Muslim Girl Magazine: In Their Own Words

Ausma,

As a Muslim girl, I would first like to thank you for all that you have done. I respect your intentions and your hard work to provide a voice to Muslim girls everywhere. However, I have to admit that the impression of your magazine that I have derived from this article is one that is very confused. The issues facing Muslim girls today are extremely serious and in-depth. With this magazine, you have opened up a platform for discussion and debate on these issues. However, although I have not had the opportunity to read the magazine, the impression that you have conveyed through this article is one of a much lighter tone. In an attempt to sympathize with both sides (both Muslim girls and not) you have, in a sense, "bubble-gummed" the issue. The truth of the matter is, is that the issues facing Muslim girls are much too serious and complex to fit the mainstream conscience for which the magazine seems to have been designed. The issues at the root of society and culture that need to be addressed stretch deeper than hijab -styles. I was confused as to whether the goal of your magazine was to remain mainstream and appeal to the masses, or to provide a genuinevoice for Muslim girls. Although the idea is very honourable, the direction that you want to take with this magazine comes off as very confused.

On another note, being a Muslim girl, I felt I should be able to relate to the issues you raised in the article. However, I find it difficult to understand. I recognize that as a Muslim, I am automatically a part of this greater picture, but on a personal level I feel a little bit alienated. I am well-versed in my religion and culture, however I belong to a sect of Islam that does not traditionally encourage the use of a head-scarf or many other of the Western stereotyped "Muslim things." Somehow, I am supposed to have some kind of authority on these issues, besides being as knowledgeable as my non-Muslim friends. I am kind of, caught in the middle. Does this make me a Muslim girl in need of a voice? I don't think so, and I'm not sure how your magazine relates a girl like me. Again, I am struck by the confusion of the direction of this magazine. Is it supposed to appeal to everyone? just Muslim girls? or just Muslim girls who feel they need a voice? I can't tell.

Regards,
Alyza

From my personal experiences, i think the toughest part is getting past appearances, i will freely admit that at some points in my life i've looked at the head gear of different faiths, and didn't react negatively, but was perplexed by my own ignorance, as if internally i was saying...what is that?

Having grown up in Catholic quebec i was quite comfortable with Catholic wardrobe and buddhist monks shaving their head and wearing robes, just because i took the time to learn what it meant to each tradition to wear certain clothes...

I'm still very ignorant as to why Sikh men wear turbans to be honest, or why Hassidic (sp) Jews wear the cap on their head, yes i don't know what that's called either.

Anyhow, i thought i'd bring this up because so much of what we encounter today is based on appearances, whether they're in a magazine or imagined, and it's a bit scary because so much of one's perception can be formed from TV, magazines or the internet now, without ever really getting to know peoples of that culture, faith or whatever...

Even HH the Dalai Lama, who many consider to be in some way an ideal representation of compassion and understanding said himself, that before he left Tibet he didn't know anything about other religions...and that traveling abroad has helped him learn about other faiths and cultures....

So, hmm, i don't really have a point to my rambling, just some thoughts...

Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, and Ausma is no exception. All i really find this article to be is an advertisement for her magazine. Every single one of the issues this article raises could be applied to anyone trying to integrate into a new culture. I think i'll go write an article dealing with the fashion implications of a half naked, bleeding, man nailed to a piece of wood.

tdsracer,

Our populous dose not consist of purely Christian students and this is what creates a diverse learning environment with many opinions and ideals; creating scintillating conversations. I attend a multi-cultural school, as is common in Canada, and would be completely shocked and offended if the "Lord's Prayer" was recited in my classroom. This I believe would be flaunting Christianity in the faces of non-Christian students.
In wearing a hijab, Muslim girls are simply expressing a part of their being. Your comment about them flaunting their religion in doing this is non-sensical. If a Muslim woman were walking down the street wearing hijab would you then ask why they are allowed to wear it? Wearing a hijab in school is the same situation. Canada is a country of free expression: it is their right to wear a head scarf is they wish to do so. The issues of reciting the "Lord's Prayer" and wearing a hijab are completely isolated from each other. There is no comparison between the two.

From the young Muslims girl's that I know, I've realized that many of them don't fully understand their faith. They are welcomed into a religion in which rules and regulations are already set the day they breathe life. Growing up in a western society, many of them feel isolated from humanity because they don't "fit in" with everyone else. However, young Muslims are becoming more informed on the rising issue of the culture clash within a western society.

We certainly respect diversity, but faith and culture cannot come at the cost of constitutional liberties.

Ausma,

I found your article to be very interesting. This is a great idea to help young Muslim women to get their stories out for the general public to hear. However, your article wise kind of vague. I didn't really know your standpoint on this situation...well I kind of do, but you aren't really expressing it properly in your article. If you had added some anecdotes, it wouldn't seem more vague when you were talking about the young women, and their stories. It seemed like you didn't want to stir up some controversy, on a very controversial topic. Overall, I really do like this idea, and what you're trying to do. Some more specific examples are needed, and also you need to be more confident in what you are saying, instead of contradicting yourself.

This is a general comment about the head scarf. Why is it that we no longer say the 'Lord's Prayer' in school? We are told that not everyone is Christian, sso why are Muslims allowed to flaunt their religion by wearing their head scarfs in school?

Hi everyone,
This is truly a very interesting article with unique perspectives into a young Muslim woman life.
I also would like to see more debate about the different issues raised.
A good debate is starting to take place, I truly hope it will continue...
In respect to my perspective, I would hope the our communities accross all provinces in Canada could accept the different rich cultures we have, at the same time honour all traditions that we can in Canada.
All the best, Holly