Volunteer with MAS: belong at the level to be part of change

Belong at the level to be part of change Volunteering with MAS National is a much more meaningful experience, taking you further out of your comfort zone and offering far greater rewards. It offers opportunities to be belong at the level where they can make the difference and bring the change.

MAS Members...Volunteer with MAS! Asslamu Alaikum dear brothers and sisters, We encourage you to volunteer with MAS National because it is a much more meaningful experience, taking you further out of your comfort zone and offering far greater rewards. It offers opportunities to be belong at the level where they can make the difference and bring the change. All of these volunteer positions can be filled by qualified and motivated MAS members. Please read the descriptions, and if you are ready to serve at the level where you can make the difference and bring the positive change Insha Allah, apply here. Wassalamu alaikum, MAS Administration department. What is MAS? The Muslim American Society (MAS) is a pioneering Islamic organization, an Islamic revival, and reform movement that uplift the individual, family, and society. MAS have more than 40 chapters across America. Our mission is "to move people to strive for God consciousness, liberty, and justice, and to convey Islam with utmost clarity." MAS is an Invigorating dynamic organization that is building an American society where Muslims are not only fully-participating citizens, but where Muslim Americans are the exemplary citizens who have elevated what is defined as American to newer heights of humanity, morality, spirituality, social justice and higher citizenry because they derive their values and beliefs not from the limits of the mere human thought, but rather from the limitlessness and vastness of the Divine, the Almighty. Why Do We Volunteer? MAS Members volunteer for a number of different reasons. Number one reason is they feel their duty and responsibility to gain the pleasure of Allah-swt by serving for a divine mission. Subsequently other reasons could be ranging from a desire to learn new skills, have fun or make a difference. Some are completely devoted to the cause, while others simply wish to do their bit where they can. In actual fact, volunteering with MAS National is a much more meaningful experience, taking you further out of your comfort zone and offering far greater rewards. It offers opportunities to be belong at the level where they can make the difference and bring the change. Some other reasons are: Give Something Back Unique Opportunities & Learn New Things View a Culture from the Inside Personal Growth A Sense of Accomplishment Recognition and Feedback Friendship and Belonging Skills and Experience To Have Fun Current Listings ADMINISTRATION: Assistant to the Executive Director Chapters Planning Specialist HR Specialist Database Specialist Lists Moderator SharePoint Specialist Google Apps Specialist Corporation Counselor FINANCIAL: Fundraising Administrator Fundraising Coordinator Finance/Accounting Professional GENERAL: Blogs coordinators Straight Path Campaign Volunteer Marketing Coordinator Conventions Coordinator Marriage Coordinators Nonprofit board members Project Managers Replication Engineers Grant Writer Marriage Coordinators Social Networking Specialist Girl Scouts Director ADMINISTRATION: Assistant to the Executive Director: Individual with Project management and administrative skills, available to assist executive director in executing and managing a number of tasks. Needs to be available at least 1 hour per day or more. Chapters Planning Specialist: The Chapters Planning Specialist will be assisting MAS chapters and regions with various areas of organizational growth, development and chapters planning. He or she should have knowledge and enthusiasm for the mission of MAS and offer new ideas and improvements to MAS chapters. Individuals with experience in strategic planning and facilitation. Min 10 hours per month commitment. HR Specialist: Individuals with experience in HR policies and procedures (preferably in nonprofit setting) that will work to evaluate and enhance MAS HR policies, handbooks, employment contracts, diversity polices, performance management etc. Will also assist in creating a positive volunteer experience for all volunteers in MAS. Min 4 hours per week commitment. Database Specialist: The Database Specialist will be given the responsibility of the management of MAS National data. Responsibilities may include: development of web-enabled database forms, synchronization of data from different sources and Email lists. The ideal applicant will have background in Excel and at least one database like Access. Lists Moderator: Lists Moderator will administer several email lists and Yahoo/Google groups. SharePoint Specialist: MAS National has selected SharePoint for its portal. SharePoint Specialist will bring product awareness and help the local chapters/team in the implementation of SharePoint at their team level, and help support SharePoint administrator in light administration and upgrades. Google Apps Specialist: Google Apps Specialist will assist the organization in the utilization of Google Apps products. Corporation Counselor: Individuals with experience incorporation process and paper work, who will advise local chapters on best practices. Min 8 hours per month commitment. FINANCIAL: Fundraising Administrator: The Fundraising Administrator will be responsible for assisting local chapters with fundraising logistics and managing database and schedule. Fundraising Coordinator: To assist society in planning and reserving fundraising opportunities from MAS chapters and other centers around the nation. Needs to be available min of 4 hours per week. Finance/Accounting Professionals: MAS National Finance Department is looking for Finance & Accounting professionals with background in developing policies & procedures, budgeting, forecasting, expertise in banking structure and financial reporting. GENERAL: Blogs Coordinators: Assist executive director in editing blog entries, and enhancing user experience on the blogs. Should have experience in blogs and social networking. Needs to be available at least 3 hours per week. Straight Path Campaign Volunteer: An active member of the local or national committee on combating extremism (currently called Straight Path). Will need individuals with different skills to participate in campaign. Marketing Coordinator: Individual with skills and talents to participate in a committee to design marketing material to communicate the message of MAS using different channels (brochures, internet, website, memorabilia, etc..) Conventions Coordinator: Individuals with experience in conference and event planning will create an infrastructure to serve and standardize and serve all MAS conferences across the nation. Min 20 hours per month commitment Nonprofit board members: Individuals with experience serving in nonprofit boards of major national organizations (preferably non Muslims) who will advise on nonprofit management best practices. Min 10 hours per month commitment. Project Managers: Individuals with PM experience who can become members of a number of national committees in order to focus the team and assist the department's director in managing several ongoing project. Min 4 hours per week commitment. Replication Engineers: Individuals with a love for "packaging" successful experiences, who will study a successful project or experience in an individual chapter, and "package" this experience for replication in other chapters. Individual will need to interview people, collect information, document the experience, and produce a package that can be utilized by interested chapters. For instance, packaging the "Green Team" initiative, or a successful "New Muslim Class" experience, or other single creative initiative introduced in a MAS chapter. Grant Writer: Individuals with good writing ability, and some experience in Grant writing, will be part of a team systematically searching for, and writing grants to different organizations. Min 4 hours per week. Marriage Coordinators: Individuals with experience and desire to assist MAS members find spouses. Will work in a committee to discreetly assist MAS members in their pursuit of finding spouses. Min 3 hours per week commitment. Social Networking Specialist: Individuals with talents and skills in social networking who will increase MAS utilization of social networking sites to communicate our message. Girl Scouts Director: Will provides, facilitate and coordinate training and support to Girl scouts coordinators, will implement the MSD Calendar of events, coordinate between coordinators and leaders for events, conduct a monthly round table teleconference with Coordinators, implement the MSD policies, vision, objectives and plans and convey concerns, suggestions and good ideas between units and MSD. MAS offers exciting possibilities and unique experiences. Specific positions may be partly suited to match your specific proficiencies and interests. Please use this form to apply. MAS is also Hiring! We have several open staff full time positions and many of them do not require relocation. We encourage MAS Members to apply. Click here for details. For any inquiries, please feel free to contact MAS Administration department at masadmin@masonline.org

