Creating Her Own Traditions

Before Zaynub was born her father and I discussed a few things that we wanted in her life. I wanted both parents to be active. That's another blog when I'm able to say something nice...more like say it nicely. Back to this, being from Iraq he wanted her to have an Arabic name, learn to speak Arabic and have the choice to choose a religion to practice. I agreed she should be exposed to both parents culture however besides the name I'm not able to teach her what I don't know.  

So her name is Zaynub Inaya Alea...check. I've already begun to purchase Arabic children's books and language learning DVDs...check. Teaching her Muslim customs is where I hit a brick wall. Not because I don't want her to know. I want her to be respectful of other traditions and cultures regardless if we practice the same. I sort of know maybe one or two things and not nearly enough to instruct her.

Z has spent just about everyday of her life with me not her father. When she did have an overnight away from me, it was maybe 12 hours and has only happened twice (I think). Her father hasn't spent more than 15 minutes with her and it was in my home. She's not ever seen him pray or done anything more than speak Arabic to her. A few days ago my manfriend (he's more than just a boy) came to visit and it just so happens he is a Muslim. When he began to pray, Z watched from her recliner very carefully. Once he got on his knees she got out of her chair, knelled down and touched her forehead to the floor. She's not ever seen this before yet she didn't mess with him, instead she mimicked his actions. The next day I was feeding her breakfast and when he entered the room it was as if she knew it was time to pray. She turned away from me and faced eastward just like him. once again when he got on his knees so did she except this time she started reciting something in baby babble. Truly this touched my heart. She may not have understood what she was doing yet she observed a sacred tradition. I want my daughter to have tolerance regardless of the ignorance she will face in life.