Veil No Bar to Glory for Muslim Women Says Doha Gold Medal Champion

DOHA - Reuters (Dec. 12, 2006) - Winning the Asian Games 200 metres in a veil proves there are no barriers to Muslim women pursuing their sporting dreams, champion Ruqaya Al Ghasara (photo) said on Monday. The 24-year-old wore a hijab -- a scarf which covers the hair and neck -- along with leggings and long sleeves, but still outpaced her more scantily-clad rivals to win gold for Bahrain. "I want to say I'm very thankful for being a Muslim; it's a blessing," said the sports management student. "Wearing conservative clothes has encouraged me. Wearing a veil proves that Muslim women face no obstacles and encourages them to participate in sport. This is a glory to all Muslim women." (continued here)

"Dude, Are You MUSLIM?!?!?"

I don't watch much TV, but as it happens, I have seen a little more than my share in the past few weeks. And I'm posting today because it was the second time I caught cleverly inserted dialogue suggesting to the viewing audience that Muslims are inherently violent.

Case in point.

I was flipping through channels Saturday afternoon and landed on WB50 (channel 18 on the cable line up I was tuned into here in Virginia) - and I happened to catch the opening of the Chris Rock sitcom, "Everybody Hates Chris".

Scene: Dialogue between Chris and classmate, Greg, on first day back at school.

After having his books knocked out of his arms while passing through a hallway on the first day back to school, Chris laments to his classmate that he is tired of being picked on, teased, and kicked around (not exact words, but along that same line), and ends his monologue with the declaration, "I'm not going to take it anymore!"

As the two boys rise from picking up Chris's books from the hallway floor, Greg says to Chris, with emphasis, "Dude! Are you Muslim?"

WHAT?!? I mean, seriously, WAS THAT NECESSARY??

I'm sure the program was broadcast in numerous other markets...but WB50 happens to be the one I'm aware of...every voice counts...if we remain silent more and more incidents like this will be repeated through popularly watched TV programs, after which this false message will take root in schools as children repeated it and more believe it...and our children will suffer needlessly. Isn't there enough suffering in the world?

I've sent this to the CW network by the way...you can too:
Washington, DC's WB50: Feedback
Boston's CW56/WLVI-TV: Feedback
Providence's CW28/WLWC: Feedback
Hartford-New Haven CW20/WTXX-TV: Feedback
Baltimore CW54/WNUV: Feedback

Detailed Listing of 212 CW Affiliates HERE.

Comment was in first episode of second season or #23.
http://www.cwtv.com/shows/everybody-hates-chris/episodes/023

Hey, Aishah! Where Have You Been Lately?

{{Laughing}} - Thought that would be a good intro for this post, after all, I was MIA for a month-and-a-half, right?

Okay! Okay! So I was in Pakistan! What?!?! *lol* That's right; Karachi, to be exact, as the guest of a wonderful friend that I first came to know during my stay in Saudi Arabia two years ago.

I was gone for a month, and as it happened, the dial-up internet service would not pull up the blog, so I could not post updates, which was totally frustrating, if you can imagine! *smile*

As it happened, I didn't get to take too many outdoor photos; it turns out that it is not exactly in one's best interest to "flash" personal possessions that might be considered of value to street muggers, i.e., jewelry, cell phones, or cameras! The one photo I took outdoors (above) was taken at night during a brief visit to the Arabian seaside.

I've now experienced Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan...and I am thinking of writing a comparative piece outlining the differences in the lives of women in these countries that might, insha'Allah, be helpful to more of us who live here in the west as we strive to gain a better understanding of one another. I know this is an issue among those of us who accept Islam here in the states, and as we try to integrate ourselves into pre-existing Muslim communities that were more often than not, started by immigrants.

The more effort we make to understand one another's cultures, the easier it will be to embrace one another in the true spirit of Islam. Insha'Allah.

What Are you Grateful For Today?

The smile of a grandson...masha'Allah...is he beautiful or what?

