AMERICAN ISLAMIC FELLOWSHIP

By Melissa Robinson

ATLANTA -- Four years ago, while studying French, Italian and women’s studies as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, I accepted Islam by taking “shahada,” or the declaration of faith, during Ramadan, proclaiming that there is one God and Mohammad was a prophet of God. I had spent three years studying various religions and belief systems before taking this important step in my spiritual journey. I was moved by Sufi poets and the beauty of a faith that allowed for pluralism. I enjoyed the sense of unity that came with performing rituals alongside other Muslims. I was thrilled to discover a belief system that was not at odds with scientific knowledge. The Islam I came to know allowed for diversity in interpretation and encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking. I have grown so much in my faith since that time and am proud to call myself Muslim.

Earlier this year, I moved to Atlanta with my husband and was excited to visit the various mosques in the area. I had hoped to find a supportive and open-minded community in which I would feel at home. However, like everywhere else, it seemed the extremists were always the loudest and carried most of the weight. It did not bode well that every mosque I visited practiced strict gender segregation. As a feminist with a minor in women’s studies, I have never found this sort of restriction necessary or beneficial. During a study circle called a ‘halaqa’, at a mosque in north Atlanta I was told music was ‘haram,’ or forbidden. As a fan of bluegrass, classic rock, reggae, hip-hop, jazz, folk, pop, opera and just about any other musical style, I found this edict impossible to swallow.

I was also told that because Arabic is not my native language, I was not qualified to interpret religious text. Finally, on one of the holiest days of the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr, the day celebrating the end of the month-long fast during Ramadan, my good friend, Kelly Wentworth attended the congregational prayer at of one of the largest mosques in Atlanta. The sermon vilified the ‘West.’ The imam, or religious leader, told the congregation that Islam is incompatible with ‘Western’ values, and the ‘West’ is a corruption. My friend returned home that night incensed. After all, she and I are the 'West' and were inspired by our 'Western' ideas to choose Islam. In all of my studies, Islam was the one faith most compatible with so-called ‘Western’ thought. It is because I live in the ‘West’ that I have the freedom to practice Islam. I do not feel the need to choose between my spiritual path and 'Western' values. Both Islam and the 'West' are integral parts of who I am. Needless to say, I was disappointed and frustrated.

Habitual seekers of knowledge, Kelly and I were In the midst of reading books such as "Standing Alone in Mecca," "Living Islam Out Loud" and "The Trouble with Islam," along with various Sufi poetry, biographies of strong Muslim women such as Rabbia, a Sufi poet, Aisha, a wife of the Prophet, and Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet and his benefactress, and others. We became inspired. We knew we were not alone in our interpretations of an inclusive Muslim world, even though there was no community to support us. We decided to form our own community. Thankfully, we live in a country where we have the freedom to do so.

On October 18th, we filed for incorporation with the state of Georgia as the "American Islamic Fellowship," an organization dedicated to providing a safe and supportive community for the diverse voices of Muslim Americans. The Islam I have embraced is one that protects the rights of women, is tolerant of multiculturalism, promotes peace among mankind, and encourages spiritual enlightenment through religious practice, critical thinking, and the quest for knowledge. The Islam I practice is egalitarian and just and is not a religion of blind followers, but of conscientious believers. Kelly and I have committed to developing a community through the Fellowship that will encourage studying, discussion, and diversity of thought. We hope to promote cooperation between faith groups and charitable organizations.

As converts, Kelly and I offer a unique perspective on the practice of Islam. Through studying, critical analysis, and thoughtful interpretation, we attempt to make educated and conscious decisions concerning tradition. We believe that the emerging identity of the American Muslim is as diverse as the American populace. As representatives of that group, we hope to demonstrate the progressive tenets of Islam through tolerance, education, equality, and the democratic process. We aim to focus our efforts on studying the similarities between various groups rather than focusing on the differences. As descendants of American revolutionaries, Kelly and I follow in their footsteps as we set out to redefine our reality. In the spirit of our forefathers, we have embarked on a revolutionary path. We have a vision of a community that supports and encourages its members to pursue knowledge, and define their own boundaries rather than following lines previously drawn.

The American Islamic Fellowship is interested in pursuing spiritual discussion. We are committed to maintaining an open community and welcome members of other faith groups to participate in inter-faith dialogue. Please visit our website, www.americanislamicfellowship.com. We can be reached at info@americanislamicfellowship.com.