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Praying Alone- Being Muslim in America

February 2, 2012
By codyabenbow PLATINUM, Kailua Kona, Hawaii
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codyabenbow PLATINUM, Kailua Kona, Hawaii
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When I decided to become Muslim, no one was happy for me. No one smiled, shook my hand, patted me on the back, or gave me a hug. No, they smirked, they laughed, they grimaced, they pursed their lips to imprison the words that nearly escaped. Some let those words free. Each syllable danced on their tongues, their lips violently shifting to conjure up insults, allegations, words of disappointment and hatred. I wished I could cover my face, shield it from the insults. But something stopped me. That something stops us all. Those who kept their lips tight or their face a guise, they were stopped by a knowing of what is right to do, of knowing that what others say isn't as important as what you believe in. And as I stood there, my father's disapproving eyes piercing straight to the heart, my mother's lip-biting clenching my throat closed, I knew my belief in Allah was what would guide me and support me, a buttress to a crumbling building bombarded by bombs and rockets, spewed from the mouths and eyes of those around me. Yet, that feeling extends outside of home, onto the streets, into the classrooms, on national television, movies, books. That stigma to be Muslim, the anti-Islam crusade in America, affects me, an American, a Caucasian, a student, a human being.

© Luke S., Montclair, NJ

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 13 comments.

Hilarioushaiqa SILVER said...
on Jul. 15 2022 at 7:39 am
Hilarioushaiqa SILVER, Lahore, Other
9 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!

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I do not know if you will read this but if you ever feel saddened, read the stories of the early companions of Hazrat Muhammad(SAW) and you will get motivation and a stronger faith too. Also don't bombard all Islamic teachings on you, try to take small steps at one time!
Stay strong and firm! I know you can
gmis said...
on Feb. 23 2021 at 10:01 am
gmis, Reading, Pennsylvania
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
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we dont care
FirstSteps5000 SILVER said...
on Oct. 29 2020 at 7:46 pm
FirstSteps5000 SILVER, Bethesda, Maryland
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"These aren't just stories,"... …"They're whole kingdoms. They're worlds. They're perspectives and opinions you can't offer, from lives you haven't lived." - The Isle of the Lost
"When someone does something hurtful, they have to admit it... [t]hen they have to be punished for it. And maybe then, if they apologize and change, maybe -maybe- *then* they get forgiven." - The One and Only Bob

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I'm not a Muslim but I hate all discrimination. This is beautiful piece!
sara_7 said...
on Apr. 18 2019 at 9:15 am
sara_7, Victoria, Other
0 articles 0 photos 5 comments

Favorite Quote:
LEARN from yesterday, LIVE for today, HOPE for tomorrow.

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HEY, i read this it was really beautiful. I AM A MUSLIM TOO. if you ever need help then let me know. @sahira01 YOU ARE AMAZING...........
melodystar said...
on Nov. 19 2018 at 9:24 am
melodystar, Bangalore, Indiana
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May god keep you on the right track!very few people have the courage to go against all alone...
Am soo happy for you...am a muslim too
ColdplayForever BRONZE said...
on Nov. 30 2015 at 8:22 pm
ColdplayForever BRONZE, San Jose, California
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I am not Muslim, but I believe that the discrimination against them is uncalled for. Beautiful article, good job! :)
MercedesJ GOLD said...
on Mar. 2 2015 at 10:08 pm
MercedesJ GOLD, Salt Lake, Utah
10 articles 9 photos 4 comments

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Looks like you put a lot of time into this article! It's incredibly though provoking and beautifully written. Good job (:
angelpeach23 SILVER said...
on Apr. 5 2014 at 6:06 pm
angelpeach23 SILVER, Flagstaff, Arizona
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I am not Muslim myself, but I emphasize with religious stigma. Last sentence is beautiful, good work!
CrystalAngelDol SILVER said...
on Oct. 19 2012 at 8:15 am
CrystalAngelDol SILVER, Queens, New York
7 articles 0 photos 37 comments

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i loved it, i know how you feel, 9/11 was like my first day of school in the U.S, if you have any questions you can always ask me
Dynamo DIAMOND said...
on Oct. 2 2012 at 12:44 pm
Dynamo DIAMOND, Lahore, Other
54 articles 0 photos 64 comments

Favorite Quote:
I used to think falling in love would be personal. But it's all a big public show.

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Yeah, I am a Muslim. If you ever need any kinda help regarding Islam, you can find me. I'm active on the Philosophy forums.   Thanks!
codyabenbow PLATINUM said...
on Oct. 2 2012 at 3:11 am
codyabenbow PLATINUM, Kailua Kona, Hawaii
23 articles 2 photos 9 comments
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I converted this January. you are Muslim?
Dynamo DIAMOND said...
on Jun. 24 2012 at 8:38 am
Dynamo DIAMOND, Lahore, Other
54 articles 0 photos 64 comments

Favorite Quote:
I used to think falling in love would be personal. But it's all a big public show.

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You have done exceddingly well by candidily declaring your faith. Its what you must be proud of. And I agree, the Anti-Muslim crusade is really something to worry about.

When did you convert? I am singularly interested in someone converting to my own religion 

Virtue19 GOLD said...
on Apr. 30 2012 at 12:23 am
Virtue19 GOLD, Jamaica, New York
10 articles 2 photos 7 comments

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That is so sad and beautiful! Never let what others say go to your head. Because, ulitimately, you will have the last laugh. You should write a amemoir or something. It really is difficult when converting religions. I hope God continues to help you on your never-ending jouney.=)