Muslim women are in high places in modern times. Perhaps following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad’s wealthy self-employed wife, Khadijah; Muslim women are entrepreneurs, teachers, judges, homecoming queens, mother’s and wives. They will not be judged on whether or not they choose to veil their hair. And instead of being judged by physical appearance, they choose to be judged on their character and professional performance.
Muslimah's Use Mind, Body, and Soul to Achieve Goals
The Muslim women featured in this article are making strides towards success in their communities, in government and in athletics. The tremendous feat they have achieved would be amazing for any woman, but they are unique because of their commitment to their religious values. These Muslimahs prove that being a Musllim woman in America does not inhibit them from achieving their goals. Islam provides for them a sense of purpose and balance no matter if they are an elected judge or a triathalon athlete!
Najeeba Syeed-Miller - Resolving Conflicts in California
Najeeba is Executive Director of the Western Justice Center Foundation (WJCF), a center specializing in conflict resolution within the community. WJCF was recognized for their work by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a 2007 Conference.
In an interview with Azizah Magazine in Winter 2009, Syeed Miller said this when asked how faith impacts her work, “You stay grounded in your faith and when you walk away from a conflict you are humble.” She continued, “ . . . my identity as a Muslim woman drives my interest and work as a peace builder.”
Honorable Charlene Mekled Elder - 1st Elected Muslim Woman Judge
On April 12, 2006, Dearborn, Michigan native, Charlene Elder, was honored by fellow judges, government officials, family and Muslim supporters at her investiture ceremony.
In high school, Charlene was homecoming queen and captain of her track team, but her most prized accomplishment is being the mother to four beautiful children. She told Azizah magazine’s Precious Muhammad in winter 2009, “Being Muslim is universal” she explains, “Not cultural, not ethnic. It does not look Arab. It is universal. I believe being Muslim is what makes me stand out.”
Muslim Women Triathlon Athletes - Run, Bike and Swim in Hijab
Sisters, Nihad and Shaz Kaiserruddin along with sister-in-law, Hebba Abassi defied the odds when they entered to compete in a triathlon alongside and inside Lake Michigan. The three women trained and competed with their bodies and hair completely covered.
After months of strenuous training, the Muslim women biked 13 miles, swam 1/2 mile and ran 3 miles. Heba Abassi said this, in fall 2008, to Azizah magazine’s Dujanah Descartes, “I began wearing hijab at a very young age and never thought I could participate in something like this. So it is very liberating to find out I can do it.”
Muslim Women are God-conscious Human Beings
It probably would not be accurate to say American Muslim women are just like all other American women because Islam is not just a religion, it is a way of life. For these particular women, being Muslim is a driving force that gives a greater meaning to everything they do or accomplish. However these women are just like all other American women in many other ways; they are mothers, wives, and are pursuing goals in life, which can be challenging for any woman in society.
Sources
Azizah Magazine Volume 5, Issue 1
Azizah Magazine Volume 5, Issue 2
Islamicity.com
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