Across most cultures, religions, and countries, elements of armed rebellion, anti-government demonstrations, and combat are commemorated as necessary steps to building nations and civilizations. On the 4th of July, America celebrates its independence, which could not have been achieved without armed resistance and civil disobedience. The heroes of the American Revolution are honored with monuments and their stories are taught to school age children.
Glorifying those who [physically] fought for their freedom is a privilege not extended to all, however. When it comes to Muslims, there is a tacit understanding that their resistance must be characterized by extreme patience and docility. Muslims should not make heroes of warriors and revolutionaries. We must be disarming at all times, quoting Rumi and always aligning ourselves with other causes or people that make us more palatable and less threatening.
Indeed, the only mainstream-approved Muslim resister we are allowed to celebrate is Malala. Being shot by evil bearded men is heroism; physically fighting off oppressors and colonizers is violent extremism. I think most people are familiar with Malala’s oft-quoted response to what she’d say if she came face to face with a member of the Taliban. She is applauded for saying something along the lines of fighting back would make her no better than them. It sets an unrealistic and unfair expectation as to how Muslims should behave when under attack.
Nusayba Knows Her Worth is essentially a celebration of one of Islam’s early resistance fighters. And no, Nusayba bint Ka’ab was not of the belief that fighting back against the Quraysh would make her just like them. If Muslim children growing up in America can be trained by society to revere American heroes and the armed struggle for independence, then they deserve to unapologetically celebrate the resisters, the warriors, the formidable fighters important to other parts of their identities as well.
Golden Butterfly Books 