
Name
Ayyah
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Profession
Question
The other day a man asked me out on a date and I told him that I was a Muslim and that we don't date. I felt like a freak, but I didn't want to betray my faith. Is what I did right?
Answer
What you did was absolutely right. And please don’t feel like a freak because you are a woman of dignity and value. And any man should value and admire that in a woman.
Name
rachid
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Profession
Question
How can I act according to Islam if my wife doesn't listen to my advice ?
Answer
My first question would be do you listen to her advice? And whether another person listen to your advice or not, that should not keep you from living by Islam.
Name
Aamna Shah
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Profession
Dentist
Question
Some of the Christian females asked me why I cover my self (with Hijab), I gave them all the reasons for it, but when I told them that they are also supposed to cover themselves, if they claim to be chiristians and reminded them about I Corinthians 11:3-10, they are either surprised or they said that they cover at the time of prayers. Any comment on this respect?
Answer
It is true that they are only supposed to cover when they come to pray because that particular verse in the Bible states that when they come to pray. You have to keep in mind when you are answering a question who you are talking to. If you said that you did it for modesty or to keep from tempting men, they would not accept that as valid, but if you had answered according to the Quran, that you cover so everyone will know that you are Muslim and that this covering lets everyone know what they can expect from you truth, honesty, kindness, justice, etc. and what you will accept from them. This they can understand.
