The Modern Muslimah - “Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.” [Muslim]

Ten Comments You Will Hear Before Pursuing Your Deen

2011-05-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

FANTASTIC post I read on: http://annoor.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/ten-comments-you-will-hear-before-pursuing-your-deen-2/

For anyone who ever thought of growing a full fist-length beard, observing proper hijab and/or niqab, or dressing in an Islamic manner but have not been able to do so, this is a must read for you. Insha Allah, it may serve to be a source of inspiration for those who wish to pursue Islamic education. But most importantly, it serves to be a reminder for me and Insha Allah, a means of earning Allah’s pleasure by getting people to practice the Deen in its entirety.

Unfortunately, just before you take your first step on the righteous journey to pursue your Deen, your nafs and shaytaan be it your own shaytaan or people around you, even the ones who deeply care for you, will give you awful “advice” and sincere “nasihah”. Perhaps it may not be because they have evil intentions. It is because they do not understand the big picture—what your Deen means to you. They do not understand that, to you, the reward is worth the risk. In other words, a life of hell in this world or a jail as the hadith says is worth more than a temporal “paradise” for an unknown amount of torment the actual hellfire.

So they try to protect you by shielding you from the possibility of failure, which, as a result, also shields you from the possibility of making a Deeni life for yourself a reality.

Our time here in this world is limited, so let us not waste it trying to live someone else’s life. Do not be trapped by lack of faith and Iman others have regarding themselves and you. Do not let the noise of other people’s opinions drown out the sound of your soul yearning to live a righteous and pious life.

Here are ten tips (lies) people will likely tell you when you decide to pursue your Deen and the reasons why they are dreadfully mistaken:

1. You can follow your Deen someday, but right now you need to calm down and be responsible.

Someday?! When is “someday”? “Someday” is not a day at all. “Someday” never comes. It is not even on the calendar. It is not on the lunar calendar, the Islamic calendar, and ISNA does not even know when “Someday” is going to be based off calculations because it cannot be calculated! It is a foggy generalization of a time that will likely never come. Today is the only day guaranteed to you. Today is the only day you can begin to make a difference in your life. And pursuing your Deen is what life is all about. So do not be irresponsible. Do not wait until “someday.” Make today the first day of the rest of your new life, and fulfill the purpose of your life.

2. You are totally at a loss if it does not work out.

Wrong! This is a giant, lame load of whispers and snares in the form of wasawis. You are not even close to being at a loss. In fact, the worst case scenario is that things do not work out and you go back to doing exactly what you are doing right now. Well you can always make Tawbah, and return to Allah. If the sun has risen from the west for these pessimists, then let them have their judgment, but in reality, this event has not yet occurred. So make use of the time at hand. The door for returning to Allah is still open and everyone has a free pass to go in, even those who were in and went out can return back in. Remember that the Qur’an says mankind is in loss and those who practice the Deen are an exception to that.

3. It is safer to maintain your job.

Sure, I suppose. But you know what is even safer than that? Going home, locking yourself in your bedroom, and never, ever coming out. And just like that, your entire life and your Deen would go down the drain. Remember, safer doesn’t always mean better. Allah is our Provider, and our Sustainer. Allah provides so much sustenance to those who reject Him, to those who associate partners and ascribe children to Him, and to those who have unusual beliefs about Him. Yet, He never abandons them! Are we worse than those people that Allah will not tend to at least our basic needs?! Is this world not a testing center for us?!

4. Fully practicing Deen is impossible!

It is only impossible if you never do anything about it. The reason certain things seem impossible is simply because these people are not aware of anyone who has achieved them yet. But this does not mean that with your help these things won’t become possible in the future. If you truly dedicate yourself to an end result, almost anything is possible. You just have to want it bad enough. The examples of our pious predecessors and the examples of the righteous people of today are in front of us. Resolutions only become available to people of firm resolve!

