To A Non-Muslim Woman:

[Qurratulain]

Received it via email

When you look at me
All you can see
Is the scarf that covers my hair.
My words you can't hear
Because you're too full of fear,
Mouth gaping, all you do is stare.

You think it's not my own choice,
In your own "liberation" you rejoice.
You're so thankful that you're not me.
You think i'm uneducated,
Trapped, oppressed and subjugated.
You're so thankful that you are free.

But western woman you've got it wrong-
You're the weak and i'm the strong,
For i've rejected the trap of man.
Fancy clothes-low neck, short skirt,
These are devices for pain and hurt,
I'm not falling for that little plan.

Always jumping to the male agenda,
Competing on his terms.
No job share, no creche facilities,
No feeding and nappy changing amenities.
No time off for menstrual pain-
"hormones" they laugh "what a shame."
No equal pay for equal skill-
Your job they can always fill.
No promotion unless you're sterilised.
No promotion unless you're sexually terrorised.
And is this liberation?

I'm a person with ideas and thought,
I'm not for sale, i can't be bought.
I won't decorate anyone's arm,
Nor be promoted for my charm.
Ther's more to me than playing coy.

Living life as a balancing game-mother,
Daughter,wife,nurse,cleaner,cook,lover-
And still bring home a wage.
Who thought up this modern "freedom"
Where man can love 'em and man can leave 'em
This is not free but life in a cage.

Western woman you can have your life
Mine-it has less strife.
I cover and i get respected
Surely that's to be expected-
For i won't demean the feminine
I won't live to a male criterion.
I dance to my own tune,
And i hope you see this very soon,
For your own sake-wake up and use your sight!
Are you so sure that you are right?

[Soulja]

that was great

[kashmirihero]

mashallah great

[peace2u]

Salaam sis

Once again, another great post. Did you write it yourself?? It was by far one of the best i've read.

Your sis:)

[peace2u]

hehehe, I just looked at the top, via email, boy am I tired:rolleyes: . Still great though:D

[Julienna]

Qurratulain
That was a great poem. I've thought a lot about what so-called 'womens lib' has done for women. In my opinion,
I think womens lib has done a great deal of harm.
I'm grateful that some women have been successful
in competing with men in the business world if that's what
they want to do, but many women, myself included, weren't cut out for this and so for us its been extra pressure and stress.
I respect muslim women a great deal because they seem to realize how special they are and strive to be repected on a different level, by the people who really count (ie. their husbands and families).
In Western culture women are sex objects because they often dress so seductively, whereas, muslim women are respected for their brains and nurturing natures.
I cringe when I see the clothes that are being sold to teenage girls in the US, I wouldn't let my daughter out of the house in those hip hugger jeans or camisole tops.
Women in the West think that having men drool over them equates to POWER but it is actually WEAKNESS.
These men see them as useable objects not future marriage partners and friends.
Sorry for the long rant. I just wanted to say that I think muslim women are some of the smartest around!
--Julienna

[Qurratulain]

Originally posted by Julienna
Qurratulain
That was a great poem. I've thought a lot about what so-called 'womens lib' has done for women. In my opinion,
I think womens lib has done a great deal of harm.
I'm grateful that some women have been successful
in competing with men in the business world if that's what
they want to do, but many women, myself included, weren't cut out for this and so for us its been extra pressure and stress.
I respect muslim women a great deal because they seem to realize how special they are and strive to be repected on a different level, by the people who really count (ie. their husbands and families).
In Western culture women are sex objects because they often dress so seductively, whereas, muslim women are respected for their brains and nurturing natures.
I cringe when I see the clothes that are being sold to teenage girls in the US, I wouldn't let my daughter out of the house in those hip hugger jeans or camisole tops.
Women in the West think that having men drool over them equates to POWER but it is actually WEAKNESS.
These men see them as useable objects not future marriage partners and friends.
Sorry for the long rant. I just wanted to say that I think muslim women are some of the smartest around!
--Julienna
Hello Julienna
first of all thanks for liking the poem
Second I agree with what u said, its really nice to see u have such a positive attitude towards muslim women.:)

[Julienna]

Qurratulain,
I think most non-muslim women would view muslim women this way if they knew more about why they wear the hijab.
I hope that muslim women also understand that not all non-muslim women are hores because they don't wear the hijab.
I found this good article related to the wearing of hijab:

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/hijabexperience.html

here's an excerpt:

WOMEN are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile.

When women reject this form of oppression, they face ridicule and contempt. Whether it's women who refuse to wear makeup or to shave their legs, or to expose their bodies, society, both men and women, have trouble dealing with them.

In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction.">>

[Qurratulain]

peace Julienna
First of all thanks for the link. Second yes afcourse we know that all non muslims whom dont wear hijab astagfurallah are not hores. We are no one to judge someone, regarding what someone is. Those whom dont wear hijab its their choice, those whom do its theirs. Just like wearing a hijab doesnt mean u are better than all other muslim girls, same way not wearing one doesnt mean ur a very bad charactered female either. Only Allah knows what is in the hearts of the ppl and by wearing hijab u obey ur Lord and try pleasing HIM only,since hijab is an obligation on those whom believe.

