Living in the West and recognizing ourselves as Muslim might appear to be something that is complimentary to some and contradictory to others. I’ve been overcome with thought in regards to partially defining myself through these two factors, but thinking about it is just the beginning. Living in the West, where we have rights to equality and freedom, I feel that we as Muslim youth on the whole, don’t do enough in terms of contributing to the greater good of society. Yes, there are many social and political activists among Muslim youth today, but we need to see these numbers increasing.

The recent verdict of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s ‘attempted murder’ case was something that completely shattered me. Right when I think that everything fails to surprise me, there is yet another atrocity that occurs. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is a Pakistani woman charged for a crime ‘committed’ in Afghanistan and was tried in a New York court by an American jury. The history of her case is quite disturbing and it is evident that Aafia was raped, tortured, confined in secret prisons, and her two of her children who were in U.S. custody are missing till this day. This injustice is clear not only to Muslims, but all those around the world. She is respected by many for all of the injustices she has suffered. Above all, the evidence in the case is purely circumstantial and she was convicted on the basis of the judgment of New York Jury members. This isn’t to discount the intelligence or sensibility of New Yorkers, but does it not seem tactical for the American government to try her in the state where there is a clear overarching concept of Islamophobia and hate due to the history of events that occurred.
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The connection I want to draw between Muslim youth (and also those that are not youth), and Dr. Aafia’s trial is that we need to recognize that we are the people of tomorrow. If we do not take action or demonstrate our discontentment today, there is nothing to say that this will not happen to us or even our children tomorrow. It is time to break this climate of Islamophobia and show the rest of the world that we are not silent bystanders that will accept anything that is given to us. Living in the West, we are blessed with endless resources and so many ways of creating not only social, but also political change. We need to stop depending on the few that have been active, and we need to take a collective stance and raise awareness to fight the injustices. The first step, which unfortunately not many of us take, is to educate ourselves about the issue. Be aware, and you will find that it will be hard to ignore what is going on around you.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case is one of many such cases. We must take a stand and stop pointing fingers or depending on one another to do the work. A little bit of effort from everyone can cause a collective change. Awareness campaigns, rallies/protests or writing to local or federal members of parliament expressing concern are some of the many avenues of change we can start on. We are empowered but may fail to realize our potential as a collective whole. Again, the people united are the people undefeated.
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Hygiene can be seen to be forsaken when it comes to high stress periods such as those during exams, presentations and reports time. As the deadlines are pending the time to maintain oneself is forsaken. In Islam though cleanliness is a religious obligation that has the utmost importance in the life of a Muslim, cleanliness is half of faith. (Sahih Muslim Book 2, Number 0432)

"Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean." (Quran 2: 22) 

"Keep your clothes clean." (Quran 74:4)

“In it (mosque) are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” (Quran 9:108)

"You are soon going to meet your brothers, so tidy your saddles and clothes. Be distinguished in the eyes of the people." (Abu Dawud)

"Had I not been afraid of overburdening my community, I would have ordered them to brush their teeth for every prayer." (Bukhari)

These instances highlight the emphasis of hygiene in Islam. And hadith give us specific examples of cleanliness. As we’ve advanced into the era of high speed convenience innovations of cologne/perfume/deodorants have replaced showers. And sanitizers have replaced water. These things don’t infer cleanliness rather mask it. Sanitizers actually breed resistant bacteria.  

Remember cleanliness is not just good for us but a religious obligation.

Alhamdulilah (All Praise to Allah) we are rewarded for doing something that is inherently good.

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