[Thread] So humbled my chapter has been made public amidst so many greats in ‘I Refuse to Condemn’. My story chronicles my struggles of speaking truth to power and the allure of remaining silent. This thread will expand on some of the personal moments/1 https://www.middleeasteye.net/big-story/silence-coward-why-no-longer-play-good-muslim

I begin with the story of my mother. She took us to visit an adolescent Palestinian—my age—shot in the leg and flown into Berlin. I draw on the wisdom of the need to bear witness to the plight of others, and overcome our ever-present desire to be seen and heard--esp by power /2

What I don’t mention in this story is my father. Before social media psychoanalysts jump in, my father has been indeed present the whole time, and incidentally him and I both recognised the significance of Power in our worlds at the same time, albeit in our own paths /3

My father passed years ago. Though I wasn’t living in the same city, I would hear how my father would always be present at Every Single Demonstration in Berlin. Even the little ones called at the last minute. Besides worship, thats how my father spent the last years of his life/4

My father always reminded me, “do for your life as if you’ll live forever, do for your soul as if you’ll die tomorrow.” While the soul's wisdom is clear, life’s message is equally beautiful: if we’re to live in this world forever, we better ensure it’s just and plant our seeds/5

When I reflect on the chapter (which I've only done recently), there are shameful moments I would rather forget—especially my speech. But Im learning from memories, as we all are. When you lose parents, you begin life’s journey of endlessly reaping the fruit of bygone wisdom/6

May Allah grant my parents Jannah and bless them with endless serenity in their graves. Ameen.

And of course the link to the actual book, published by @ManchesterUP. I assure you each chapter is just as necessary as the next one; it's such an important anthology (edited @AsimCP) for this day and age. Buy it here: https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526151469/