[Julienna]

Hello Qurratulain,
Glad you are so open minded as so many are here at ummah.com.
I personally don't appreciate the American women who dress too provocatively, because, in a way, they are teaching men to look at all women as objects. I think the American clothing manufacturers should be ashamed because they are marketing slinky clothing to young girls.

I admire Mohammed so much, he really thought through a lot of social issues as well as spiritual ones. Let's face it men will always be men and women will always be women, and there will always be a need to communicate the right message in order to be respected by either sex.

By the way, I love your avatar!:)

--Julienna

[Consider]

Another good site:

The IDEAL MUSLIMAH

The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim Woman
as Defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah
Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/idealmuslimah/index.html

That is one of the best books on muslim women and their role in society and much more.

[Julienna]

Consider,
Thanks for recommending that good site.
It seems like Mohammed thought of muslim women as treasures to be guarded.
If anything, Islamic women are much more respected than their Christian and Jewish counterparts.
Maybe this is why so many Western women are converting in droves?!!
--Juls

[Consider]

Julienna

Yes, women are supposed to be treated well in islam. If everbody followed islam in its perfection, I think we could achieve a perfect social balance and you would not see many of the social ills we see around us know.

I was going to pm u recommending that you get a quran... (I dont know if you have one?) but you have youre pm & email off...But I would recommend you getting one for yourself (if u pop into your local mosque/islamic centre im sure theyll give u one for free!)

The beauty of Islam is the way it all fits together, every bit...words of a recent convert i know...and maybe you would like to have a read for yourself?

Maybe itll fit together ;)

Peace.

[Qurratulain]

Originally posted by Julienna
Hello Qurratulain,
Glad you are so open minded as so many are here at ummah.com.
I personally don't appreciate the American women who dress too provocatively, because, in a way, they are teaching men to look at all women as objects. I think the American clothing manufacturers should be ashamed because they are marketing slinky clothing to young girls.

I admire Mohammed so much, he really thought through a lot of social issues as well as spiritual ones. Let's face it men will always be men and women will always be women, and there will always be a need to communicate the right message in order to be respected by either sex.

By the way, I love your avatar!:)

--Julienna
Hello Julienna
Thanks for liking my avatar and I the way u talk about our prophet(saw) seems like ur interested in islam as well. I would recomment like sis Considor said u buying a Quran, that way u will learn more about islam and all of its beauty and our prophet(saw) as well
peace :)

[Julienna]

Qurratulain,
I have a copy of The Quran but is an English version and doesn't seem to be translated too well.
I've been reading stuff online about Islam, it is a beautiful religion, and Mohammad's life was truly fascinating. I saw the PBS special about Mohammad and it was very captivating.
I think there are a lot of people from my country who would be intrigued by Islam if they only were openminded enough.
Christian people always seem to forget all the evil that was perpetrated in the name of Jesus, so they blame muslims for terrorism and close their minds to the beauty of Islam.
Take Care,
--Julienna

[Qurratulain]

Peace Juliena
It is really nice to know ur positive thoughts about islam. Did u ever considor converting or reverting to islam as they say?
If u dont find the Quran u have been translated well, there are many online Qurans as well, I will insha Allah look up for some sites for u where u can learn more about islam and have a good english translated version of the Quran as well. Give me some time am bussy a bit these days insha Allah will look it up for u. If u have any questions regarding islam u can ask here as well, many will be more than glad to answer them for you
Take care
May Allah guide u
peace'
Qurratulain

[Julienna]

Hello Qurratulain,
yes, I've thought about converting to Islam before. I'm not sure where I should go locally to find out more, do you think if I went to a chapter of the Islamic society they could help me learn more?
Do muslim women at community mosques assist women looking to find out more about Islam or women who want to convert?
I was raised a Roman Catholic and Islam is 180 degree difference. I wonder how families of converts react to their conversion?!!?
My mom is a devout Catholic and prays the rosary 5 times a day so, needless to say, she would be less than thrilled....
Do muslims have fellowship events where they get together to discuss aspects of their religion and fraternize?
Thanks in advance for the info....
--julienna:)

[Consider]

Alhamdulillah :) You are interested in Islam!

I think there are many people from the US on this board, maybe they can direct you to an islamic center/mosque near you...

May Allah guide you and all of us on the striaght path. Like sis qurratulain said, ask as many questions as you want. And most of all, ask Allah to help & guide you to the right path.

Peace.

[lulu]

I like your poem very very much and I say this as a non-muslim woman!
What your poem tells us about the so-called freedom of western women lays so much truth!
And yes, one can see the beauty of Islam thru this words.
Thank you for posting it! :)

Salaam!

