Recently someone revealed that I was not a typical Muslim or Arab woman. This person believes most Muslim women are docile, quite, submissive, uneducated and non-contributing citizens. This project is here to prove this person and others wrong. You can't 'box' Muslims because we are too diverse to be clumped together. The objectives of this project is as follows:
- Eradicate stereotypes surrounding Muslim women as docile, submissive, uneducated, non-motivated
- Highlight the diverse achievements of Muslims to the modern world
- Humanize Muslims through social media outlets
- Recognize and celebrate the achievements of Muslims
- Battle Islamophobic sentiments
- Opportunity for networking and inspiring others
- Identify that Muslims are a diverse group and come from all walks of life
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Muslims from all over the world and their achievements:
Name: Mariam AlSarkal Age: 28 Profession: Filmmaker
Country of Residence: United Arab Emirates Ethnic Background: Emirati
Describe yourself in one line: If I didn't plan my day in advance in an hourly basis, I feel lost and disoriented.
A fun fact about yourself: I couldn't survive without my Apple products.
Hobbies: Reading while sipping my Moroccan tea, jogging by the beach, meeting talents, relaxing by the desert, spending time with my nieces and nephews, blogging, acting, working on film projects.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I was just 20 when I started directing my first TV show called CARZ that was aired on Dubai TV. I was the youngest female director!
What inspires you? Everything around me inspires me! Architecture, arts, paintings, films, fashion, books, and most importantly people.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Be passionate about anything and everything you do. I believe in putting 110% in everything you do.
Muslims from all over the world and their achievements:
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| Mariam AlSarkal |
Country of Residence: United Arab Emirates Ethnic Background: Emirati
Describe yourself in one line: If I didn't plan my day in advance in an hourly basis, I feel lost and disoriented.
A fun fact about yourself: I couldn't survive without my Apple products.
Hobbies: Reading while sipping my Moroccan tea, jogging by the beach, meeting talents, relaxing by the desert, spending time with my nieces and nephews, blogging, acting, working on film projects.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I was just 20 when I started directing my first TV show called CARZ that was aired on Dubai TV. I was the youngest female director!
What inspires you? Everything around me inspires me! Architecture, arts, paintings, films, fashion, books, and most importantly people.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Be passionate about anything and everything you do. I believe in putting 110% in everything you do.
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| Yusra Badr |
Country of Residence: Egypt Ethnic Background: Middle Eastern
Describe yourself in one line: My alter ego is a philosopher who lives in my head. We have some very interesting conversations sometimes.
A fun fact about yourself: I had an out-of-body experience during surgery in 2003. Also, almost everyone I know calls me Budz, which is a twist to my last name. It's pronounced B-o-u-d-z.
Hobbies: Reading, writing and collecting music
Share some of your greatest achievements: I published a book; I pursued a career in writing at a relatively late age, defying logic and ignoring all my academic backgrounds; I haven't missed a single prayer in more than 15 years.
What inspires you? Everything and anything! I find inspiration in the smallest and biggest of things.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Being a woman does not mean you are inferior. Think of yourself as a human, then as a woman. Challenge the givens and decide for yourself if they are indeed truth.
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| Salman Merchant |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Pakistani
Describe yourself in one line: My dreams of heaven usually involve the universe's greatest bakery
A fun fact about yourself: If Hans Zimmer wrote it, I probably love it.
Hobbies: Every sport except for basketball, hiking, all things technology and a burgeoning coffee mug collection (no seriously)
Share some of your greatest achievements: I think the greatest thing I've achieved in my life has been to co-found eResults advertising which is a very small online marketing firm. I left law school fairly early in the process after finding that I had absolutely no clue as to why the law was right for me. I came to the conclusion that satisfying my inner fire for personal and professional growth required self responsibility and total independence.
I also battled with Generalized Anxiety Disorder since I was 14. It was an uphill climb for me during the first few years, but after a while I began to realize that there was no off switch for my increased anxiety and often downright fear. With the help of cognitive-behavioral techniques, I was able to to better manage my anxiety, which had significantly impaired my daily life.
What inspires you? Pushing myself beyond my own mental and emotional boundaries.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? It's never too early or late to start learning about yourself and the world around you. Your personal motivation and character form the foundations of your life, and knowing yourself is absolutely essential to realizing any form of growth or contentment.