Hijabi-Check

I would like to share this very beneficial article to serve as a reminder for myself first, before anyone else.
- Wafā'

Hijaab is not a piece of cloth on your head. Just because some of the sisters have their head covered, they think that the requirement of Hijaab is fulfilled. They don’t realize that wearing a Hijaab requires much more than just covering your head. Actually, if you think about it, Hijaab is the way you talk…the way you walk…the very way you carry yourself.

In fact, Hijaab is an attitude in itself. It’s a whole way of life. Allah says:

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty (zeenah) except what is apparent of it, and to extend their head coverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you believers, in order that you are successful.” (Surat-un-Nur: 31).

Here are some of the more common issues in light of this verse about the Hijaab.

Well, my head is covered. What more do you want?

If you look carefully at the ayah, it clearly states that the head covers (khumur) should be drawn over the neck slits (juyoob). Khumur is the plural of the Arabic word “khimar” which means a head cover. Juyoob is the plural of the Arabic word “jaiyb,” which refers to the neck slit (of the dress).

Yet, some sisters just cover their head with something, and think they are fulfilling the rights of Hijaab, although part of their hair or body is showing, or their whole neck and chest area are exposed. Actually, that was the way of the women of Jahilliyah.

Al-Qurtubi said: “Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar.”

So secure the scarf well around your face, covering your neck/chest area, and keep those half sleeves and capri pants for your Mahrams.

