In recent times an outstanding amount of people across the world have heard the words Islam and Muslim repeted again and again. This includes people who had never heard of a Muslim or Islam in their life. Why, you may ask? Well, mostly due to negativity in the press after the September 11th, 2001 incidents. One of the saddest things about them learning these new words is that along with them, they hear other words such as; terrorism, oppression, and extremism. There is no way that I could expect to live in a perfect world but, one step closer to a better world would be non-biased media. My dream is to allow these people the chance to see Islam for what it truly is and form their own opinion versus having their minds sculpted like clay with not only subliminal messages but blunt accusations and slander. The religion of Islam, while vast and unique is at the same time comprehendible to all those who truly desire to learn the truth.

So many times, I have turned on the television and channel surfed my way to CNN, a popular news source around the world. What do I see and hear? Hmm… I see people from all walks of life giving commentary about just how “inhumane” Islam is and how the Muslim women are oppressed by having to cover themselves etc.. Along with that, I see Muslims on the screen with heart wrenching rebuttals stating that hijab along with worship are a choice and not commandments. These people are misrepresenting the true meaning of Islam but at the same time they have a point when they say hijab is not the most important issue in worship. after watching such things, i stand firm in my opinion that it is my duty to deliver an accurate example of islam to the people.

Too many people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike put all their focus on the style of dress and not enough on the other aspects of Islam. There actually are Muslims out there that physically appear to be Muslim but in reality it is as if they are walking garments. If we sat with them, we would see just how important the other issues in the religion are to them. In fact within one meeting you can see their priorities written in their faces and actions. Surely Allah sees their attempt toward modesty in clothing because Allah knows what is hidden in the hearts of mankind. with that in mind, they should be aware that he also sees what part of the religion is being neglected by them. There is a hadith that says: “ Fear Allah as if you can see him, if you cannot imagine seeing him, know that he sees you”. If we can live by example of this hadith, we surely would be on the straight path.

My dear brothers and sisters, lets not help people to see us as walking garments but as god fearing people who are following the straightest path ever given to mankind.

"And I have not created the Jinn and man but that they worship Me" Holy Quran 51:57