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| Ginger Davis |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: American, mixed European
Describe yourself in one line: I work with kids because they are much easier to work with than adults!
A fun fact about yourself: I was a performer in college
Hobbies: Knitting, sewing, cooking
Share some of your greatest achievements: I am proud to be the first woman from either side of my family to graduate from college.
What inspires you? Lots of different things - I like to read and get ideas from different places. Finding like-minded people in my field has been the best thing that happened to me so far. I look to them for ideas and support all the time.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? You have to be realistic about your goals, and willing to see the weaknesses of yourself and others around you. You can only overcome a challenge if you face it head on, you'll never get past something if you don't acknowledge it! You also have to be careful to measure your accomplishments on your own scale, never compare your life to other people's.
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| Tim Swan |
Country of Residence: United States Ethnic Background: Italian, German, Scottish, Swiss.
Describe yourself in one line: I have the tendency to make people laugh whenever possible.
A fun fact about yourself: I am an aspiring marathon runner.
Hobbies: I volunteer at our local cat shelter, play/watch soccer, love to cook and bake.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I'm proud to be involved with political activism, both human and animal rights causes for the past 6 years of my life. I enjoy helping others in need.
What inspires you? My parents actually inspire me the most. I would like to grow up to be half of their character if I'm lucky, God-willing.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? I would tell them to not give up on their hopes and reams. Remember that everything works out in the end!
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| Yasmine Abdul |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Biracial: Half Caucasian, Half North African
Describe yourself in one line: I choose to live outside my comfort zone, bringing as many people along with me on the way.
A fun fact about yourself: I've been a vegetarian for over 10 years, and dabble in veganism from time to time.
Hobbies: Social/political activism, writing short stories and music, snowboarding, camping, hiking, reading, traveling, teaching and tweeting.
Share some of your greatest achievements: Starting an organization on campus with friends that concentrate on social justice issues around the world, receiving recognition for various diversity movements I've been involved in on campus, and finally interaction I have with my students I feel as an achievement.
What inspires you? My faith, reading the Quran on Friday mornings over a cup of coffee can quickly light a spark in my spirit. When I see people taking control of their future and breaking the status quo, it motivates me to create a space and a vision of my own. I'm moved by those who create their own stories. I like to shock people and challenge their thoughts!
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? I've learned it's okay to be lost, to not want for yourself what others want out of life. It's okay to challenge ideas and create your own. Being an independent and critical thinker is the most important way to make yourself an integral part of society!
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| Tamer Bitiriim |
Country of Residence: UK Ethnic Background: Turkish Cypriot (Turkish+Arab)
Describe yourself in one line: Trying to be the person I was too lazy to be yesterday.
A fun fact about yourself: I can swear in 17 different language
Hobbies: Love relaxing after a long day of college or work with a cup of tea and shisha with friends. Interested in politics and economics. I love to travel. I am going to Ghana in a coupe of months to do charity!
Share some of your greatest achievements: Got the grades that allowed me to study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. I gained distinction in my Royal Academy of Irish Music piano exam. I was made head of an anti-cyber bullying program and was trained by the British Department of Schools and Children as a "cyber-mentor"
What inspires you? Family. The bond that links your family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. It amazes me the lengths and efforts families go for each other, but in fact as they are doing it out of love.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? "Live together like brothers, do business like strangers."
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| Fatima Abbas |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Native American (Haliwa Saponi) and Pakistani
Describe yourself in one line: If all the world's a stage, I want to operate the trap door.
A fun fact about yourself: I backpacked Southern Spain and traveled Southern Ireland via bus late August.
Hobbies: Reading the dailymail.com, watching Real Housewives franchise, and reading anything related to civil rights and federal Indian law.
Share some of your greatest achievements: Getting the Diamond Scholarship at Temple University, which allowed me to do research on my tribe's access to federal funds as a state recognized tribe. My second happiest moment was making it to the quarterfinals of a Moot Court competition on federal Indian law with my friend Leinalaa Ley.
What inspires you? My grandparents who were in the legal profession in Pakistan. My grandmother was the first female lawyer in Pakistan and my grandfather was Chief Justice of the Shariah Court, and they were both advocates for women rights.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? "Become a doctor your parents always wanted you to marry." But no seriously: Don't let people use religion to hold you back; Islam came as an empowerment to the marginalized, don't let anyone corrupt the message 1400 years later!
