So a Bin laden niece is aiming to hit the pop scene. An iraqi boy band wants to be another Westlife. Some Muslim movies might be nominated to the Oscar foreign film category. Welcome to the 21st century. Muslim, music, movies? Would they mix? When rules are fast changing, and Islam stands steadfast, new ways of dealing with life's challenges must be met. One issue that confronted me when I accepted a fellowship outside the country was that I had no mahram (male relative) to be with. Relatives from my father side were objecting to the trip, after all it wasn't just days or weeks but 3 months!!! And in Europe, where some Muslim migrant communities were facing racial backlash.
Did I have any qualms? Hey, Oxford was a dream since my highschool days. Wouldn't I grab the chance? But moreso, like in any momentous decision, I sought for signs from Him. Maybe not actively, but one of the tests that I have used in choosing "right" is gut feel. If nothing seems to warn me against entering into something, i would likely go ahead. And indeed i went to the United Kingdom, on a Chevening (British) research grant. Where i had no relatives, had no Muslim friends, had no acquaintance, and no mahram, I faced the challenge without fear. A cousin advised I remove my hijab, just in case (of harassments). God would understand, said his wife.
But in many of my past experiences of being warned (to remove my Islamic attire and be less conspicuous), i did not heed them and instead just went my normal way. With an attitude and belief, that whatever happens to me (despite my walking in dark alleys or having commuted to places like Tondo), I would reap its consequences. I just let fate take its course.
If this is called strength, then it's too minute compared to what our ancestors and heroes ie Prophet Muhammad had to face. In a time where pagans dominated (imagine, no rule of law existed), Muhammad faced jeers, stone-throwing, mockery and all self-degrading machinations. You just have to click on the internet or see your cell phones for the latest war that some Muslims (in Iraqi) will be faced with. We are much too privileged. That 23-year old US peace activist that got crumbled down at the Gaza strip by a bulldozer sure made me wonder, am i doing something to help my fellow Muslims? Maybe indirectly, through my writings. But Rachel (the activist), a non-Muslim at that, went to the battleline and faced the Israelis head on.
Yep, it can be a cruel world. So much data, technology and opportunities can make us confused instead of rational. Thus, Islam (not a static religion at that) serves to inspire us, to guide us, to spur us to face challenges with wisdom and propriety. Learning Islam too is a life-time commitment, thus the need to be amongst Muslim friends, communities, websites,
and fora.
Indeed I had no regrets. What a dreamy place oxford is! Every corner, I see a scarved woman. Buildings date back to 800 years. The main library has access to 15 million collections! Get a load of that! People here are of all colors, ages, leanings and backgrounds. My friends come from across continents - a mongolian, jordanian, Italian, even an Afghan. It's been a privilege to stay here and interact with Islamic studies scholars (note both Muslim and non-Muslim) from the best of institutions.
So the next time, you are confronted with decisions to make, the tests to use are: would it make me closer to Him? Would i learn? Would i serve Islam?
I think, despite some of the falls and some successes, I find myself saying, that being Muslim is not enough. I have to move, I have to speak, i have to
work.
That's what going to UK meant to me. Inshallah, I find true meaning.
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Samira Ali Gutoc is a TOYM awardee for 2001 and one of the leaders of the Young Moro Professionals (YMP).
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