Islam

I was 14 years old when I became a Muslim. I didn't choose the religion because it was the religion of my mother. I did not choose the religion to defy my grandmother who raised me as a Christian. I chose the path of Islam because I was a young woman who was damaged and needed peace in my life. I was willing to do anything to have it.

For ten years I PRACTICED the Islamic way of life. I was devout to the teachings and principles of the religion. I was willing to understand on a deeper level the why behind every action and deed. In my practice, I learned more than I could possibly write. Some of the most important things I learned was how to live in peace, how to forgive, how to serve and how to love others. For the ten years I practiced the religion, I as a woman, covered my entire body when outside of my home and was always escorted by my husband who ensured that no physical harm would come to me. Everything was covered, my hands, my eyes, my feet, everything. I felt honored and protected in a way I never had before. It made me the woman, wife and mother I am today. I met Muslim women from all over the world, some who became very dear friends and sisters.

When I seemingly abruptly left the Muslim community, it left many of those who were close to me confused and feeling as if I had turned my back on the very thing that saved my life. For those who cared enough to ask my reasons, I could talk until breathless and they still did not understand. My reasoning for leaving was just as personal as my reason for embracing it. Simply put, I returned to my father and the teachings of my ancestors. I decided to carry with me all of the lessons of how to live in peace and how to keep my heart loving and my mind open.

As I read and hear all of the recent news of "Islamic Extremism" I wonder, if I and my children would have been included as one of "those people". after all my children were so far removed from the world, they thought a television at a relatives house was a microwave. I was married when I was 14 years old and left Public School in the 8th grade and home schooled with my husband and my primary interest in learning was to learn Arabic so I could read The Holy Quran. Many of my friends and loved ones in the Islamic community, including my mother are living in a world which is growing more hostile by the day towards a way of life that just isn't being understood in its essence.
I ask myself "How can a way of life that I identify as an anchor in peace be so misunderstood and hated?" I will not deny that there may be those who are engaging in violence but I ask myself. Is it violence or defense?

My hope is that the peace of Islam be respected and understood and more stories like mine are told. It makes me sad that radicalism and violence are the primary narrative.