5. Only a lucky few “make it.”

That is because those lucky few got off their rear ends and did something about it! They had the drive, determination, and willpower that you have right now. You can be one of them. It is up to you, and only you. Keep in mind the lives of the pious people. They had to deal with the taunts of people also. In fact it was said that the recitation (Qira’ah) of Imam ‘Asim (the teacher of Imam Hafs) and the jurisprudence (Fiqh) of Imam Abu Hanifah would not reach outside Kufa….Look who gets the last laugh now!

6. You might fail and sin. And sinning is bad.

Failures which lead to sinning are simply stepping stones to repentance. No matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should be. Either you succeed or you learn something: win–win. The biggest mistake you can make is doing nothing because you’re too scared to make a mistake. If you can’t handle failure, then you can’t handle success either. In the end, you will have attained the love of Allah. How you ask? Allah mentions in the Qur’an that He loves the pious and the righteous. But Allah also mentions that He loves those who frequently repent. One will only frequently repent when one frequently fails and sins.

7. You do not have access to the right resources.

It is not about having the right resources; it’s about using the resources available to you. Imam Abu Yusuf was a poor person. He did not have the luxury to give everything up and sit and learn. What he did have though, was his eyes on the prize and sincere yearning for learning. That resulted in the great Imam Abu Hanifah noticing this and resolving to look after the financial needs of Imam Abu Yusuf. Get it? Got it? GOOD!

8. You need more money saved before you can take the first step.

You do not need more money. You need a plan. You need a budget. Eliminate ALL the nonessential costs in your life. If pursuing your dream requires you to leave your day job, figure out the absolute minimum amount of income that you realistically require. Studying the lives of those who have succeeded with similar ventures helps a great deal. But above all, take baby steps. Do not be foolish and assume that you must have a certain amount of money saved right now, or that you must quit your day job today in order to pursue your Deen. Instead, ask yourself this question, “What actions can I take right now with the money and resources I have right now that will bring me closer to the desired goal of practicing Deen properly?”

9. You do not need any help. It is smarter and better to learn and practice on your own.

You are the sum of the people you spend the most time with. If you socialize with the wrong people, they will negatively affect you. But if you socialize with the right people, you will be far more capable and powerful than you ever could have been alone. Find pious people who you click with and work together to make a difference in all of your lives.

10. That sounds like a lot of hard work.

You are darn right it does! But that does not mean it is not worth it. I think success in life hinges on one key point: finding work you love doing and knowing that Allah also loves that work. As long as you do not do anything to incur the wrath of Allah, remain true to yourself and follow your own interests, values, and dreams, you can find success through passion. Perhaps most importantly, you won’t wake up a few years from now in a situation you and Allah despise, wondering, “How the heck am I going to be like this for the rest of my life? What is Allah going to do to me if I were to die?” So if you are not breaking the laws of Allah, nor going against the Sunnah, and you catch yourself working hard and loving every minute of it, do not stop. You are onto something big. Deen is not hard when you concentrate on it and make Deen your passion.

Disregard these misguided bits of nonsense and Insha Allah, you will be on your way to fulfilling your Deen. Now get up and go earn Allah’s pleasure!

sirat-al-mustaqeem sistas

2011-04-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

who's the first one the Prophet (pbuh) went to? Khadijah.
yeah, they laid this track down proper :)

insh'Allah I'll start updating more often.

It's Tough Being a Girl - Khalid Latif

2011-03-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

notes:

so your solution does not rely on me...you have to develop a sense of self-entitlement by empowering yourself with a certain base of knowledge and going out and learning your deen. so that if somebody who is deemed to be authoritative in your community justifies through scripture of poor treatment of you, you can say, "no, I know what I know and you can't tell me that his is religiously correct." ...but until you go out and learn it for yourself, you're just going to have to deal with this.

