My quest for harmony between science and Islam

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: Islam’s Quantum Question

“Looked at properly, there is nothing (except pure materialism) that can oppose science and Islam”

dr. NIDHAL GUESSOUM

“I grew up in a cultural environment which, while firmly grounded in Muslim tradition, encouraged open explorations and varieties of learning sources. My father, like many boys in his days, memorized the entire Qur’an by the time he was a teenager; he went on to obtain doctorates in Philosophy from Cairo University and Paris Sorbonne; later he became Dean of the College of Religious Studies at the University of Algiers, and for a number of years now he has been the President of the Association of Algerian Ulama. My mother was more of a literary type and got a Master’s degree in Arab literature. Interestingly, all five of their children grew up to be scientists, medical doctors, or science teachers, and all were deeply imbued with the rationalism of philosophy, the methodology of modern science, the strife for beauty in arts and literature, and the holistic worldview of Islam/Religion.

My family was one of cultural interface and synthesis. While my siblings and I excelled in mathematics and the natural sciences, my father was doing his thesis in Cairo on “the concept of time in the philosophy of Averroes” and, almost simultaneously, his Sorbonne thesis on “the concept of time in modern Arab thought”, in the process surveying western philosophy as well. Our home library, although scant on the natural sciences, was very rich in philosophy, religion, and literature. Our education was bilingual (Arabic and French) from the start; English was added in our teenage years. No wonder then that during and after my formal education in physics (followed by research in astrophysics), I was always reading and sometimes reviewing philosophical books, especially those relating to science and religion.

“…they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them, – that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)” (Quran, 9:122)

The first topic to pull me into serious explorations in science and religion was cosmic design, fine-tuning, and the anthropic principle. I must admit that early on I too was impressed by the “miraculous science in the Qur’an” discourse, and it took me several years to recognize the deep flaws in that “theory” (something I have explained in my books(1)). Then in 1989 I discovered and read Barrow and Tipler’s seminal book, “The Cosmological Anthropic Principle”, and I was mesmerized not only by the wealth of data pointing to some metaphysical principle behind our existence in this finely-tuned universe, but also by the erudition and rigorous methodology displayed by the authors. And although I had previously greatly appreciated Paul Davies’s “The Cosmic Blueprint”, to me “The Cosmological Anthropic Principle” was a quantum leap in both concept and scholarship. Similarly, Dyson’s “Infinite in All Directions” showed me how a scientist can construct a personal philosophy of nature and existence.

Source: Natmonitor

In the following years I kept that strong interest; for instance I reviewed for Arab readers Davies’s “The Mind of God” and “About Time” and Dyson’s “The Sun, the Genome, and the Internet”, among others, but I did not pursue such explorations in any systematic or academic way for almost a decade. Instead, I turned my attention to astronomical/scientific topics of societal and cultural relevance.

During the early nineties, while the conditions of life and work (in Algeria and then in Kuwait) were extremely difficult, I focused my attention on the practical – and socially relevant – problem of the observation of the new, thin lunar crescent, which determines the start of the Islamic months and the religious holidays of Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj. This remains one of my proudest contributions to my society, for indeed I introduced (2) into the classical Muslim considerations new, modern astrophysical approaches that had been shown (by western researchers) to be highly useful, concepts such as the luminosity contrast between the crescent and the background sky, and ideas by Muslim scientists, e.g. the lunar date line; these new approaches have now become standard in the scientific and religious treatment of the problem. To me that kind of work represented an ideal synthesis of modern scientific expertise, strife to solve societal problems, and fusion of western methods and knowledge with Islamic topics, precisely fitting my general philosophy. 

"(God) is the One Who has set out for you the stars, that you may guide yourselves by them through the darkness of the land and of the sea. We have detailed the signs for people who know." (Qur’an 6:97)

In the same spirit, I have collaborated with the UAE’s ministry of education and produced high school textbooks of Physics, where for the first time chapters were included on astronomical topics of importance and relevance to the Muslim public: crescent observations, Islamic calendar, evolution of the universe, etc. The implicit and overarching principle in that work was indeed to instill in young Muslim minds the idea that science is both relevant to their worldview and evolves continuously… in an evolving world.

By the late nineties I began to take a more serious interest in the interface of Science, Religion, and Philosophy. First, I started to make systematic efforts at exploring the subject, thus reading many essential works, such as those of Barbour, Peacocke, Polkinghorne, Ruse, and others. I also turned to Muslim philosophy, from Al-Ghazzali and Ibn Rushd to Muhammad Iqbal and Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Then, around the year 2000, my friend and collaborator Karim Meziane suggested that we undertake a three-way comparison of “cosmology” as it has been defined and developed: a) by Muslim philosophers of medieval times (the “golden age” of the Islamic civilization), b) by contemporary Muslim thinkers, c) by modern science. We thus wrote a short article (in French), which we circulated by email among friends and acquaintances; the article drew some attention, so we started getting invited to workshops on Science and Islam.

A common thread runs through all my intellectual and educational works: finding harmony between modern science and religion/Islam, with the interfacing help of philosophy. My main principles are: 1) science brings some important objective knowledge about the world that we must not ignore or reject; 2) science can help humans make progress not only materially (this is obvious), but intellectually, culturally, and even religiously; 3) theology should be dynamic, making progress by benefiting from new knowledge and ideas; 4) looked at properly, there is nothing (except pure materialism) that can oppose science and Islam”

Source: NASA - farthest view seen from the Hubble space telescope

References

1. Islam’s Quantum Question; The Young Muslim’s Guide to Modern Science, Manchester (UK): Beacon Books, 2018. 

2. My contributions on the topic include the book “The Determination of Lunar Crescent Months and the Islamic Calendar” (in Arabic), co-authored with M. El-Atbi and K. Meziane and published in Algeria (Dar al-Oumma) in 1993, and in Lebanon (Dar al-Taliaa) in 1997, and several general-readership articles, lectures, and conferences.

“…And when ye are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all ye do” (Quran, 58:11)

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” (Carl Sagan)

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For more information:

Islam’s Quantum Question: reconciling Muslim tradition and modern science,

Islam’s Quantum Question; The Young Muslim’s Guide to Modern Science, Manchester (UK): Beacon Books, 2018. 

“The Determination of Lunar Crescent Months and the Islamic Calendar” (in Arabic), co-authored with M. El-Atbi and K. Meziane and published in Algeria (Dar al-Oumma) in 1993, and in Lebanon (Dar al-Taliaa) in 1997

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

Learning from the Past

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: AboutHistory

“I like to think studying history, whether it is the study of the Islamic past or other religions, societies or empires, can be very rewarding for a Muslim who wants to serve humanity and one's faith community”

dr. Nahyan fancy

What do you do in your job?

