Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

My Islamic Life

Home
Muslim
Are You in the Closet?

Are You in the Closet?

Last updated on: June 9, 2013 at 12:24 pm by Kristina ElSayed

Are You in the Closet? 2013-06-09T12:24:10-04:00 Kristina ElSayed

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Embed from Getty Images

//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/523669496?et=x0Pq1hOuSIl-dA6IVu8gcw&viewMoreLink=off&sig=3RK5eMBQHjKqhdbaRPS70I7DxiEM_qGa6u2O8yJfTKc=&caption=true

Several years ago, before I began working as a substitute teacher, I saw an ad for an Administrative Assistant who was experienced with social media. I was looking for a part-time job a few days a week, and this job seemed to be a good fit. I had experienced with MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. I also had been writing here for about 6 months at that time. I thought I was fairly adapt at what I was doing and thought I’d be right for the job.

Since I had been out of the work force for 10 years, I proceeded to update my resume. While I was doing so, I asked if I should add my experience online writing here at My Islamic Life and being a small business owner through Etsy, selling religiously minded items.

I was told No.

I mentioned that the job I was applying for specified that I be social media savvy and this experience was directly applicable to the job requirements. I pushed further and was told not to list my blog or shop specifically because they are Islamically focused. I should find another way to list my experience without opening myself to the potential discrimination.

Since I opened my Etsy shop and began writing, when people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a Stay At Home Mom (even when I was working far more than keeping my family) or I tell them I’m a Substitute Teacher (even though I work as a sub to support my little business.) I rarely even mention my business. Even when I tell people, I downplay my mission of making devotional jewelry. I push forth The Wudu Cling because it is easier, less personal, and simpler to explain.

When I started getting orders for non-religious jewelry from my friends and family members, I thought to open a separate Etsy shop so they would feel more comfortable ordering from me. I thought I’d reach more people and I’d be able to create more pieces of non-religious jewelry. The one time I participated in a craft fair, it was at the secular school where I work and I chose to use my VianneFere storefront to present my work. I thought I’d be more approachable if people didn’t associate me with Islam.

Why?

I think it stems from being told to shelter myself from the potential backlash. The clear message was to hide your affiliation, don’t let people know.

The problem with hiding my affiliation to Islam is that I am not reaching potential customers by hiding. I am not reaching people who are in need of what I have to offer because I’m afraid to reach out to them. By hiding, I am not reaching those women who, like me, have been told to hide their association with Islam but are in need of a support group who share their same experience.

Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to become affiliated with an Origami Owl Hostess. She sought me out because she heard about my custom stamped jewelry. The women attending her Owl parties were asking her for personalized plates and charms. Since then, I’ve added 4 sizes of stamped plates specifically designed to fit inside the Origami Owl Living Lockets to my My Islamic Life Shop on Etsy. When I did my initial trial pieces, I used Arabic names, phrases and symbols that would be attributed to Islam. Since then I’ve had many customers place orders. Not one of the orders have been religious in nature.

Last week, two co-workers asked me about my jewelry and wanted my business card so they could see my work and possibly commission an order. I considered this request carefully and had to make a conscious decision about what business card I would give them. I have the VianneFere shop still open and I carry business cards for that shop in my bag right next to the My Islamic Life cards. My Islamic Life is my main focus, but would I lose these potential customers if I gave them one business card over the other?

When my co-worker started asking questions about the necklace design, and what was possible to create, I casually mentioned that if she wanted me to stamp a cross on her family charms, I would be happy to make that part of her design. Or, if she wanted me to stamp a Bible verse (because I know she’s particularly religious and I’ve answered questions for her about Islam before) it would be okay.

She laughed a little and said, “Do you realize that your voice drops when you mention anything about religion?”

No, I didn’t.

I feel like I’m straddling the threshold of the closet door in any setting. When I’m inside the Muslim Community, I can talk about the need for a support system for the non-Muslim spouse/parent in family, and I can talk about reaching out to answer questions that non-Muslims have about Middle American Muslims. But I’m not truly accepted as a part of the American Muslim life because I don’t pray like a Muslim. When I’m in an environment where I don’t know how I’ll be received, I’m inside the closet with my pinky toe peeking out. I’m not afraid of people finding out that my family is Muslim, but I’m not outwardly identifiable. Maybe this has more to do with my not knowing where I am in my religious journey, I have no clearly defined religion, so I have a problem taking ownership of something I’m not sure I have a share in.

How do I get from where I am to where I need to be? How do I get out of my own way?

Previous Post

May 25, 2013

muslim roundup

Next Post

June 30, 2013 Reader Questions: What Happens When You Get Married at the Mosque?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Beyond Etsy Blog Posts Books Educational Gadgets Hijabs In the House Jewelry On Etsy Personal Ramadan Reader Questions Reader Response Recipes Resources Uncategorized Videos

Select a Month April 2020 January 2020 September 2019 March 2019 December 2018 September 2018 June 2018 May 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was Ahab's wicked wife, notorious for her cruelty?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Abigail Michal Athaliah Jezebel