By Chaplain Jamillah Abdul-Kareem
I am a revert in Islam since the 1990’s. I was very proud to wear my hijab. As I began to practice, Oh boy! I was shocked. I was ridiculed and systematically discriminated. I was called names and treated differently than other women. I was called sand bag, and to go back to my country. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a native American Indian (Cherokee). This is my country and they are foreigner to me. It was so hurtful to be treated like I did not belong here.
If I were in a line in the bank, the post office, or a place where I had to wait in line, you can almost notice that the teller or attendee that when I was at the front of the line, they would stall in calling me. I would stand there and can watch the body language of the person who had to wait on me. They would sometimes stall until the next person attending would take me. I would just maintain my patience and calm until I was done. When I got to my car I would just sit and think. Wow! I can’t even complain. That was so sleek. This type of secret behavior Allah knows and will defend me.
I can’t imagine the disrespect other women who are Muslim and covered could be going through; if they could be strong and patient like me. My daughter, Madinah, was bullied in high school. Instead of her retaliating with words of disrespect, she went to her teachers who took her to the Principal and requested permission from the parents if she could educate these children on Islam and her hijab. She said, ‘I want to educate, not retaliate.’
Madina’s father is an Imam and I am a Community Crisis Chaplain. Madinah was an honor roll student. So, we put together a program which made every gym class attend the event instead of having fun time. Those students listened and participated. We were so happy that Madinah was not bullied anymore. Alhumdulillah.
However, today I still get treated differently. I am not considered for any position unless I fight for it. I chose to be a voice for my sisters and join the fight with my other sisters who are suffering this terrible treatment. I get asked all the time where am I from? I get asked what is that rag I’m wearing? I get eye stares that if looks could kill I’d be dead. Ya Allah!