Recently I wrote about a schism in the American Muslim community between the BAMs (Black American Muslims) and the IMMs (Immigrant Muslims). Seems the BAMs feel the IMMs, who control most mosques and are usually Arabs or Pakistanis (and some Palestinians too), are trying to keep the BAMs down. Read the whole post here.
Now comes a BAM convert who is a seeker of empowerment (social justice too) for women through Islam named Aisha. If you didn’t know, Aisha was Mohammed’s favorite wife. He married her at 6 years old and consumated the marriage when she was nine. So much for empowered women. Anyway, Aisha says at the Middle East Online:
Many of us have come to feel that Islam has been a vehicle of empowerment for African Americans, and African American women specifically. We can thus speak concretely about the vast potential the religion offers not only to women, but all humanity, in the realm of personal spirituality, community, equality and justice.
But, here is where she will run into trouble with the powerful IMMs:
Given our unique perspective on history, we are prepared to engage in struggles for social justice both within the Muslim community as well as for all Americans, and indeed, every global citizen. But we cannot call for constructive change in the larger society and not address the social ills within our own ranks.
Issues such as honour killings and domestic violence must be addressed and resolved. We must help break down the cultural barriers that prevent all Muslim women from seeking education, attending mosque, and participating in Islamic organisations and civic projects. Failing to do so would be in direct contradiction to the examples of those very women we have taken as our mentors.
Aisha, good luck, I’ll be rooting for you. While you are at it try to get them to give up polygamy, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages (you know, like Aisha’s).