My Sister's Keeper 2007

This story is just one more example of what our youth can
accomplish. Keep developing these forums for discussion and
learning, not only for non-Muslims, but for your Muslim peers as
well.

Click the link to see this fully covered sister and read the story
online, or you can read it below.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/ozwash/feb04/208927.asp

Girl Scouts Award Young Woman of Distinction to Muslim Girl

Teen's forum about Islam earns distinction
Posted: Feb. 19, 2004

Saukville resident Sarrah Abulughod, who turned 18 last Friday, has
been named a Girl Scout Gold Award Young Woman of Distinction, one of 10 in the nation. Abulughod was recognized for creating and
organizing a three-day forum in November 2002 called "Confidence in
Knowledge" at the Islamic Center on Milwaukee's south side. In the
forum, about 150 Muslim teenagers discussed issues concerning their
faith, religious practices, social restrictions and their appearances. For Abulughod, the award means a $1,000 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., from March 1-6.
Abulughod, who is home-schooled, spoke with Journal Sentinel
reporter Dan Benson.

Q. How and when did you learn that you were named a "Woman of
Distinction?"

A. I found out in an e-mail, actually, while I was overseas in
Jordan in January visiting my dad's family. I was at an Internet
cafe in Amman and hadn't checked my e-mail in quite a while, and
there was a message telling me that I had been selected and would I
be able to make the trip to Washington, D.C., the first week of
March. They couldn't give me the award unless I could make the trip.
My mouth just dropped open, and my dad said, "What's going on? What
is it?"

Q. Tell me about your project, about the forums.

A. There were three programs on three different nights. The first
night was an introduction of what the program was going to be about,
but I also chose topics to get discussions going. We talked about
how to explain to our peers and adults the Muslim practice of
fasting and prayer because it was the month of Ramadan. On the
second night, we talked about dating and dances. That was a hot
topic because it's unusual for teenagers not to have boyfriends and
girlfriends or not to attend dances. On the third night, we talked
about modesty and head coverings and the reasons for Muslim dress
and how to explain it to anyone who asks things like, "Why do you
have that towel on your head?"

Q. How was the forum accepted by the teenagers who attended?

A. They related to it very well. The discussions really took off.
People were telling experiences and funny stories, as well as some
of the more serious questions they have heard. And we talked about
how to answer people without making them more confused. Many people think that, when they first read about my program, that we brought in people who were just curious. But it was to help the youth
themselves to clearly explain their religion and practices.

Q. Why was dating and dancing the "hot topic?"

A. That's just what everyone wants to know: "What do you do on
Friday nights?" Some people think it's impossible to have a social
life if you don't date or go to dances.

Q. Are you looking forward to your trip to Washington, D.C.? Do you
know what you will be doing there?

A. All I know is that they told me I will "network with some
prominent women" and job-shadow someone. But I don't know who I will be seeing. There will be some touring and sightseeing. March 3 is
the actual awards ceremony, and I'll have to speak. I'm kinda sorta
looking forward to that. I have experience in public speaking.

Latifah M.