If a person does not wear it does that mean that they are immodest? and it doens't meant that. and we have to understand that. because if one does not have that qualifying term of what you associate it to be it doesn't necessarily mean that they have to be the extreme opposite of it. our rhetoric around it is so disenchanting that no one's really going to wanna do it because of the way we talk about it.

there has to be gentleness, sense of compassion and mercy in the ways in which we engage with eachother. It's not easy to go out there right now and wear your religion on your sleeve...we have to let people explore and grow and be a means of positive reinforcment not be a people who discourage them from this deen. And we have to start to think about it in this way.

Yes it's important, yes the way we are perceived by society, yes the way we carry ourselves, but this is something that is important for men and women. most of us as men are only identified as being muslim because we are walking next to a women who's wearing a headscarf. most of us as men don't even realize what our hijab actually entails. we don't even know how to dress...

no matter how many sins or mistakes that you have committed in the course of your life can it exceed the mercy of Allah (swt)? but contingent for us to be recipient of that Divine mercy is that we exert an air of compassion and mercy amongst ourselves. and we don't do that. and we have to start doing it.

ameen to creating solid women's education initiatives.

Batman's Muslim Sidekick

2011-03-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

The Struggle to Fight the Oppression of the Self

2011-02-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

Khutbah: "Understanding Desire" by Imam Mustafa Umar. from Islamic Institute of Orange Cty on Vimeo.

This is a khutbah by Imam Mustafa Umar (more here: http://mustafaumar.com/) that I felt was very fitting for Valentines Day. and just a great reminder in general. Here are notes I took that you can follow along with:

"Whoever fears the position of his Lord and forbids his inner-self from following it's destructive desires, Paradise will be that person's destination." Our self/nafs/ego is something which pushes us towards action - the human being is composed of many aspects: intellect and rationalization; ability to reflect and choose drives us to do certain things.

There is also a spiritual aspect: self / ego that drives the mind to make certain decisions. this is where free will is. That self needs to resist temptations and pleasure because of one simple fact that no one can deny: the self and ego becomes addicted to the pleasures of this world.

Allah (swt) has created these appetites within us (hunger, thirst, desire) they are here not only to give us pleasure but rather to prolong the human race. However, He has not given the permission to let that desire / inclination run unchecked. When it runs unchecked is when we lose our lofty position and get down to the level of animals. When their desires overcome them, they are no longer in the position to choose what is right and wrong.

Econ principal: "diminishing marginal utility" directly has an effect on how we understand desires. People use it to see how they determine supply and demand - your amount of desire in one specific sitting will decrease based upon the amount of desire you indulge in. some people may mistakenly think that if you indulge in your desires then they're going to get out of your system. MISTAKE. Infact, the more you fulfill and indulge in your desires the more your desires go further. The more you begin to crave it. It doesn't get out of your system. it stays and becomes a part of you.

Allah (swt) has told us that we must resist our inner desires and fight back against ourselves. if we do not fight and control our temptations it will get out of hand. We live in a society that doesn't mind promoting things such as dating, sex, etc. We as Muslims must understand what society we're living in and we need to decide consciously how we're going to react to that society.

America has the highest rate of rape in the world. why? It's because we live in a society that does not check the inner self. It not only allows you to follow your desires but it promotes the following of desires. it's a high pressure society, how are we going to act and react when we are put in those situations? We need to be among those people that are willing to participate in the struggle against ourselves. We must have the discipline, ability, intellect and the insight to lower our gaze, to say no. The only way we can do this is if we are prepared. If we think all we have to do is say "There is no God but the One" and then sit back and be admitted into Heaven, then we're WAY mistaken.

Remember that each and every single one of us is going to be tested, "Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allah?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!" Quran 2:214. The test may be difficult but it is never impossible. Because Allah (swt) promises "On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." Quran 2:286. And that is a sign of reassurance for each and every one of us. You can never make the excuse and cop out saying that this is too difficult for you to handle. There's already a selection process thats been made before you've been given the exam; its already in-line with what you can handle.