"I am a Professor of History. The one part of a professor's job that I think most people know is that we teach, advise and mentor students. I teach courses on the History of the Middle East, and History of Science, both general surveys as well as more topical courses such as: Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East, Plague in the Islamic World, Partition & Memory, or a course on Sunnis, Shi‘as and Mystics. However, most people don't recognize that professors, even history professors, have active research agendas in which we unearth new materials, or provide new interpretations or understandings of the past. In my case, I have uncovered new materials about the developments in medical theory and practice in Islamic societies during the period between 1200 and 1520 CE, as well as provided new understandings about the relationship between religion and medicine, and how medical knowledge was taught and transmitted. Believe it or not, that book from 1930, or 1950 or 1990 or even 2000 that claims that science and medicine declined after a so-called Golden Age due to religious opposition or the exclusion of science and philosophy from madrasas is wrong. Historians of Islamic science have been arguing against the decline thesis for over four decades.

The final part of my job is serving my department, institution and profession. Universities ideally adhere to a system of shared governance wherein faculty committees and faculty votes are needed to implement policies. Faculty have to actively participate in these university-wide communities in addition to departmental duties such as serving on search committees, award committees, personnel committees to assess the progress of colleagues towards tenure and/or promotion, etc. Finally, we serve the profession by peer reviewing articles and books before they are published, or reviewing grant applications and national fellowship competitions to determine which projects are worthy of funding. We also serve on various committees and boards for national organizations, journals and university presses. Almost all of this service work is unpaid. And I haven't even mentioned the unofficial service work, whose burdens tend to be disproportionately heavier for faculty who belong to groups that have been traditionally marginalized in academia due to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and/or religion (e.g. the anti-racist work of Black faculty to dismantle institutionalized racism, or Latinx faculty providing support to students affected by immigration policies or ICE activities across the nation, and so forth).”

What do you love about your job?

“I love working closely with students and seeing them progress and develop. It is the reason I always wanted to teach at a liberal arts college after studying at one. I also love doing research, as frustrating as it can be at times. The thrill of uncovering new material or insights is exhilarating that can brighten even the most difficult of times. For example, over the past year's pandemic, a true highlight was to co-author a piece with Monica Green on a plague outbreak in 1258 in Syria after the Mongol conquest of Baghdad--just about a century before the Black Death. We uncovered how the outbreak was reported by contemporary witnesses, and how this new experience with the disease led to a revised understanding of the symptoms of plague. However, reports about this 1258 plague outbreak were systematically erased from memory by later 14th and 15th century Muslim historians such that this plague outbreak was never even recorded in history books dealing with the Mongol sack of Baghdad until very recently. (The article appeared in Medical History in April, 2021). Some of my other work has uncovered a full tradition of systematically investigating, critiquing and transforming Greek medical theory in the Arabic commentaries on the Canon of Medicine. In an article that came out in the Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences at the end of 2020, I provide some examples of the method employed in these systematic investigations which included philosophical argumentation, empirical observations and even rigorous experiments (look for a neat, controlled, rigorous experiment to assess the qualities of snowy water from Ibn al-Nafīs’s Commentary on the Canon of Medicine which was written around 1242 CE)! I also love mentoring students and junior faculty, and engaging in intellectual exchanges with colleagues (junior, peer or senior).”

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” (Marcus Garvey)

What do you like least about your job?

“Days when I walk into class and find out that students are goofing off and not putting in the time to learn. It really saddens me to see them waste precious money and time by not even putting minimal effort into their education by reading for classes or paying attention in class. Also, grading can be tedious but I recognize the value of giving detailed feedback to students on their written and oral assignments to help them grow.”

“I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think” (Socrates)

Did faith play a role in choosing your career? Do you see any relationship between faith and your career? 

“I was pre-med and majored in Mathematics and Biochemistry. When I decided not to pursue medicine because I felt more attracted to the life of the mind at a small liberal arts college, faith was not at the forefront. However, when I decided to pursue a PhD in History and Philosophy of Science as opposed to Math or Biochemistry, and that too with a focus on pre-modern Islamic science and medicine, I was certainly guided by my faith. Much of what I was reading in the standard secondary literature on the decline of science in Islamic societies due to religious oppression, or even on the conflict between science and religion, did not jive with my own experiences and understanding of my faith (as limited as it was then, and remains even now). I thus wanted to dive into this material to see for myself whether or not what I was reading in standard Eurocentric narratives was accurate. And as I discovered the works of A. I. Sabra, Roshdi Rashed, George Saliba, J.L Berrgren, Ahmad Dallal, Sonja Brentjes, Emilie Savage-Smith and others--works that challenged the standard decline narrative--I felt called to contribute whatever I could to this revisionist scholarship, and to do my part in disseminating this scholarship and correcting the older narratives through my own teaching and advocacy.”

Source: LeadershipByVirtue

Are there parts of your job that make you a better Muslim?

“I think learning about the vast oceans of knowledge produced in pre-modern Islamic societies, and how the standard historical narratives told by either traditional Muslim scholars or secular academics are based on only a tiny fraction of the surviving textual corpus is a very humbling experience. And humility is perhaps one of the most, if not the most, important value a Muslim should cultivate. So, in that sense, being a professor of history can help inculcate that value. At the same time, expectations of being "the expert" in a room, or the fact that people look up to you (either as students or even colleagues) can also massage the ego and make one arrogant. So the challenge for perhaps any academic or scholar is to feed one's humility by continuously reading and learning about all the stuff one doesn't know, while asserting oneself where one can legitimately contribute to the understanding of a topic without letting one's ego grow to satanic proportions.”

What do you want people, especially Muslims, to know about your career? 

“Muslims will of course recall the hadith, "Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China." It is not a sahih (sound) hadith (most likely fabricated) but people recognize that the sentiment expressed in that hadith agrees with much of what the Qur'an says. Moreover, the Qur'an directly asks people (on numerous occasions) to travel the world and learn about the fate of previous societies, many of which were more powerful than "you", i.e. the Meccan and Medinan Arabs. However, we could also read the "you" as referring to us--people reading the Qur'an in the twenty-first century. The latter reading can introduce some humility in how we think about the values, morality and power of our own societies. I like to think studying history, whether it is the study of the Islamic past or other religions, societies or empires, can be very rewarding for a Muslim who wants to serve humanity and one's faith community. I would want young Muslims, and especially their parents, to recognize that goodness, virtue, closeness to religion and even serving the needs of a community can be accomplished by almost any profession just as long as one orients oneself properly.”

What resources do you recommend for people who want to learn more about your career?

“For college students who are reading this piece, go talk to your professors. If you are interested in knowing what professional historical scholarship looks like, check out some open access articles in journals like the American Historical Review, Medical History, Isis: The Journal of the History of Science Society, and the International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies (this journal also publishes articles in related fields such as Anthropology, Sociology, Literature and Political Science). You can also check out my personal webpage to learn more about my work (all my published articles and book chapters can be accessed through the webpage, as can some videos of my presentations).”