Celebrating his third birthday, November 25, 2006 - when he was born in 2003, it happened to be the day of Eid...Al-hamdulillah! *smile*

My sister takes great photos, too! *wink*

Jamrat Bridge to Be Ready Before Forthcoming Haj

P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News — Saturday, 30, September, 2006 (08, Ramadhan, 1427) JEDDAH, 30 September 2006 — The first phase of the new Jamrat expansion project in Mina will be completed by the beginning of December ahead of the next Haj season, according to Habeeb Zainul Abideen, deputy minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs. “We have already completed 70 percent of the first phase. God willing, the remaining part will be ready within the next 65 days,” the minister said, adding that about 10,000 people have been working round the clock to finish the project on time. The SR4.2-billion ($1.12-billion) project was designed by the government as part of its efforts to avoid stampedes and crowding in the Jamrat area. In the past, hundreds of pilgrims have died performing the stoning ritual with 360 pilgrims losing their lives as a result of a massive stampede on the last day of the Haj last year. Speaking about the progress of work at Jamrat, an engineer said work on two underpasses named after King Faisal and Al-Jowhara have been completed. The underpasses will be used for vehicle movement. About 80 percent of the basement, which will be used for collecting stones, disposing wastes and parking ambulances, is also ready, the engineer said. The ground and first floors of the new Jamrat facility will be completed before Haj, which is scheduled to start on Dec. 29. The Saudi Binladin Group, which won the contract last year, has set up a huge factory in Bahra on an area of 450,000 square meters to supply concrete blocks required for the project. The new facility includes two helipads, which will help in the speedy evacuation of casualties in case of accidents. The new structure will have 10 entrances and 12 exits distributed over the four levels plus the ground floor to accommodate pilgrims coming from different directions. The ground and first floor will be used by pilgrims coming from the east of Mina, who account for the bulk of the crowd. The second level will be used mainly by pilgrims coming from the direction of Makkah, the third level by those coming from the north of Mina and new pilgrim camps and the fourth level by pilgrims coming from the south of Makkah via King Abdul Aziz Road. ------------------------- Fair Use Notice This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. (See: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.) If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Welcomes news of Saudi Reversal to Eliminate Women's Prayer Area

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful 
NOTE: PLEASE EXCUSE THAT THIS IS POST IS BEING MADE SO FAR AFTER-THE-FACT...LIFE SORT OF GOT IN THE WAY. ALLAHU ALIM. *smile*  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Welcomes News of Saudi Reversal to Eliminate Women's Prayer Area  

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 12, 2006 (MWANET) On Monday, September 11, 2006, just eleven days after the Muslimah Writers Alliance Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women Project and online petition were launched, news sources reported deputy head of Grand Mosque affairs, Mohammed bin Nasser al-Khozayem, as saying, 'The presidency (committee) [has] decided to adopt a second proposal, which is to expand two special places for women's prayer, in addition to the one that already exists.' 

Despite reports from Jeddah suggesting that this was all a 'misunderstanding', let us be reminded that the controversy began with the reported words of a member of King Abdullah's committee of scholars, namely, Osama al-Bar, head of the Institute for Haj Research. Al-Bar was quoted as saying, "The area is very small and so crowded. So we decided to get women out of the sahn [Kaaba area] to a better place where they can see the Kaaba and have more space. Some women thought it wasn't good, but from our point of view it will be better for them ... We can sit with them and explain to them what the decision is." 

That report concluded with the statement, "The decision is not final, and could be reversed." 

"In my capacity as Founder and Director of Muslimah Writers Alliance, I made the decision to rise to the challenge presented and lent MWA's voice to those of our sisters in Saudi Arabia." 

Continuing Ms. Schwartz stated: "To that end, let us give all thanks and praise to God Almighty for facilitating our efforts. In embracing the news of the Saudi's reversal of the prior decision to remove the sister's prayer area from within the mataaf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba), may we be eternally mindful of the power a good intention. And let the naysayers take heed in their complacency. Whatever efforts we make, however great or small, are never a waste of time. 

"Had we not collectively made an effort to save the women's prayer area, how many more tears would have been shed as the Saudi government slowly implemented its prior decision? 

"Let us be mindful that it is written in the Holy Qur'an (translation of the meaning) that God will not change our condition(s) until we change what is within ourselves. 

"To those supporting the Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women online petition, may God Almighty reward your efforts in this life and the next, God willing. 

"And to King Abdullah; you must know that Muslim women worldwide will never forget that you allowed their voices to be heard; and that you listened. I also personally thank you. I understand your first year as King has brought about many praiseworthy accomplishments. Having spent a year in your Kingdom during 2004-05, I had the opportunity to visit Makkah, Madinah, Taif, Jeddah, and Riyadh. I left behind many wonderful new friends and a treasure chest of memories, many of which I have documented through my writings. It is my prayer to return to the Kingdom one day. 

"King Abdullah, you have the power to bring Saudi Arabia forward in new and positive directions, and it is my added prayer that you continue to follow God's guidance," Ms. Schwartz concluded.
 