So Islam has taught us that we must resist for our own good. Of course, for the sake of Allah (swt), but all of these things are in essence for our own good at the end of the day. If you make the decision that you're going to fight and resist then one of the difficulties that you're going to face is that you've been so accustomed to doing something over and over again that its difficult for you to get out of it. There will be some withdrawal symptoms; you're going to find a sense of boredom and you'll think that nothing is fun around you. Adjusting is difficult but it's something that you wll get used to and it is something very plausible. There's going to be a hill you need to cross over if you want to fight your self - remember Allah swt's promise: "As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers)." Quran 26:69 if you do it for the sake of Allah, you resist and fight your self for the sake of Allah, He will guide you and He will help you.

May Allah (swt) allow us to pass these tests. May He give us the strength and insight to see thorugh the deceptions in our society and allow us to make the right choices. Oh Allah guide us ON the straight path. Ameen.

Wasted is the goodly advice which is ignored.

2011-02-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

So for those of us who are sometimes questioning the purpose of our life or just need a refresher or a point to start from, THIS is amazing to start your day off with:

Wasted is a scholar who is not asked about what he knows.
Wasted is the wealth which is not used in good.
Wasted is the knowledge which is not acted upon.
Wasted is the goodly advice which is ignored.
Wasted is the mus'haf (copy of the Qur'an) which is not recited from.
Wasted is the heart which is firmly planted in the mud of dunya.
Wasted is the life which has made no provision for the ultimate journey.
Put your hopes in no one except your Lord, have fear of nothing other than your sins.
The extent to which one understands the nature of dunya measures the degree of his attachment from it.
O son of Adam! Allah has nourishingly created you for Him alone, yet you so desire to belong to others.

[Above quotes by Othman radi Allah anhu]

(taken from lessonsoftheday.com)

The last three especially get to me. may Allah (swt) make it easy for all of us to fulfill our purpose here on this earth. Allahuakbar.

"There are lovers content with longing. I’m not one of them." -Rumi

2011-02-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain! I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."

-Oriah Mountain Dreamer (L'Invitation)

This has so many sufi themes it excites me like no other! If this touches you, share it.

Peace.

For The People

2011-02-03T02:00:00.001-08:00

^this picture is of Egyptian Christians protecting Egyptian Muslims while they pray. mA.

“The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declared, “Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast, the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.” [Tirmidhi]

Fast tomorrow and make dua for all of our brothers and sisters around the world facing oppression.

The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When any one of you sees anything that is disapproved (of by Allah), let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart, though that is the weakest (kind of) faith." [Muslim]

one mic, one stage.

2011-01-31T10:08:00.000-08:00

Khalid ibn al Walid (r.a.) narrated the following hadith:

A Bedouin came one day to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and said to him, "O, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Hereafter."
"Ask what you wish" said Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: I'd like to be the most learned of men.
A: Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.
Q: I wish to be the richest man in the world.
A: Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.
Q: I'd like to be the most just man.
A: Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.
Q: I want to be the best of men.
A: Do good to others and you will be the best of men.
Q: I wish to be the most favoured by Allah.
A: Engage much in Allah's praise, and you will be most favoured by Him.
Q: I'd like to complete my faith.
A: If you have good manners you will complete your faith.
Q: I wish to be among those who do good.
A: Adore Allah as if you see Him. Even if you don't see Him, He sees you. In this way you will be among those who do good.
Q: I wish to be obedient to Allah.
A: If you observe Allah's commands you will be obedient.
Q: I'd like to be free from all sins.
A: Bathe yourself from impurities and you will be free from all sins.
Q: I'd like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
A: Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
Q: I'd like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.
A: If you have mercy on yourself and others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment.
Q: I'd like my sins to be very few.
A: If you seek the forgiveness Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.
Q: I'd like to be the most honorable man.
A: If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.
Q: I'd like to be the strongest of men.
A: If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.
Q: I'd like to enlarge my provision.
A: If you keep yourself in order (clean), Allah will enlarge your provision.
Q: I'd like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.
A: If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.
Q: I wish to be safe from Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgment.
A: If you do not loose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Q: I'd like my prayers to be responded.
A: If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will be responded.
Q: I'd like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment.
A: If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment.
Q: I'd like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgment.
A: Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment.
Q: What will save me from sins?
A: Tears, humbleness and illness.
Q: What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?
A: Gentle manners, modesty and patience.
Q: What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?
A: Hot temper and miserliness.
Q: What assuages the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?
A: Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.
Q: What extinguishes hell's fires on the Day of Judgment?
A: Patience in adversity and misfortunes.
(Related by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