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| Misha Zia |
Country of Residence: Canada Ethnic Background: Pakistani
Describe yourself in one line: I am a perfectionist, which probably drives me more crazy than it does people around me!
A fun fact about yourself: I used to pretend that I was a vampire when I was little. I also caught my first fish this past summer!
Hobbies: Reading, writing, outdoor/nature activities such as camping, hiking and traveling.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I recently organized a "Women in the Workplace" career seminar at my university, an event that sought to highlight successful Muslim women who maintain professional careers. The main reason I wanted to organize an event like this was because of the cultural stigma attached to Muslim women working full-time, and the general lack of ambition amongst the younger female generation in doing so for the sake of becoming a stay-at-home-wife/mom.
What inspires you? Nature
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Make a list of goals you want to accomplish in your life and really motivate yourself to achieving them; be active in your community; learn how to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks; find a husband/significant other who nurtures your creativity and encourages you to be the best you can be.
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| Mohamed Zaman |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Pakistani
Describe yourself in one line: I love being in water but I can't swim
A fun fact about yourself: I'm tall, look skinny but I'm a bit chubby in the middle, though no one can see it but me.
Hobbies: Basketball, gaming and reading about world politics.
Share some of your greatest achievements: Receiving honors for my education and winning the championship with my team, Youth Muslim Basketball League.
What inspires you? My parents
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Everything takes repetition and patience.
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| Ify Okoye |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Igbo, Nigerian, African American
Describe yourself in one line: I'm curious about the world, educated, opinionated, and always defying stereotypes, so watch out!
A fun fact about yourself: I know an obscene amount of trivia.
Hobbies: Studying Islam, reading, blogging, hiking, photography and volunteering.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I consider converting to Islam and remaining in the religion a major achievement. Secondly, I am proud of my involvement with pray-in protests in Washington DC area mosques! Through our writing and pray-ins we've helped bring conversation about women's space and participation in mosques and the wider Muslim community. Third, converting almost everyone in my circle to Mac.
What inspires you? I'm inspired by anyone who stands up for what is right and just in the world, especially in the face of strong opposition. I am inspired by our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through our own creativity and service.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Strive hard, be yourself and don't let others turn off the switch of what make you, uniquely you. Standing up publicly for something is powerful act and if you're criticized for it, it's probably because you are doing something right!
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| Abdullah Al-Mulla |
Country of Residence: UK Ethnic Background: Middle Eastern
Describe yourself in one line: "The weather is always beautiful, it's just different" (St. Francis of Assisi)
A fun fact about yourself: Growing up I was dubbed king of videogames by my family and friends due to my obsession.
Hobbies: Rugby, reading on faith, morality and libertarianism, attending theatre for plays/musics/standup comedy, and religion and faith in general.
Share some of your greatest achievements: Set up first interfaith committee on my campus; organize the first ever joint event with Islamic and Jewish communities on Holocaust Memorial Day on Albanian Muslims saving Jews.
What inspires you? Human kindness, ability of human progression without the use of aggression, timeless greats whom messages translates from their time to present day, and God's love.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? "Whoever exercises humility for God's sake, God will raise him up" - Prophet Muhammed.
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| Ollie |
Country of Residence: Indonesia Ethnic Background: Javanese
Describe yourself in one line: I'm a 'mechanical right' girl. I use my creative (right) brain, mechanically.
A fun fact about yourself: I'm a very spontaneous type of person. If I get an idea, I act on it.
Hobbies: Reading, writing, traveling and social work.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I am named as one of the top 10 women in Indonesia IT world by InfoKomputer Magazine. I wrote more than 20 books since 2005.
What inspires you? People and their lives inspire me, which is why I follow more than 5,000 people on Twitter.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Identify your passion. Network and collaborate with like-minded people. Set specific timelines/deadlines. Start small and don't wait for things to be perfect because perfection is a journey and the right time is always NOW.
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| Rami Mohsen |
Country of Residence: Egypt Ethnic Background: Middle Eastern
Describe yourself in one line: If I'll trash talk you, it will be to your face, never your back. I also seek perfection.
A fun fact about yourself: I love coloring books and I talk to myself.
Hobbies: Photography, IT and technology, gadgets and I'm an Apple geek.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I went to a public school. I taught myself how to read/write/speak English by watching subtitles in movies and songs. I aslo self-taught myself photography, music, IT through the Internet.
