Mini rant response- Article: What if Tebow were Muslim?

re: article http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/12/07/what-if-tim-tebow-were-muslim/

Good points- why is it ok to have 1/2 naked cheerleaders but not a guy who shows his faith? showing religion it makes "ppl too uncomfortable"? seriously? when the islamphobia dies down, one day inshallah, ppl of faith will still catch shit over daring to be religous. But it will always be ok to show your 'assets' in public. This reminds me of how its so hard for hijabis and other ppl of faith to just be allows to be religious without harassment- why should I change my way of praising God just because you feel its being 'pushed at you' and faith should 'be private.' As long as a person isn't dropping religious literature at your feet or spouting off about how ppl need to change to their faith, then it is private. Lets hide that some ppl are women and men since that can make ppl uncomfortable. Some things cant and shouldn't be concealed and least of all ones faith.

I will admit, as a Broncos fan I am excited about the great performance of Tim Tebow. I was at first a little affronted by his mention of Jesus at press conferences but perhaps because I'm indoctrinated to shun 'public displays of faith' Now I feel inspired to be a better Muslim as this person loves God so much that he applies his faith to every aspect of his job. Thats brave in this culture, even for an accepted religion. I feel reminded of how we need to treat this world as the distraction filled playground that it is and prepare always for heaven with strong and ever present faith. So pray on, Tebow (and winning more games always helps too)

Reflection- American Muslim= left out

I've been thinking about my identity as a Muslim lately and am annoyed and disheartened by how the general consensus seems to be that a Muslim equals a Middle Eastern person. Every website I go to and news information by Muslim writers are all geared toward non-American Muslims. I feel that I can't take pride in my faith because in some ways its not really mine- its a 'foreign' faith I'm adapting to, that's way American converts may have such a hard time with their non-Muslim families- Islam seems to be an 'other' type of thing and not American.

 I suppose that's why I choose to wear hijab in my own way, not covering my neck and ears, because I feel as though I'm conforming to a 'foreign' way of modesty and it doesn't feel authentic to myself as an American Muslim. I always admire traditional hijabis in pictures and occasionally when I see them in person but its admiration of 'wow that's so nice and cultural' and not 'she's just like me- a modest Muslim woman.' I feel my hijab style lets me embrace and be reminded of my faith without feeling its forced or an act I have to try and be comfortable with. Still I wish Islam was represented in its true sense- as a universal and non-territorial faith: its American, Pakistani, any nation.

So here's to being a Muslim and nothing but a Muslim