What It Means to Me to Be Unapologetically Muslim
I have little to add she said it all so well. I hope some will take her at her word and understand Muslims a bit better. Especially in the face of “they all hate us”.
Being unapologetically Muslim connects to a deeper spiritual place for me. To have no apology for who I am makes me a better Muslim. It means I don’t have to act in response to negative narratives just to prove to others what “good people” Muslims are. And by the same token, I don’t have to suppress who I am to gain others’ acceptance.
I am reminded that doing good in this world is an obligation on me as a Muslim, to please God, not merely to change impressions. Though, I believe Muslim Americans should control our own narrative because it is our story to tell. But, I also know that as Muslims our intention in this world is to please our Lord first. If we’re doing good, as we should, the correct narrative will take care of itself because we’re already a visible force to combat untrue rhetoric.
I heard a saying from a Muslim scholar that says, “That which is done from Allah (God) will last; that which is done for other reasons will be obliterated.”
This reminds me that when I remain unapologetic — not sorry for who I am or what I believe and comfortable in that space, it allows me to continue to purify my intentions. I can act from a place of sincerity and exercise full expression of my identity with no reservations.