Hana Assafiri launches “Ask a Muslim Anything” speed dating-style events at her café.
Hana Assafiri, a renowned women’s empowerment activist, has brought a new dawn to Australian Muslim women by launching her new “Ask a Muslim Anything” events at her Melbourne café. The event is based on old speed dating concept with primary objective of creating a more cohesive society and unveiling the myths around Muslims.
“Ask A Muslim Anything” at this Melbourne Cafe[/tweetthis]
The Ask a Muslim Anything event is held every two weeks on Sunday at 3 p.m. Muslim women are the main participants of the event, and it’s open for anybody who has any query about the Muslim faith. It tries to create cohesion by bringing together people with diverse backgrounds and helping them understand Muslim women better.
The event starts with an introductory speech from Assafiri, who addresses around 30 men and women all gathered around the tables.
In an interview with The Guardian, Assafiri said “Nothing is off the table, and your questions can absolutely be frank and candid.” She added; “The only requirement is that we are all respectful. Respectfully, we can ask why people wear the hijab, do they sleep in it, do they shower in it. The point of this exercise is to break down the divisions that exist in this simplistic environment that only seeks to demonize and further marginalize Muslim women.”
Many Muslim women have embraced the event positively, and it has provided a platform for their voices to be heard. Hafina Deen, the Author, and Editor of Sultana’s Dream said that she doesn’t wear a burqa despite being a Muslim.
She explained the reason for her choice saying that “There’s nothing I understand in the Qur’an that calls for a hijab, it only calls for modest dressing. People might quote Hadiths [a collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad] and say the Hadiths call for it. But Hadiths were written only by men. I do not agree with the Hadiths either.”
Great story from my hometown of Melbourne, Australia – "Ask a Muslim anything" events at a cafe. What a lovely idea!https://t.co/ADu04HHzXN
— The Alexandra WI (@thealexandrawi) February 10, 2016
Therefore, the event will bridge the gap that it usually left by the news media which only asks Muslims men for comments. “Ask a Muslim Anything” events will give women a voice to speak about their religion and cultural issues. “The media automatically goes to the men for comment, they ask the imams to talk about Muslim issues,” Deen said.
“If anybody puts forward a view that accepts the oppression, violation or subjugation of women, then that needs to be interrogated and rejected.” Hana Assafiri’s goal is to bring Muslims women on board so that their views can be heard too.