This issue of Muslim Home Newsletter is the 200th edition. In recognition of this achievement, all articles fall under the theme of consistency. One of the most consistent and prolific writers for Muslim Home newsletter is Sister Wendy Diaz. Sr Wendy has written articles on Iman, the holy Quran, life or prophet Muhammad (saw), community service, family, parenting, Ramadan, literacy, language, sports, special needs students, women's bodies, nutrition, book reviews and Hispanic heritage. Masha'Allah, it appears that whatever topic Muslim Home addresses for the week, our sister submits a thought provoking and inspiring article on the topic.
Please read our short interview with Sr. Wendy below:
1. What inspired you to write fo Muslim Home since you seem to have been with the magazine from the onset? What do you find significant or beneficial about the Muslim Home newsletter?
When Sound Vision’s former Director of Religious Education, Zahirah Lynn Eppard, was working on conceptualizing the Muslim Home Newsletter, she reached out to me. I had already written a few pieces for Sound Vision’s website, so she asked if I would be interested in being a regular contributing writer to the newsletter. Writing for Sound Vision was a full circle moment for me because I remember benefitting from the foundation’s VHS tapes as a new Muslim in the early 2000s. Now, as a veteran in the faith and a mother of six, I could give back to the same organization that helped me in my early years in Islam. In addition to that, I have the opportunity to offer advice to other parents who may be struggling with raising Muslim children in the West.
2. Relating to this weeks topic of consistency upon meeting the 200th issue milestone, how did you stay motivated to consistently submit articles for inclusion?
Writing is my therapy. I have enjoyed writing since I was a young child, and it has helped me with every aspect of life, whether it be note-taking at school, producing educational resources for work, or journaling at home. I believe our writing is a powerful tool for education and social change. There is a reason why Allah swears by the pen! What has kept me motivated to submit articles consistently for Sound Vision is the organization’s commitment to producing a quality publication that parents, caregivers, and educators can benefit from every week. Sister Zahirah’s dedication and meticulous management of weekly themes and deadlines (now maintained by our wonderful Sister Mahasin) also helps to keep me on my toes!
3. When given a topic for an issue, can you give some examples of where your inspiration comes from?
The way the newsletter is structured, with general themes for each week, makes it easy to choose a topic that resonates with me on a personal level. I think about what I would want to read as a parent and educator. Once I set my mind on a particular topic, I reflect, brainstorm, and research. I believe that inspiration ultimately comes from Allah, so I pray throughout the process that I can do justice to the subject I write about.
4. I notice you have a number of articles on Hispanic heritage "The Top 5 Lessons I Want My Latino Muslim Children to Know";, "New Generation Benefits from Deep-Seated Latin Roots", "Doing Our Part to Eradicate Hispanophobia from the Muslim Community" and one of my favorites that connects the history of Islam in the Hispanic community "Why I Named my Child Muhammad".. Can you elaborate why you chose to write on Hispanic Muslims and a few takeaways for your readers?
As a Puerto Rican Muslim living in the United States, the topic of Latino and Hispanic Muslims is deeply personal to me. For over two decades, I have been studying, researching, and writing about Latino Muslims and the presence of Islam in Latin America. Despite our long-standing contributions, our community has too often remained on the margins of the broader narrative of Islam in America. Historically, Latin American Muslims have been part of the American Muslim story since its early chapters, and Islamic influence has shaped Latin American cultures for centuries. My goal is to bring our community into focus so that the wider Muslim ummah, as well as society at large, can better understand our perspectives and lived experiences.
5. Do you have any advice to aspiring or other volunteer writers on how to be persistent in their writing career?
To any aspiring writers or authors out there, if you want to improve your writing, here are my top tips: First, try a class to help you perfect your craft. There are even free courses and writing coaches offering valuable advice online. Second, practice consistently. Like any skill, writing gets better with regular use. Find ways to write that you enjoy, whether it is journaling, blogging, or contributing to a newsletter. Third, read often. Reading fuels creativity and exposes you to new styles and ideas. The more you read, the more inspired you will be to write, and the better your writing will become. Finally, stay ready and organized. Keep a notebook, journal, or note app handy to jot down ideas whenever inspiration strikes quickly. I do all of the above regularly, Alhamdulillah!
6. Do you have any advice to the readers of Muslim Home newsletter?
For our dear readers, first and foremost, thank you for following our newsletter. We hope that you benefit weekly from the wealth of wonderful information our writers provide. This newsletter is unlike any other publication out there because it is focused exclusively on Muslim parenting and education in the West. Please continue to support us by reading and sharing our work!
7. Do you have any final comments you would like to make?
JazakumAllahu khaiyran. May Allah reward everyone involved in making the Muslim Home Newsletter possible and may He continue to put barakah in our work. Ameen!
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