Sorry.…tight jeans and short shirt just don’t cut it

You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this is Hijaab. Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it.” (Muslim)

If it is see-through, its NOT Hijaab

You CANNOT use chiffon or other see through material to cover your hair and body. Everything should be covered and the color of the skin [and hair] underneath should not be visible.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) once received a thick garment as a gift. He gave it to Osamah ibn Zayd, who in turn gave it to his wife. When asked by the Prophet why he did not wear it, Osamah indicated that he gave it to his wife. The Prophet then said to Osamah “Ask her to use a ‘gholalah’ under it (the garment) for I fear that it (the garment) may describe the size of her bones.” (Ahmad, Abi-Dawood)

(The word gholalah in Arabic means a thick fabric worn under the dress to prevent it from describing the shape of the body).

The Hijaab shouldn’t attract attention

The dress should not be such that it attracts men’s attention to the woman’s beauty. Allaah clearly states “not to display their beauty (zeenah).” Yet, Subhaan Allaah, some Hijaabi sisters are dressed in such a way that they attract more attention to themselves than they would if they didn’t wear Hijaab!!

How could such zeenah be concealed if the dress is designed in a way that it attracts men’s eyes to the woman? It beats the purpose of Hijaab.

Allaah tells us: “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like those of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab:32]

What about make-up and perfume???

Wearing make up is also part of the zeenah that Allaah orders us NOT to display. So if your head and body are appropriately covered yet you are wearing bright red lipstick or dark eyeliner such that people confuse between you and a raccoon… uh sorry, that’s not Hijaab.

And keep those nice fragrances for the home, between you and your husband. That’s part of Hijaab too, even if you are going to the Masjid.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi: hasan by Albaani)

Tinkling Jewelry and Jingling Bracelets – ‘Loud’ and tinkling anything, be it jewelry, bracelets, clip-clopping shoes, little bells on clothes, you name it – if it jingles or makes noise, it is against the principles of Hijaab, because it attracts attention to the one wearing it.

That is what is meant when Allaah orders us in the above verse… “not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments.”

No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams

Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’.

Allaah says: “… then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” [al-Ahzaab:32]

So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, yet it is polite but firm.

Staring at the brothers or ‘checking them out’ is NOT Hijaab

Allaah orders us to “lower your gaze” in the above verse. Why? Because a single ‘look’ can say more than a thousand words. So, even if you are properly covered, keep those eyes down, conduct yourself with ‘Hayaa,’ and avoid ‘fitnah.’

‘Chatting’ on the internet/phone is not part of Hijaab, either

There is no such thing as “we’re just friends.” Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornication, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. That is why in Islam anything that leads to haraam is also haraam.

Allaah says: “Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

Be careful, even in the way you walk

Remember, you are not a runway model displaying the latest fashion. Walk with modesty and hayaa and you will be respected.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “There are two types of the people of Hell that I have not seen yet… women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait…” (Muslim).

Don’t shake hands with non-Mahrams.

Its part of Hijaab. It is not permissible to shake hands with a non-Mahram, because the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” (at-Tabaraani saheeh by al-Albaani).

And no, it is not rude to refuse to shake hands with non-Muslims. Simply politely explain that its part of your religion and they are very understanding.

Stay away from the men’s areas

I see many sisters entering the Masjid from the men’s entrance, or standing idle in the hallways or where there is a chance of unnecessary mixing with the brothers.

What for? Don’t we have a separate entrance for ourselves? Why do you think Allaah ordained the Hijaab in the first place? To avoid fitnah, by reducing temptation and separating the genders.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: “Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.” Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it.” (Abu Dawood)

Hijaab is also to conceal your sister

Although some sisters wear the Hijaab themselves, they forget that they cannot talk about another sister and her beauty in front of their own husbands, brothers, etc. Remember, part of your Hijaab is to cover your sister’s ‘awrah’ as well.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “No woman should mix with a woman and describe her to her husband so that it is as if he can see her.” (Muslim)

May Allah guide us and bless us with the TRUE understanding of His Deen. Ameen.

[Author Unknown. "I Got it Covered"]

He’s Like A Brother

[By Naiyerah Kolkailah]

“You’re just like a brother to me!” she’d often tell her Muslim college friend whom she’s grown close to over the years. She feels comfortable with confiding in him, trusting him, opening up to him – but she’s never thought of him as a husband. They hang out together during their breaks, she calls him whenever she needs to vent, and she loves how he’s never judgmental towards her. To him, she was a friend at first — but he soon discovered that he’d often feel a tinge of jealousy whenever she spoke nonchalantly and joked with other male classmates. It burned him inside, and he’d always try to pull her away casually without making his irritation apparent. Many times, he’d look at her with admiration, smiling and melting away with his dreams of what could be for them. He would never dare bring up marriage to her, though. How could he when she only viewed him as her brother?

