When did you move here? Why?
I moved here July 1996, because the war started in Somalia around 1990, and we had to leave for safety reasons. We left Somalia in 1993 and then moved to neighboring Kenya and were there from '93 to '96, when we moved to the US.
What was your transition like moving?
Moving here from my perspective wasn't so bad. I was still very young to pay attention to anything or remember much. But from my mother's perspective- moving was very difficult. She left everything in Somalia and Kenya, because she was told that America will give you everything you want and more. The saying goes "Money grows on trees and walls there", meaning that money is just readily available. My mother only packed two outfits each for all of my siblings and I, and left everything behind under the pressure that American would bring everything she hoped for. She moved 5 of us children and herself. I remember our transition once we got to America though. We were placed in a 2 bedroom apartment with only two mattresses on the floor. And nothing in the fridge or the kitchen. My mother thought she was in a dream and couldn't believe that this was the America that she had heard so much of. Life back home was instantly better. I remember her crying herself to sleep every night and telling my father, who was in London at the time, of the horrible conditions we were placed in. He didn't believe her.
American Experience versus Somalia? Differences? Surprises?
My American experience versus my Somali experience is probably much different from others, since I left Somalia at a very young age. But something I remember distinctly about Somalia is the fact that families were very close with each other there, including extended family. When we were born, my mom had relatives who were staying with us, taking care of us, while she rested and recuperated from giving birth. There was also always family members around to give a helping hand. My grandparents lived a little bit farther away from the house, but I remember my Grandfather coming to pick me up every friday and taking me out.
America is much different. There isn't much of a family life here. Once kids reach the age of 18, they are "free" and can do as they please. Parents even encourage them to move out. And when the parents reach old age- they are placed in a nursing home. This would never occur in Somalia. Children live with their parents until they're married. Any family member is always welcome to stay with you for as long as they would like. Grandparents live with their children or grandchildren in their old age. Here in America, there wasn't anyone around to help us with adjusting besides our case worker. And our case worker had many other clients.
As for surprises-- the biggest surprise was that what you are made to believe about America back home is nothing like it actually is. No one ever speaks of the struggle that occurs here, and the fact that you will probably not have much time with your kids or for resting.
Do You still visit Somalia? Do you have family that lives there?
No I haven't been back home since I left, but I plan on going this summer, Inshallah. As for family that lives there. There is plenty. Mostly from my mom's side of the family. My mom has a lot of family members were as my dad doesn't.
How do you and your family hold on to your culture here in the U.S.
For starters, my mom set up this rule when we first moved here- of NO English at home. Once you come inside the house,as you take off your shoes, so too are you leaving your English behind at the door, to pick it back up when you head to school the next day. I love her for establishing that rule, because I have other somali friends that came to the US at the same time as us, but now only speak English and only comprehend a little bit of Somali. They've forgotten their language, because their parents didn't hold tight to it. We also try to immerse ourselves with our community a lot, at functions or such. A couple of years back, we opened up a coffee shop in a mainly Somali plaza- and I think that has been the most interaction I have with my people. It keeps my culture alive in me. Everyday I am learning something new, and have my mom confirm for me when I get home. Although us kids have a mix of American culture and Somali culture whereas my parents have their Somali culture; as I grow older I appreciate my culture more and more. That's where my roots are, and I should learn as much as possible from my parents and other elders while I can. Exchanging stories and reading books, is what I would say has kept my culture alive in me for so long.
How does being a Muslim woman affect your life here in the U.S. as far as dress and religion go?
As far as religion goes, I think the only time I really faced a hardship personally was when September 11 occurred. I all of a sudden was placed into the category of "terrorist" by my 7th grade classmates. One day I was one of them, with a different religion, and the next day, I was a 'terrorist' that they should be afraid of. Even at that young age, I didn't realize just how ignorant people were, because I assumed that if I knew well enough that you can't generalize with people, that they must've surely known also. I was proven wrong. To deal with that obstacle and dilemma, I wrote a story for the yearly magazine that the school district put out. In order to set people and their parents straight. Because some of those ideas couldn't have come just from the students and my peers.
As far as dress goes, it's kind of an ongoing struggle. With the many 'random' checks at the airport because I am wearing my hijab, regardless of if i'm wearing jeans or a dress or an Abaaya. I also struggle with finding appropriate clothing at an inexpensive price seeing that most of the clothes available are made for girls that like to show their skin off, and those that don't-well they usually wind up paying the price at the register.
I think the key thing with religion and dress as a Muslim woman is to make it a point to let people know that this is who I am, this is what I believe in, and this is how I choose to dress- right off the back. If you are lenient with your beliefs, then people would take advantage of that and abuse/pressure whatever they can on you. I am strong in my faith- and I believe most people can sense that, so they back off or are only curious enough to an extent. I'm quite honest, and people either respect honesty or are afraid of it.
What surprised you about life here?
In regards to surprising things about life here? Well, surely the clothing. Definitely the clothes people wear. There were plenty of non-Muslims back home in Kenya; but they all always dressed modestly. I think modesty is a form of respect for oneself. No I believe modesty IS respect for oneself. Without it, no one will respect you as you don't respect yourself. This modesty also means in mannerisms and such. Most Americans in my opinion lost what it means to be modest along with items of clothing. To this day I don't even understand why certain people would wear certain clothing. I have come to the conclusion that it must be for showing off to the opposite sex. From experience the opposite sex is always attracted to those who are modest and covered. Leaves something for the eye. As my uncle told my aunt once, Hijab or being modest is like a wrapped gift. Those who cover themselves are like wrapped presents and all the joy that comes with them. Those who leave more than can be imagined to be seen, are like an unwrapped present, no joy in that, because someone else already unwrapped it for you.
