A Western Muslim's Guide to Hijrah
Part VIII: Making the Most of Resources
Right off the bat, I want to tell you that there aren't that many resources for hijrah online. In many cases, you have to cobble together your own guide through expatriate resources, tour books, and e-mail or other conversations with people who have made the move. Although expatriate forums and blogs can sometimes be trying (given the distaste or open hostility towards Islam / Muslims and cultural mores quite loudly stated by many non-Muslim expats), they do sometimes have the knowledge and information you need. So take what benefits you from them, and leave that which doesn't. I also recommend you not get into debates or arguments or any other attempts to right their wrong understandings about us. Reality has shown many of us that even though they live here among us, they hate our religion, and they often have a lot of hostility towards us as a people (especially the women and especially Muslima converts / Western Muslimas) and will go out of their way sometimes to "flip us the bird," so to speak. So focus on your common ground (Westerners abroad), and ignore the offensive behavior and ignorant speech you may encounter (online or in your new home).
Make your own hijrah guide. Every time I come overseas, I buy a blank notebook and fill it up with phone numbers, addresses, lists, and other things that I need to remember both here (overseas) and at home (United States). Here are some things I put together to get you started.
(Note: for the Islamic / hijrah resources, I mainly try to feature resources that focus on the experience itself, not which understanding of Islam one follows and dogging others. As with most things, take what benefits you and leave that which does not.)
Living in Jordan: A Resource Guide My own guide for Western Muslims moving to Jordan
Muhajiraat Ladies-only e-mail list for Western Muslimas who are traveling or moving to the Muslim world
Wasla Online resources for women making hijrah to Egypt
Hijrah to Yemen Yahoo! e-mail group for people who are thinking of hijrah to Yemen
Foreign Women in Egypt Yahoo! group for non-Egyptian women living in Egypt (I don't think this is a Muslim-only/hijrah group)
Nzingha's Soapbox American sister living in Saudi Arabia
Talibidden Jr on Yemen Homeschooling mom in Yemen's blog, with posts tagged on Yemen
Seek Sacred Knowledge Message Boards for people looking to live and study in a variety of Muslim lands
Allo' Expat Online community for expats
Expat Blog Online wiki and blog for expats, by expats
Escape Artist Living and working overseas
Community Services Association for expats in Egypt
Qatar Guest and Qatar Visitor Two blogs / websites with info on living and visiting Qatar
An Englishman in Saudi Arabia Non-Muslim expat blog on life in Riyadh. Notable for his tips on restaurants and other things.
Living in Egypt Longtime Canadian expat living in Egypt
American Bedu American woman living in Saudi
Escape England Blog for English expats
© 2007 S. Umm Zaid, ModernMuslima.com