Yassmin's Story- A motivator

It is about two weeks that I finished reading Yassmin Abdul Magied's autobiography the "Yassmin's Story- Who do you think I am?". The book was a full pack of energy, a motivator and the collection of deep emotions of an Arab African girl growing up in Australia. It was important for me to read this book as a young muslim woman  who has recently came to Australia to live with her husband. I also face some challenges in academic and professional fronts and off course we all have adjustments problems. I will do justice to the book by saying that it gave very logical and moderate answers to the stereotypical views of western world about muslims particularly, in Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on "Hijab". Yasmin beautifully explained that if you are doing hijab it does not mean that it will be a hurdle in one's professional or academic development. Yes, you will be judged but Hijab is something like a part of a muslim woman's personality. It's our identity and we are proud of it. In my view, Yassmin herself is a good example of perfect young muslim woman. She is observing her hijab and also an engineer and an active community figure. Her success proves that following your religion and living in a western society can go along well but with some ups and downs, that is certainly a part of every migrant family. One point I would like to quote from this book is that " Don't think of yourself as victims." This sentence instantly hit my nerves. Yes, till date I have seen many muslim women who think of themselves as a victim in this "strange" Australian environment.

They think that because they are muslims and do hijab they will not be able to compete with other Australian fellows on equal grounds. This mind set of "self victimisation" demoralises their motivation and one becomes completely isolated and stranger. According to Yassmin, you have to beat them at their own game. If we apply this principle on our "muslim" lives then we can surely come out of isolation and the self-pity phase. 

 This book is an intelligent and articulated reflection of a young muslim girl brought up in Australia. Yassmin's story reassures that to be successful and well groomed one's parents have an unavoidable and important role. When I see her journey I realised that her parents specially her mother played an essential role in preparing her for the big tasks she is doing for young people today. So, parents brace yourselves, you have got to do some challenging work of grooming your child in this wonderfull diverse environment. 

At last, I would like to add that Yassmin's story can be taken as a case study of how to groom muslim children to be well integrated in Australian society whereas, they have to be familiar with their own culture and religion too. 

Yassmin! all the "sisters" are proud of you and see you as an inspiration not only for their children but themselves as well. Thanks for talking on our behalf and provide a better understanding of Islam to the world.