Muslim Writing Salon brings awesome diversity to D.C.

Diversity of thought and creativity captivate Washingtonians

In the rooftop bar of Eaton DC, skeptical of attending a religious event, I didn’t know what to expect. When Nafisa Isa enthusiastically started introducing the program, people cheered and hollered. Sitting in the second row, I turned back to see the people cheering, and saw more than 100 people mostly with dark hair and olive skin, like me. All the chairs were filled and people were standing by the bar.

The event’s title was Muslim Writing Salon (JALSA). This event was a part of the 2019 Asian American Literature Festival organized by Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. JALSA was the first event of the festival I could attend that weekend.

“Say hi to people next to you and get to know each other” Nafisa encouraged. She explained how in traditional Islamic JALSA (gathering) people discussed, exchanged ideas, and interacted peacefully. Nafisa and Sami, the other coordinator of the program, roleplayed to show the audience how to express our appreciation following Muslim tradition when there is a poetry recital.  When one is enjoying the recital, it is accustomed to say Bah Bah, Wah Wah or Takbir. Takbir is usually followed by Allah o Akabar delivered by the audience.

Applause filled the room when it was time for Almas Haidar to come to the stage. Her story picturing Khadijeh, Mohammad, Fatemeh, and Shams on the way to Mecca took all the focus of the audience. It wasn’t only the story; the background music, her dreamy tone of voice, her body gesture in her sleeveless long black dress, her black hair, and remarkable rouge lipstick took the audience to a different world. My feet felt the warmth of the sand walking with her in the desert, following Mohammad’s footprints. It was a great performance.

 

Kazim Ali

Kazim Ali

Then it came to Dana Abushanab from Muslim Writers Collective reciting her poem, Where Are You From From? The strength in her voice reciting a powerful poem brought the energy level in the room so high. Everyone was excited and saying Bah Bah, Wah Wah or Takbir. Where are we from from? Yes, I live in Virginia, but I was born in Iran. She was born in Palestine, and the other lady next to me was born in Pakistan. But even the white lady in front of me said her great grandparents were Irish. Aren’t we all immigrants in this country?

Bushra Rehman and a few others narrated beautiful poems. Their thought provoking poems represented the current complicated status of Muslims in America and voiced the unvoiced for equality.

Then we had Sirtaj Kaur, a young beautiful passionate Pakistani-American musician and singer. Her  calming voice along with uplifting guitar playing brought an exciting mood to the crowd.

Kazim Ali an American poet, novelist, essayist and professor recited his poem The Far Mosque. When I heard him reading, “The farthest mosque is inside your heart.” something changed inside me, a transformation, a pleasant feeling of being at home.

When Kaveh Akbar, the Iranian-American poet and writer came to the stage reciting his poem called Portrait of the Alcoholic, his performance was so natural that I doubted whether he was sober. Because of my bad memories of an alcoholic father, I’m usually sensitive to this subject but him admitting to live in between the two worlds of sinning and follower was certainly both meaningful and funny.

A writer speaks at Muslim Writing Salon

The event ended by Dr. Samina Najmi reading her short story taking us to her college days in Karachi. When she announced herself as a secular Muslim, I felt a lot more at ease, a stronger belonging feeling to that community. I wasn’t the only one secular there. The message her story conveyed was under the state of fear and survival; people could hardly be thinking about freedom. They are trapped. A fear-based structure takes away the compassion. It was a beautiful ending to the event.

At the end, I was mind blown. My eyes’ pupils widened looking  at my friend Ayeh sitting next to me who had informed me about the event. “Ayeh, this was amazing!” I blurted.  In my astonishment I continued “These people are so progressive and broadminded.” I thanked Ayeh for letting me know about the event and encouraging me to attend.

I was wondering, being raised in a Muslim country, if I am ignorant enough to hesitate to go to a Muslim gathering, what do we expect from other people who know nothing about the culture.

We talk about diversity and the importance of understanding it to create more peace. That needs a lot effort. Kudos to those who raise their voice and help others to learn more.

Author Shabnam Curtis

Author Shabnam Curtis

Categories
American DiversityAmerican MinoritiesAmerican MuslimsArts & LiteratureCultureCulture ConversationPluralismPoetry

Shabnam Curtis is the author of My Persian Paradox
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