update

Salaam everyone,

Just wanted to thank you all again for the wonderful and powerful support
that you all have shown me.  I can't tell you how it has made me stronger
and comforted me to know that I am not alone.

I spent the whole day campaigning and have heard from many local Muslims
about how they feel and how the leadership is feeling.  What I am hearing is
that the leadership are congratulating themselves on a job well done.  In
the words of one of my friends, "There is a self-congratulating murmur
palpable in our community by those in power because they have been able to
silence a source of fitnah."

I had thought my letter to them would clarify my position as well as shift
the parameters of the discussion.  I am not sure that they are able to fully
engage with my argument about equality.  I am not sure that I have the words
to explain it to them.  Allahu alam.

I should also tell you all that when I sent my first post-Juma email to the
list I had no idea that while the offensive khutba was happening at the
local mosque, across town at the University that I attend, the MSA president
stood up after Juma and basically denounced me as well.  I doubt that this
is a coincidence.

I do so apreciate the letters and calls that are being sent to the
leadership.  It does make a difference, because the issue is no longer about
them gleefully silencing one woman, but now it is about them having to
defend their actions to a much broader community.

I would ask that the letters to the leadership also be sent to the editors
of the 2 local muslim newspapers.  Their contact info is below.  If you have
already emailed a letter to the leadership please forward it to the
newspapers.  I am just concerned with the newspapers printing all the hate
mail and my parents having nothing else to read to contrast it with.

Thanks again for all your love and solidarity.  It means so much to me to
not feel alone in this struggle.  May my Rabb bless us all and reward each
of you for the solidarity you have shown me in this difficult time.

Itrath

Al-Ameen    [email protected]

The Miracle   [email protected]