Q. I am 15. I attend a private school. We had a thanksgiving party last year, some of our sisters refused to be part of the Thanksgiving event. It was embarrassing. So this year, help resolve the matter for us

A. The sisters had the right to express their religious thoughts and emotions.  However, we are unaware of the details from both parties, so we cannot comment beyond that. You have not told us as what caused for them to refrain from the Thanksgiving event. Send us the details for a more clear response, and in order to “resolve” any matter, we need to hear from the other side of the equation. It would not be fair to give a solution to sister who might not think there is any problem at all.

People of diversity and religious sensitivity should be willing to give people a choice with regards to the celebrations which they don’t wish to be part of. Our sisters should neither be peer-pressured nor forced to do what they deem inappropriate, or is against what they value and cherish.

Allah certainly knows best.