So, would you call these two good friends? Brother and sister maybe? Boyfriend and girlfriend? As with many cases in the Muslim community, this is a confused pseudo-marriage framed under the guise of friendship or an innocent brotherly bond. As the two become lax in their interaction, their hearts naturally – albeit unintentionally – gravitate towards each other, their minds become occupied with each other, and one or both parties eventually develop feelings that either remain trapped or expressed and acted upon unlawfully. With their increasing closeness and intimacy, the special reserves of loyalty, emotional sentiments and halaal physical attraction may be exhausted before their rightful outlet in marriage. If they end up not getting married and search elsewhere for a partner, they may never be content because they can’t resist comparing potential spouses with their former “friend”. Even if they eventually marry someone else, they will always have a history, and sometimes Shaytan can push them to reconnect and rekindle that past relationship during marriage.

It is no wonder why our wise Creator `azza wa jall, who is well aware of our natures and inclinations, says in the Qur’an “…Nor of those who take (boy)friends…(4:25). With many commands and prohibitions in Islam, Allah has mercifully forbade the prerequisite acts that would lead to major sins. He is protecting us from Shaytan and from falling prey to our desires, which saves us the emotional distress and painful regret that often come as a consequence to disobedience.

It’s also no wonder why it is purer and more chaste for both men and women to lower their gaze when speaking to those of the opposite gender (24:30-31), and to focus only on the tasks necessitating their communication. Remember Musa (`alayhissalam ) with the two daughters of Shu`ayb? Their interaction and communicating was exuding hayaa’ and self-respect; Musa (as) never struck personal, unwarranted conversation with them and when one of the daughters informed Musa (as) that her father is inviting him to reward him for his assistance, she walked (and spoke) with utmost modesty and dignity.

One of the greatest manifestations of modesty and also a safeguard to indecent conduct is the Muslimah’s Islamic dress. Besides obeying Allah and the Messenger’s commands in wearing loose, non-transparent, non-perfumed clothing, the attire brings with it an entire set of behavioral traits that the Muslim woman finds befitting to uphold. She is no longer comfortable mingling with men, joking and laughing loudly with them – or behaving in any way that may ignite their desires. Her taqwa (God-consciousness) and hayaa’ with Allah become embodied in all her mannerisms – her body language, how she speaks and carries herself – and reminds her of amicably maintaining the boundaries that Allah and the Messenger (peace be upon him) would be pleased with.

There is a profound hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which if practiced and truly believed in, can adorn our lives with blessings and many successes. It states: “There is nothing that you leave out of God-consciousness except that Allah will compensate you with something better” (Ahmad). We all long for acceptance and relationships that quell our loneliness and make us feel needed and loved. Perhaps if we devote our lives to increasing our love for Allah and gaining His love in return, He will bless us with halaal relationships that will be the greatest source of happiness, love, loyalty and compassion in this life and the better one to come.

["He’s Like A Brother". Muslimah Source.]