[source: supermuslims.tumblr.com]

"hijab is a threat to consumerism" cheers

2011-01-24T20:08:00.001-08:00

This was the most thought-provoking argument for hijab I have heard. love it. Today's (and history's) beauty standards presuppose that we are all sick or broken or in need of fixing. I read one of my favorite chapters in "Full Frontal Feminism" today, here are little excerpts that connect back to the video & to the fact that society keeps women obsessed with their looks for a purely gross, sexist purpose. ew. get familiar:

"Whether we're puking, or not eating, or cutting ourselves (or letting doctors do it), young women are at the center of the beauty cult. We run that shit. But when people talk about young women having eating disorders or getting plastic surgery, they often assume that we don't know the consequences- health or otherwise. The sad truth is, young women do know. We just don't care."

"When you're taught that the majority of your worth is in how aesthetically pleasing you are to boys - and then boys tell you you're ugly - there's something soul crushing about that"

"If you're a younger woman, no matter how much work you do, someone is always going to claim that your success is dues to the way you look...young women are constantly reminded that their only real worth is their ability to be ogled or ridiculed."

"Consumerism is at the heart of beauty standards. After all, who's telling you what's (and who's) hot? Fashion mags, for example, survive by selling ads, ads that tell you your skin will be disgusting if you don't buy the latest microderm scrubbing bubbly foamy face wash. They all depend on your feeling ugly. Because guess what? If you think your looks are just fine and dandy as they are, you're not going to buy face creams and makeup and diet pills. You're just going to hang out, feeling great and doing productive things. But if you feel ugly and fat, you're going to spend as much money as possible to make sure you're doing all you can to be pretty...It's important to remember why some folks need us to feel ugly. It serves a specific purpose: to make us spend, to distract us, and ultimately to make us disappear."

So what now? It's going to take awhile for the beauty standards of society to change, it's all little steps. Get educated about this and start liking yourself the way you are. Honestly, I need this advice more than anybody - so I'm not trying to preach. I don't wear hijab yet, but madprops to all of the Muslimahs out there that do. Accepting yourself the way you are is revolutionary in itself. I'm convinced that hijab is one step closer to that.

It's Not an Identity Crisis

2011-01-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

currently reading:

"Religious experience is, by and large, ineffable. This indescribability is, in fact, one of the defining characteristics of mysticism and other forms of spiritual awareness. As listening to a piece of music that moves us to tears may defy our ability to explain those tears, spiritual encounters often resist our desire to describe them." - LA Times

"A gorgeously written memoir about what it means to be a human in a fractured world, told with warmth and wit to spare. It will stay with you for years." - Reza Aslan

Okay, not gonna lie, the reason I picked up this book as I was browsing was because of the praise from Reza Aslan! So I'm only about ten pages in, but so far so good.

LOVE: "To me Muslim and American are inseparable. I am a Muslim and an American. Politically this is incredibly irritating, but it's not an identity crisis." - excerpt from the book

hope.

2011-01-13T15:45:00.001-08:00

"When shaytan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future."

"the pure men are for the pure women, and the pure women are for the pure men." [36.24]

2011-01-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

A great talk on girlfriend/boyfriend relationships in Islam. seriously these are worth the watch, the speaker provides great info & perspective.

