Atlanta: Four years ago, while studying French, Italian
and women’s studies as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee in
Knoxville, I accepted Islam by taking "shahaadah," or the
declaration of faith, during Ramadan, proclaiming that there is one god
and Muhammad was a prophet of god. I had spent three years studying
various religions and belief systems before taking this important step in
my spiritual journey.
I was moved by Sufi poets and the beauty of a faith that
allowed for pluralism. I enjoyed the sense of unity that came with
performing rituals alongside other Muslims. I was thrilled to discover a
belief system that was not at odds with scientific knowledge. The Islam I
came to know allowed for diversity in interpretation and encouraged the
pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking. I have grown so much in my
faith since that time and am proud to call myself Muslim.
Earlier this year, I moved to Atlanta with my husband and
was excited to visit the various mosques in the area. I had hoped to find
a supportive and open-minded community in which I would feel at home.
However, like everywhere else, it seemed the extremists were always the
loudest and carried most of the weight. It did not bode well that every
mosque I visited practised strict gender segregation.
As a feminist with a minor in women’s studies, I have
never found this sort of restriction necessary or beneficial. During a
study circle called a ‘halaqa’ at a mosque in north Atlanta, I was
told music was ‘haram’ or forbidden. As a fan of bluegrass, classic
rock, reggae, hip-hop, jazz, folk, pop, opera and just about any other
musical style, I found this edict impossible to swallow.
I was also told that because Arabic is not my native
language I was not qualified to interpret religious text. Finally, on one
of the holiest days of the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr, the day
celebrating the end of the month-long fast during Ramadan, my good friend,
Kelly Wentworth attended the congregational prayer at one of the largest
mosques in Atlanta. The sermon vilified the ‘West’. The imam, or religious
leader, told the congregation that Islam is incompatible with ‘western’
values and the ‘West’ is a corruption. My friend returned home that night
incensed. After all, she and I are the ‘West’ and were inspired by our
‘western’ ideas to choose Islam.
In all of my studies, Islam was the one faith most
compatible with so-called ‘western’ thought. It is because I live in the
‘West’ that I have the freedom to practise Islam. I do not feel the need
to choose between my spiritual path and ‘western’ values. Both Islam and
the ‘West’ are integral parts of who I am. Needless to say, I was
disappointed and frustrated.
Habitual seekers of knowledge, Kelly and I were in the
midst of reading books such as Standing Alone in Mecca, Living
Islam Out Loud and The Trouble with Islam, along with various
Sufi poetry, biographies of strong Muslim women such as Rabbia, a Sufi
poet, Ayesha, a wife of the prophet, and Khadijah, the first wife of the
prophet and his benefactress, and others. We became inspired. We knew we
were not alone in our interpretations of an inclusive Muslim world even
though there was no community to support us. We decided to form our own
community. Thankfully, we live in a country where we have the freedom to
do so.
On October 18, we filed for incorporation with the state
of Georgia as the "American Islamic Fellowship", an organisation dedicated
to providing a safe and supportive community for the diverse voices of
Muslim Americans. The Islam I have embraced is one that protects the
rights of women, is tolerant of multiculturalism, promotes peace among
mankind and encourages spiritual enlightenment through religious practice,
critical thinking and the quest for knowledge. The Islam I practise is
egalitarian and just and is not a religion of blind followers but of
conscientious believers. Kelly and I have committed to developing a
community through the fellowship that will encourage studying, discussion
and diversity of thought. We hope to promote cooperation between faith
groups and charitable organisations.
As converts, Kelly and I offer a unique perspective on the
practice of Islam. Through studying, critical analysis and thoughtful
interpretation we attempt to make educated and conscious decisions
concerning tradition. We believe that the emerging identity of the
American Muslim is as diverse as the American populace. As representatives
of that group, we hope to demonstrate the progressive tenets of Islam
through tolerance, education, equality and the democratic process. We aim
to focus our efforts on studying the similarities between various groups
rather than focusing on the differences.
As descendants of American revolutionaries, Kelly and I
follow in their footsteps as we set out to redefine our reality. In the
spirit of our forefathers, we have embarked on a revolutionary path. We
have a vision of a community that supports and encourages its members to
pursue knowledge and define their own boundaries rather than following
lines previously drawn.