MAS Freedom Condemns Attack by Egyptian Riot Police on Viva Palestina Convoy

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN THE MAS FREEDOM E-LIST TODAY BY SHARING THIS MESSAGE WITH THEM AND INVITING THEM TO CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN UP! IT'S FREE! click here for the link MAS FREEDOM CONDEMNS ATTACK BY EGYPTIAN RIOT POLICE ON VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY TEAM MEMBERS Join the MAS Freedom 'Let Gaza Live' Campaign! WASHINGTON, DC (MASNET) Jan. 6, 2010 - In its ongoing support of calling for an end to the illegal siege of Gaza through its 'Let Gaza Live' campaign, MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), condemns the January 5, 2009 attacks by Egyptian riot police against members of the Viva Palestina convoy, resulting in the arrests of seven and serious injuries to as many as ten of the first 157 convoy team members arriving at Port El-Arish, Egypt in route to fulfilling their mission of delivering over 200 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Gaza. (VIDEO) The incidents stemmed from a decision on the part of government officials in Egypt to impose yet another delay on the convoy's journey, insisting that more than 50 vehicles would remain behind. After traveling one month, thousands of miles, through ten countries, utilizing one ship and four flights, the news unsettled convoy team members who commenced a protest against yet another delay. The convoy, after traveling through Europe, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, was forced to detour back to Syria after Egypt's initial refusal to grant permission for the convoy to proceed onward to Gaza, and later re-routed further west of the Mediterranean coast to before reaching El-Arish. The ongoing economic blockade of Gaza - enforced by both Israel and Egypt - continues to inflict devastating damage to the food, water, sanitation, and electrical infrastructure needed to provide life sustaining support for more than 1.4 million people in the Palestinians territory. As one of the 86 delegates allowed to enter Gaza from Dec. 29, 2009 -Jan. 2, 2010, Aishah Schwartz traveled from Cairo, Egypt through the Rafah border to participate in activities recognizing the devastation produced in the Dec. 27, 2008 - Jan. 18, 2009 assault on the Gaza Strip, code-named Operation Cast Lead, resulting in the deaths of 1,419 Palestinians, including 326 children and 111 women. Among the countless realities striking Schwartz during her visit to Gaza was learning that, despite promises of reconstructive assistance and financial aid to the territory, generators were still being used in large areas to produce electrical power, four days out of seven - every week - for the past four years. "There is an element of U.S. collusion with this illegal blockade of the civilian population of Gaza since Israel and Egypt are the largest and second largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, respectively, and this money, from U.S. taxpayers, directly provides armaments and technology used by Israel and Egypt to enforce the economic strangulation of Gaza," stated MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray. The United States military is also reportedly supplying the Egyptian government with technology being used to construct a massive security fence designed to further cut-off the Gaza Strip from access to supplies from the Egyptian side of the border. Bray added, "It is high time for American religious leaders, and all people of conscience, to step up the pressure on Congress and the President, to compel both Israel and Egypt to allow humanitarian aid to flow unimpeded into Gaza. In the course of an average month no less than 10,000 truckloads of supplies are required to sustain the region, yet, on average, only 2,000 are reaching the Palestinian people. In the 21st Century, no human being should be allowed to suffer from this type of immoral and illegal economic strangulation." HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP! · Join the MAS Freedom Let Gaza Live Campaign! MAS Freedom is mobilizing people to mail hundreds of thousands of 'Let Gaza Live' postcards to President Obama and members of Congress, calling on the U.S. government to pressure both Israel and Egypt - the two largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance, respectively - to immediately end the cruel and illegal economic strangulation of Gaza. Call MAS Freedom at (703)-642-6165, or reach us by email at: info@masfreedom.org to request 'Let Gaza Live' postcards that will be sent to you at no cost. · Tell your friends, family, and community members about MAS Freedom's 'Let Gaza Live' Campaign, and ask them to send their email addresses and contact information to MAS Freedom so they can join the campaign. If everyone would tell only ten other people about the 'Let Gaza Live' postcard mailing campaign, together we can build a huge movement in support of the human rights of 1.4 million Gazan's, and all the people of Palestine. · Finally, send your generous contributions to: MAS Freedom, 1326 G Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001. Your financial support will help us distribute even more 'Let Gaza Live' postcards and build the pressure required to permanently lift the blockade. Earlier today the Viva Palestina convoy, including eight buses, was finally allowed to pass across the border of Egypt through the Rafah crossing. For additional inquiries can be made by contacting MAS Freedom at (202) 552-7414, (703) 642-6165 or 1-888-627-8471 or sending an email to: info @ masfreedom.org. RELATED 23 Days of War, 928 Days of Closure VIDEO: Viva Palestina Report from El-Arish Tracking the Viva Palestina Journey ------------------------------------------------------------- MAS Freedom (MASF) is a civic and human rights advocacy entity and sister organization of the Muslim American Society (MAS), the largest Muslim, grassroots, charitable, religious, social, cultural, civic and educational organization in America - with 55 chapters in 35 states. ------------------------------------------------------------- MAS Freedom 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington DC 20005 Phone: (202) 552-7414 or (703) 642-6165 Toll Free: 1-(888)-627-8471 Fax: (757) 299-9961 MASF on the Web Contact MASF by Email TO DONATE CLICK HERE

A Woman's Reflection on Leading Prayer

"Given my privilege as a woman, I only degrade myself by trying to be something I’m not--and in all honesty--don’t want to be: a man. As women, we will never reach true liberation until we stop trying to mimic men, and value the beauty in our own God-given distinctiveness."