Worrrdd on the shaytaan not being very creative when it comes to this - but it's true...if it aint broke, don't fix it. I really like the escalator metaphor - it's true, once you're on it's way hard (and awkward) to get off. so my loves, save yourself the unnecessary exertion. Another point that he brought up that I've also seen in my own environment is that once you start disobeying Allah swt you aren't really happy...and at one point you'll be committing this sin just to get you back to the "normal" state and then you'll fall into depression and you do it again to get out. These homies aren't jumping up for joy. We have all seen that. Keep yourselves straight. & it's an ongoing struggle so don't get down if you think you're reading/hearing this too late - pray to Allah (swt) for strength and guidance.

Allah swt will never bless you in something that is haraam even if your eventual planned outcome is halal. so don't fool yourself. Starting today, make your actions so that they are worthy of your respective "Muhammad" or "Khadija" iA.

A Humanitarian Gift Guide

2011-01-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Came across this amazing article in the NY Times full of organizations that I have grown to admire deeply. Be sure to check out the full article, I'm listing my favorites here:

Arzu (ArzuStudioHope.org) employs women in Afghanistan to make carpets for export. The women get decent wages, but their families must commit to sending children to school and to allowing women to attend literacy and health classes and receive medical help in childbirth. Rugs start at $250 and bracelets at $10, or a $20 donation pays for a water filter for a worker’s family.

Fonkoze (fonkoze.org) is a terrific poverty-fighting organization if Haiti is on your mind, nearly a year after the earthquake. A $20 gift will send a rural Haitian child to elementary school for a year, while $50 will buy a family a pregnant goat. Or $100 supports a family for 13 weeks while it starts a business.

Panzi Hospital (panzifoundation.org) treats victims of sexual violence in eastern Congo, rape capital of the world. It’s run by Dr. Denis Mukwege, who should be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. A $10 donation pays for transport to the hospital for a rape survivor; $100 pays for counseling and literacy and skill training for a survivor for a month.

Camfed (camfed.org), short for the Campaign for Female Education, sends girls to school in Africa and provides a broad support system for them. A $300 donation pays for a girl to attend middle school for a year in rural Zambia, and $25 sends a girl to elementary school.

Edna Hospital (ednahospital.org) is a dazzling maternity hospital in Somaliland, an area with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Edna Adan Ismail, a Somali nurse- midwife who rose in the ranks of the World Health Organization and also served as Somaliland’s foreign minister, founded the hospital with her life’s savings and supports it with her United Nations pension. A $50 gift pays for a woman to get four prenatal visits, a hospital delivery, and one postnatal visit. Or $150 pays for a lifesaving C-section for a woman in obstructed labor.

EDUCATE THE WOMEN FOR A BETTER WORLD!

Child Rise

2011-01-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

(start at 2:47 for "Child Rise" - this song speaks to me)

introducing my new muse: Naima Shalhoub
Naima's poignant lyrics emerge from a life of straddling cultural and national borders as an Arab-American, born in the US with familial roots in Lebanon and Sierra Leone. She has her master's degree in postcolonial anthropology focusing on gendered violence, effects of occupation in Lebanon and Palestine, and racial justice in the US. She continues to do advocacy work such as her past experiences including volunteering in refugee camps in Lebanon, Bay Area campaigns to end violence against women, and organic forming in Costa Rica. Naima is a current member member of the San Francisco based Arab Resource and Organizing Center, and also works with youth facilitating workshops on music, song-writing, and empowerment.
(taken from NaimaShalhoub.com)

OH and she plays uke, like me! well, baritone uke, so it's like the love-child of a guitar & ukulele.

Basically she does everything that I would like to ideally be doing. I don't know about the degree anymore, because I'm already almost done with undergrad, but iA everything else :)

Gaza.

2010-12-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

In the memory of all those who died. To all those who suffer from occupation, oppression, injustice, blockade, suffocation...May the Lord be with you.

reblogged from http://farahfilasteen.tumblr.com

Hmm.

