Rahmah A. Abdulaleem
Rahmah A. Abdulaleem is the Executive Director of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights where she works to create a global network of advocates knowledgeable about the gender-equitable principles of Islam and are able to advance the cause of Muslim women’s rights in legal and social environments. As KARAMAH’s Executive Director, she works with scholars to empower advocates about the rights Islamic law grants to women and to educate Muslim women in Islamic jurisprudence, leadership, and conflict resolution so that they may become the leading agents of change within their communities. Ms. Abdulaleem has coordinated and presented at educational and civil rights programs around the world.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman
By Rahmah A. Abdulaleem, Esq.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, I am.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
No, I am not married yet but that does not make me less than.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
No, I am not a mother yet but that does not make me less than.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
No, I don’t have a sheikh but my leader is Imam Warith Deen Mohammed (may ALLAH grant him paradise).
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, my WD Mohammed community has always valued the input of the women in the community.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, Imam Mohammed encouraged us to be traditionally educated and that is why I became a lawyer.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, my African American identity is strong just like your ethnic identity. Don’t make something “Islamic” when it is actually cultural.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, we have special foods from our community too. Let me share my bean soup and bean pie.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, I was born for the Mission. My community elders told all the children that as we were growing up.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, after years of struggle I have finally found my mission which is to educate and empower Muslim Women.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
No, educated Muslim women will not be the downfall of the Ummah. By not educating women, the Ummah has been fighting the misconceptions and misinformation about Islam with one hand tied behind its back.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, the Quran clearly stated that ALLAH has gave karamah (dignity) to ALL the children of Adam.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, the Ummah has let patriarchy corrupt the universal message of Islam.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, Islam is gender-equitable and I don’t need to be saved from it thank you very much.
Ain’t I a Muslim Woman?
Yes, I am an African American leader in my community and I am a Muslim Woman.