Offering Positive Images of Islam

* I thoroughly enjoyed reading my Nov. 29 Times. I was overjoyed at the number of articles portraying Islam and Muslims in a positive and accurate light.

How refreshing and inspiring to read a major metropolitan newspaper and to be left feeling proud and delighted to be an American Muslim instead of feeling ashamed and fearful from the usual stereotypes and inaccuracies aimed at trying to vilify Muslims and to malign the beautiful religion of Islam.

I adopted Islam when I was 18 years old (I am now 34). Coming from the typical American public high school scene, finding and embracing Islam probably saved my life. It inspired me to strive to become a better person, to help others, to honor my parents, to pursue my education (grad school at UCLA) and to marry a good Islamic man.

Perhaps one day, you could do an article on how Islam actually raises women up rather than how it oppresses them, as is the usual fare.

Yes, Islam wants women to maintain their modesty and instructs both women and men to refrain from premarital sex or adultery. But in return, marriages are much stronger, children feel secure, and community life is enriched by healthy, strong family units.

Some people point to Islamic inheritance laws as oppressive to women, because sons are accorded a higher percentage than daughters. However, they fail to mention that in Islam, men carry the entire burden of providing for the financial welfare of the family.

If a woman chooses to work, as I do, she is expected to keep that money for herself, as I do, and spend it as she wishes, while the husband’s income goes to support the housing, food and educational needs of the wife and children.

YASMIN WINTERS

Anaheim