2010-12-24T01:06:00.000-08:00

I realized that I haven't actually WRITTEN much here in awhile. This is my space and I can use it however I'd like, that's for sure, but what I want right now is some dialogue.

I need to read more.

I need delve deeper into what it means to be "humble"

I need to stop being afraid to try things I really want to do.

I need to reconnect with all my old blog friends.

I need to stop doubting myself.

"How flexible the Qur'an is, at least in minds that are not fundamentally inflexible."

2010-12-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

I love her! some gems from this talk:

"Part of the problem I think, is that we imagine the Qur'an can be read as we usually read a book, as though we can curl up w/ it on this rainy afternoon with a bowl of popcorn within reach. As though God -and the Quran is entirely in the voice of God speaking to Muhammad(pbuh)- were just another author on the best-seller list."

on translations of the Qur'an

"the more you add, the more seems to go missing. the arabic has an incantatory, almost hypnotic quality that begs to be heard rather than read. felt more than analyzed. It wants to be chanted out loud, to sound its music on the ear, and on the tongue. So the Quran in english is sort of a shadow of itself." Sometimes I want to just read the translation, but honestly, reading the arabic aloud in addition to the translation has a soothing effect all on it's own. She continues to state that all over the Qur'an Allah (swt) has said that patience is rewarded, and thus, if we are not native arabic speakers, we should still keep at it with our translations.

What sets the Quran apart? It includes women:

"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward." (33:35)

I especially LOVE the last part about hoors. Hearing the whole swelling bosoms bit always gave me an uneasy feeling, because in a sense it seemed as if there was some sort of preference game going on here, however, we are all Allah (swt)'s creation and as Brother Ali says "these are God's fingerprints!" I like how she explained that we will be a new creation in paradise and recreated in a form uknown to us. and none of this 72 bs.

This motivated me to try harder in understanding the Qur'an, because the more I learn about it, the more subhan'Allah moments I have - and those moments can't be matched by anything else.

Peace.

And as you travel down your personal path...

2010-12-03T01:49:00.000-08:00

Baraka Blue from Remarkable Current - I've blogged about Tyson before who is also from that label, but had no idea about BB. This is a great dua and I feel like sharing it with everyone I know - so spread it! I like that he touches upon a variety of subjects. Eloquent & sincere duas are where it's atttt.

"may your day be filled w/ love and light

may your wrongs be right

may your songs be tight

may your words give sight

may your noor shine bright

may you always be on the righteous side of the fight

may your lovers be loyal

may your soil be fertile

may your khakis stay creased

may your locks stay oiled

may your plans never get foiled

may your plot thicken

may your chicken be halal

may your style be sufficient

may your soul be free of this prison

may Allah increase you in your vision

may you find everything you been missin

may you awake for prayer before the sun has risen

when you speak may your audience listen

may you never feel trapped in the system

may you sign(?) many righteous children

who will act on Prophetic tradition

may you always have food on your plate

may you learn from every mistake

may you rise above all the hate

and may Allah increase you in your state

may you never pretend that you are what you aint

may your friends be real and never be fake

may your rent have to be never have to be late

and may your health always be great

may Allah forgive ever sin

now and forever if you falter again

and may you always stay close with your kin

and may He make all your enemies friends

may He make reality of your plans

may your present be pleasant

may you have a good end

may your heart be purified of flaws

and may you act according to the laws

that were revealed in the book of Allah

and may He catch you whenever you fall

may the One guide you to the truth

and when you doubt may He show you the proof

may you be like the ahla suf

with the wisdom of elders and energy of the youth

may He accept your prayers and your fasts

the very first to the very last

and remove obstacles you have

and may you receive everything you ask

may you never have regret for your past

and receive mercy not the wrath

and as you travel down your personal path

may you always have a reason to laugh.

"If you educate a woman, you have educated a population." - Kiganda proverb

2010-11-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

Educational and economic empowerment of women could change conditions in the developing world. word.

snippets:

The central moral challenge of this century: gender inequity - the oppression of women and girls throughout the world.

