Judge me by whats in my head not whats on my head

BY: Crystal Tudor 

"Judge me by whats in my head not whats on my head"

When I came across this beautiful drawing I was in complete awe. The reason why is because this painting represents more then just an amazing artistic creation, it is also a representation of what is understood and what is misunderstood. What is understood is that the women in this picture is wearing what is known as a Hijab. What is misunderstood is what a Hijab represents. 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a Hijab is "the traditional covering for the hair and neck that is worn by Muslim women." That is what is understood, what is not understood is what a Hijab represents to the millions of muslim women that wear one. 

I am sure that the women who wear a Hijab don't just view it as a "traditional covering for the hair and neck that is worn by Muslim women." 

The picture on the left is of one of my dearest friends, when I asked what her Hijab signifies for her she responded by saying the following:

"To me, being able to wear a Hijab is more than covering my hair and my body. Literally, Hijab means a screen or curtain. A Hijab allows me to screen myself from the mundane, the insanity of the world, and preserve my beauty, it defines me as a  Muslim, a woman and a future mother. Hijab is my choice, my right and my honor. I think it's a shame that some women aren't allowed to wear it or feel that it makes them look ugly. I wear a Hijab proudly and it is who I am!"

I also asked my friend to discuss some of the negative reactions she faces when wearing a Hijab. She stated that "As a revert to Islam, I choose to wear a Hijab even when there is pressure not to do so. My parents are of the greatest majority who think that Islam is a bad and violent religion and I wish they would take the time to learn about the beauty and riches of it. They go against everything that has to do with Islam even when they don't know anything about it. I pray everyday to be able to enlighten them on it. Hijab is the best decision I've ever taken and I would not have it any other way."

I hear a lot of negative opinions about Muslim people in general. One negative opinion I hear repeatedly would be that people of the Muslim faith are "Terrorists." Ever since the tragic events that occurred on 9/11, anyone who is of Muslim faith or wears a Hijab is seen as a threat. It's this type of ignorance and misunderstanding that is causing an unknown fear amongst people. 

A Hijab is a representation of a Muslim women's faith, why should it be seen as source of terror? Like the quote states "If a woman is free to show her body, why should she not be free to cover it?" I believe that everyone should be allowed to express their religion, which is the right given to them by the First Amendment and not be criticized or judged for it. 

THREE MUSLIM STUDENTS SHOT TO DEATH

(The Three Victims of Chapel Hill Shooting)

By: Crystal Tudor

The world comes together to mourn the lives of 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat, 21-year-old Yusor Mohammad and 19-year-old Abu-Salha; after they were tragically gunned down over an alleged altercation that was over a parking space. 

Suspect 46-year-old Craig Stephen Hicks, was charged for the murder of these three Muslim individuals. When he was arraigned in court he claimed to understand the charges that he was facing. 

Was This a Gruesome Crime Inflicted by Hate?

Even though Chapel Hill Police Officers claim to not know for sure if this was a crime that had something to do with hate and they're looking into the matter, that just isn't enough! instead of "looking into the matter" what are some suggestions on how to prevent gruesome crimes like this from happening in the first place?

(The Wedding Photo The Newlywed Couple Never Got To See)

When I saw this beautiful wedding photo of the young newlywed couple, I almost broke out in tears. 

This picture illustrates the love and close bond that 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat, and 21-year-old Yusor Mohammad found in each other. For there lives to end in such a tragic way causes my heart to ache. 

Sometimes I have to ask myself who should be qualified as a terrorist? Someone who comes from a foreign country and plots to get rid of a certain group or thing because it goes against his/her belief's? or someone who has so much hate, anger, and no understanding towards something that they're not used to? or does one consists of both? I believe that the 3 victims of the Chapel Hill shooting, were also victims of another crime which was TERROR. 

My heart goes out to their friends and families. I also left my Blog open to the public because I would love to hear some of the world's reaction to this tragedy. 

"Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you." 

                                                                         - John Green

WHO IS KAYLA MUELLER?

By: Crystal Tudor

26-year-old Kayla Jean Mueller has been a hot topic for the past couple of days, after she was taken captive by a notorious terrorist group known as ISIS. 

Ms. Mueller is the true definition of a Humanitarian; a former graduate from Northern Arizona University, she has traveled to different parts of the world. Mueller has devoted a great amount of her time trying to promote human welfare in third world countries. She has volunteered in Africa, Israel, Palestine and also spent time in France as an "au pair" which is someone who operates as a caretaker in a foreign country's household in exchange for lodging. 

According to an article written by Ruth Sherlock for The Telegraph, the months leading up to her abduction Mueller "had moved to a Turkish town on the Syrian border, and was doing everything in her power to help civilians whose lives had been destroyed in the neighboring country's war." Mueller was more than eager to be a part of rebuilding the lives of innocent civilians that were destroyed by war battles. 

Now that we have some background information on who Kayla Jean Mueller is, now is time to brainstorm on what really happened to her. 

Her family has kept her name out of the media in an attempt to keep her safe. 

Mueller has spent approximately a "year in a half as a prisoner of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham separated from her own family,.." according to an article in The New Yorker by Amy Davidson. On Friday 7th, 2015 the terrorist group ISIS reported she was killed when the prison she was held captive in was bombed by a "Crusader Coalition Aircraft."

Even though this group reported that Mueller was killed, her death has yet to be officially confirmed. Which leaves her family with a little hope of her being alive. It was allegedly reported that ISIS demanded 6.6 million dollars for Mueller's release. The issue with ISIS's claim of Mueller being killed in some type of bombing is extremely sketchy, especially since this group is always making claims, and some were proven to be false. 

Maybe Mueller is still alive, and her death was just another attempt ISIS used as a way to spark a reaction for U.S. officials. One thing I know for sure is that the on going investigation on her whereabouts should not end until there is a concrete answer to what really happened to Kayla Jean Mueller. In the meanwhile let's keep her and her family in our prayers. 

Works Cited: 

Sherlock, R. (2015, February 6). Kayla Mueller: Profile of American aid worker kidnapped by Isil. Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11397219/Kayla-Mueller-profile-of-American-aid-worker-kidnapped-by-Isil.html

Davidson, A. (2015, February 6). Kayla Mueller’s Calling. Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/kayla-muellers-calling