“And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you, [O Muhammad]; then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves” (Quran 6:42)

“The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are” (Maya Angelou) 

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For more information:

Dr. Nahyan Fancy: Personal Webpage

“Plague and the Fall of Baghdad”

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

Keep Curiosity Alive

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: NPR

“We celebrate the brain by seeking answers. It’s all part of Islam. If you worry that people will stray if they ask questions, then you have a problem with your faith. Questioning can only lead you to the truth”

dr. rana dajani

What do you do in your job?

"I do a lot of things. It’s not a job; I love what I do. It's like having fun every day. It's all because I study what I love. So what I do for fun every day is mainly being a Professor Molecular and Cellular Biology. My research is mainly in two fields: 

1. Genetics of ethnic populations, specifically the Circassians and Chechans. Circassians live in the southern Caucus Mountains in southern Russia, which was taken over by Russia. They were persecuted for their religion, deported, killed or forcibly displaced. They fled south and settled in Jordan, Turkey, even as far away as New Jersey. When Russia held the Winter Olympics, it was in an area where there was a major genocide/massacre for Circassians. That ended up getting a lot of publicity. So the people that settled in Jordan, there is now a big population and there is intermarrying amongst each other. When I finished my PhD, I started a research lab in Jordan to study them and produce international science that is really new, and not just mediocre science. I did this because it was a passion for me and I wanted to really contribute, not just check off a box that I had done research. The Human Genome Project had just come up in 2006. We started an entire project to learn about the Circassians and Chechans, something similar to the Framingham Study. The team consisted of different scientists from different disciplines: biochemistry, epidemiology, anthropology, the National Center for Diabetes, etc. We first studied anthropology to analyze heritage and really identify their unique history. Then we analyzed mitochondrial DNA, basically how you trace lineage. We created a database of their family tree, not just for science, but to serve their community. We had an entire random sample of the whole community in Jordan. Then we looked at epidemiology, reviewing the whole population’s medical history, focusing on diabetes and metabolic syndrome, because there is no stigma on diabetes anymore and it is something that could help the rest of the world. The whole team went to the region, and we went from community to community, giving free medical devices, testing for triglycerides, cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL), all for free. We did an extensive survey of lifestyle and medical history. We published many papers looking at different epidemiological trends. We found that Circassians have a lower prevalence of diabetes compared to Jordanians. Although my PhD was in Molecular/Cell Biology, focusing on cellular signaling, I couldn’t limit myself to one area, so I shifted to genetics. We did genome-wide association studies and discovered a novel gene risk factor for diabetes based on the Circassian population data, published in Scientific Reports and Nature. To do the genome work, we collaborated with CHOP Center for Genomics to perform the analysis. Then we tried to identify the function of the gene because it has never been identified before to be related to diabetes. This led to stem cell research work, where we created a team to implement regulations on how to work on research with stem cell under Islamic and Jordanian law. There were no prior guidelines, we created the first law. It was approved by Parliament and implemented the proper research on stem cells in the region. We even worked with UC Berkeley, Copenhagen on further adding to the database, leading to more research and publications.  

2. The other research arm is the impact of trauma on refugees. The Syrian crisis has led to ~2 million refugees in Jordan. NGOs come in and roll out interventions to help the adolescents. We became the lead group in Jordan for a large study on adolescents and vulnerable youth. This led to focus on mental health biomarkers (cortisol in hair) and looking at genetics. This was a collaboration with Yale and more importantly, we worked together as colleagues with the local community, Syrian and Jordanian children. We explained all the science we were doing and that’s how we decided on utilizing hair instead of obtaining blood, since it can get so messy. We shared all our results, going back to engage with them and show how their cortisol went down. Our research assistants were Syrian and Jordanian and each had an input on the research design. Not only did we focus on trauma, but we also included a survey on resiliency. The journal, Science, did a whole special edition on our work. Now through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and in collaboration with Yale and the University of Florida, we are now looking at the impact of trauma on DNA and if it can transfer to the next generation” is trauma hereditary? We have three generation cohorts evaluating this. However, we are looking for positive signatures in the DNA. People have always been in war throughout history, so we are looking for epigenetic signatures that show a relationship with resiliency, not just trauma. The hope is that we can roll out interventions that focus on epigenetics to turn genes on/off to improve trauma outcomes.”

“You have to pursue your curiosity and go where the questions lead, instead of being stuck in a particular field.” (Dr. Rana Dajani)

What do you love about your job?

“We’re all born with the flame to keep curiosity alive. We just stifle it. Keeping curiosity alive is so essential to our survival. One question leads to another, gives us purpose to life, joy and spice. The Qur’an mentions to look, observe, question. We celebrate the brain by seeking answers. It’s all part of Islam. If you worry that people will stray if they ask questions, then you have a problem with your faith. Questioning can only lead you to the truth. Those who do not stray, are strong in their conviction.”

What do you like least about your job?

“You're going to hit up against walls at some point, it's natural, it's normal. The idea is, one would assume, that if there were no limits, one would keep on going. It’s a part of nature that we ultimately need breaks: a grant doesn't go through, publications aren’t published, you want to see your kids and spend time. It helps you reassess your position, your approach. These break are positive and we can learn from them. After you spend time with your kids, you come back refreshed, your brain took a break. There is nothing that I don't like about my job. I have a knack for turning what people would see as negative into a positive. My husband says I see an ocean in a drop of water.”

“Read, in the name of your Lord, who created” (Qur’an 96:1)

Did faith play a role in choosing your career? Do you see any relationship between faith and your career? 

“I grew up in a practicing Muslim family, where religion and faith were a part of everyday life. It was interwoven in everything we did. We were taught that you should always have a purpose, but you are also responsible for yourself and the greater community. It was also about trying to do something, not only succeeding. It’s not always important if you succeed, but it’s important to try. It is so liberating, growing up with that attitude. We also had an open space to ask questions and debate, as something consistent with our religion. It’s what allowed that curiosity to flourish and that feeling of being a pioneer. My outlet was science. Pioneer has different meanings, like to discover mountaintops, the oceans or the moon, or delving into the deepest levels of science. So I took that pioneering spirit of discovery and took it to Molecular/Cell Biology. It was all inspired by my faith: having a purpose, using my brain, using that framework.”

Are there parts of your job that make you a better Muslim? more spiritual?

“Every time we do work, make a new discovery about a mechanism of action or cellular interaction or protein interaction, I’m in awe. I’m in awe of the elegance, the wonder of nature that Allah created. A creation that was not spontaneous but set by laws and rules from which all this universe has evolved. Every discovery is a new testimonial of the greatness and elegance of Allah. Pursing science brings me to closer to Allah.  The basics are so simple, but so much profound diversity comes out of them. It confirms my faith and brings me closer to Allah, reveling in his wonder.”

“Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.” (Plato)

Is there any part of your job that you think doesn't fit with Islam? 

“Nothing. On the contrary, everything brings me closer. The framework of how I understand Islam gives me that.”

What do you want people, especially Muslims, to know about your career? 

“1. Dream big: find your passion and follow it, whatever it is. Trust in yourself and have confidence. Share ideas with your family, friends, and community. Nothing is impossible. It doesn’t matter what you achieve, so long as you follow your curiosity. No one may know of your discovery, but you will have your internal satisfaction. Keep curiosity alive. 

2. We have a responsibility beyond the workplace, lab, and class. Whatever you do, employ your skills and knowledge in solving challenges the community faces. Each person should see themselves as a unique person, their DNA is different. Everyone is a guardian, in Islam. As a scientist, our role is to simplify science and explain it to others, not just in content but also in culture. This is especially true during COVID-19. That is our responsibility. Now that everything is global, we can share information online and help in raising awareness. As the President of SASTA (the Society for the Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab world), that’s what we’re trying to do: rediscover the potential in our own countries. That’s how I also started We Love Reading. We can change mindsets through reading. Whatever you do, pursue it with enthusiasm and curiosity.”

Source

“We have sent among you a Messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book and wisdom and teaching you that which you did not know” (Quran 2:151)

“Every discovery is a new testimonial of the greatness and elegance of Allah. The basics are so simple, but so much profound diversity comes.” (Dr. Rana Dajani)

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For more information:

Dr. Rana Dajani: https://scholar.harvard.edu/rdajani/home

We Love Reading: https://welovereading.org/

Three Circles of Alemat mentoring program: https://tca.jssr.jo/

“Five Scarves”: https://novapublishers.com/shop/five-scarves-doing-the-impossible-if-we-can-reverse-cell-fate-why-cant-we-redefine-success/

Articles:

“A Jordanian biologist redefines success for women in science“ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05891-7

“A fresh look at gender equality“ https://www.natureasia.com/en/nmiddleeast/article/10.1038/nmiddleeast.2018.64.

“How women scientists fare in the Arab world“ https://www.nature.com/news/how-women-scientists-fare-in-the-arab-world

“Why I teach evolution to Muslim students“ https://www.nature.com/news/why-i-teach-evolution-to-muslim-students-1.17364

“Universities must inspire students as well as teach“ https://www.natureasia.com/en/nmiddleeast/article/10.1038/nmiddleeast.2013.186

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

Share Your Own Story: Divine Guidance for Caring

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

What is your name?: Shifa Mohiuddin

Which field of science do you practice or interests you?: Public Health

Share your story here: 

Divine Guidance for Caring: The Quran and Sunnah emphasize and regulate orphan and foster care

BY SHIFA GHIZIA MOHIUDDIN

In the spring of 2015, a close friend introduced me to Aisha, a young Afghan refugee who had survived a drone strike that left her orphaned and severely wounded. In the aftermath of that incident, the U.S. government sponsored her to receive medical treatment at suburban Washington D.C.’s Bethesda Naval Medical Center.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach her basic Quran memorization over the weekends at my home, not far from where her Muslim foster parents lived. We started reading from the shorter and easier-to-memorize end chapters and moved forward slowly. I was impressed with how beautifully she could repeat the Arabic recitation after me, for the drone strike had rendered her blind. She was positive, full of spirit, confident and committed to learning the Quran.

Aisha’s resiliency reminded me that Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) grew up without a biological father and that, during his infancy, his wet nurse Halima in effect became his foster mother. This relationship allowed him to regard Harith as his father and the couple’s children as his real siblings. Thus he could not marry them, for the woman who nurses a child more than five times before the age of two becomes his or her nursing mother. No other religion accords such a status to suckling mothers.

After his mother Amina’s death, Muhammad was taken in by his grandfather Abd al-Muttalib. Upon his demise, he entered the household of his uncle Abu Talib (radi Allahu ‘anh). As an adult, Muhammad freed, adopted and treated his wife Khadija's (radi Allahu ‘anha) household slave Zayd ibn Haritha like his own son (33:37). Later verses revealed prohibited adoption by name so that a person’s lineage would not be lost (33:4-5).

Another strong foster mother is Aasiya (radi Allahu ‘anha), the wife of Pharaoh, who raised the infant Moses in her tyrannical spouse’s palace. The Quran relates that Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all sons born to the Children of Israel. Naturally, his mother feared for his life: “And We inspired to the mother of Moses, ‘Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers’” (28:7).

One day, Aasiya was walking along the Nile with some of her maids and saw a basket drifting on the water. Upon opening it, she saw and fell in love with the infant: “And the wife of Pharaoh said, ‘[He will be] a comfort of the eye for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.’ And they perceived not” (28:9). As he matured, Moses considered Aasiya as his mother, while his birth mother became his wet nurse and thus could watch him grow and help raise him. Moses therefore provided Aasiya the happiness and contentment for which she was looking in a foster child.

Amidst these historical examples, contemporary Muslim communities in the West have struggled to bring foster children into their own homes.

According to the Muslim Foster Care Association (MFCA; https://muslimfostercare.org), the shortage of licensed Muslim foster homes causes most Muslim children in foster care to be placed with non-Muslims. Outcomes for children and families improve when Muslim children are placed in Muslim foster homes. Although Aisha’s foster parents were not Muslim, they arranged for her to learn the Quran with people in her local community so that she would not lose touch with Islam.

Many Muslims mistakenly believe that Islam prohibits fostering. As not enough imams and community leaders address this issue, we must become fully educated about orphan and foster care, especially its legal and social implications.

The child’s well-being must be the foremost consideration in all relevant decisions:

“And they ask you about orphans. Say, “Improvement (islah) for them is best. If you mix your affairs with theirs — they are your brothers. Allah knows the corrupter from the amender. If Allah had willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise” (2:220). The Arabic root word for orphans is yatim, “something that is singular.” In the context of a human being, it means “a minor who has lost his or her father.” Here, islah means “in the child’s best interests.” The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of caring for orphans and safeguarding their rights, as one can see in 2:67, 4:36 and 6:152. God allows the orphan’s guardian to spend a reasonable amount of the latter’s estate on the condition that he/she intends to compensate the orphan later on.

According to the Orphan Care Project, Muslims need to ensure that the most appropriate and effective model for orphan and foster care is available, accessible and correctly instituted. Collaborative discussions across civil society should encourage holistic and productive debate on the history and future of orphans, familial ethics and law. Muslims should be actively engaged in working to improve such institutional frameworks seeking to secure justice.

