A: As a Muslim woman, I follow Gods commandment to dress modestly, which includes, amongst other things, wearing the hijab to cover my hair. I choose to dress in western clothing and the only thing that distinguishes me as a Muslim is the scarf I cover my head with. Additionally, my face, hands, and feet are the only things that are usually visible. I don't feel like I am treated any differently because of the hijab, but I am definitely more visible. I was worried about the way people would treat me when I first moved to Bellingham I knew I would probably be the only Muslim to wear a head scarf. Yet I was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming and open minded people are. I have never once felt out of place or made to feel like I did not belong. I lived in Dallas before moving here and felt more out of place among a huge cosmopolitan community than I ever have here in Bellingham. I am proud of my faith and I try to represent it in the best possible way and hope they will see Islam for what it really is. Iman Salam

A: Thank you for your note, Jay. It is the differences that make us unique and if we learn from them, grow as human beings. It says in the Qur'an: "O Mankind, We have made you into tribes and nations so that you may get to know one another..." In another verse in the Qur'an, Allah (God) says that different languages and skin color are a sign from Him. thanx Monem

A: Hi Dave, rather not get into a political discussion as this is not the proper forum for that. However, as for the most difficult part of flying, I think it was balancing work/family/flying. with the hours I needed to go up, studying the material and the planes not starting, as I look back, I think that took a lot out of me. thanx Monem

A: Most Muslims here go to Seattle to get there halal meat.

A: According to the Qur'an, Jews are considered "People of the Book"; as opposed to polytheists and/or pagans. Along with Christians, they have a special place in that they are a monotheistic religion to which God sent a Messenger(s). God says that over time the religions became corrupted with mistranslations, misinterpretations, an sometimes, intentional abrogation. Also, God says in the Qur'an that there are some of the "people of the book" that will be admitted into Paradise for their love for God and sincere belief. As for the nation of Israel, since the Qur'an is much older than the current State of Israel, nothing is mentioned about it.

A: Traditionally, anyone who could speak Arabic was known as an Arab. In modern times, the "Arab World" stretches from Morrocco in the West, to Iraq in the East and Yemen in the South. Quite a large area, but by no means does it make up the majority of Muslims in the world. For example the most populous Muslim country is Indonesia, and hundreds of millions of Muslims live in South Asia, China, SE Asia, etc. Also, Turkey and Iran are Muslim, but not considered Arab either. On the Canadian sitcom, "Little Mosque on the Praire", it is not offensive to me at all, I think it is funny and great. Now if only I could watch it regularly and not on youtube!!!! :)

A: To be honest, no much or even not enough. we are a very small community in Bellingham, and a bit bigger in Whatcom County as a whole. Always open to suggestions, but with a small community, everyone is busy doing something just to keep us together as a community!!!! :)

A: Unfortunately, these days, it is very easy to get popular by talking bad about Islam. Seems like if you can talk bad about it, then you are an expert. There are a few points that I would mention to counter this, but keep in mind that I do not know his specific arguments so can't obviously address him directly. 1) All Muslim organizations have denounced the violence that has been done in the name of Islam. one can visit www.isna.net for more information 2) If one reads the quran, God is speaking about how he will forgive sins, so believe in Him; it doesn't make sense that God would be talking about mercy and then tell people to be violent 3) similarly, there is a concept of "eye for an eye" in Islamic law, but that verse in the quran is directly followed up with one that says that if you forgive, it is better for you in the sight of God; again, we forgiveness if God wants us to hate 4) historically, Muslims have lived with others who were "infidels"; even to this day, India is a minority Muslim country; it has in the past been ruled by Muslims; couldn't they have easily wiped out the population of "infidels" or forced them to convert? I hope this helps answer your question. if not, do not hesitate to respond back, because I might be misunderstanding your question. Monem

A: Hi Brandon, I don't think that Islam needs to go through a reformation, but rather Muslims just need to begin practicing Islam. Remember that the history of Islam and not similar to Christianity. For example, at the height of the Christianity, Europe was living in the Dark Ages filled with ignorance, wars, etc. At the height of Islam, the Muslim world was at its peak in terms of scientific discovery, knowledge, arts, etc. That said, I think what does need to happen is that we go back to the original history of Islam where scholars answered questions of their time by debate and discourse and respected each other's conclusions, but not necessarily agreed with them. Nowadays, unfortunately, people spew off a legal opinion which is hundreds of years old and if you don't agree, they call you a disbeliever!!!!

A: Hi Darlene, in regards to what? thanx Monem