*Surprise!* Please Don’t Pity Me

A poem I wrote just yesterday so I thought I would share it since its new ;)

I intended to write about those I pitied, but ended up writing for those who pity me. This is similar to my poem “Media’s Message of Islam,” but more personal. I notice people acting in ways that I took as pitying me, which I don’t want. I do have a say in how I choose to live my life and making my own decisions. This is for those individuals who make such assumptions of Muslims, particularly female Muslims, and Islam in general.

I know you pity me,
I can see it in your face,
The reason is clear to see,
What a disgrace!

You make judgments on how I live,
With your limited knowledge of me,
I am a proud female Muslim,
But most importantly, I am free. (1)

To your surprise, I know English, (I do understand your rude comments)
I was born and raised in this country too,
And just because I am a girl,
Doesn’t mean I can’t choose what I want to do.

I have goals like many others,
Things in life I want to achieve,
Get my degree, write, and teach,
Are just some on my list of “I Believe.” (2)

And for your information…

Being Muslim doesn’t mean I am Arab,
Islam isn’t strict like you think, (3)  
Nor does it preach hate and violence,
Admit it, my life doesn’t actually stink!

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(1) I am thankful for being a Muslim and being able to follow Islam freely. As a female Muslim, I am not oppressed nor do I feel inferior to anyone. Islam is not responsible for the people who claim to be followers, but don't practice Islam correctly and follow their desires, culture, traditions, etc. that actually go against Islam. Wearing a headscarf (hijab in Arabic) doesn't limit me from doing the things I want for an enjoyable life since I do have rights (and responsibilities) that Allah (God in Arabic) gave to female Muslims since the beginning of Islam. Because of wearing a headscarf, decent people also respect me for who I am and not what I look like, nor do I have to worry about getting unwanted attention.

(2) “I Believe I Can” or “My Top 10 List of Future Achievements” includes finishing college, working as a teacher, and traveling, amongst many other life goals. And yes, unlike what many may think and what some “Muslims” say and do, females can drive, get an education and go to college, and also work and finance their own money!

(3) Listen to “We are a Moderate Nation” by Kamal el Mekki.