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friends
in the muslim community and learn more about their
religion. They
also have a
chance to
discuss
some of the many
concerns
and
challenges facing young Islamic
women and girls living in the United States. The average
attendance is usually about 40 girls ranging in age
from 8-17. The girls sleep on location at the camp,
and meals are provided. Each day different speakers
hold sessions with the girls in which they discuss
topics about Islam, peer pressure, women in Islam,
living Islamically, as well as many other interesting
and informative subjects. New muslims have also come
to talk to the girls about how they came to Islam
and what convinced them that Islam is the Truth.
| Diamonds
in the Rough
In
addition to the speaker sessions the girls also
have the opportunity to participate in other
activities such as arts or crafts. This
year the girls made bracelets
with
special significance to
their design. The
bracelets were made
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from
all black beads, with the exception of one clear
"diamond" bead. The
diamond represents the girl who is wearing the
bracelet and the black
beads represent the people around her who may
try to lead her astray from the True Path of
Islam. Because a diamond is the hardest of stones,
no matter how hard you scratch it against any
other stone, the diamond will not scratch. Like
a diamond, the girls remain unblemished because
of their faith. We hope that when the girls
leave the camp and find themselves back in their
public schools and elsewhere surrounded with
non-muslim people who may engage in activities
not permitted in Islam, that the girls will
look at their bracelets and be reminded that
they are "Diamonds in the Rough" -
the rough world, and that they will let their
faith preserve them and keep them on the straight
path insha'Allah. |
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