What inspires you? Success and a challenge inspire me. People that make something of themselves with very limited resources.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? You have to know with the right amount of effort, you may achieve anything you want. I know this sounds cliche, but it's true. You are what you make yourself.
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| Angy ElKhatib |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Lebanese, Egyptian, Jedi Knight
Describe yourself in one line: I am the ultimate cupcake enthusiast
A fun fact about yourself: My conscience sounds a lot like Mufasa
Hobbies: Baking, sewing, playing soccer, weight lifting, running, ambassador with Soccer Without Borders, Vice-President of Marshall University Muslim Student Association.
Share some of your greatest achievements: My greatest achievement has yet to be achieved.
What inspires you? Everything the light touches.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Find joy in the love of what you're trying to achieve, rather than the achievement itself.
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| Legatus Vulcan |
Country of Residence: UK Ethnic Background: Pakistani
Describe yourself in one line: Extremely unorthodox and a maniac Warlock Vatican Elf Assassin for the Ponies Exists Society
A fun fact about yourself: I like to draw pretty pictures on my chest or legs with colorful markers
Hobbies: Cricket, sprinting and perfecting the art of rollie pollies
Share some of your greatest achievements: Greatest achievement is getting accepted to Uni and the course I chose. I've been an unorthodox learner and no one believed I was capable of getting into Uni. I've dedicated most of my time on a project that will serve as redevelopment to rural parts of Pakistan. This is becoming what I live for these days.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Never too young or old to start anything, you first have to begin with drafting up a plan, state your goals and then just research, write and repeat. Remember, not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
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| Aya Khalil |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Egyptian
Describe yourself in one line: I am optimistic and enthusiastic but I value my sleep.
A fun fact about yourself: Over 150 articles and counting www.ayakhalil.blogspot.com
Hobbies: Writing, reading, Youtube, Google, traveling, blogging, and (occasionally) baking.
Share some of your greatest achievements: Just the fact that I can make a difference in people's lives with my careers: teaching and writing. One article can positively change a reader's view about a certain topic. One student can learn a lesson from you and cherish it for the rest of his life.
What inspires you? People who fight for freedom and stand up on behalf of those who don't have a voice; and people who make a difference in their communities; and my parents.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Many Muslim women at the time of the prophet were powerful and achieved great things. They took part in battles (read about Nusaiba bint K'ab Al-Maziniyah and Saffiyah). They were strong businesswomen (Prophet Muhammad's wife, Khadija). They were doctors (Rufaida al-Aslamiya). Take these amazing women as role models - follow your dreams and make a difference in your community!
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| Shawna Ainslie |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Lebanese American
Describe yourself in one line: I am a meditating, Muslim, mama and earth goddess on a path of rediscovery
A fun fact about yourself: I am on a path of a Shambhala warrior
Hobbies: Reiki energy work (I'm Level II certified), crochet, reading, writing, yoga and meditation
Share some of your greatest achievements: For years, I lived ashamed of my gender, my sexuality, my anatomy, myself, constant fear and self-loathing. This culminated in postpartum depression after the birth of my second child. With my husband's help, I've scaled the wall out of the trenches. I'm confident and happy with the new discoveries I've been making in my life, especially with regards to meditation.
The lowest low was my realization that every practice I followed was not about Islam or God. I was putting on what my husband and I call "The Islam Show." My highest high has been discovering what God means to me, and realizing that every person does have an image of God, and that those images are fueled by culture and expectation. Once I faced the truth, the fear and self-loathing fell away. Honesty came in its place, and with honesty, came compassion for all beings great and small. Even those who will no doubt 'judge' me because what I've said here will conflict with their expectations of "Muslim."
Also, my children and I have made it through many difficult days that included titanic personality clashes, in fact, I should crochet myself a ribbon for every one of those.
What inspires you? My Children's endless imaginations.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? You are wonderful, keep it up!
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| Hamza Flanagan |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Irish, Italian, Scottish, English...
Describe yourself in one line: I am equal parts touchy liberal and crude humorist; if that doesn't make sense and seems contradictory, then were on the same page.
A fun fact about yourself: I've been told that I'm funny and, more specifically, good at doing impressions.
