GlocalNet

You can’t speak of Muslim women in the Middle-East in a monolithic way.  There are just too many of them, too many cultures, too many traditions, etc.  But having spent a week in Syria at the Al-Andaluse Center for Islamic studies in Hama, Syria, which is a seminary for Muslim women, some very striking things are apparent.

First, these are all highly educated women.  Not everyone woman in Syria has been to college, just like in America, but many have.  The women at the seminary had not all been to college but the ones who were leading it had, for the most part.  There was no aversion to education or deep or rational thinking.  The lady next to Nikki is head of the institute – Dr. Rafaida Habash.  She writes papers on international issues, religion, and even poetry. 

Second, they are just as passionate in their worship of God as Christian women I’ve seen in America.  The young lady Nikki is talking to is Dr. Rafaida’s daughter Serene.  One morning she “recited” or what sounded like “singing” to Nikki and I parts of the Koran as we began our session that day.  It was incredibly moving to Nikki and I.  She was consumed by what she was doing and you couldn’t talk to her without recognizing her love for God.  It was utterly beautiful. 

Third, they are not all anti-American!  They may not always agree with our policies, but everyone we visited with expressed an interest in visiting the U.S. and having good relations with the U.S.  They would come up to us and begin talking immediately.  The young lady outside with Nikki is at an ancient church.  She’s Iranian and when she heard there was an English speaker she came up to Nikki and began talking with her and asking questions.  One thing I’m convinced of is that globally people deserve better leaders than what they’re getting.  This is true all over the world, U.S. included. 

Fourth, they are not recessive and hiding.  They share their opinions and lead out.  I have no doubt that the women I was with let their husbands know what they think and probably influence what their husband’s opinion’s to a great deal! 

The picture you see of Nikki and me inside a mosque is beside the tomb of John the Baptist – supposedly it has his head and was the resting place for it in Damascus – when it was turned into a mosque because they consider him a prophet they let his head stay on its pillow!