Chelmsford —
Like most women, Subheen Razzaqui plays many roles in her life, among them wife, mother, and career professional.
For Razzaqui, a speaker for the Harvard Outreach Center for Middle Eastern Studies and a history teacher at Newton North High School, all these roles are informed by her Islamic faith.
Dressed in a flowing blue headscarf – called "hijab" in Arabic – Razzaqui presented "The Many Facets of Islam" last Thursday at the Chelmsford Public Library.
The presentation spanned topics from the differences between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims to women's rights.
It was held in conjunction with the library's "One Book" series featuring "Three Cups of Tea," a best-selling book about efforts to build a girls' school in Pakistan.
"In Islam, God has no gender," Razzaqui said, adding the use of the pronoun "he" stems from practical convenience, and respect. "Allah is not the Muslim God. 'Allah' is simply the Arabic word for 'God,'" she explained, noting that Arabs of other faiths invoke the name of Allah in prayer as do their Muslim neighbors.
Razzaqui – who is of Pakistani heritage, but who has lived in five countries, drew from her own experiences as a Muslim negotiating among many cultures.
She told of surreal moments such as embarking on Hajj – the pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca, required of all physically and financially capable Muslims – and making several runs to the local Burger King.
Hajj not only taught her more about the worldwide Muslim community – estimated at about 1.8 billion – but about the value of patience, which many rushed Americans sometimes find hard to come by.
"You're in a human traffic jam," with pilgrims from more than 150 countries, she said.
Faith and conflict
Since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, many in the U.S. have struggled to understand how terrorists could commit acts of violence in the name of Islam, whose principles emphasize peace, social justice and works of charity.
Razzaqui said some Muslims, including some in countries with repressive or unstable governments, have interpreted "jihad," a concept in Islam, to justify attacks such as Sept. 11 in the name of defending the broader Islamic community.
In fact, "jihad" means rising above one's own shortcomings to become a better person, although it can also mean the right protect one's family or community against harm.
Women's rights in Islam have long been a source of debate, with many observers criticizing Muslim majority countries for restricting women's freedoms and movements.
Razzaqui cited verses from the Koran – the holiest text of Islam – that state men and women are equal before God, although they may have different, complementary responsibilities.
She said many Muslim majority countries – including many struggling to forge a future after colonial rule -- suffer a disparity between rich and poor. A lack of education and opportunity can play a part in the status of women, she said.
Women's dress code is often a focus for those outside Islam.
With a slide show presentation, Razzaqui illustrated that notions of women's covering vary among cultures and individuals.
With Kathy Cryan-Hicks -- assistant director of community relations and programs – as a model, she demonstrated how a headscarf is worn.
Islam also requires men to dress modestly.
Audience member Gerry Miller demonstrated how to wear a kufi, a round, brimless cap worn by men in many Islamic societies.
'Things in common'
Residents who attended the talk said they learned a lot, adding that there could and should be more dialogue among members of all faiths.
"There is just so much controversy and politics. Everyone you talk to gives you different information," said Judy Miller of Chelmsford, whose husband, Gerry Miller, modeled the kufi.
The Millers said they learned much when their temple, Congregation Shalom, provided space to members of a Muslim sect, Dawoodi Bohra, until construction on a new mosque in Billerica was completed.
The Millers said the Muslim guests invited temple and church members to services and to visit the new Billerica mosque during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.
The experience provided insight into the common roots of Islam and Judaism, which in turn share a history with Christianity.
Judy Miller said, "I like to find things in common rather than differences. I like to think we are basically all alike."
For more information about the Harvard Center for Middle Eastern Studies, visit cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu.
To learn more about Chelmsford Public Library programs, visit www.chelmsfordlibrary.org.