Page 18 7KH ,VODPLF %XOOHWLQ I was on my way to the grocery store today when I came to a busy intersection. Many cars were waiting to turn onto the street that I was crossing on foot. I paused to let a car go because I figured “maybe he/she is in a hurry; I can wait an extra second or two”. But then we ended up doing that little hand wavy dance... “no, go ahead.” “no, you go ahead.” “no, no, you go ahead.” You know what I mean? So finally I went ahead, and as I was stepping out of the crosswalk onto the curb, the person behind the wheel smiled. Well, that got me thinking...about the pros and cons of being a muhajjibah (veiled), and of being recognized as a Muslim. CON: Sometimes bums assume that I am a religious person, so they try to get me to feel sorry for them so I’ll give them money. 6,/9(5 /,1,1* Extra opportunity for barakaat and da’wah. CON: It’s very hard for me to blend in some places, like county fairs; people look at me like I don’t belong there, and I feel awkward. 6,/9(5 /,1,1* I don’t dare enter a bar or nightclub! CON: Sometimes I am mistaken for a nun. 6,/9(5 /,1,1* I get to hear non Muslims refer to me as “sister.” CON: Little kids stare at me rather rudely. 6,/9(5 /,1,1* I get to startle them by smiling and waving. Then I get to see them smile and wave back, too. CON: People don’t bother to invite me to their parties. 6,/9(5 /,1,1* I don’t have to go to people’s parties! CON: Sometimes Muslims see me and look away like they are sorry they saw me. 6,/9(5 /,1,1* Once in a while, I’ll meet a Muslim who may-be isn’t practicing, but is very happy to see me and will say to me, “It makes my heart feel good to meet a good Muslim.” Not that I’m that good or anything, but it’s the thought that counts! We at the Islamic Bulletin are involved in numerous projects. Some of these include: producing and distributing almost 11,000 copies of this publication both here and abroad; providing Qur’an’s and other Islamic materials and literature to prisons and inmates all over the United States; supplying school and public libraries with quality editions of the Holy Qur’an; keeping various hospitals and their chapels supplied; and sending Spanish Islamic materials for “forgotten Muslims” such as those in Nicaragua and elsewhere. Not only are we faced with purchase, production, printing, mailing, and postage expenses for the Bulletin, but also the many Qur’an’s sent to prisoners and the ever increasing number of new converts. Won’t you as fellow Muslims help with these worthy projects? We are completely self-supporting, which means that we do not receive any grants or funding except from you, our readers, nor do we take any commercial ads in order to retain the purity of the publication. It is with this in mind and the need for support that we are putting out a very strong appeal for all of you to please do what you can to help. We have put together several plans which provide different levels of involvement. Islam is growing in America...won’t you do your part to help with one of the following options? Can you help the many prisoners in American jails wanting to learn about Islam in order to change their lives? These inmates need our continuing support and encouragement to effect the necessary changes when they are returned to society. Won’t you make a direct contribution on their behalf for Qur’an’s, “How to Pray” books, and other much needed items. Please be generous and help guide someone to Islam. SILVER LININGS FROM A MUHAJJIBAH HELP SUPPORT THE ISLAMIC BULLETIN
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