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“Do what is beautiful. Allah loves those who do what is beautiful.” (Quran 2:195)

“We pass through this world but once. Few tragedies can be more extensive than the stunting of life, few injustices deeper than the denial of an opportunity to strive or even to hope, by a limit imposed from without, but falsely identified as lying within.” Stephen Jay Gould

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For more information:

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

Art Faith

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: IzlamicArt

“To dream is to live, so dream hard and dream big. Never let anyone tell you that you are not made to achieve greatness”

IZLAMIC ART

What do you do in your job?

“I am an artist and a designer and manage the entire designs team.”

Why did you name it “Izlamic Art”?

“I always dreamed of doing something big that people will remember me for years to come in this Dunya (world) and the Dunya hereafter. Since I was a child I always wanted to be unique so is the name behind choosing Izlamic Art. When I was brainstorming the name I wanted the name to be simple and memorable to the Muslims. I could hardly find any other name that associates both my passion for art and my love for Islam. I believe that Islam is all about peace, tranquility, and mercy. As Muslims, we are obligated to model those traits in our lives and to always work for the good of our society and culture. I dream that one day my work of Islamic art to be displayed in every Muslim household, I know without resources it's hardly possible but I am working hard on it without losing hope. Allah knows my intentions and one day my hard work will pay off, inshAllah. People around me had opinions that I am choosing a name that will restrict me from reaching out to a broader audience. Some even objected and have issues that I am choosing a name with Islam as “Izlam”, but my only answer to them is that Allah has not sent Quran in English so why we are being so rigid? We need to focus on positive rather than being negative. I never let the wear and tear of the years clip my wings, bog me down. To me Life is short, and dreams are unlimited and to accomplish those dreams we have to work hard.” 

What do you love about your job?

“Design is my passion and I love that I can pursue something I love.”

“But if ye do good and practice self-restraint, Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” (Qur’an 4:128)

What do like least about your job?

“Sometimes it feels like countless hours of my work goes unnoticed and I find no time for my family. But I have full faith in God and that God has a plan for us and that one day all this hard work will pay off. InshaAllah.” 

Source: IzlamicArt

Did faith have any role in choosing your career?

“Yes, It did. I have a story behind it. I feel blessed to be married to a wonderful man who converted to Islam. There was a time where I felt terrible that he might have to undergo a lot after he decides to convert. Marrying a Muslim is considered a red flag by so many amongst us and in society today, people will find any reason to give us, Muslims, a hard time. Sometimes life can be hard with so much injustice, discrimination, and evil in society. Many families were affected by COVID-19 in many ways, including mine. I had become a victim of this virus and while taking care of me, my husband faced unemployment due to my sickness. My husband lost his dream job at no fault of his own. Instead of getting disheartened, I was motivated to do more for my family. This struggle taught me a valuable life lesson. It taught me to appreciate the little that we have in life and to never be afraid to dream big. It made me self-motivated, vulnerable to taking risks, and most importantly, it taught me to never allow failure to consume me and define my limits. This experience has infinitely connected me more to my God.“

Do you see any relationship between faith and your career?

“My faith is an integral part of who I am and it adds an exciting dimension to my personality. My family after marriage differs in cultural and religious beliefs but Alhamdulillah everyone has been very welcoming. All we need is to stand up for what we believe in. We can make a positive difference in this society by respecting one another irrespective of their religion, race, or national origin.”

Are there parts of your job that make you a better Muslim?

“My purpose in life is to see the beauty in all things and each other. I have decided that my goal in life shall be to help people in need and I am ready to put myself out there for the needy and anyone that is put into a vulnerable position.”

“Who is better in speech than one who call (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those who bow in Islam.’” (Qur’an 41:33)

Is there any part of your job that you think doesn’t fit with Islam or makes it difficult to practice your faith?

"I think it does, the thought that I’m a Muslim, and because of my skin color, name, or mode of dress, people might treat and see me as different. I don’t wear a headscarf because I am too scared of being at risk of standing out or of getting discriminatory remarks.”

Is there anything about your job that makes you spiritual?

My work is all about my inner self and my beliefs. My art reflects the beautiful, inspiring verses of the Quran. We, as most Muslims, obviously turn to the Quran for guidance when experiencing hardships and for inspiration. My art specifically focuses on Quranic verses, duas, and verses that are all about remembrance of Allah and also a way to be making constant dua and dhikr.

What do you want people, especially Muslims, to know about your career?

“I have been through a lot in my life but never lost hope. I believe that all dreams can come true. To dream is to live, so dream hard and dream big. Never let anyone tell you that you are not made to achieve greatness. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Just have faith in your Lord and HE will look after us!! Ameen, InshAllah.” 

Source: IzlamicArt

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“Do what is beautiful. Allah loves those who do what is beautiful.” (Quran 2:195)

“We pass through this world but once. Few tragedies can be more extensive than the stunting of life, few injustices deeper than the denial of an opportunity to strive or even to hope, by a limit imposed from without, but falsely identified as lying within.” Stephen Jay Gould

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For more information:

More on IzlamicArt

For more information, please reach out to Izlamic Art at: info@izlamicart.com

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

Free Press

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: DiscoverMagazine

“We are prescribed to seek knowledge. This is in line with journalism because essentially we have a topic, whether it’s an election or human rights crisis or war, and we’re required to research and know that beat like the back of your hand”

ROWAIDA ABDELAZIZ

What do you do in your job?

“I'm a national reporter at HuffPost. I cover stories across the country. My particular beat is Islamophobia and social justice issues that impact the Muslim communities, from hate crimes, Islamophobic policies like the travel ban to everything in-between. The focus is on social justice and civil rights.”

What do you love about your job?

“I love that I get to meet an incredible array of people through my interviews and research/reporting. Reporting has taken me to cities and states that I would not have thought to visit. I’m introduced to leaders and trailblazers in our community who are doing amazing things for the Muslim community, whether through politics and civil rights, activists to bakers, teachers who want to contribute to and improve their community in their own way that they can. They all have interesting lives, all are incredibly dedicated to their faith as Muslims while being Americans, enlightening themselves, their communities, their masajids, their families and their friends. They don’t get the attention they deserve. There is also a slight bias towards Muslim women. They don’t get the attention, they’re not featured on TV, not getting their stores shared. They want to do what is right by their community, family and friends. It is incredibly inspiring to meet these women in their communities. Last year, I dedicated stories on Muslim women, especially women who wear hijab. They are on the forefront of Islamophobia because of their hijab. They are on the frontline of attacks, face gendered Islamophobia compared to their male counterparts. It can be anywhere from assault for hijab, stereotypes of Muslim women being weak, facing bias from men in and outside the community. They are the first to take the gut punches in so many ways, just because of who they are. When you talk to them, you hear stories about not just keeping their head above water, but actually succeeding and thriving. This can range from being at home raising a family to being in politics. There was an incredible, unprecedented amount of women than ran for primaries. It is so inspiring for me because it shows that Muslim women aren’t just braving the sexism, Islamophobia and xenophobia, but they are also motivated to seek change in every single way that they can. They wholeheartedly believe in their Muslim identity, they won’t take off hijab whatever the case may be. They always have a bigger reason, whether it is for Allah, or to be role models to future young women, they are passionate about that reason. That to me is so inspiring. I may sound like a broken record but I can’t find a better word. I continue to notice a trend in high school girls, young and ambitious, who are connecting with older women in their communities who are gems and leaders. This is something we as a community can take time upon to reflect.” 

