We are pleased to announce Noor Qwfan as AM Women’s first Muslim Woman of the Month!
Noor Qwfan is a 29-year-old Yemeni-born American who has lived in Bakersfield, CA ever since her family immigrated to the United States in 1992. By day, she’s hard at work as an associate manager for the agriculture company, Wonderful. By night, she’s either editing episodes of or delving into important conversations like Muslim female representation, mental health, or sexual assault with diverse Muslim women on her platform, This Muslim Girl Podcast.
Qwfan has not only impacted the lives of Muslim women online, but offline too. She founded a youth mentorship program called Sisters of Azimah, which serves as both a resource and safe haven for the Muslim girls in her community.
In her free time (whenever that is!), she’s working on her new project, Noors Nook, where she creates illustrations, stickers, and prints inspired by Yemeni culture and her Muslim American background. She also created a collection of products with her illustrations on them like notebooks, phone cases, coffee mugs, and so much more! When Qwfan is not hard at work, you’ll most likely find her with a paintbrush in hand creating beautiful works of art, or with a bowl of healthy vegan food while watching her favorite reality TV show.
As an independent, successful, veiled, and outspoken Muslim women and active member of her community, Qwfan is a catalyst for change and a force to be reckoned with. She is breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries unapologetically and is on a mission to help other women do the same.
In our chat, Qwfan tells us all about how she started her podcast and mentorship program, what impact they have had on her and the community, and the future of both great projects. She offers insight and advice for anyone interested in starting a similar program in their community as well. She also touches on the role both culture and religion have played in shaping the person she is today. Qwfan is #goals in more ways than one, so read on to learn more about all of the inspirational work she’s involved in, and how you can follow in her footsteps.
What has your experience been like growing up as a Muslim in America?
In relation to some of the work that I do and where I am right now in my life, some things that influenced me a lot growing up was my attentiveness to why I was different, and really being immersed in both the American and Yemeni/Arab culture. My earliest memory of really dealing with it was in grade school where everyone would look at me like I was different. They knew I was Arab, but their limited knowledge of Arab was the movie, Aladdin. All of this was before 9/11. My mom and dad would take me to school, and my mom would be in her Yemeni clothing or have henna and hijab on. They could tell that she was different, so I was different.
I realized as a woman, I am super held back, and it made me resentful.
When I was in third grade, we travelled back to Yemen, and I thought, For once I am going somewhere where I am going to fit in. I had a pretty shocking experience. When I got there, they all looked at me differently because my clothes were from the States, my Arabic was “broken,” and I had an accent, which I didn’t know. Here, they called me “Arab Muslim,” and over there, they called me “the American girl.” I was so disappointed. From then on to college, I kept trying to figure that out, navigate it, and talk to people about it. It was very therapeutic for me even though I grew up very introverted. I found my voice in college. I joined a student activist group, and I was organizing state-wide rallies, large protests, tuition hikes in L.A., and speaking in front of thousands of people. Once I found my voice, I wanted to use that back in my Muslim community and make changes where I saw there were problems.
In your introduction about yourself on the This Muslim Girl Podcast website, you state that religion and spirituality play a role in your everyday life, and that they are the sources to the decisions you make, and the way you choose to live your life. Has that ever been a challenge for you?
Most Muslims who grow up in a society other than a Muslim society struggle with fitting in and being a “good” Muslim on the outside and inside. I fluctuated in deen, and we don’t talk about this enough to make people understand that it’s okay to fluctuate, especially when you’re young, and to not feel like you’re a bad person, or you’re hopeless. Because I felt like that. I come from a strong tribal Yemeni culture that is very conservative at times. Alhamdulillah, my family is open-minded for the most part, but the community I was raised in was very strict, especially towards women and their ability to do certain things and be independent. No one ever explained to me the difference between culture and religion, so I took everything in as religion.