See Also: Women Welcome Rejection of Haram Prayer Proposal Razan Baker, Arab News JEDDAH, 12 September 2006 Women’s Petition Opposes Grand Mosque Plans Razan Baker, Arab News JEDDAH, 11 September 2006 Saudi Clerics Backtrack on Mecca Women Prayer Ban RIYADH (Reuters) - Sept. 11, 2006 Saudi Officials Consider Banning Women From Praying at Shrine of Mecca, Raising Protests By DONNA ABU-NASR Associated Press Writer JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 7, 2006) (ABC News International) Women in the Grand Mosque ARAB NEWS (Sept. 5, 2006) Chorus Gets Louder SAUDI GAZETTE (Sept. 2, 2006) Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins Coalition of Activists Seeking Preservation of Women's Prayer Area at Mecca's Grand Mosque MWANET (Aug. 31, 2006) Women to Fight Mecca Restriction Daily News, South Africa (Aug. 30, 2006)

--------------------------  
Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based and recognized organization with a Mission to inspire Muslim women to collaborate with one another for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the common good of the Muslim Ummah, in addition to supporting one another in fulfilling their aspirations to become established writers. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience and resourcefulness to every project embraced, MWA members are dedicated to one another's success. -------------------------- 

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One who helps a fellow Muslim in removing his (or her) difficulty in this world, Allah will remove the formers distress on the Day of Judgment. He who helps to remove the hardship of another, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this world and in the Hereafter. One who covers the shortcomings of another Muslim, will have his faults covered up in this world and the next by Allah. Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own brother (or sister)." (Muslim)

Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Welcomes News of Saudi Reversal on Decision to Eliminate Women's Prayer Area

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Welcomes News of Saudi Reversal on Decision to Eliminate Women's Prayer Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 12, 2006 (MWANET) On Monday, September 11, 2006, just eleven days after the Muslimah Writers Alliance Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women Project and online petition were launched, news sources reported deputy head of Grand Mosque affairs, Mohammed bin Nasser al-Khozayem, as saying, 'The presidency (committee) [has] decided to adopt a second proposal, which is to expand two special places for women's prayer, in addition to the one that already exists.'

Despite reports from Jeddah suggesting that this was all a 'misunderstanding', let us be reminded that the controversy began with the reported words of a member of King Abdullah's committee of scholars, namely, Osama al-Bar, head of the Institute for Haj Research.

Al-Bar was quoted as saying, "The area is very small and so crowded. So we decided to get women out of the sahn [Kaaba area] to a better place where they can see the Kaaba and have more space. Some women thought it wasn't good, but from our point of view it will be better for them ... We can sit with them and explain to them what the decision is."

That report concluded with the statement, "The decision is not final, and could be reversed."

"In my capacity as Founder and Director of Muslimah Writers Alliance, I made the decision to rise to the challenge presented and lent MWA's voice to those of our sisters in Saudi Arabia."

Continuing Ms. Schwartz stated: "To that end, let us give all thanks and praise to God Almighty for facilitating our efforts. In embracing the news of the Saudi's reversal of the prior decision to remove the sister's prayer area from within the mataaf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba), may we be eternally mindful of the power a good intention.

"And let the naysayers take heed in their complacency. Whatever efforts we make, however great or small, are never a waste of time.

"Had we not collectively made an effort to save the women's prayer area, how many more tears would have been shed as the Saudi government slowly implemented its prior decision?

"Let us be mindful that it is written in the Holy Qur'ran (translation of the meaning) that God will not change our condition(s) until we change what is within ourselves.

"To those supporting the Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women online petition, may God Almighty reward your efforts in this life and the next, God willing.

"And to King Abdullah; you must know that Muslim women worldwide will never forget that you allowed their voices to be heard; and that you listened. I also personally thank you. I understand your first year as King has brought about many praiseworthy accomplishments. Having spent a year in your Kingdom during 2004-05, I had the opportunity to visit Makkah, Madinah, Taif, Jeddah, and Riyadh. I left behind many wonderful new friends and a treasure chest of memories, many of which I have documented through my writings. It is my prayer to return to the Kingdom one day.

"King Abdullah, you have the power to bring Saudi Arabia forward in new and positive directions, and it is my added prayer that you continue to follow God's guidance," Ms. Schwartz concluded.

