Supporting our Muslim Sisters
Against Intolerance
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
OCTOBER 11, 2001
On October 11, 2001, we urge that women across America wear a scarf over their hair in support of our Muslim sisters to show that beneath the scarf, we are all the same
On October 11, 2001, let the women of America lead the way to protest the threats, intimidation and violence against Muslims who live and work beside us in peace in this great country. Let us spread the word that Islam is a religion of peace and love – not terrorism – and that intolerance to one is intolerance to all.
We are mothers... wives... sisters... daughters... friends . . . we are all WOMEN!
Mark October 11th on your calendar.
- Tell your mothers and sisters and daughters
- Tell your friends and neighbors
- Tell your coworkers
- Tell the ladies of your church
Join us...
No matter what your race
No matter what your color
No matter what your ethnic background
No matter what your religion
Why? Because....
We are ALL Americans!
We are ALL... WOMEN!
MAKE OCTOBER 11, 2001 COUNT!
We CAN make a difference!
A poem for all of us:
Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow-men."
The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!
(James Henry Leigh Hunt, 1784-1859)
One of the greatest Islamic structures of all time.... was a gift of love
The Taj Mahal
Islam is NOT synonymous with terrorism!
Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, an eminent Muslim scholar, states: "Islam, the religion of tolerance, holds the human soul in high esteem, and considers the attack against innocent human beings a grave sin..." Click here for the entire article, including both passages from the Qur'an and from that Hadiith (sayings of the Prophet Mohammed).
Wearing the "hijjab" (scarf)
Here are some ways to wrap your scarf!
Who Are We?
- Phyllis Fletcher. This was all my idea. Here I was on the West Coast, in a state of shock and disbelief over the insane actions of terrorists in New York City and Washington, D.C., and feeling helpless to do anything from this distance except send money. Then came reports from around the country that Muslims and people “looking” Middle Eastern were being harassed and attacked – and in some unfortunate instances, even killed. Muslim women were afraid to come out of their houses. Muslim children were frightened and intimidated and kept out of school. A 19-year-old college student in my community was beaten by two men because he was from Saudi Arabia. Enough was enough. This is not Nazi Germany – this is America! I may not be able to help in New York City but I can do something to fight the intolerance that some ignorant oafs think passes for patriotism. It came to me that what better way to make our Muslim sisters and their children feel secure walking our streets than if we all stand together and look alike. If the women lead, the men will follow. I hope you will join us in this symbolic gesture. Peace be with you!.
Shemah Fletcher. I'm really just the webmistress, but here goes. I'm not Arab and not Muslim. I've lived, however, in the Middle East, as an exchange student for a year in Cairo, Egypt, and for a year working in a hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both experiences were wonderful, and I found the Arabic people to be the most hospitable and friendly people I'd ever met. In America, I am pleased and proud to count Muslim women amongst my friends, and I've been horrified at the antipathy and threats that, while mostly aimed at men, cause fear and concern amongst the women also. Some are afraid to leave their homes, as the "hijjab" or scarf they wear clearly marks them as a target for hate crimes. Some are afraid for their children, going to school in this hostile atmosphere in America these days. While agreeing that the terrorists responsible for the despicable act of hatred earlier this month should be identified, caught, and punished, it should also be clearly understood by ALL people that Islam is NOT synonymous with terrorism, any more than Jim Jones or the Klan are not synonymous with Christianity. The Muslims I know are wonderful, generous people, whom anyone could be proud to call friend. As such, I am standing by my friends now, in the time when they are wrongfully under attack.
Christina Monir. I'm 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. I'm half Egyptian but not Muslim. I was born in America and lived here all my life, and I'm also very proud and glad to be Egyptian. I was with my mom (Shemah) in Saudi Arabia and stayed for two summers with Gidda (my grandmother) and Grandpa Roger in Cairo. I'm lucky to have lots of friends at school who don't believe in hurting innocent people.
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The Arabic font on this page is Iqraa True Type Font, downloaded free from the Islamic Center of Blacksburg ...many thanks to them!
