I want to talk about disability. I want to talk about disability, because as Muslims, it’s something that no one speaks openly about. Our voice is not one that is heard at Friday prayers or at Qur’an study groups. Too often we’re blinded by ideas about who disabled people are, what they should act like, and what their experiences should be.

I have been affected by illness and disability for most of my life. I have been overwhelmed by the despair and lack of control that can come from being disabled. Alhamdulillah, when I became a Muslim in January of this year, it was because I found comfort and solace in Islam.  It helped me understand my feelings and who I was in light of my struggles.