---

SEE ALSO:

Women Welcome Rejection of Haram Prayer Proposal

Razan Baker, Arab News - JEDDAH, 12 September 2006

Women’s Petition Opposes Grand Mosque Plans

Razan Baker, Arab News - JEDDAH, 11 September 2006

Saudi Clerics Backtrack on Mecca Women Prayer Ban

RIYADH (Reuters) - Sept. 11, 2006

Saudi Officials Consider Banning Women From Praying at Shrine of Mecca, Raising Protests

By DONNA ABU-NASR Associated Press Writer - JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 7, 2006)

(ABC News International)

Women in the Grand Mosque

ARAB NEWS (Sept. 5, 2006)

Chorus Gets Louder

SAUDI GAZETTE (Sept. 2, 2006)

Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins Coalition of Activists Seeking Preservation of Women's Prayer Area at Mecca's Grand Mosque

MWANET (Aug. 31, 2006)

Women to Fight Mecca Restriction

Daily News, South Africa (Aug. 30, 2006)

The Rights of Women in the Grand Mosque

ALJAZEERA-REUTERS (Aug. 30, 2006)

Women Face Curbs at Makka

ARAB NEWS (Aug. 28, 2006)

--------------------

Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based organization with a

Mission to inspire Muslim women to collaborate with one another for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the common good of the Muslim Ummah, in addition to supporting one another in fulfilling their aspirations to become established writers. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience and resourcefulness to every project embraced, MWA members are dedicated to one another's success.

---------------------

Muslimah Writers Alliance

1745 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 147

Washington, DC 20006

Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-405-5981

On the web:

http://www.muslimahwritersalliance.com

http://mwawomenmakinghistory.blogspot.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muslimah_Writers_Alliance

http://www.sisteraishah.com

http://aishahsjourney.blogspot.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sisters4Dawah

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One who helps a fellow Muslim in removing his (or her) difficulty in this world, Allah will remove the formers distress on the Day of Judgment. He who helps to remove the hardship of another, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this world and in the Hereafter. One who covers the shortcomings of another Muslim, will have his faults covered up in this world and the next by Allah. Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own brother (or sister)." (Muslim)

JOIN MUSLIMAH WRITERS ALLIANCE GRAND MOSQUE EQUAL ACCESS FOR WOMEN PROJECT "GMEA4W"

Chorus Gets Louder - SAUDI GAZETTE (Sept. 2, 2006) Muslim Women worldwide are about to lose their right to pray in the previously alloted/designated space for women only in view of the Ka'ba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SEE FLYER.) Osama al-Bar, head of the Institute for Haj Research, is quoted as saying, "The area is very small and so crowded. So we decided to get women out of the sahn [Kaaba area]..." The decision is not final, he said, and could be reversed. "Get women out!? Reversal of this decision must be our mission until, by the grace of Almighty Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, it is achieved," declared Aishah Schwartz, MWA Founder and Director. To learn how you can be a part of working to reverse the proposal to eliminate the prayer area designated for women in the Ka'ba area of the Grand Mosque visit the Muslimah Writers Alliance Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women website. Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) is also sponsoring an online petition drive in support of its initiative. Sign here! Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based organization with a Mission to inspire Muslim women to collaborate with one another for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the common good of the Muslim Ummah, in addition to supporting one another in fulfilling their aspirations to become established writers. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience and resourcefulness to every project embraced, MWA members are dedicated to one another's success. Visit MWA online. Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins Coalition of Activists Seeking Preservation of Women's Prayer Area at Mecca's Grand Mosque - MWANET (Aug. 31, 2006) The Rights of Women in the Grand Mosque - ALJAZEERA-REUTERS (Aug. 30, 2006) Women Face Curbs at Makka - ARAB NEWS (Aug. 28, 2006)

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.

Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!

Your support of this initiative is more important than you can possibly imagine, as it will impact millions of women worldwide - today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead. Jazakallahu khayran. ~Aishah Schwartz Founder & Director Muslimah Writers Alliance 1745 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 147 Washington, DC 20006 Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-405-5981 National Outreach Director Publications Consultant Web Administrator MAS Freedom Foundation 1050 17th St., N.W., Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20006 On the web: http://www.masnet.org Email: aishah.schwartz AT muslimahwritersalliance.com On the web: http://www.muslimahwritersalliance.com http://www.muslimahwritersalliance.com/MWA-GMEA4W/Home.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muslimah_Writers_Alliance http://www.sisteraishah.com http://aishahsjourney.blogspot.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sisters4Dawah The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One who helps a fellow Muslim in removing his (or her) difficulty in this world, Allah will remove the formers distress on the Day of Judgment. He who helps to remove the hardship of another, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this world and in the Hereafter. One who covers the shortcomings of another Muslim, will have his faults covered up in this world and the next by Allah. Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own brother (or sister)." (Muslim)