Izayah Morgan
Opinions Editor
Let me tell you about my brother.
Adam Kibodya, a man who submits his life to Allah (Arabic translation of “God”) and is a man of principles I wish to embody, recently broke his fast for the month of Ramadan.
Adam has been one of my best friends since middle school. I have been in life-or-death situations where the first person I would call for advice was him.
Because I was raised Christian for most of my life, I wouldn't understand Islamic tradition if I did not have him in my life.
Through the stress, judgment, and persecution of Muslims in America he follows the will of Allah and dedicates his life to the faith of Islam.
This faith is not exclusive to him.
Despite the illogical and often misinformed view that many Americans hold of Islam, Muslims hold steady in their beliefs.
Throughout many conversations with Adam throughout our lifetime, I have learned many things that Muslims hold dear. They have dedication to be as close to Allah as possible.
Such as the five pillars of Islam, the declaration of faith (shahada), prayers of five times (salat), charity to the less fortunate (zakat), fasting during the holy month of Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca.
The five prayers are Fajr in the early morning, Dhuhr in the early afternoon, Asr in the late afternoon, Maghrib in the early night, and Isha before bed.
This is not forced. Muslims practice this because they value what they are doing, and that is why they follow the faith. Recognize the beauty in it and determine if you have the dedication to sticking with it.
Through my many conversations with Adam, I came to the conclusion that many Americans have not just a misconception about Muslims but their beliefs as well.
Many believe Islam to be that of only extremists and that extreme minorities who misuse the teachings of Islam represent the majority. The majority spend their lives being kind, understanding, and tolerant of others who are not like them.
Another misconception held by many is that Islam’s view and treatment of women is misogynistic. Many believe that Islam preaches that men hold superiority over women - that a woman must submit and have no say in the marriage.
This is a limited perspective.
Islam preaches that family is extremely important, a man’s duty is to contribute to the wife and children first. Women spend their money as they see fit, and if it is spent on the family then that is up to her.
A lot of people also make the argument that “Islam restricts women's rights by forcing them to wear certain clothing.”
Again, a limited perspective.
Both men and women must dress and behave in a modest manner. The proper name for the covering is a hijab and the purpose is that the woman’s sexuality is not at the forefront when interacting with men.
Many Muslim women enjoy wearing it and state it protects them, Adam said. Islam is not a monolith and the covering changes from culture to culture and individual to individual.
Adam works at Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center or the ISBCC, the largest Mosque in New England. The attendance at events and prayers there can range from hundreds to thousands.
Working security, he has seen his fair share of events. However, no matter what event occurs he leads with kindness.
And that is the belief of every Muslim - kindness.
“When someone drops something in the Mosque everyone around goes to help them,” Adam told me. Acts of small kindness are normal - there is no standing around and pulling out your phone to record, he added.
Now I've told you about my brother. I've told you about the dedication of Muslims. I've told you about the beauty of Islam.
Now go.
And learn more.