How identities impact the college experience: The Muslim Experience
Our identities play an important role in who we are, what we believe in, and how we treat others. There are many factors that play into our identities, such as gender, skin color, where we grew up, and who our parents are.
Religion is also a key factor in identity. The most practiced religions in the world are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto. Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, with almost two billion people practicing it.
While extremist groups have created misconceptions about the messages of the Quran, Islam is a religion based on peace and gratitude. Since the end of March, Muslim students have been observing the Holy Month of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Here are what a few students at Elmhurst University have to say about their experience.
Ericka Creek: Please identify your religion and/or sect:
Afrah Ahmed: “I identify as Muslim”
Huda Hussaini: “I am a Sunni Muslim.”
Sufyan Khan: “I am a Sunni Muslim.”
EC: How does being a Muslim impact your identity or self?
Ahmed: “Being Muslim is honestly the essence of my identity. How I act in public, interact with others, even eat all have to do with how a Muslim should be. Although I am far from perfect, Islam helps a standard that I do my best to abide by.”
Hussaini: “Muslims practice Islam, a lot of the time we keep religion integrated into our lifestyles.
We have to pray five times a day and that can be hard to do as a student athlete. Elmhurst is really nice because we have prayer places, but it can sometimes be hard to find a place to pray.
A lot of people do not understand the conscious decision that goes into what you do, how you dress, and how you carry yourself. I am sure it is the same for other religions, but it is a huge part of our religion.
Especially as a female track athlete, our uniforms are not always the most covering. Modesty is a big part of how we practice being Muslim women.
When I was freshman, I was super nervous to be the only fully dressed person (on the track team), but a lot of people come up to me and admire me for that. It is cool because I get to represent myself as a Muslim woman.”
Khan: “Being Muslim impacts how I look at everything around me. Religion is a lot deeper than that; it is a lens, it impacts everything that we do.”
EC: What do you think is a misconception about your religion?
Ahmed: “One misconception that I’ve heard about my faith is that Muslim women are seen as oppressed (ie. being forced to wear the headscarf/hijab).
The truth is: Islam was the first to give rights to women in pre-Islamic Arabia. There even is a whole chapter in the Quran (holy book) dedicated to the rights that a woman has. There are numerous stories of incredibly courageous, powerful, and inspirational women in Islam who have truly been key figures in making Islam what it is today.
I could go on and on, but I would refer to how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) treated women as a testament to how women are meant to be treated in Islam.”
Hussaini: “People think that wearing the scarf/hijab or wearing modest clothes is oppressive, but it is the opposite. My mom and sister wear the hijab, and it is a conscious choice to wear it.
Many people think the male figure decides whether women wear a hijab. My mom and sister wear a hijab, but my dad allows them to choose because it is their relationship with God.
There is a saying that paradise lies under a woman’s feet in Islam and that coincides with the idea that the hijab is empowering and a freely made choice.
Another misconception is that Islam is very extremist. In many third world countries, there are a lot of extremist leaders that create a misconception on what Islam is truly about. Most of Islam is being a good person. There are rules we are expected to follow, but most extremist leaders change these rules to be hurtful to others.”
Khan: “We are not violent like they say. In movies, they go crazy with how violent we are. We get people quoting the Quran that talk about violence, but behind those verses were moments of war and years of oppression.”
EC: What have you learned through your faith?
Ahmed: “Through my faith, I learned that things happen because God intends for them to happen that way. And God knows exactly what’s best for me even if I don’t. Having that trust in God has been the most reassuring thing ever and has encouraged me to take on a more positive outlook on life especially when faced with hardship.”
Hussaini: “A lot. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. In Islam, when you do not get something, it is God’s way of saying there is something better for you. That is how I live my life. It is easy to complain and ask why I did not get something.”
I think there is something better out there, rejection is redirection. I used to complain a lot, but now I have learned, through Islam, that if something does not go the way you want, there is something better out there. It is a much healthier mindset.”
Khan: “Everything. How I treat other people. Everything we do is based on what is said in the Quran and how the prophet did it. The way I put my shoes on. I put my left shoe on before the right because that is how the prophet did it. It is our responsibility to be accountable for what we do and ask for forgiveness. If we hurt someone else, we must ask for their forgiveness.”
EC: Have you experienced Islamophobia on or around campus? If so, explain.
Ahmed: “Alhumdullilah (all praise to God) that I did not experience any Islamophobia on campus. Elmhurst University has truly been the most accepting place I have ever been a part of. It’s easy for me to not only practice my faith, but to also talk to others about why I place such a value on my beliefs because people are so willing to listen.”
Hussaini: “I have not experienced it on campus. I think it is because the Muslim population has increased quite a lot. Around campus, no. I think that is because I do not wear the hijab and [they] may not even know that I am Muslim.
Khan: “Not really. One day I was wearing a thobe and someone commented on it behind me. I do not care what people think. The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘That when Islam first starts out, it is going to be considered strange and in the last days of time it will also be strange.’ He said, ‘Glad tidings to the strangers.’”
EC: Do you have a community on campus? If so, explain.
Ahmed: “I do have a community on campus. Muslim Students Association has given me the opportunity to connect with Muslims (and non-Muslims alike) who share similar beliefs and struggles.
Aside from the Muslim community that I’ve been a part of, I found myself to be a part of the interfaith community with other leaders from religious groups in an effort to work towards a sense of mutual understanding and peace.”
Hussaini: “I am loving this year because the Muslim community on campus is growing. I am a member of MSA and we have grown so much since I was a freshman. We have each other’s support.
During Ramadan we are making sure Muslims on campus are fasting safely and making sure they have the right foods to break their fast. We also make sure they have food in the morning because the cafeteria is not open that early.
We just had our Community Iftar and there were a lot Muslim allies that were there to learn about our religion. Muslims do fear Islamophobia, but when you reach out a hand, people will come and grab it.”
Khan: “The track team. They are very supportive of everything I do religion wise. Nakala and Jared talk to me about my religion. Even Coach Stone asks questions. It is always nice to answer their questions.”
EC: Are you proud to be Muslim? Why?
Ahmed: “I am incredibly proud to be Muslim. In my eyes, Islam has been a refuge. It’s provided me with reasoning for tough times and even reasoning for the good times. It’s given me a community that I rely on, and it’s given me a sense of identity that I cannot see myself without.”
Hussaini: “Yes, I am very proud to be Muslim. It has become a major part of identity. I not only represent myself, but my community and the history of Islam. Being a Muslim, a lot of people do not understand the religion for what it is.
I am also one of the first Muslim on our team (Track), and I get to teach the team so much because they are willing to learn, and I love to watch the Muslim community grow. It is a blessing because it is an experience I get to share with other people, and it is my entire being.”
Khan: “One hundred percent. I would not trade it for anything. It is said that if you have nothing and have God, you have everything. If you have everything in the world you could ask for and do not have God, it is as if you have nothing.”
