Young Author, Malak Afaneh
Young author, Malak Afaneh, does just that. She fills the void that is
Here is an excerpt from Malak’s recent publication, Nour’s Friday Prayer: One little girl’s story of patience and determination:
She gazed up, wonderstruck at the beauty of the intricate designs covering the masjid’s walls. Delicate calligraphy bordered the edge of wall with carefully hand drawn crescents to match, all the way to the dome of the mosque. The room was bare, with green carpet, and a few bookshelves where the Holy Book, the Quran, was kept.
Nour was thrilled to enter the masjid for the first time, she walked to the prayer rugs and sat down, clutching her rosary beads tightly, feeling the marble in her hand as she counted.
Suddenly, a tall man with a dark beard and a long white robe appeared, approaching Nour and her mother. She clutched her mother’s skirt, and drew close behind her. Nour recognized the man to be an Imam, the leader of the masjid.
“I’m very sorry sister, but you can’t be here,” he gently said, addressing Nour’s mom. “We have too many men to accommodate women for Friday Prayers.”
Nour was worried. Did this mean she wouldn’t get the chance to pray in her new clothes?
Nour’s mom looked surprised. “I’m very sorry, Imam, but we are visitors from America, and it is our first time in this area. Is there any way we could stay just this time?”
The Imam shook his head. “I’m sorry, but that won’t be possible. We simple have no room.”
Nour’s mom took her hand, and led her calmly out of the masjid. Her mom looked at her sadly and explained that they would have to try another masjid farther away. Nour nodded her head, holding back tears, and trying to hide how upset she was.
“Why did we have to leave those other masjids! It was not fair mommy!” exclaimed Nour, glancing at the shops.
Nour’s mother patted her back, comforting her. “Unfortunately, Nour, many masjids in this area are not used to having women arrive for Friday prayers. Also, it seems a lot more men show up, so masjids have starting letting the men pray in the women’s prayer rooms.”
Nour widened her eyes, shocked. “B-But…Mom! It’s the women’s prayer room, only they should be allowed to use it!”
“What do you think we should do?” asked Nour’s mom.
“Maybe we can tell the Imam to keep a space for women,” suggested Nour.
“That’s a great idea,” said Nour’s mom.
“Mom, does Allah say that women can’t go to the Friday Prayers?”
Nour’s mom crouched down till she was face to face with her daughter. “No, darling, Allah doesn’t say that. Allah says that women should not be forbidden form going to masjids. Allah also encourages all to go to Friday prayers, not only men but also women and children if they like to.”
Munira Munshi