Be-longing
By Dzana
My name is Dzana and I am from Bosnia. I came to Ireland with my family in 2000, when I was just 8 years old. Prior to coming here, we lived in Germany for five years during the war in Bosnia, where we returned to only briefly before moving to Ireland.
Like all other Bosnian refugees, we were welcomed here with open arms. We were provided with all that was needed to start a new life. Within a few months, I had started school and soon was able to speak English. Even though I attended Presentation Sister schools both at primary and secondary levels, I never felt obliged to join in the prayers or made feel uncomfortable for being Muslim. In fact, I was exempted from the subjects of Religion and Irish.
During our early school years, my sister and I began to attend Sunday school at the mosque in South Circular Road. This is the first time we were introduced to Muslims of all different nationalities and backgrounds. While I integrated well in school among Irish friends, I loved being part of a wider Muslim community where I could grow in my knowledge and understanding of Islam. I have such fond memories of those days, and really cherish the opportunity to have learnt reading the Quran in Arabic.
I eventually completed my third level education in UCD, but never really blended in with student life. Even though I was not a very practicing Muslim at the time, I knew that parties and such social gatherings which took place weren't for me. I was made aware of the Islamic society within the university, but felt too shy to join. It was the first time that I lacked a sense of belonging. On the one hand, I was Bosnian having grown up in Ireland. While on the other hand, I was a struggling Muslim who did not see herself quite fitting in anywhere.
This struggle continued on into later adulthood after finding work and getting married. However as each year went by, I became closer to the deen and so felt an overwhelming need to be among fellow Muslims. But because I am not yet visibly Muslim, I did not know where to turn to. Though I felt drawn to connect with Irish reverts to Islam, due to myself having a strong Irish identity. So I went in search of a group consisting of Irish Muslim women, and soon came across the Muslim Sisters of Eire.
After establishing contact, I immediately became involved with the organisation through their weekly soup run and Bag for Life campaign. I was surprised at the diverse group of people I had the pleasure to meet. I can honestly say it has filled a void in my life and exceeded my expectations. I have not only gained a sisterhood, but have become part of an amazing charity through which I am able to actively do good. I am so grateful for and humbled by the experience.
My name is Dzana and I am from Bosnia. I came to Ireland with my family in 2000, when I was just 8 years old. Prior to coming here, we lived in Germany for five years during the war in Bosnia, where we returned to only briefly before moving to Ireland.
Like all other Bosnian refugees, we were welcomed here with open arms. We were provided with all that was needed to start a new life. Within a few months, I had started school and soon was able to speak English. Even though I attended Presentation Sister schools both at primary and secondary levels, I never felt obliged to join in the prayers or made feel uncomfortable for being Muslim. In fact, I was exempted from the subjects of Religion and Irish.
During our early school years, my sister and I began to attend Sunday school at the mosque in South Circular Road. This is the first time we were introduced to Muslims of all different nationalities and backgrounds. While I integrated well in school among Irish friends, I loved being part of a wider Muslim community where I could grow in my knowledge and understanding of Islam. I have such fond memories of those days, and really cherish the opportunity to have learnt reading the Quran in Arabic.
I eventually completed my third level education in UCD, but never really blended in with student life. Even though I was not a very practicing Muslim at the time, I knew that parties and such social gatherings which took place weren't for me. I was made aware of the Islamic society within the university, but felt too shy to join. It was the first time that I lacked a sense of belonging. On the one hand, I was Bosnian having grown up in Ireland. While on the other hand, I was a struggling Muslim who did not see herself quite fitting in anywhere.
This struggle continued on into later adulthood after finding work and getting married. However as each year went by, I became closer to the deen and so felt an overwhelming need to be among fellow Muslims. But because I am not yet visibly Muslim, I did not know where to turn to. Though I felt drawn to connect with Irish reverts to Islam, due to myself having a strong Irish identity. So I went in search of a group consisting of Irish Muslim women, and soon came across the Muslim Sisters of Eire.
After establishing contact, I immediately became involved with the organisation through their weekly soup run and Bag for Life campaign. I was surprised at the diverse group of people I had the pleasure to meet. I can honestly say it has filled a void in my life and exceeded my expectations. I have not only gained a sisterhood, but have become part of an amazing charity through which I am able to actively do good. I am so grateful for and humbled by the experience.