Proceed with an open mind and heart.
“Islam initiated as something strange, and it will revert to its (old position) of being strange. So, glad tidings to the stranger.” [Muslim]
This hadith as stated by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) has always been one that resonated with me. In a society plagued by identity crisis, the prophet reminded us 1400 years ago that as Muslims, it's okay to be a stranger. It's okay to be different so long as what makes you different is that which is right by the standards of Allah SWT.
He, rasool Allah, also greatly understood that Muslims, like everyone else, will go through experiences that shape who they become. Many hadith depict situations in which a companion of the prophet SAW is sharing his/her experience with the prophet SAW. Issues from physical temptation to friendship to feminism are presented to the prophet of Allah in this way and he listens, understands and speaks to such issues. I hope to continue that tradition as we add to the dialogue of the Muslim community.
WHY START A BLOG SERIES?
Recently, I attended a conference with the youth department of the Muslim American Society. One of the sessions included dissecting an issue posed anonymously by a youth and deciding what youth community organizers could do about it. These issues were very heavy, for example, my team looked at depression leading up to suicide contemplation (if you or anyone you know is at this point, PLEASE contact a mental health professional immediately). I found myself wanting to know more about this youth's situation. I wanted to better empathize and see the world through her eyes to decide what I could do. During the session I said "to fix something, you have to know how it's broken." I wanted more time with the individual, to ask more questions and to listen. The idea of a blog series doing just that (asking questions and listening) had been an idea I had for a while, but now, I really wanted to turn it into reality.
I've always had a love for writing and a love for community involvement alhamdulillah. As a way to mesh these two passions together, I've decided to launch a blog series that presents transcripts from interviews with Muslims who have faced or are currently facing taboo or near-taboo issues. Issues will vary from struggling with salah, depression, divorce, youth marriage and so on. I want these Muslims to have an opportunity to speak to their community and explain their own psychology as they walk us through their personal struggles. I want us as readers to understand how Islam has influenced their experience and take into consideration what recommendations this person has for community efforts on how to empower those struggling with the same issue. I want to use the skills I've developed throughout my work in the Muslim community to bridge gaps in understanding and permit discussion.
Interviewees will remain ANONYMOUS throughout the entire process so as to promote a judgement-free zone and encourage raw content in sha' Allah. This series is for all Muslims: youth community workers, imams and sheyookh, parents, college students, high schoolers, and Muslims of all backgrounds and experiences.
As you engage with the series, I ask that you read with an open mind and think about what YOU can to do be a positive agent of change. I encourage healthy dialogue in the comments and to ask questions.
I ask that you make duaa for me as I take on this project, make duaa for the interviewees and for ease through their struggle.
Lastly, if you personally are interested in being interviewed or know someone that may be interested, 1) Comment below that you're interested (this way,I'm aware to check my email!) and 2) click on the contact tab above and email with the subject line "Let the Strangers Speak Interview." Interviews can be conducted in person and if not possible, then over the phone iA.
With peace,
H. Al