Raising Proud Black Muslim Children
I am constantly searching for books on parenting and motherhood from a Black perspective so when I ran across Motherhood So White at my local library, I was immediately interested. I find that majority of the parenting books center the white experience and present it as the norm. While Black parents are left searching for books to help them navigate the common experiences of childhood and to provide culturally relevant information about parenting.
I struggle with the role I play in stealing pieces of her innocence. From showing her the video to having numerous “talks” with her about how to behave when dealing with the police or other authority figures.
I need to realize Hafsa is growing emotionally into a woman who has her wants, desires, goals. And who has to make her own mistakes. Emotionally, I want to protect her from everything that could do her harm, including herself. But my transition into mother of a pre-teen and hers into a pre-teen are changing our dynamic.
We know that our experience in Muslim school vs public charter schools may not be the norm. But I wanted to share our story as an example of a positive outcome. As parents, you have to do what you think is best for your child. We did. We re-enrolled her in the school for her 6th grade, she starts in a few days, God Willing.
Quick LookBook: Understand Your Child’s Development: For the Muslim ParentAuthors: Jameela Ho, Irna Fathurrubayah, Weronica Ozpolat, Nabila Ikram, Afshan Mohammed, and Hannah Morris Published: June 16, 2019Pages: 118Genre: Islamic Non-FictionRating: ♥♥♥♥ Review I was asked by Djarabi Kitabs Publishing to review Understand Your Child’s Development: For the Muslim Parent by Jameela Ho, Irna Fathurrubayah, Weronica… Continue reading Book Review: Understand Your Child’s Development: For the Muslim Parent
That Sunday, after the new moon has been sighted and grocery shopping for suhoor (pre-dawn breakfast) was purchased, Hafsa became a woman in the Islamic sense. Immediately after she gave me the news, I texted my sisters, sister-friends and my Black mother's circle because I needed advice on how to navigate this new role for… Continue reading Becoming a Muslim Woman
Recently had a great conversation with Aya about raising Black + Muslim + American child and trying to create a safe environment for them to grow.
Children Around the Prophet included practical tips on “How to make your children love the Quran, “How to build your child’s faith and creed” and “How to train your children to worship Allah”, which are helpful for not only parents but also can be used for every Muslim to strengthen their relationship with Allah.
Recently I sat down with Azhar, Pakistani and Azziza, African American, to discuss their experience raising two children (Majied -12 and Azhara – 6) in America while navigating racism and Islamophobia.
As I alluded to in Hafsa: A Difficult Name, Hafsa is no longer attending the local Muslim school. We had several issues with the school, including how being in a predominate South Asian and Arab environment may affect her self-worth. We were also concerned about whether she was being challenged in her secular classes and… Continue reading Part 3 – Black in a Muslim School No More
