As-salamu alaykum! My name is Manuu and I'm an eighteen year old Muslim woman from the Middle East. My life has been pretty eventful so far. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of education and modesty for women in our culture. They sent me to a private Islamic school where I learned about the Quran and Hadiths. I'm really into singing and music, but we were discouraged from listening to secular songs or performing in front of men.

I've been singing for as long as I can remember! My family would always gather around the TV on Fridays during prayer time. They'd record these amazing live performances of the muezzin's call to prayer, and I was mesmerized by his voice. It wasn't until later that I realized it was actually a man singing!

Anyway, when my parents heard me singing along with them in the shower or around the house, they were like "Hey kiddo! You've got talent!" So they started taking me to these private music classes where an older woman would teach us Islamic songs. And let me tell you - it was like my calling! I felt so peaceful and connected to Allah when I sang.

But the thing is, in our culture, women aren't really encouraged to pursue singing careers or perform on stage with men. It's just not considered proper. So I've had to keep my love for music hidden away from everyone except my closest friends and family. It's been a struggle, but I'm trying to find ways to express myself without compromising my faith.

What about you? What's your story?