I have been raised in an American Muslim family and clearly, besides the five pillars of Islam, I believe in other things that are important. Often the portrayal of Islam in the media is negative, oppressive, and strict. Islam literally translates to "peace." It comes from the word salaam which means peace be to you.

I think it's important to understand the difference between following and believing in religion. You can grow up in a religious household and follow something your parents tell you to. Or you can grow up in with no religious upbringing at all and then discover religion yourself. No matter what the situation is, it is important to note that the only way you can truly follow a religion is not by blindly following the "rules," but rather by believing and understanding the "rules." I am always told to never question religion and that everything happens for a reason when I ask "why?" Finding answers to my questions makes me feel better because I like to understand and analyze things. It is a hard concept to grasp onto when most of us grow up obeying and hearing things that we are never given explanations to.

Being a Muslim to me means to be welcoming and appreciative of all kinds of people.

It means to I believe my religion is my guide to a better, happier, and peaceful life. We have been given life and everyone has a purpose. Everything has its own purpose. Our purpose may be to love infinitely and to learn each day and lastly to heal. To love each and everything life has to offer and to love each other and stand as one regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, etc. To learn as much as we can because there is so much to see and so much that can broaden your horizons. Learn about the world, learn about each other. To heal when you can, try to heal by touch or by words or by thoughts, because after each other we have God.

It means to have a personal relationship with God. I like to see my religion as MY relationship with God, everyone has his/her own. Who am I to do judge anyone on what they believe or what they choose to follow? For example, I am a Muslim and I do not wear the hijab. Does that mean I am not a "true" Muslim? No. It just means I choose to be modest in the way I present myself as a person, not just my physical appearance.

"Those who tread the earth gently when approached with ignorance respond only in peace."