“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him/her we will give a new life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to best of their actions.” (Qur’an 16:97)

What do like least about your job?

“There are two things. The first challenge of being in journalism and in the field is that it is not the most stable of industries in regards to job security. It can be very wishy-washy, very unpredictable. The other challenge is that it can be difficult to break into the field, and once you’re in it, to maintain the job because of layoffs that tend to come. Journalism is owned by corporate billionaires and there is a lack of corporate investment in journalism. I don’t want to glamorize or undermine these challenges. Everyone should know going into this that we all have to pay bills, etc. Also, it is not a glamorous job. Being a reporter and being a reporter of color, who’s a woman and who wears a hijab, I face a healthy amount of online trolling. I get hate mail and death threats do come, as well as the slurs. Death threats come when reporting on Islamophobia. People don't think this word is real and that it just stifles the criticism of the religion. We’re not saying you can't criticize, that’s not a problem. It’s a problem when you’re vilifying 1.3 billion people and stereotyping them into a 1-dimensional narrative and essentially want to kill them because they pray differently or look differently. This is a social justice issue. It doesn’t just come from people on the right, but also atheists on the left. We have seen people who consume that Islamophobic reading and thinking and ascribe to very violent acts: New Zealand, Quebec, UK, France and the U.S. I'm super excited to write a story, but there is usually criticism and backlash from folks who want to tie it back to my identity, and not my reporting. It teaches you to have thick skin, especially since 2016 with the rise of fake news. It makes it even harder as people want to diminish your reporting. It’s easy to call something you don't agree with as fake news. It’s a weapon to say it's fake. As a journalist I’ve never had to address this before in my life. It becomes a compounded issue when a reporter of color and from a marginalized background discusses marginalized issues. Even calling the travel ban a muslim ban is suddenly seen as a partisan issue, instead of looking at it objectively. These are two very real challenges in the journalism field. Alhamdulillah (Praise God) there are safety measures in place and protection is from Allah. But this is a very real experience for journalists. I have colleagues who report on white supremacy and their names end up on websites of white supremacists. There are people that have that much hatred in their hearts.”

Source: IMNZ

Did faith have any role in choosing your career?

“Yeah absolutely. ‘Post-9/11 kid’ is a new term many of us use. It had a direct impact on me and the correlation to media coverage. Even though I didn't fully understand the depth of what was happening at my age, I was able to catch on that something was wrong anytime I turned on the TV and I heard the word “Muslim.” The first time I see hijabi women on TV is when they’re talking about national security issues, or when I heard about Iraq or Afghanistan, I saw angry white politicians talking about Patriot Act and surveillance programs in New York. It really troubled me as a kid. It wasn’t until university when I started understanding the correlation between coverage of marginalized communities and racial equity, and the impact on that community on the ground. I was frustrated that my community was being perceived as overwhelmingly negative, which wasn't accurate. Anytime you saw a Muslim American on TV, they would bring on the imam or sheikh from the down the street who was overwhelmed on the TV and could barely speak English when there were well-qualified people available to speak for the community. I wanted to be a solution to that problem. I wanted to take responsibility to cover that story. I had a curious nature as a kid and had a love for writing. Faith played a strong role in terms of processing what was happening in current events, and motivated me to want to do something about it.”

“O believers! Stand firm for Allah and bear true testimony. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)

Do you see any relationship between faith and your career? Are there parts of your job that make you a better Muslim?

“Yeah, my job motivated me to learn more about Islam in a way that is both funny and ironic. I get push back from alt-right people who don’t believe my reporting or are just critical. The first time I published and engaged online, someone said you're lying about Taqiyyah. That broke a specific bubble for me: how these people warped Islam to weaponize it against me. People would throw terminologies at me that I didn't learn about in Islamic school or from the private tutor who taught me Arabic. I learned more about "controversial" parts of Islam that I didn't know about and pushed me to think beyond traditional Islamic teachings. I’m not an academic or Islamic expert; just a Muslim American trying to be the best I can be and just tyring to be a reporter. I’m not a hafiz and I don't have the same breadth of Islamic education that an imam or academic would have. I’m learning while I go. It’s very humbling. It’s fascinating to see how people have been tearing my faith down, which has only pushed me to learn more about my faith. It’s so funny to me. I'm learning and people don't recognize that pursuit of knowledge is highly emphasized in the faith. We don't have to become a religious scholar in order to pursue faith in a holistic and in-depth way. We are prescribed to seek knowledge. This is in line with journalism because essentially we have a topic, whether it’s an election or human rights crisis or war, and we’re required to research and know that beat like the back of your hand. You may switch to something else later but you have to know what you’re covering: who are the influencers, who can I talk to for good sources, basic facts, statistics, hot spots. This applies to whether you’re covering a soccer team or Muslims in America. There is always going to be more for you to learn. There’s a principle of “ilm” in Islam, to read/learn more and grow your knowledge. This goes hand in hand with journalism. It is inspiring to be both reporter and a Muslim.”

Is there any part of your job that you think doesn’t fit with Islam or makes it difficult to practice your faith?

"Alcohol is rampant in the field. Oftentimes people meet at happy hours or meet sources at the bar. Alcohol is everywhere. You see in the movies, the journalist with the cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other. It’s obviously a challenge that I learn to finesse and learn to make up for in different ways. I don't drink as a Muslim and like to avoid those spaces entirely, which is a challenge. The one thing about working in a post-COVID-19 world is that you meet over zoom. But it was  challenging pre-COVID, with the commonality and popularity of alcohol in the field.”

What do you want people, especially Muslims, to know about your career?

