Scarves and Sneakers

"Islam is not a state of being, but it is a process of becoming."

- Yusuf Islam -

How would you describe a Muslim? 

Do you look at complexion, the color of skin?
Do you identify a bearded man or a cloaked woman?
Do you listen for accents and a foreign tongue?  
What does a Muslim look, speak, and act like?

A Muslim is someone who submits his or her will to God. Islam is often portrayed as a foreign and exotic religion, when in truth, it is a faith as diverse and portable as the Judeo-Christian traditions to which Americans are so accustomed. Individuals from Malaysia, Iran, and Morocco to France, Canada, and Brazil are united by a simple testimony of faith. There is no face of Islam, but there are faces. Nearly one in five human beings has an immense love for Allah. But this is no strange, distant God; this is the same God worshiped by Jews and Christians in all corners of the earth. The power of the name Allah lies in its translation of "One God" and the inability to grammatically alter the word in an attempt to pluralize or specify gender. Simply put, there cannot be gods or goddesses in Islam - only the One God Who loves us, tests us, and shows ceaseless mercy.

All Muslims have a distinct background and appearance. They differ in interests and career goals, and they each have a very unique and personal expression of their religious beliefs. In the United States, an "American Muslim" identity is called a contradiction, a paradox of sorts, as if we are strangers in this country - intruders entering someone else's home. But we're neighbors, not strangers. And we're not a monolithic people who can be placed in a box and be easily defined by the media. In fact, as scholar Edward Curtis IV explains, we're anything but that:

“[Muslims] have been part of America since before the republic was founded. Their contributions – some famous, some unknown – have changed the course of the nation’s life. They contributed their labor to the nation’s economic success in the nineteenth century. They produced some of the country’s most memorable slave narratives. They served in the U.S diplomatic corps and in the U.S. military. They published newspapers in the 1920s, created new forms of jazz in the 1950s, and changed the history of boxing and basketball. They healed people, sang to them, and fed them. These historical memories suggested a different future for Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States, one that recognizes the inevitable interdependency of all Americans and offers the hope that understanding and compassion among us might yet prevail.” 

My name is Erin, and I'm Muslim. And, I'm also American. I was born and raised here, as were my parents and grandparents. This is who I am, and this is my home. I'm Caucasian with Irish, German, Welsh, and Scotch-English roots. So far in my lifetime, I've been a student, a research assistant, a runner, a dancer, a pianist, an editor, a volleyball player, an ice skater, and even a sharpshooter in target riflery. I adore laughter and books & films that give me chills. I would watch Boy Meets World, eat a Reese's Cup, and ride the Top Thrill Dragster on a weekly basis if I could (though probably not in that order). I love music and words. I want to inspire and be inspired. Do I fit your mold? 

As a convert, people may wonder if I plan to change my name and thoroughly relinquish my identity. But we can't change who we were. That's done. We can only change who we are and constantly strive to better ourselves. By adopting the Deen (Islamic way of life), I am not required to toss aside the entirety of my culture and heritage. Islam doesn't enter one's life as a cosmic bulldozer, ready to destroy the structure of a person's past identity; it builds on the foundation that's already there, renewing, renovating, and creating a stronger and more beautiful you. 

It truly is a process, and anyone can embark on the journey.

Even in blue jeans, a scarf, and sneakers.

Embrace.

Daily Value of Love

"Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly, and without expectation.

We don't love to be loved; we love to love."

- Leo Buscaglia -

Teachers thoroughly relish telling their students that lessons learned in the classroom can be applied to everyday life. At times, this notion seems rather precarious. Sure, the ability to solve integrals may be crucial for a mathematician or scientist, but how does it personally impact me? Let's be honest: I already got my desired 4.0 in calc, so it probably doesn't.

But sometimes we focus too much on the surface. Delve a little deeper, and you just might find a bit of practicality in your studies. I'm currently in Intro to Human Nutrition. One of the first things we discussed was the concept of a nutritious diet. This is exemplified by five basic characteristics: adequacy (of nutrients), balance (proportionality), calorie control (energy intake = energy output), moderation (limiting excess of sweets, fats, and salt), and variety (consuming different types of a food, such as vegetable subgroups). 

Nutrition in and of itself is, of course, a highly applicable topic. After all, it's about health and proper nourishment - something we all require. But these simple guidelines inspired me to go beyond textbook definitions. They served as a reminder of the healthful components that run parallel to your typical "eat healthy food and get ample exercise" regimen. Being mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy is just as important as being fit in the physical sense. I believe in God and His many blessings, which, if appreciated and used, can heal the heart, mind, and soul.

*A d e q u a c y    Make time for celebration.

We need to adequately celebrate life - even in the smallest of ways - 365 days a year. Maybe we don't always have time for anything too elaborate, but take a few minutes to cherish a meal, a song, or a conversation with a friend. Life is about perspective. We may not always be in control of the events thrown our way, but when it comes to reacting and responding to these circumstances, it's up to us to take the steering wheel. Let's not forget to be grateful for all we have and to adore the people, places, and things we encounter.

  

*B a l a n c e    Balance selfishness with selflessness.

They have opposite denotations, but why must they have such polar-opposite connotations? Caring about yourself doesn't have to be negative, just as working only to please others can sometimes have detrimental outcomes. Don't get me wrong: Consistently looking out for loved ones is an absolutely beautiful attribute; but should we forget all about ourselves? I propose we balance the two, allowing them to complement one another. Give your time and energy and love to others, but when the day is done, make sure you've reserved a little bit for yourself.

*C o n t r o l   Energize with happiness.

In the context of nutrition, a healthy individual should match physical activity to calories consumed. If one engages in higher levels of activity, he should make sure he's supplying his body with enough energy. Likewise, if you wish to share and engage in happiness with those around you, it's crucial that you become energized with happiness. How can you truly enjoy the company of others if you aren't happy with yourself? Feeling worthless can defeat a person, can make it nearly impossible to win (or even finish) the race. Stay motivated.

*M o d e r a t i o n    Hate as infrequently as possible. 

To maintain beliefs and preferences is human nature, so yes, we're bound to dislike something or someone during the course of our lifetime. But hatred breaks people down and apart; it destroys relationships or, at best, makes the formation of potential relationships impossible. Who would want an excess of something so noxious to humanity? The less, the better. If everyone could just make a conscious effort to hate less frequently, our attitudes toward others and ourselves would benefit.

*V a r i e t y    Discover and capitalize on the many sources of love.

Forrest Gump was right about one thing: love is like a box of chocolates... and for many reasons. It's a gift. It's something to enjoy and with which to lift the spirits. It can be given and received. And, of course, it comes in many forms and flavors. People often think of it solely in a romantic context, but the beautiful thing about love is that it can be found anywhere and with anyone. Husband and wife. Life partners. Parents and their children. Siblings or cousins. Best friends. Teachers, mentors, and students. Even a human and his faithful (furry) companion :).

So an apple a day keeps the doctor away, huh?

Maybe a little bit of love can, too.

Embrace.