I am a Muslim...
By: Zainab Wasti

A pregnant woman minding her business is chased down by an ignorant mob after
the Oklahoma city bombing and loses her unborn baby. A young girl innocently
playing in her backyard in Bosnia steps on a land mine and loses a
limb. A child is deprived of food in Iraq and lives in a state of constant
agony and hunger until he loses his life. For what sin are these people being
persecuted? They did not hurt other human beings nor did they steal from
anyone. They are being punished for no reason other than the fact that they
are Muslims, or followers of Islam.  

The Arabic word of Islam in literal terms means complete submission to only
the will of God. It is derived from the word silm meaning peace--both inner
and outer. A Muslim therefore, is not only one who submits, but also one who
is at peace, seeks peace, and promotes peace. 

Islam is not terrorism; it is compassion. Islam is not oppression; it is
justice. Islam does not disregard human life; it is humanity. Islam is not a
cult nor is it a fad; it is a faith, a brotherhood with a following of one
billion. It is a way of life. Islam is not ignorance; it embraces knowledge. Islam 
was not spread by the sword. It is not compulsion. Islam is voluntary, simply an
invitation. Islam is not Arab; it is cosmopolitan. Islam is not jealousy, greed, or pride.
Instead, it is charity, benevolence, and modesty. Islam does not exploit its
women as sex objects. Islam is the first women's liberation movement. Islam is
not Louis Farakhan. It is not Sadam Husein. It is not Sheikh Omar Abdul-
Rahman. Islam is not arranged marriages or racial supremacy. Islam is dignity,
it is goodness. It is a mystery. Islam--is misunderstood. 

Islam is a war, a bloodless war waged against the devil and temptation, not
against innocent women and children. It is the practice of morals, patience,
self-restraint, and respect both for oneself and for others. It is knowing
pure  from impure and having the strength to openly defend what is right and
condemn what is wrong. 

I am a Muslim and Islam is my way of life. It is my faith by my own will, not
by my parents'. No, I don't feel as though I'm missing out on "the fun." Islam
preserves my dignity and my honor by condemning dating, drinking, and 
the like. Don't feel sorry for me because I do not date or because I do not
wear shorts and tank tops. I feel elevated to know that I have not been
enslaved by the male gaze. Men do not see a pair of legs when they talk to me,
they see me and what I stand for. Don't assume I feel deprived because I do
not drink or eat pork. These are all my own decisions to make. The way I live
my life can be chosen by no one but me. These rules are not forced upon me. I
do not feel as though I am being held back. I know that I am free, and I am at
peace.

May you also know peace ...may you know and understand Islam-
and then, perhaps you'll be able to understand me.