Hobbies: I am a huge film buff, and as such, I enjoy watching and talking about movies. I've become a real huge fan of Hindi movies. I like to do fun things with friends such have lengthy discussions about topics, going to Six Flags and eating at a nice restaurant.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I am proud of the fact that I graduated college. Although in this current world a masters is required to go somewhere, I worked nonetheless and faced all adversity with strength and determination. I'm also proud that I think for my myself, which I don't think the Muslim community has enough of nowadays.
What inspires you? Close friends I wouldn't trade for anything.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Don't ever be afraid of not being good enough. You can be yourself and have a profound effect on the world. Don't let anyone talk down to you or tell you to suppress your identity in order to 'make it.'
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| Amira Shourbaji |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Egyptian
Describe yourself in one line: If I want something bad enough, I will pursue it until I get it. I'm also addicted to coffee.
A fun fact about yourself: I lift weights and I'm pretty strong for a lady
Hobbies: baking, working out, avid reading
Share some of your greatest achievements: I got married at 18 and a freshman in college. I had my first daughter when I was 22. Despite this fact and with the help of a supportive spouse and family, I was able to finish my Bachelor's and M.A. in Education. I have recently enrolled in a doctoral program. I am researching multicultural and diversity in Education. I am focusing on the Arab American perspective.
What inspires you? Most inspired by those that defy all odds and work hard to achieve their goals.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Sometimes in the Arab/Muslim culture women are made to feel as if you must choose between a career/school and a husband and kids. This isn't true. I've known many amazing women who were able to do it all and win. Don't let anyone stop you!
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| Dawud Walid |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: African American
Describe yourself in one line: I'm a wannabe cool guy, who is simply a nerd in reality.
A fun fact about yourself: I have traveled to sixteen different countries in which I found Mali to have the most hospitable citizens of them all despite being the poorest I've visited.
Hobbies: I like watching basketball and football, reading non-fictional works and traveling.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I have made Hajj (pilgrimage) twice as well as visiting Prophet Muhammad's mosque twice. I participated in a panel discussion on faith and politics in 2007 at Harvad University. I spoke twice at the Malian Peace and Tolerance Conference in Bamako, Mali; and gave presentations twice including one with the Reverend Jesse Jackson at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative conference.
What inspires you? I am inspired by the lives of those who have and continue to strive toward excellence despite roadblocks and adversities.
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Strive to please the Creator and not people because despite your best efforts, you will never please everyone, even those whom you consider to be honorable.
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| Amber Majid |
Country of Residence: U.S. Ethnic Background: Pakistani
Describe yourself in one line: I want to travel the world without any regard for my "responsibilities"
A fun fact about yourself: I watch way too much TV and often dream about people I've never met.
Hobbies: writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, daydreaming, watching really good TV shows, painting, photography, and planning trips around the world.
Share some of your greatest achievements: I'm a mentor and teacher for PeaceJam Foundation for high school and middle school students. I am a student conduct board member for the Dean of Students Office. I graduated high school with two diplomas; I am going to graduate college with two more!
What inspires you? Genuinely kind people, Jalaluddin Rumi and my father
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? Our faith is not ever supposed to weigh heavy on our shoulders. God looks at our intentions. Think positive and positivity will come to you.
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| Yasmin Gamal |
Country of Residence: Kuwait Ethnic Background: Middle Eastern
Describe yourself in one line: Caffeine powered craft loving geek
A fun fact about yourself: I am always scared of finding a dead chick when I crack eggs.
Hobbies: I make stuff, read books, and take lots of pictures of random things.
Share some of your greatest achievements:I am proud of my family, my daughter, my career switch, finding myself and facing my fears. Whenever I take ownership of my feelings and issues I feel proud. I feel proud that i am not a blind follower.
What inspires you? The women in my family are an inspiration. Some have amazing careers and some have chosen to stay at home and raise their children. They are all loud, strong, opinionated and interesting women! My all time favorite quote: "I have something more important than courage, patience!"
Brief advice to Muslims on achieving great things? You can't slow life down but you can slow yourself down. Don't just take advice at face value. Wether you are a career woman or stay-at-home mom, you are a person. Take time off for yourself. Take charge of your faith and be critical rather than accepting what people preach, go to the source! Remember to at least stop for a moment look at the universe and marvel at its beauty.
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A special thanks to all the interviewees.
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