Alhamdulilah some of you saw passed the husband and wife dialogue and interpreted the true issue I was trying to make in this post that if possible we should take these opportunities and use them as dawah and not be so timid and think that we can’t get along in a public event. Like sister Asifa said you’ll be surprised how many people have converted to Islam just because the sight of another Muslim stirred curiosity in them to learn about the deen.

It’s great to see all the different perspectives everyone had after reading the post.

Jazak Allah Khairan. Hugs

I totally understand my husband’s view I do go out regularly with the girls and have play dates so its not that I’m cooped up and locked in my house and don’t associate with people in my community. Alhamdulilah my Non-Muslim neighbors are generous and very friendly.. well the ones I have now Mashallah… maybe you misunderstood about my hubby’s work. His job entails direct contact with people, he has seen both good and bad of the locals. So have I, but I feel he does understand the views of many because he deals with them face to face. I’m pretty much going to the mall or walmart and that stroll around town where I just say hi and smile unless I know who they are. So its just different and his perspective is based from his experience, and mine from my experience. I think husbands want the best for their family and have the best of intentions. This however was just a discussion we had that I thought would b nice to share with all of you.

It has shown me how some of us think so differently based on the same post. It’s awesome I like diversity and everyone’s input based on their perspective of the post.

I agree with you sadly there are many Muslim women in those situations who rarely go out and just stay home and don’t know how to interact with non-Muslims. That was the point of the post to emphasize like you said “After all, HOW DO WE END UP WITH CONVERTS???” its by our actions and living side by side non-Muslims. Some Muslims have the wrong approach in thinking we have to completely segrate ourselves from non-Muslims which goes against how it was during the time of the Prophet (pbuh) they lived side by side in peace with limits yes but with respect and dignity as I mentioned before.

I hate the fact too that people think we are limited if we are hijabis or niqabis that just isn’t true. Maybe people treat us unfairly and deny us of our rights but thats due to their ignorance. But locking ourselves at home and avoiding interaction isn’t the solution either. Islam is a religion of moderation and balance and it’s a struggle to make sure we’re not to much to the left or the right but in between. Jazak Allah Khairan for your comment you made some good points Alhamdulilah.

Umm Yusuf: You are right, I have noticed that we are more comfortable with the people around us because we grew beside them and pretty much know what they are capable of. We can sniff danger

Aaminah: Yea sometimes we just have to show them that we live there too. You’re right lol it seems that those BBQ’s usually have the same food lol even here where I live… which is one of the reasons I’ve grown bored of them. And don’t worry lol I didn’t think you were telling me to disobey hubby hehhe… it is great that you can sit with your spouse and discuss things without it leading to a huge arguement love ur point.

Sis Blanca: You made great points. These are all questions we should ask ourselves when making such decisions. Like you mentioned am I ready for this? and people’s reactions? etc… it also depends where you live. I don’t think I would go to one of these fairs if I lived in Kansas or Alabama where maybe the community isn’t used to seeing and interating with Muslims. Mashallah sis hehehe… inshallah I’ll think about it. A book lol *blushing* you brought on a smile from ear to ear. Jazak Allah Khairan for your encouragement and motivation. Maybe I’ll tackle that someday inshallah.

Umm Layth: Yea having hubby there would give me that extra security and people would think twice before medling. We should always look at the whole picture and assess it before throwing ourselves into a situation we will regret because we didn’t think smart. Alhamduliah we of course have some rednecks like many other communities. I live in a bigger city so they aren’t to prominent in my town unless you go further south and even then I think they know we are among them and the city has gotten quite diverse these past 3 yrs. So I think they’ve moved out or maybe changed their tune LOL. But for the most part I have some women stop me and ask where I bought my scarves because they are pretty. So it seems people are learning to coincide with people different from what they’re used too Alhamdulilah.

Sis Sumayah, I can understand your husband’s point of view and yours. This is an issue that can be divided in so many sentimental ways but one thing to keep in mind is that you need to think what is in the best interest of your situation. I am not familiar where you live but that is beside the point but you need to reconsider that maybe there are other options of getting out there to express your views on Islam. It sounds like you want to make every opportunity of value to you and interaction is the way to go. Are you ready to confront what comes your way, whether it be positive or negative? You have already made some good points in your blog and I would say that you can make a differnce and it has already happened through the ability that Allah has given you to express and write what others can relate to. Have you ever considered writing a book? Maybe you should becasue I would be the first one to buy it. Your writing has reflected a positive inspiration to all your blog readers.

I should clarify that I am not suggesting you disobey your husband. But that is the nice thing about shura. When you discuss the issues, you know, you both have different perspectives, different experiences, different reasons for your views. So the nice thing with sharing your reasoning with each other, is that then your husband can make a decision based on your concerns and views as well, inshaAllah. Most men would take their wives’ opinions more into account if we shared with them in the right time and situation so that they can factor in all the relevent info.