Interview with MuslimaOasis for Autism Awareness

As Salaam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Zahira and I recently did an interview with Emma Apple, founder of the online Muslim women’s magazine MuslimaOasis and the Autism awareness project BlueHijabDay.com.

The purpose of the interview was to raise awareness about autism within the Muslim community. Even though, I feel, I’m a poor autism awareness advocate, I was honoured and happy to answer the questions. I believe that each of us autism parents have something to share. Undoubtedly, our experiences can help people just entering the chaotic waters of ASD.

I would like to offer her my sincerest gratitude. I pray Allah ta’ala grants her every happiness in this life and the hereafter.

You can read the interview on the MuslimaOasis website.

About MuslimaOasis

(taken from muslimaoasis’ website)

Muslimas Oasis is a collaborative blog by and for Muslim (and non muslim) Women.

Our Goal and Purpose is to post articles and thoughts on issues affecting Women around the world from a Muslim Womans perspective. To encourage empowerment of Muslim Women (and non muslim women) and to encourage Muslim Women to stand up and use their powerful voice and powerful position in society.

We want to raise awareness of issues, eradicate stigma and stereotype, answer uncomfortable or taboo questions. We aim to encourage self awareness of body, mind and spirit on a personal and societal level.

About Blue Hijab Day

(taken from bluehijabday website)

Blue Hijab Day is an event started by Muslimas Oasis as a way to raise awareness about Autism, Aspergers and other Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our primary goal is to bring about more awareness of these disorders in the Muslim Community, a community which is sadly lacking in awareness and supportive resources for families living with autism. With that said, we very much welcome involvement from non Muslims and hope to bring about Awareness in the wider community through our efforts, we want Blue Hijab Day to become a mainstream awareness and fundraising effort with a Muslim face.

About Emma Apple

(taken from muslimaoasis’ website)

UmmHend is a kiwi mother of 2 who converted to Islam as a teenager in mid 2001 and has been known online ever since for efforts to spread understanding about Islam among Muslims and Non Muslims.

She is a Professional Web Designer, an Artist and a Published Writer, it was through her efforts for Islam that she became interested in web design and went on to teach herself and make a humble career of it.

She had all but given up on the online dawah (spreading Islamic information) efforts and finally, years later, Emma’s passionate opinions and drive to speak out inspired her to create a place that encourages women to use their voice and energy for something that will benefit them and their community, for positive affect rather than negative.

Without realizing it her original idea from 2001 came full circle. Muslimas Oasis is the matured version of the humble efforts Emma began to spread understanding of Islam and Muslim Women all those years ago.