As a Muslim writer aiming at presenting the positive image of American Muslims in the media, I am grateful first to Allah Almighty for providing me with the opportunity and responsibility to represent my faith. I am also proud to be a member of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation.
We Muslims have long been misrepresented to the West and in the West. The events of 9/11 further damaged our image through guilt by association. In front of this avalanche of anti-Muslim sentiments and islamophobia, what are we contributing to our generation and to the coming generations to help correct misconceptions, spread peace and understanding, and practice our religious traditions that favor social harmony?
The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation is a pioneer in building peace in the DFW metroplex. These women have early on recognized the need for an active Muslim role in a Western society that aspires to open-mindedness, tolerance, and pluralism. Not only has the foundation succeeded in changing the image of the Muslim woman in the American imagination, but it has set pivoting grounds in the social grass roots to include a Muslim organization as an invaluable member of this American civic community.
TMWF has fought misconceptions about Islam through walking their faith: with its social services and compassion for those seeking justice, dignity, and peace, TMWF has shown the American society at large how Islam is a religion of peace and justice that fosters human rights. Through its youth program, TMWF has foreseen the dangers that American Muslim youth face if they are socially alienated because of their faith. TMWF has helped raised a youth that is proud to be Muslim and that is committed to participating in society, thus representing a model of American Muslim citizens.
Having taken care of the family, Muslim community, neighborhood, and society TMWF has spread peace from the bottom layers among individuals and up to the top of society at large. Its interfaith and educational outreach program has proved successful in further strengthening the Muslim community by building bridges of friendship and partnership with non-Muslims. After years of friendly exchanges, the non-Muslim community can be a strong ally to us should we ever face challenges or problems as a minority. Additionally, TMWF has shown the non-Muslim community the human face of our faith. It has caused to shed misconceptions and hatred, and helped spread compassion, friendship and understanding.
I would like to encourage our Muslim community to support TMWF by joining its ranks and expanding the bridges of peace in Texas. The advantage that TMWF has is that it understands American culture and consequently knows how to communicate effectively beyond the barriers of our cultural differences. The contributions of TMWF in the arts, culture, media, interfaith, and society show the true face and heritage of Islam. Inside a Western community that cherishes democracy, freedom, and justice, TMWF is smoothly sailing its Islamic tradition while proudly exhibiting its colorful diversity and contributions to the American national thread. These contributions need to continue and increase inshAllah.
Dina Malki
Dallas Islam Examiner
TMWF Member
http://www.examiner.com/islam-in-dallas/dina-malki
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