Ramadan Blessings of Community

Eid Mubarak! I am constantly amazed at the trials and blessings of Ramadan. This year was no exception. It gave me even greater faith and confidence in humanity by showing me that community is everywhere.

After the attacks of September 11th, my hijab was my protest, my pride and my truth when I could easily pass. Most people appreciated my honesty and transparency in wearing it. It started conversations that allowed us to share our struggles and learn from each other. It helped me to strengthen my armor, resolve and faith in humanity during those difficult times.

As Muslim Americans we stood in solidarity with each other and our neighbors as one community for honesty, transparency and accountability during those dark days. We opened our doors, records and lives for all to see. We taught our children the lessons of the past with our own personal horror stories and those of people we knew so that the sins of the past aren’t repeated.

I recently shared my story of being trafficked to a young man, giving all appearances of a typical American down on their luck with no signs of my religious beliefs. He didn’t react in disbelief but listened carefully while saying and showing that I was safe with him and others. He asked if I had photos of any of those involved. He wanted to make sure who they are. I showed him this website and a video of me in a keffiyah hijab with photos of the main traffickers in it. He zoomed in and asked further questions about their appearance to be sure while noting the address for further study.

He assured me that I was safe with him long before we knew that we were fellow Muslims. We were simply two Nebraskans talking about our community to keep us all safe. May Allah bless him in this life and the next for reminding me that I am safe here. Nebraskans of all kinds are proving that we are one community, one family, ummah wahid. We will always stand in solidarity when honesty and transparency are shown because every life matters, especially your own.

God bless Nebraska and especially her people.