When I was young and gullible, I accepted it because I thought, This is what God wants. But when I got older, I started seeing that the older you get, the more you want to experiment in life. I realized as a woman, I am super held back, and it made me resentful. I was, maybe, not the best Muslim spiritually. I don’t think I had a connection. Then, I faced some hardships and personal issues, and Subhan Allah, I think that is a way of God trying to call us back to Him. What made me want to learn about deen on my own terms is that I could talk to people about my problems, and they could give me their input, but I’d still be really anxious about things. I couldn’t get relief. I couldn’t get peace. Subhan Allah, when I started praying, I used to get peace instantly. He gave me peace that I don’t think I could have gotten from any human, therapist, best friend, mother, or father. That made me realize that I have this connection, and I want to hold on to it, so I’m going to learn more. I realized that Islam is a beautiful religion. Islam is a religion of opportunity, and it’s a religion of giving. Alhamdulillah. I still struggle like everyone else. I struggle with the way I dress sometimes, with the language I use, or with prayer. But as long as you are constantly reminding yourself that you have room for improvement, then I think it’ll be fine.
Do you feel like you ever had to sacrifice anything because of your faith?
No, I think it opened up things for me. There is something to be said about being a Muslim woman doing things, being comfortable and confident, and putting your voice out there. As far as it restricting me, no, because I only want to do what pleases Allah. I don’t want to do anything bad or influence people badly. I tell stories. I share stories. I try to keep my modesty and keep respectful relations. Subhan Allah, if you want to do something positive and you have good intentions, why would you be prevented from doing it? If you feel guilty or restricted, then maybe it’s not a good thing that you are doing. I think if any restriction comes, it comes from being accepted into the Western culture, or any stigmas I face because I am a Muslim woman, like if I face any prejudice or discomfort from people.
God gave a woman the right to be independent, to own land, to work, to have money, to travel, to all these things, and if culture is going to come and say, “No,” then I have a problem with it.
How do you feel about culture?
Culture is a different story. Culture restricts me. I was on a Google hangout with about ten girls, and we all work really hard in our communities. We face the same struggles as women in this culture because we do more, unfortunately than the men, as far as advocacy in our community and providing help. But men have it easier. They can easily contact who they want. They can go to any event. They can be on the media. When we we do it, we get a lot of backlash from our community. Even though there is nothing wrong with what we do, it’s like we’re doing too much. They value a woman as smart and educated, but is going to get married and have children. Everyone has their own path in life and how they want to live it, so just respect either or. Culture is beautiful, but if it crosses a line that God drew, then it’s a bad thing. God gave a woman the right to be independent, to own land, to work, to have money, to travel, to all these things, and if culture is going to come and say, “No,” then I have a problem with it.
What motivated you to start your podcast, This Muslim Girl?
One of the things I think holds women back culturally is the idea of being in the public eye and speaking about things that aren’t normalized, like divorce, or the struggles we face. When I thought about sharing women’s voices, I realized that a lot of the women who inspired me to do this would never show their faces on camera. When my friend started looking into podcasts, I thought, “What better way to get women to tell their stories, and be comfortable?” They can be anonymous if they want, so that is a bonus.
In your blog, you describe how “Muslim women narratives are often misrepresented and molded into the oppressed, regressive, sob story we see too often in the media.” Can you talk about this more and how your podcast will help change this?
Muslim women are constantly facing criticism. In the Western community, whether it’s at school, college, or work, people may not fully understand your lifestyle, personality, or who you are as a Muslim woman. In the media, we’re always being judged for being oppressed. But our own community judges Muslim women a lot, too. Muslims are attacking other Muslims. Let us take the microphone. Let us talk about our issues. I hope my audience is everyone. I want the men to listen. I want other Muslim women to listen. I want the general public to listen so that we can feel understood, so that people won’t feel like they can judge us, and to show that we’re capable of doing things without our fathers and brothers.
