Azizah gives forum to Muslim women

By AMRUTA GADGIL
BLUE JEAN ONLINE
After Sept. 11, 2001, Americans faced a multitude of problems. Fears ranging from world terrorism to anthrax to a lagging economy consumed much of our lives. But many cultural groups, especially Islamic communities, had another reality to accept. They were under intense scrutiny for their beliefs and actions, and pervasive stereotypes began to form about terrorists and Islamic women.
Azizah magazine, an Atlanta-based quarterly, not only provides Muslim women with a platform to express themselves, but also gives non-Muslims a clearer perspective on Islamic life.
Filled with pages of inspirational tales of Islamic sisterhood and unity, the magazine attempts to deal with a variety of issues and stereotypes that plague the community. Muslim-American women have been deemed as oppressed underneath their veil, but Azizah helps correct that idea by highlighting the accomplishments of Muslims.
The magazine also features interviews with former Pakistani Prime Minister Benezir Bhutto and prominent filmmakers and other leaders. The usual suspects also appear: recipes, poetry, personal stories and fashion.
But the driving force behind the magazine is that Azizah prides itself as being the "authentic voice" of contemporary Muslim women.
It is a message that has resonated well with the Azizah audience.
Praise from readers
One reader from Quebec wrote: "We women now have a magazine that will educate not only us, but will enrich the knowledge of our family members."
An international reader from Cairo praises Azizah, saying: "There are many women's magazines, but none of them talk about us. You are the first magazine that talks to and about Muslim women."
Azizah succeeds in empowering women by educating them and helping both Muslims and non-Muslims better understand the religion.
For more information about Azizah magazine, visit www.azizahmagazine.com.
XAmruta Gadgil, 20, of Woodridge, Ill., is a senior correspondent for Blue Jean Online. Read more articles and reviews by young women at http://www.bluejeanonline.com, or check out the book "Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying and Doing."