Muslim. What image came to mind when you read that word? Did you picture an elderly Arab man with full beard and a turban? Did you think of a heavily veiled woman, walking three feet behind her tyrannical husband? Did you picture a wild-eyed young man, bombs strapped to his body? If so, you are not alone. That is how many Americans picture Muslims.
[h]Who are Muslims?[/h]
Would it surprise you to learn that only 20 percent of the world’s Muslims are Arabs? Muslims live on every continent in the world, in every country of the world, and in every major city in America. If fact, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the U.S.
[h]Who is the Blogger?[/h]
As you’ve probably already guessed, I am a Muslim. I am also an American, born and raised in Texas. Until I met my husband, I had never met a foreigner and had never left the South. I was born a Christian and attended church sporadically as a child. I am educated and am reasonably intelligent. Mine is the new face of Islam.
If you met me on the street, you would not guess that I am Muslim. I do not wear a sign proclaiming my religion. Like most Muslims, I am rather peaceful. I am appalled at signs of aggression, extremism, or terrorism. I do not wear the traditional Muslim head-scarf (hijab), although most devout Muslims would agree that I should. I dress in the styles of the West, albeit much more conservatively than your average American. No, you would never guess that I am Muslim.
The truth is, most Muslims are just your average citizens. We do not make waves; we do not draw attention to ourselves. We just quietly live our lives, observing our religion to the best of our abilities. You do not notice the peaceful Muslims, but they are all around. The extremists are just louder.
[h]Purpose of this Blog[/h]
With this blog, I hope to answer some of the common misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. I hope to explain some of the customs, laws, and traditions. Hopefully, once you understand a little about Islam, the Muslims will not seem quite so foreign. We just might realize that we have more in common than we thought.
I also hope to help Muslims in the West. I will be giving tips on living an Islamic lifestyle in a non-Muslim country.
If you have questions or comments, let me know. I would love for this blog to be interactive. I want to write about the things you want to know.
Until next time… Assalamu Alaikoum.