Like many people, growing up and understanding my self-identity has been a constant challenge. As someone who did not often belong as a part of the majority from social norms to ethnicity, I struggled to fit in. Nonetheless, my challenges have shaped me to be who I am today, and despite being an atheist, I am glad I grew up Muslim.
I used to think that I did not have much in common with many of my Muslim friends. My parents did not speak Arabic, I rarely wore a hijab in public and I absolutely loved wearing shorts. But my parents taught me many core Islamic values that I will hold with me today. My dad would give me money for zakat, to donate. He told me that it was always important to help those less fortunate because it is the responsibility of those more fortunate to give others the same opportunity.
Growing up Muslim, I understood how to be patient and hospitable. It taught me not to immediately judge someone but instead to listen to them. However, the most important lesson I have learned is to believe in the best of people.
A Muslim crowd is diverse. Gathering at the mosque was one of the few occasions I was able to see people of all ages and skin tones gathered in one location, united in belief. Inside and outside the mosque, Muslims greet others as a sister or a brother, and they genuinely mean it. There is a sense of equality and warmth in the community, regardless of your background. You do not even have to be Muslim to feel welcome and to participate in Islamic activities such as prayers, fasting or social events.
Muslim people, like people of other faiths, are active in the community. The Muslim Student Association at NC State hosts many events and volunteering activities. But it is unfortunate that many people in America fail to recognize this.
Instead, many ignorant people associate Islam with terrorism. What many of these people do not realize, is that these “terrorists” are not Muslims, as their actions go against what Islam stands for. Being a Muslim means that every action has niyyah: it is carried out with good intention.
It hurts when ignorant people tie 9/11 to Islamic terrorism; that is not reflective of the religion. It hurt when Trump placed a ban on Muslim immigrants; they were just unfortunate people looking for a place of refuge in what is supposed to be a diverse and welcoming country. But it especially hurts to see our families, friends and community as victims of hate crimes because of their strong spiritual connection to God. Even two years after the death of Our Three Winners, Razan, Yusor and Deah, it hurts to have lost three cherished NC State and UNC students.
To be Muslim is not always welcome in the United States. It was heartwarming when Chancellor Randy Woodson said “please know you are welcome and a valued part of the NC State Community” in his response to the immigration executive order affecting many Muslim students. Furthermore, the College of Design is currently hosting a canned food drive in connection with the Interfaith Food Drive in the lobby of Brooks Hall until Feb. 24 in honor of Our Three Winners to continue their legacy.
Yet, despite these recent movements, it can still feel difficult to be accepted at a peer level. Instead of judging Muslims because of their religion, maybe we can be welcoming by saying hello. Muslims are our friends, and neighbors. I have been lucky enough to have met many Muslims and gained many values from Islam.