“Being a Muslim and being in journalism are NOT incompatible. You can hold onto faith and identity while also being a professional, brilliant, and astute journalist. There are principles that we are taught that overlap, especially principles of justice, bringing truth to power, honesty and transparency. We are taught all of this as Muslims and also taught to do this with integrity. We need more journalists, and we need to help and elevate one another. If STEM is your thing, then be the best you can be in that. But it is also ok to enter this journalism field and despite its challenges, it is possible. I didn’t know any Muslims whatsoever and social media was not as popular back then. Now it’s easy to find anyone in marginalized communities and seek a mentor and talk to them. I didn’t have that, and it's incredibly reassuring to let other folks in our community know that the door is open. Even if you don’t ultimately choose journalism, you can learn so many skills from it, like knowing how to conduct a good interview, becoming a strong writer in whatever field you choose. Even if writing is a hobby, submit a piece to your local paper every so often. Learn how to critically consume the news. Don't fall for fake news. There are so many things we can learn to help strengthen our communities, reclaim our narrative, setting records straight and letting people know all the good Muslims do. More than half the country doesn’t know a Muslim personally. On the flip side, some 90% have a positive view of Muslims if they know one personally. There is a huge disconnect between perceptions of Muslim in the mainstream and the interactions on the ground. We do have ownership of our narrative. There are different way and tools to contribute to storytelling. Not everyone needs to become a journalist but we all have a role to play in ownership. We are not a monolith. The Muslim American community doesn’t have a majority race. We are not just Arabs and South Asians. The fastest growing community within Islam is Latinx. Understanding the power of diversity within our community is a strength. We cannot be oversimplified for a media narrative. We need to celebrate and tout our achievements no matter where we go. I would love for us to go further.” 

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“And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is)” (Qur’an 2:42)

“The only security of all is in a free press.” Thomas Jefferson

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For more information:

More on Rowaida Abdelaziz

HuffPost

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

“Read, in the Name of your Lord”

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: WPClipArt

“Helping provide educational opportunities gave my life a meaningful purpose”

cathy wolfe

What do you do in your job?

“I’ve worked for higher education for over 30 years and semi-retired in 2014 as Executive Director of Advancement and Community Relations (Emeritus) at College of Marin. I was recruited in 2016 by one of my former bosses to work for six-months as a consultant in 2016. That six months has turned into four years, and they recently renewed my contract for another year. At Marin I oversaw fund-raising, scholarships, publications, events, internal and external communications, website, switchboard, mail room, and a full service campus print shop. I oversaw a very talented and hard working staff of 12-14 people. I've been working in the field of communications for years and always have used a camera in my work for executive portraiture, events, and promotion, but it wasn't until recently that I started to focus (so to speak) on subjects in nature that inspired me. In addition to working as a consultant now, I am pursuing my passion as a wildlife photographer. I have had several solo exhibits and two of my photos were published by National Geographic, which was a huge thrill.”

What do you love about your job?

“Working for higher education and particularly for community colleges has given me an appreciation of the importance of education in achieving quality of life. Watching students succeed, who may not have otherwise had opportunities to obtain a college degree, is what has kept me inspired over many years.  Community colleges in California are an important safety net providing access to education for many who would otherwise be under served. Students can attend a California community college and enroll in classes that allow them to transfer to the University of California (US) or California State University (CSU) systems as a junior, saving thousands of dollars in the process. While it is very difficult to get into schools like UC Berkeley as a freshman, students can almost be guaranteed to transfer as a junior by completing the necessary classes at a qualified community college. I have seen many students who are the first in their families to attend college. A large portion of these students are recent immigrants to the U.S. In addition, community colleges in California train people for occupations like nursing, medical assisting, dental hygiene, EMT, automotive, accounting and many other careers.”

“My Lord, Increase Me In Knowledge” Qur’an (20:114)

What do like least about your job?

“I think that earlier in my career, the sheer number of meetings sometimes seemed unproductive, and there were many long days and weekends, but that is the nature of an Executive Director's position. As I am mostly retired now, and enjoying working part time as a consultant, the hours are much easier, meetings fewer, and projects have a beginning, middle, and end.”

Did faith have any role in choosing your career?

“In a way, yes. I wanted to do something that made a positive difference in the world. Helping provide educational opportunities gave my life a meaningful purpose.  Also, it is significant that the first word of the Quran to be revealed was: 96:1 (Asad) "Read in the name of thy Sustainer". Education has historically played a pivotal role in Islam. In my work, I saw people of all ages and backgrounds striving to learn in order to improve lives. Through my work, I also gained a deep appreciation for lifelong learning. We had many special programs for older students and retirees, from tai chi to creative writing, from Rumi poetry to the history of western civilization. In fact, some of our older retired students enrolled in a variety of academic classes. I met a former federal attorney who went back to school to study chemistry and physics because he missed that in his youth and also a former state senator who enrolled in many fine art classes and became an accomplished artist. When I first retired in 2014, the first thing that I did was enroll at College of Marin (where I had been working) in a field study ornithology class. It changed my life! As a result I became an avid bird photographer, traveled around the world in search of exotic and beautiful avi-fauna, and started writing about birds and habitat conservation online, where I have developed a following of nature lovers.”

“Allah will exalt in rank those of you who believe and those who have knowledge. Allah is aware of all that you do." (Qur'an 58:11)

Source: 21stCenturyLiteracies

Are there parts of your job that make you a better Muslim? 

“An interesting question, but my faith isn't contingent on any aspect of my work.”

What do you want people, especially Muslims, to know about your career?

“I retired from full-time work in 2014, after 27 years of working in higher education. It was a satisfying career in many respects, but I am happy that I retired somewhat early so that I have had time to explore other interests. Since retiring, I have had more time to spend with my husband and travel to many other countries, including Ecuador, Japan, India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia among others. I met you on one of those trips when we went to your conference in Mexico. In fact, Michael and I went on Umrah in December 2019 with my his business partner Alex, his wife Luby and their extended family. We traveled to Medina and Mecca with a wonderful group from the nonprofit Muhsen. Muhsen is an amazing organization that strives to create a better understanding of Disabilities in our communities. My friend Luby Ismail, who has MS, was on the trip. Traveling with these extraordinary people helped me deepen my faith enormously. If I had been working full-time, it would have been difficult for me to make such a journey as the nature of my former job was so demanding. You can learn more about the important work that Muhsen is doing at: https://muhsen.org.”

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“Read in the name of your Lord; who created you from a clot; Recite and your Lord is most generous; Who taught by the pen; Taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’an 96:1-5)

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” John Dewey

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For more information:

More on Cathy Summa-Wolfe, www.cathysummawolfephotos.com/

https://philanthropy.iupui.edu

https://www.hercjobs.org

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com

"Voice for the People"

“Say: Travel through the Earth and deeply observe how God did originate the creation; then God produces the next creation; surely God has power over all things” (Qur’an 29:19-20)

Welcome and May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.

Source: WebStockReview

"You don’t get to be in your bubble, you can’t pretend that oppression of those around don’t exist because you don’t feel it.”

JIHAN AIYASH

What do you do?