Sometimes, it’s not giving someone an answer. It’s not having a conversation and getting feedback. It’s just realizing, I’m not alone. Someone else is struggling through this.
What impact do you hope the podcast will have?
Even if it’s just a few people that I can help, influence, change their minds about something, or get them to understand women more, that’s my goal at the end of the day. It’s connecting people in a way that in our Arab culture, it’s frowned upon to talk about your issues. When people are being vulnerable and open, talking about their problems, and other people see that, it provides comfort. Sometimes, it’s not giving someone an answer. It’s not having a conversation and getting feedback. It’s just realizing, I’m not alone. Someone else is struggling through this. Whether you have a chronic illness, you’re not married, you’re having issues with your parents, your parents are separated or divorced, whatever it is, it’s that sense of comfort you get hearing someone share a similar story to yours.
How did you start Sisters of Azimah?
I completed a research study with one of my really good friends, Gokh, about educational opportunities and barriers for Yemeni American women in our county. In grad school, my thesis was to create a program proposal based off of the results that we had done our study on, but I didn’t want to limit it, so I opened it up it to all Arab women, including Muslim converts. I needed support, so I discussed it with Khulood-she and I started it–and we asked three other girls that were really interested to join. Originally, it was four or five board members. I found a local nonprofit called the Islamic Surer Council of Bakersfield, and they agreed to house the program under them. We wanted it to be under a nonprofit so that we could fundraise and have a lot more opportunities in that area. We established it in October of 2015.
We had a lot of girls in my community run away. They left their homes because of issues they couldn’t face. Because of criticism. Because of lack of communication. Because of a lack of resources.
What is the purpose and mission of the program?
In our Arab community, we don’t talk about our problems. We don’t show that we have issues, so [girls] can’t even tell their friends. We had a lot of girls in my community run away. They left their homes because of issues they couldn’t face. Because of criticism. Because of lack of communication. Because of a lack of resources. We saw an issue in our community and thought that this could help. We wanted to create a sisterhood and a support system for Muslim girls and women. The age range is 13 and up. We focus on professional, social, academic, and spiritual development. Alhamdulillah, we connected girls from different backgrounds and personalities together. We’re showing them how similar they and their struggles are, even if they dress differently or come from different backgrounds. It’s building relationships and bridges between the youth through this commonality that brings us together.
What does the program involve?
It’s a sisterhood, but it’s also providing a resource and making it fun. If they need help applying for financial aid or to colleges, we will help them. We have a tutoring service available, too. We also meet at the masjid and hold discussions where everyone puts questions anonymously in a jar. We’ll usually do snacks and drinks while we sit together in a circle and talk about them. It’s not necessarily giving professional or religious advice, but it’s a form of therapy, and the girls get really excited to have a space to talk. We’ve done Eid gift exchanges, and a salon dinner. It was a four-course meal, and with every meal, there was a different topic of discussion, either spiritual, political or motivational. For example, “What woman inspires you and why? What is your favorite part about being a Muslim?” We go around and share, and we have really good food.
It sounds like a lot of fun! That is such a great resource to have and a great way to bring the Muslim community together.
Yeah, and a lot of it is not only bonding, but it’s exposing girls to community service, volunteering, and giving back. We have volunteered at the Food Bank. We also participated in a project called Feed The Hungry Campaign, where we made 1,000 meals for the homeless in one day.
In Ramadan every weekend, we make packed lunches, anywhere between 40 to 100. We go to this park where there’s a lot of homeless people, and we put little notes on them, like a hadith about giving back and how we’re fasting. It’s both da’wah and community service. We try and host at least one fundraiser a year. One year, we did a Syrian clothing drive with a nonprofit in L.A., and we filled a container up of over $1,000 in raised money for things people can’t donate like underwear, bras, socks, and other stuff. We try to provide as much opportunity for community service as possible. The girls feel good about being altruistic, are more thankful about what they have, and their parents become really proud of them. It’s an overall really good experience for everyone.
