TJ: I think … when I moved from New York to Dallas with my family. … moving from such a fast and packed city to a more family friendly one had some positive influence on our family life. We were able to become a part of a community. I became happier and was allowed to help others in a community …. IH. Where do you find yourself most at peace and productive? TJ: I find myself most at peace while working … and helping other people. … I feel productive when I’m out of bed and moving. If I’m not moving and not getting things done, I feel lazy and know that I didn’t accomplish all I wanted to accomplish for that day. IH. What is a day in your life like now? TJ: My life is currently very fast paced. I don’t [seem to] have a second to rest. I’m up before sunrise and down to sleep at midnight. I wake up and start the day, feeling accomplished and fulfilled by the end. IH. What (experience, place, thing, or idea) and whom do you think most affected who you are today (how and why?) TJ: [All] that I have experienced and been and everyone I’ve met has affected who I am today. [Everything] … [has] made me a better and well-driven person. The people have made me a better [person] as well. They have told me and showed me that I can be a better person than I was the day before. We all carry a heavy load to some degree. Learning from each other and about the life of others truly enhances our own life. We are enriched through faith, conviction, work ethic, grit, giving, patience, perseverance, caring, love, gratitude, peace and overall goodwill. We can all make it through life’s trials and triumphs by looking beyond ourselves. ih Baheejah Fareed is administrative coordinator, The Islamic Seminary of America (www.islamicseminary.us), Richardson, Tex.
A Young Refugee Couple Feeds Hundreds of Displaced Americans A Syrian refugee steps forward to bring comfort to storm-affected Dallas residents
BY REHAM FAHAD
T
he February 13-17 snowstorm that hit Texas not only delivered a disaster but also heroes like Dallas resident Shaza Al-shaara, a Syrian refugee who served dinners to those who took shelter in the Dallas convention center. With husband Faez as her sous chef, she worked from morning to evening to feed them dinner — 600+ meals. She supplemented the first night’s menu — chicken and rice — on the second night with vegetables so they had a balanced meal. This hardworking mother of two had also worked with Dallas’ ICNA Relief center for the past five years as one of their main volunteer cooks. “I help my community in Dallas. Any wedding or party, I cook all the food. I love helping out in my community,” she mentions proudly. She has done this so frequently that cooking so much food has become second nature to her. “No, I was very happy, I didn’t find any hard work while cooking,” Shaza responds when asked if cooking the same two meals literally hundreds of times stressed her out or made her tired. Her only real issue, she adds, was finding the majority of the ingredients in bulk. “We bought everything from a warehouse store, and ICNA Relief donated some of the ingredients,” she explains. The couple did several runs for ingredients, and yet none of these inconveniences seemed to pressure her at all. In fact, she got everything done in record time while also managing her young daughters. Even a mundane job can be impressive or praiseworthy. Imam Omar Suleiman (founder and president, Yaqeen Institute; adjunct professor, Islamic Studies Southern Methodist University) noted her effort by commending her on his Instagram page. Her response, “I was very happy. I didn’t think twice about helping the people. I was surprised when I saw the posts thanking me for my work.” She admits that his post had filled her with pride and a little shock, for she never expects anything in return for helping others.
Shaza said she hadn’t thought much about helping out, but since her sister had asked her to do so, she knew they needed it. Although she expected assistance from others, only her husband worked with her. Al-shaara, a truly hard-working good Samaritan, is finally receiving the “Thank you” she deserved from the community. “I am just happy to help where I can,” she selflessly claims. As not many volunteers are recognized, all of this publicity has brought more awareness to these selfless volunteers and turned the spotlight on them in a most humble manner. Shaza truly sheds light on the good refugees can bring to the U.S. and how giving them a chance will allow them to help others and give them a chance as well. She is passing this kindness forward, doing whatever she can to thank those who gave her a chance in her new country. Never seeking to define herself through her past and her struggles, she lets her actions define her. A perfect example of “actions speak louder than words,” instead of arguing with people to prove her worth, she spreads joy and kindness all around her — happy with herself and her impact on others. She’s a prime example of what good services immigrants and refugees can bring. The couple’s journey to their present life was covered by Time magazine: https://time. com/a-syrian-refugee-story/. Remember Shaza Al-shaara and her story the next time you hear someone slander or disrespect other refugees or immigrants. By oppressing them and denying them legal access to jobs, we not only slow our society’s progression but also stop potentially successful people from bettering our world or helping others. When someone asks what immigrants bring us, tell them kindness and opportunities for others, more light, and a way to better our society. Shaza — remember her name — is truly an inspiration for our community. ih Reham Fahad is a student at Naperville Central High School in Illinois.
MAY/JUNE 2021 ISLAMIC HORIZONS 51
