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   *		      {Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem.}			*
   *			   In The Name of Allah,                        *
   *		   The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.		*
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Title: Silver Linings for a Muhajjibah

	Assalaamu 'alaykoum
 
I was on my way to the grocery store today when I came to a busy
intersection.  Many cars were wanting to turn onto the street that I was
crossing.  I paused to let a car go because I figured "maybe he/she is in
a hurry; I can wait an extra second or two."  But then we ended up doing
that little hand handwavy dance .... "no, go ahead." "no, you go ahead."
"no, no, you go ahead."  You know what I mean. 

So finally I went ahead, and as I was stepping out of the crosswalk into
the curb, the person in the car leaned out the window.  I noticed he was a
young middle eastern man with a cellular phone.  He said to me (over the
traffic noise) "Because you are a Muslim!"
 
Well, that got me thinking.  About the pros of being a muhajjibah, and of
being recognized as a Muslim.  I decided to share some of them with you
all. 
 

CON:
Sometimes bums assume that I am a religious person, so they try to get me
to feel sorry for them so I'll give them money.

SILVER LINING:
Extra opportunity for barakaat and da'wah. 

 
CON:
Strange men yelling "ALI BABA ALI BABA" or "GO HOME IRAQI B*******"  as
they drive by in their pickups.

SILVER LINING:
Barakaat for the trials those fools put me though.  *sob* *sob*
 

CON:
It's very hard for me to blend in at some places, like the county fairs;
people look at me like I don't belong there, and I feel awkward. 

SILVER LINING:
I don't dare enter a bar or nightclub.

CON:
I can't show off my hair.

SILVER LINING:	
When it rains, I don't get "the frizzies."

CON:	
Sometimes I am mistaken for a nun.

SILVER LINING:
I get to hear non Muslims refer to me as "sister."

CON:	
Little kids stare at me rather rudely.

SILVER LINING:
I get to startle them by smiling and waving.  Then I get to see them smile
and wave back, too. 

CON:
People don't bother to invite me to their parties.

SILVER LINING:
I don't have to go to people's parties.
 

CON:
Sometimes Muslims see me and look away like they are sorry they saw me. 

SILVER LINING:
Once in a while, I'll meet a Muslim who maybe isn't practicing, but is
very happy to see me and he will say to me, "It makes my heart feel good
to meet a good Muslim."

Not that I'm that good or anything, but it's the thought that counts! 
 
	wassalaam,
	Sr. Hafidha