Masjids, I am still staying away from you.
I have decided you are not where I need you to be to inspire & influence my children’s faith, character, curiosity & love of God. You are so far behind, so far.
An `Eid prayer yesterday and the sermon was about women having modesty, hijab, covering etc?!!!
Men being reminded that protecting themselves and their families lies in the control of their eyes, not sharing pics of their wives, sisters, daughters etc. on social media and reminding their women (with the softest of speech of course) the rights that Islam has over them with regards to how they present themselves to the world.
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“Sacrifice” the glory of this world for the next. That was supposed to be the take home message for `Eid.
I understand the nuances of intention and therefore the attention that follows.
I understand that clothing can be used to reflect a spiritual/personal branding of sorts and therefore give off a certain message.
I understand that we owe ourselves radical responsibility around our intentions and actions as we are tremendously powerful as people and our intentions and actions have consequences.
I can see now what was mentioned is important in the grander scheme of things.
But to do a sermon on that on Eid ul Adha – seriously?!
Our intial takeaways…
What I got:
“This is why my kids do not attend masjids, go to madressah or take part in ‘mainstream’ islamic circles.” 🤦🏽♀️
Dissapointment & frustration but an affirming that I gave done right by my kids.
What my kids got:
“Mummy the masjid was boring”.
Disconnection.
What my husband got
Me: Whatsapping him straight after the salah – “Wanna go?”
Him: “Why? It’s hilarious 🤣”
Entertainment.
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Hopes
Do you know what would have made me, my kids, my husband possibly leave inspired, enlightened, educated, wanting to know more?
– The story of Hajar – opening up conversations around the role women played in Islam and the spread of the message of oneness, of faith, of surrender… we were and are just as present as the men.
– Black history and race – Hajar was Black
– The role not only Ibrahim but Hajar played in being the founder of Makkah – how without her immense trust and faith in God – Makkah might not exist today – that faith, that trust brought water, it attracted people, a community – all magnetized to her and her child because of her immense trust and faith.
– The possible aftermath of Zamzam – the difficulties of possibly raising a child pretty much single handed as the father wasn’t actually around. Links to women having the right to have their own financial independence, the importance of being part of a supportive community and how we build and provide that.
– How life & communities get built and flourish around sources of water and how we as a community can support this basic need being available for more people around the world.
– The rejection / abandonment by Ibrahim of part of his family – and the resulting awesomeness that follows – water, life, community, pilgrimages, influence, global connection! – links: it is from those very abandoned parts of ourselves that the greatest power for our own growth can be harnessed so we can then witness that same magnificence unfold in our own lives.
I could go on….
Step up people.
Step up.
We need more from you
To remain engaged with you.