On March 18, 2005 Amina Wadud led the first female-led Jumuah (Friday) prayer. On that day women took a huge step towards being more like men. But, did we come closer to actualizing our God-given liberation? I don’t think so!

What we so often forget is that God has honored the woman by giving her value in relation to God — not in relation to men. But as western feminism erases God from the scene, there is no standard left — but men. As a result the western feminist is forced to find her value in relation to a man. And in so doing she has accepted a faulty assumption. She has accepted that man is the standard, and thus a woman can never be a full human being until she becomes just like a man — the standard.

When a man cut his hair short, she wanted to cut her hair short. When a man joined the army, she wanted to join the army. She wanted these things for no other reason than because the “standard” had it.

What she didn’t recognize was that God dignifies both men and women in their distinctiveness--not their sameness. And on March 18, Muslim women made the very same mistake.

For 1400 years there has been a consensus of the scholars that men are to lead prayer. As a Muslim woman, why does this matter? The one who leads prayer is not spiritually superior in any way. Something is not better just because a man does it. And leading prayer is not better, just because it’s leading. Had it been the role of women or had it been more divine, why wouldn’t the Prophet have asked Ayesha (ra) or Khadija (ra), or Fatima (ra) — the greatest women of all time — to lead? These women were promised heaven — and yet they never lead prayer.

But now for the first time in 1400 years, we look at a man leading prayer and we think, “That’s not fair.” We think so although God has given no special privilege to the one who leads. The imam is no higher in the eyes of God than the one who prays behind.

On the other hand, only a woman can be a mother. And God has given special privilege to a mother. The Prophet taught us that heaven lies at the feet of mothers. But no matter what a man does he can never be a mother. So why is that not unfair?

When asked who is most deserving of our kind treatment? The Prophet replied ‘ your mother ’ three times before saying ‘ your father ’ only once. Isn’t that sexist? No matter what a man does he will never be able to have the status of a mother.

And yet even when God honors us with something uniquely feminine, we are too busy trying to find our worth in reference to men, to value it — or even notice. We too have accepted men as the standard; so anything uniquely feminine is, by definition, inferior. Being sensitive is an insult, becoming a mother — a degradation. In the battle between stoic rationality (considered masculine) and self-less compassion (considered feminine), rationality reigns supreme.

As soon as we accept that everything a man has and does is better, all that follows is just a knee jerk reaction: if men have it—we want it too. If men pray in the front rows, we assume this is better, so we want to pray in the front rows too. If men lead prayer, we assume the imam is closer to God, so we want to lead prayer too. Somewhere along the line we’ve accepted the notion that having a position of worldly leadership is some indication of one’s position with God.

A Muslim woman does not need to degrade herself in this way. She has God as a standard. She has God to give her value; she doesn’t need a man. In fact, in our crusade to follow men, we, as women, never even stopped to examine the possibility that what we have is better for us. In some cases we even gave up what was higher only to be like men.

Fifty years ago, society told us that men were superior because they left the home to work in factories. We were mothers. And yet, we were told that it was women’s liberation to abandon the raising of another human being in order to work on a machine. We accepted that working in a factory was superior to raising the foundation of society — just because a man did it.

Then after working, we were expected to be superhuman—the perfect mother, the perfect wife, the perfect homemaker—and have the perfect career. And while there is nothing wrong, by definition, with a woman having a career, we soon came to realize what we had sacrificed by blindly mimicking men. We watched as our children became strangers and soon recognized the privilege we’d given up.

And so only now — given the choice — women in the West are choosing to stay home to raise their children. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, only 31 percent of mothers with babies, and 18 percent of mothers with two or more children, are working full-time. And of those working mothers, a survey conducted by Parenting Magazine in 2000, found that 93% of them say they would rather be home with their kids, but are compelled to work due to 'financial obligations'. These ‘obligations’ are imposed on women by the gender sameness of the modern West, and removed from women by the gender distinctiveness of Islam.

It took women in the West almost a century of experimentation to realize a privilege given to Muslim women 1400 years ago.

Given my privilege as a woman, I only degrade myself by trying to be something I’m not--and in all honesty--don’t want to be: a man. As women, we will never reach true liberation until we stop trying to mimic men, and value the beauty in our own God-given distinctiveness.

If given a choice between stoic justice and compassion, I choose compassion. And if given a choice between worldly leadership and heaven at my feet — I choose heaven.
[by Yasmin Mogahed - Friday 25, March 2005. Media Monitors Network (MMN)]