[Qurratulain]

Originally posted by Julienna
Hello Qurratulain,
yes, I've thought about converting to Islam before. I'm not sure where I should go locally to find out more, do you think if I went to a chapter of the Islamic society they could help me learn more?
Do muslim women at community mosques assist women looking to find out more about Islam or women who want to convert?
I was raised a Roman Catholic and Islam is 180 degree difference. I wonder how families of converts react to their conversion?!!?
My mom is a devout Catholic and prays the rosary 5 times a day so, needless to say, she would be less than thrilled....
Do muslims have fellowship events where they get together to discuss aspects of their religion and fraternize?
Thanks in advance for the info....
--julienna:)
Peace Juliena,
Alhamduillah this is really nice to know your so interested in islam. I dont know about the US,but sure if u went to the islamic society they would really help u in learning more. And I am sure the women there would help u in learning and converting as well, mashallah. Here are a few sites I know which will help u to learn more about islam insha Allah.
www.jannah.org
www.islam.org
http://www.tafsir.com/ (Quran translation)
http://www.islam4you.co.uk/
http://www.thetruereligion.org/amazing.htm
http://www.myislam.info/
http://www.it-is-truth.org/
http://www.quraan.com/Noble/Default.asp
Similarly there are many events where muslims get together to discuss about islam and various events, since I dont live in the US I dont know much about there, but there are many here from there am sure Insha Allah they will help u out as well.
Best of luck if u need to know anything more or have any questions ur more than welcome to ask them insha Allah everyone here will try to help u out.
May Allah guide u
peace :)
......................
Originally posted by lulu
I like your poem very very much and I say this as a non-muslim woman!
What your poem tells us about the so-called freedom of western women lays so much truth!
And yes, one can see the beauty of Islam thru this words.
Thank you for posting it! :)

Salaam!
wasalaam
Wows look likes we have another person whom is interested in islam, masha Allah. Thanks for liking it :)
May Allah guide u as well
Never knew a poem could do so much!

[peace2u]

Originally posted by Julienna
Hello Qurratulain,
yes, I've thought about converting to Islam before. I'm not sure where I should go locally to find out more, do you think if I went to a chapter of the Islamic society they could help me learn more?
Do muslim women at community mosques assist women looking to find out more about Islam or women who want to convert?
I was raised a Roman Catholic and Islam is 180 degree difference. I wonder how families of converts react to their conversion?!!?
My mom is a devout Catholic and prays the rosary 5 times a day so, needless to say, she would be less than thrilled....
Do muslims have fellowship events where they get together to discuss aspects of their religion and fraternize?
Thanks in advance for the info....
--julienna:)

Dear Julienna

It's very good to hear that you are interested in Islam. What state are you in?? In California, there are many mosque and Islamic Centers that you can go to to get assistance. Also, you will find that many sisters in the masajid will be happy to help you in whatever way they can. However, you will only find resistance if the sisters don't speak english or they speak very little english. They become very shy and clickish with their own.

[Julienna]

Hi Qurratulain and Peace2u,
Thanks for the advice. I will try my local Islamic Center here in Cleveland (Ohio). I live in a community that has many Arab Americans so I should be able to find someone who can help!
Wish I lived close to you guys though.:)
Best Regards,
Juls

[peace2u]

Don't worry sis, you are closer to us than you think:)

[Qurratulain]

Assalamulaikom
yes I agree with what sis peace said
I got a modern hijab poem as well, dont get offended anyone:D

What do you see when you look at me
Do you see someone limited, or someone free
All some people can do is just look and stare
Simply because they can't see my hair
Others think I am controlled and uneducated
They think that I am limited and un-liberated
They are so thankful that they are not me
Because they would like to remain 'free'

Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used
Describing women who are cheated on and abused
They think that I do not have opinions or voice
They think that being hooded isn't my choice
They think that the hood makes me look caged
That my husband or dad are totally outraged
All they can do is look at me in fear
And in my eye there is a tear

Not because I have been stared at or made fun of
But because people are ignoring the One up above
On the day of judgment they will be the fools
Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules
Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie
But at least I am filled with more inner beauty
See I have declined from being a guy's toy
Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy

Real men are able to appreciate my mind
And aren't busy looking at my behind
Hooded girls are the ones really helping the Muslim cause
The role that we play definitely deserves applause
I will be recognized because I am smart and bright
And because some people are inspired by my sight
The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility
In the back of their mind they wish they were me

We have the strength to do what we think is right
Even if it means putting up a life long fight
You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt
We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt
So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated
We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated
We are the ones that are free and pure
We're free of STD's that have no cure

So when people ask you how you feel about the hood
Just sum it up by saying, 'Baby its all good'
;)

[Julienna]

Qurratulain,
That's a good poem. I hope most muslim women feel this way.
I know I would rather be taken seriously by a man rather than being oogled and talked down to, that's why I dress modestly.
--Julienna

[peace2u]

:up: great post.

[Qurratulain]

Assalamulaikom
Thanks peace2U and Julienna
yes afcourse sis Julienna we muslim women do feel this way, modesty is the best policy :)

[Abdullah al-Muhajir]

Great poem.