Another surprise was the food. I remember the food being so great back home and Delicious. Really delicious. Surprisingly enough it's mostly the same stuff we have here in America but more natural, healthier, and different seasoning.
I was also surprised about the hours someone works during the week. I think back home there is more of a relaxed atmosphere. Yes, it's important to work hard, but it's also important to spend time with family and loved ones. Here in America, they have you working so hard, that the only time left is to sleep in order to pick up your cycle once again in the morning. No social time. Hardly any social time.
Another surprising factor was that people weren't and aren't as friendly here as they are back home. Back home, people that don't even know you will stop and lend a helping hand. But, here everyone only minds their own business. Somedays I am thought of as weird, for the many times I make myself available or inconvenience myself in order to help another. I guess that's a part of me holding on to a little part of back home.
What are some traditions that Somalis in AZ practice?
The most significant ones that I can think of at the moment, is when it comes to Birth, Weddings, and Death. With Births, after the baby is born, the new mother and baby stay indoors at home for 40 days, a time period known as afartanbah. During this period, the new family has relatives and friends that come over to help cook and clean. At the end of the 40 days, there is a celebration at the home of a friend or relative. With Weddings, there is usually a 3 day wedding party. One of the nights is dedicated to just girls and having henna put on the bride; and also the day where the nikkah (official engagement/marriage contract) is done. The second day is usually the actual wedding with both men and women. And the third day is usually for women only once again where music is played, nikiis (a type of dance) is danced, and there is usually a baraambur (meaning praise for the bride and groom) in traditional songs and poems. Seven days after the girl is married, a ceremony is held known as "Shaash-saar", where the "shaash" ( a small type of scarf) is put on the bride's head. Female guests put the "shaash" on the bride's head one by one. One "shaash" per woman placing on the bride's head. Along the shaash-saar comes singing and dancing and food in order to celebrate the woman being married. The last tradition is that for deaths, the family of the deceased does not cook in their house for a while but instead friends cook for them and take turns in bringing food to the family. Also somali people all over town, whether they know you or not, come to pay their respects.
Are you involved with the large Somali refugee community here in Arizona?
Yes I am involved with the community here. Although now it is more on a voluntary basis. Back when I was in high school from 2005-2007, I used to work with the community as an employee, where I established a youth organization as part of the Somali community center office. I used to help organize annual events, help new refugees with paperwork, and translate when needed. I also used to tutor at a local school that had a lot of refugee Somali kids of grades 1-6.
Do you stay up to date on current events in Somalia? Politics? Economy? Etc?
When I can, I do. But not as often as I would like. School keeps me very busy on other matters.
What are your opinions on Somali pirates? The lack of internal sovereignty in Somalia?
I think the pirates are doing what they can to protect their country and their waters, or at least that's how it started. I can't speak of exactly why they chose the actions they did, especially in kidnappings for ransom. But I do know that the reason this whole pirate business started in the first place is due to Western companies coming to Somalia to dump their nuclear toxic waste containers on the shore because there wasn't a real government controlling the waters. So, originally these pirates were defending their water and territory and went into the waters to make these companies pay for their illegal dump of wastes. They were also trying to protect the health of Somali's since new cases of ailments were arising due to this waste dump. There is also a lot of illegal mass fishing on Somali waters, and fishing is a main survival for Somali people. All this was further damaging the environment. So although I am not totally saying that these so-called 'pirates' are doing the right thing; I think they're doing as best they can without any help from the outside.
The lack of internal sovereignty in Somalia is one with a long list, that started with tribal warfare, and is now boosted by Western politicians taking advantage of the dismay that Somalia is in, and further using their resources, in my opinion.
Do you celebrate American holidays here? Your family?
Part of my family is Italian, and so they are not Muslim and they do celebrate American holidays. But within my immediate family, we do not celebrate American holidays, besides just getting another day off from school or work. My siblings and I also celebrate our birthdays, although that is not common in Somalia and I suppose it really isn't an American holiday but more tradition.
What are you studying? What do you want to do after graduation?
I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Global Studies and a Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Spanish. After graduation I want to combine what I have learned from my sociology courses in the study of people's behavior and incorporate that with my global studies degree in doing international relations. I would truly love to open up a non-profit made for orphans. I believe in all the world, and the people that are suffering, orphans have it the worst. Kids with no parents, without a choice. And they are usually the ones left to fall into the cracks. I would like to open up my first orphanage in Somalia. Home. A place where I was lucky enough to leave with both my parents, but so many others did not have that chance. A place filled with orphans looking for someone to love them and care for them. My mission is to get as many of these kids as possible at once, off the streets. Give them education, a place to call home, a family amongst each other, food in their bellies, and hope. Most importantly hope in their future. Hope for kids that don't have that at this moment.
Coming from a predominately Muslim society, how has your faith been altered or impacted since being here in a multi-religious nation?
At times I feel like some people of other religions are on a mission to convert me. That makes me sad. I believe that if you hold the truth within you, then all you need to do is share, and the person will be able to accept without forcing it down my throat.
I also feel like by being in a non-Muslim society, it has actually strengthened me in my religion. I am in a constant struggle with a battle between self, religion, and the American lifestyle of religion only on Sundays. If I was back home, I probably would not be wearing the scarf until I was married, and religion would be laid back so long as I prayed my five prayers. Because back home almost everyone around you is Muslim. Making one believe that they are practicing without really practicing. Being out of that comfort zone, I struggle to keep my religion in tact and constantly remind myself of the main principals. I think that part of leaving home, worked to my advantage.
Is there any other information that you would like to include or want people here in America/at ASU to know about Somalia and Islam?
Can't think of anything else right now, but will let you know when I do. "Somaliya ha noolato!" Let Somalia Live!