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The experience of becoming a parent made Yasmin realize the stark difference in the love she felt for her child, devoid of expectations or conditions, compared to the conditional love she received from her own mother. Holding her baby led her to question why her mother couldn't exhibit the same unconditional love towards her, prompting her to understand that the fault lay not with her but in her mother's inability to express genuine affection.
Yasmin's life took a dramatic turn when approached by Canadian Secret Service, revealing that her husband had ties to Al Qaeda. The shocking revelation unfolded as she was informed about her husband's involvement in terrorism, despite her lack of awareness due to his deception and her deeply ingrained indoctrination. This discovery eventually led to the husband's imprisonment in Egypt, where he faced consequences for his terrorist activities.
Transitioning into adulthood and critical thinking at university liberated Yasmin from the rigid beliefs imposed on her, leading to an intoxicating awakening of her mental faculties and a gradual deprogramming from the stifling indoctrination she had internalized. Despite the lingering fears and dual life she navigated, the process of shedding her religious constraints empowered her to confront societal norms, challenge oppressive ideologies, and ultimately reclaim her identity and freedom from the constraints of her past.
Fundamentalist Islam enforces the garment of the hijab, stripping women of individuality and turning them into a homogeneous entity. This loss of personal identity hinders self-discovery and fosters a culture of strict obedience without room for personal expression. Leaving such a restrictive environment requires individuals to rediscover their beliefs, preferences, and sense of self, breaking free from the collective identity imposed by fundamentalist practices.
Examining the clash between fundamentalist ideologies and universal human rights, such as women's freedom, reveals the need to challenge oppressive beliefs. Advocating for women's autonomy, especially in cultures where repression is normalized, underscores the importance of prioritizing human rights over religious freedoms. The call to progress and uphold individual liberties must outweigh accusations of bigotry, allowing cultures to evolve dynamically while safeguarding fundamental human rights.
Yasmine Mohammed (@yasmohammedxx) is a human rights activist who advocates for the rights of women living within Muslim-majority countries, as well as those who struggle under religious fundamentalism in general. She is the founder of Free Hearts Free Minds and the author of Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam. [This is part two of a two-part episode. Make sure to catch part one here!]
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/749
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Miss our conversation with Danny Trejo, the instantly recognizable actor, producer, and restauranteur with a resume that includes crime, hard time, and battling his own addictions while helping troubled youth overcome theirs? Catch up with episode 398: Danny Trejo | Inmate #1 here!
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