Sisterhood is a beautiful thing: I have never seen it the way it is in Islam. They are just so loving, so welcoming. Its like belonging to a little club. Its extrodinary that no matter where you go if you have a scarf on you will find another sister who will say "salaam" or give you that little smile they give to each other. Its quite remarkable. Its probably my favorite part about Islam.
But we can have sisterhood outside of Islam too. I have only experienced this with anime fans. Anime fans have a similar way of interacting. If you are an Otaku (anime fan), you are part of a secret club. They will find you, and they will greet you in a special Otaku way. Otakus usually have an idenifying thing whether it be an anime keychain or necklace or a pin on their bag. And when you find them you smile. Because you know they are one of you. Konnichi-wa!
But its not quite like it is in Islam :)
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Yeah this was totally a big draw for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteI had never in my life had a group of general women friends until I found Islam. All of the women I knew were so catty and petty. They view you as a threat to their men or their position with their men and it is nearly impossible to build bonds outside of that.
I was so amazed how open and secure Muslim women are able to be with each other because there is no reason to be jealous in general. There are clear limits on interactions between men and women so no worries!
I don't think this is the only thing that makes Muslim women close, but I think that it is something that was so different than the way my life was before that it always really sticks with me.
NeverEver: I agree, I never had a close group of women friends for the same reasons you described. Its a big draw for women like us, a group of women who are secure in themselves and don't play such catty games.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, sisterhood is a beautiful thing, and I myself haven't found sisterhood as strong as in Islam. Alhamdulillah, I have always had friends, but not many (I'm a very "one best-friend only" kind of girl), but after becoming Muslim and attending a masjid, I have more friends now than I've ever had. And it's a very comforting thought to know that I have over a billion brothers and sisters in the faith all over the world. I never used to consider strangers my "brothers and sisters", but now I believe we are all connected to each other, Muslim or not. :)
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