Sometimes, it’s used as a compliment and I’m like, “No, I am a woman.” I don’t need to be compared to a man as if that’s the highest standard of being successful or being someone who makes an impact.
What are your future goals for the program? Do you plan on expanding Sisters of Azimah to make it available in different communities and areas?
It’s not established to the point where I can focus on managing other chapters. If anyone else wants to do it, they should. I think every community needs it, but every community, Subhan Allah, is different. There are different cultures, different needs. Sisters of Azimah was a reactive measure as well as a proactive measure because I saw that a lot of girls were feeling lost and were struggling with identity and culture. But you could be in a community where that’s not necessarily the issue. Maybe the issue is the youth are disconnected with deen and they feel like their only option is to not be religious at all. Or they’re spending five days at the masjid, but all of the programs available are very dry. Or [the mosques] are always bringing speakers who can’t relate to the youth. So one, you have to research your community and what the needs are. And two, don’t be afraid to try and fail, and try and fail. We tried a lot of things and failed, but then you learn. Don’t do it alone. Find people who share a similar interest and passion as you. Brainstorm your idea, and what nonprofit you want to house it under, unless you’re really ambitious, and want to make it your own nonprofit. The benefit of being a nonprofit is that you can get grants, fundraise, and it’s a lot more credible. I would encourage anyone to get involved in their community.
How would others describe you?
I’ve been called a man. [Some people] say I have a masculinity when it comes to my independence and my voice. Sometimes, it’s used as a compliment and I’m like, “No, I am a woman.” I don’t need to be compared to a man as if that’s the highest standard of being successful or being someone who makes an impact. If you’re successful, all of a sudden you’re “manly” or you’re “better than a man.” Don’t compliment me in that way.
How about how you would describe yourself?
I would want to describe myself as active because I’m involved, and not just in my community, but in my family as well. I’m the go-to person for all my siblings and my parents when there’s an issue or when they need advice. I try to get involved in the art scene and with interfaith things in my community, too. If something is there and I have the time, I want to get involved.
Women are cracking the glass ceiling, and eventually it will break. So, every success that a Muslim woman has is doing that for us. It’s breaking stereotypes. It’s empowering other women. Support each other. Empower each other. We need more of that than anything.
You’ve accomplished so much at your age. What essential piece of advice would you give your 15 year-old self?
I think my 15 year-old self would be in disbelief at how far I have come. From having no backbone, no self-esteem, being very quiet, and relying on my sisters to be my voice to this person now who is being the voice for people in my family, and is helping other people find their voice. So, if I did tell myself anything it would be, Use your voice and Don’t underestimate yourself. Accept your timing and know that you are going to find your voice, and your voice is going to potentially help other people.
What advice do you have for Muslim women?
I have one piece of advice for Muslim women: We should never be the source of degrading, putting down, or judging other women. We already have everyone else doing that for us. Support your Muslim sisters in your community. Support the Muslim sisters all over the world. Believe me, success for one Muslim woman is success for all of us because of how closely we’re connected with our experiences. So, if someone is succeeding, that’s an opportunity for you to also succeed. They must have struggled to get to that point. They’ve already pushed boundaries. Women are cracking the glass ceiling, and eventually it will break, so every success that a Muslim woman has is doing that for us. It’s breaking stereotypes. It’s empowering other women. Support each other. Empower each other. We need more of that than anything.
You can listen to This Muslim Girl Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Follow her and her amazing projects on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @noorallii, @thismuslimgirlpodcast, @sistersofazimah and @facelessme. Also, make sure to check out @noorsnook on Instagram to see her amazing illustrations and prints. You can purchase her Middle Eastern-inspired collection of greeting cards and stickers by going to her Etsy Shop, Noors Nook. The products she customized with her illustrations are also now available for purchase on Redbubble.
Noor is so awesome and an inspiration to our Muslim youth!!
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.