“I serve as a Board of Education Trustee for Hamtramck Public Schools. I ran a campaign as a write-in candidate against an incumbent. Write-in campaigns usually do not go well for candidates and I had no time to raise funds. I spent $0 on my campaign and beat my opponent with more than double the votes. I became the first Yemeni woman elected official in Michigan and the second in the nation. My strategy was to relational organize. The district was unique in that it was small and tight knit, so there was a lot of personal outreach, texting/calling every person I could think of. Posting all my campaign efforts on social media. Knocking on my neighbors doors to let them know I was running.”

What do you love about your job?

“I’m a voice for the people. The Board of Ed had been entirely white [and mostly male] for a very long time. There is no issue with whiteness, there is an issue with a majority brown/black district being represented by white folx.  At one point there was one black member who passed away. Within the last 6 years, the board shifted to having some brown representation. The board was still majority male and me being elected was empowering to the young girls and women in my district. For the first time in the district’s history, girls that looked like me- visibly Muslim and ethnic- saw that we are not bystanders in our own story. Positions of power are not reserved for white saviors. We can be our own representatives and our own spokespersons.

“They felt empowered to come to me with their concerns. Our district needs quite a few improvements- we are not a high performing district but we have the potential to be.  it wasn’t a magnet school, and the people didn’t know who to reach out to. The principal was not listening, or the teacher was not accommodating prayer, etc. Students and parents started approaching me with concerns. They became more vocal about the weak curricula, the limited after school programs, the language barriers, and so much more! I didn’t realize how just existing in a position of power empowers constituents. Don’t underestimate what you’re doing.”

 “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” Qur’an (33:70)

What do you not like about your job?

“Serving with colleagues who have different intentions than you. When you’re a college student and join an org, there is a central purpose for joining and there is a level of teamwork expected. You don’t have to like that person but you get along with them. In public office, this is not always the case. Even though a Board of Ed is non-partisan, everyone has their own purpose for running for office. Some of my colleagues are business owners and see the district as an essential part of their business strategy. Some of my colleagues have kids that go to charter and private schools in the area so they have conflicting interests. Some of my colleagues just want to ‘maintain tradition.’

“Every 2 years, my district has an election because we shifted to 6 year terms. This means that people don’t leave and come in at once. You don’t start or end your term with the same people. When you finally get a rhythm going, you get a new colleague. I am the youngest board member; everyone else is 30+ years old and set it in their ways. I had to learn that there is no standard for communication and people are reluctant to try new things. Despite these challenges I still wouldn’t trade in my role for anything.”

What role does faith play in your career?

“I have an obligation as a Muslim to be responsible for the society in which I live. You don’t get to stay  in your bubble, as the model minority, and pretend that oppression of those around don’t exist because you aren’t directly impacted. The impact is real for non-black POCs (people of color) too. In weekend Qu’ran school, I learned that I’m responsible for justice. Justice for my friends and family, Justice for my neighbors. Justice for my colleagues. So I started doing grassroots work through community and social orgs. I tried to avoid politics though. And for the longest time I did ignore politics. But, I realized in grad school that I wouldn’t be as effective if I didn't get into it. It's impossible to be apolitical. You just can’t let people write policy about you, without you, and think you don’t need to know it. These policies are affecting you, and your black, and non-black POC neighbors. It’s impossible to be apolitical as a person of color. If I had gotten involved politically early in my life, I would have been more effective as a vessel for justice. It’s okay that I’m learning in my mid-20s.” 

“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” Qur’an (16:90)

Source: Clipart

How does your job make you a better Muslim/more spiritual? 

“I’m adamant that I’m responsible for my own actions. I carry that with me a lot. If I did something wrong, I'm held accountable and I’m fine with that. It doesn’t matter how it’s perceived as long as I know what i’m doing. However, I realize this is not true technically. There is a hadith about it being better to explain yourself and avoid being misconstrued than to have folx assume things about you. This is true especially in the public sphere. Especially as an elected official. The optics of your actions are more important than the actual action. I have to be conscious about my day to day actions. I wanted to make sure some things were not  misconstrued about me, and used to oppress young girls or women. For example, I love bold and bright lipsticks, but when I got sworn into office, I cut back on wearing them in co-ed spaces. There is nothing wrong with bright lipstick, but if someone will look at me and go “see how wild she is? This is why I don’t allow you to xyz” then the bright lipstick is not worth wearing to meetings. I am a public figure now, and I am still responsible for my own actions-it’s just now my actions are affecting others directly and indirectly. 

“This role made me have more akhlak and adab (character and manners). In many state level and national level events/conferences/meetings I am the first Muslim many people meet. If I am your first Muslim interaction, I will be a learning lesson for you. You will not shake my hand or hug me as a person of the opposite gender. I’m conscious about having boundaries respected. When we have a meeting from 6-10pm, I’m adamant about taking recess for prayer. Your actions do have implications for people that look like you. Be mindful. I never really grasped this until this role. You are taught about certain mannerisms, your behaviors are a part of your faith. I want to be more responsible. I don't want to be the one person that prevents another Muslim woman from reaching their potential/ambition because of me and my behavior.

“This role also made me have stronger convictions on the pursuit of justice. Especially at expulsion hearings. The Board of Ed decides if a student gets expelled. Once you’re expelled, you’re not welcome to any public school for a full academic calendar year.  A student’s future is in the hands of the board.  Expulsions are systemic ways to hinder students of color. I can’t be a part of a system that hurts students, especially black/brown kids. I have to be mindful of the choices I make. I’d rather go down alone knowing that I didn't agree to a policy or decision of my board.”

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”

Qur’an (4:135)

What do you want people to know about your career?

“I highly encourage people to go into political office, but look into the role they want. If it’s a partisan position, you have to build your name up in the party you are filing under. Gain some insight on the job by working or volunteering on candidate campaigns. I learned about campaigning from working on campaigns. There is nothing like experience, getting your feet wet. There is no universal structure to campaigns. It’s run based on the demographics you're trying to reach. Local campaigns will not have the same access to fundraising or manpower- so be prepared to do more work. 

“Don’t underestimate the position you’re looking into. For a lot of positions, the same candidate running wins because no one ever runs against them, so it’s the same person who gets the seat term after term. There are so many positions available because people just don’t know about them. We’re not taught about these things. Don’t assume that tokenizing yourself will work. You have to have a real platform and know your issues. People do none of that hard work preparing and try to win. You have to take it seriously.”

Source: orgcoach.net

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“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” Qur’an (13:11)

“We pass through this world but once. Few tragedies can be more extensive than the stunting of life, few injustices deeper than the denial of an opportunity to strive or even to hope, by a limit imposed from without, but falsely identified as lying within.” Stephen Jay Gould

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For more information:

Jihan Aiyash

More on Jihan: https://yemeniamerican.com/en/jihan-aiyash-1st-yemeni-american-woman-elected-to-public-office-in-michigan/

Nagamia Institute of Islamic Medicine and Science: https://www.niims.org

1001 Inventions: the Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization: http://www.1001inventions.com