How many of you think there are more males or females in the world?
Demographers have shown that there are more than 60 million and 100 million missing females in the current population.

Some reasons for this:
in the last half century more girls were discriminated to death than all of the people killed in all of the battlefields in the 20th century
sometimes because of the sonogram : girls are aborted before they are born

one of the best ways to fight poverty & terrorism is to educate girls and to bring women into the formal labor force.

Causes of Poverty:

1. overpopulation is one of the persistent causes of poverty

when you educate a girl she tends to have significantly fewer kids

2. spending (aka the dirty little secret of poverty)

not only do poor people take in very little income but they also dont spend the income they take in very wisely; most of it is spent by men. Research has shown if you look at people who live $2-a-day: 2% goes to education, 20% goes to tobacco, alchohol, sugary drinks, prosititution, & festibles. If you take 4% from this basket and put it into education there would be a huge change.

3. women are part of the solution not the problem

specific challenges:

sex trafficking - 80,000 slaves were transported from Africa to the New World. In modern day slavery about 800,000 are traficked across international borders (not including within country borders). A slave back then was worth $40,000 - today a girl traficked can be bought for a few hundred dollars - does this make her more disposable?
maternal mortality - in Niger 1 in 7 women can expect to die during child birth. Around the world one woman dies every 1.5 minutes. For every women that does die there are 20 that survive but left with an injury.

SOME SOLUTIONS

give girls and women education & economic opportunity!

An educated girl will get married later, will have fewer kids, and will educate in more enlightened fashion.

"the highest return on investement in the developing world is in girls' education"

there are very few things that can elevate your happiness in life research has proven that one of them is contributing to a cause larger than yourself.

We've all won the lottery of life, how do we discharge that responsibility?

5 reasons why Allah SWT tests us

2010-11-22T02:45:00.000-08:00

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.

Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways."

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem What do problems reveal about
you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience."

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove.... But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something... health, money, a relationship. .. by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws."

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you.
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of characer in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady."

Here's the point:

God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it.

But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.

"Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way"

-reblogged from http://www.lessonsoftheday.com/

if you know yourself, you'll be shown your wealth

2010-11-17T11:15:00.001-08:00

"Everything isn't a predictable occurrence
If you've experienced everything except a purpose
Then you've missed everything that was meant to be caught
Life sessions aren't lessons that can be simply taught
You gotta feel the matter, build the data
You gotta strengthen self or your shield will shatter

I've fallen down but I got up friend
Fell twice
Three times
Got up again and again
And again, it's nobodies but my own it didn't end
You only don't win when you give in

Exercise knowledge to increase your wealth
If you know yourself you'll be shown your wealth"
- Mindstate, Cunninglynguists

In Islam we are forbidden to lose hope: "Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve." (12.87)

We are going to be tried and tested often, but it's for our own benefit; to enter Jannah iA. Use these times of trial to get to know yourself and strengthen your character + iman (aka your shield). Don't expect to go through life like it's a breeze, it hasn't been for anyone:

"Or think you that you will enter Paradise while yet there has not come to you the like of that which came to those who died before you? Affliction and adversity befell them; they were shaken as with earthquake, till the Messenger (of Allah) and those who believe along with him said: 'When will Allah's help come?' Now surely Allah's help is near." (2.214)

But yeah, now that we are equipped with this knowledge, we should be thankful for what Allah (swt) has given us and when times get rough - make dua & power through it:

"And whatever of blessings and good thing you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help." (16.53)

Dua rarely goes unanswered, and on the rare occasion that it does, it happens for a reason as He is All-Wise and All-Knowledgeable. There are two possibilities:

1. Either Allah delays it for the appropriate time,

2. Or He may may not give it because it may not be good for us - BUT He may give us something better than that or reward us in the Hereafter.

Stethoscope-friendly Hijab

2010-11-15T10:47:00.001-08:00

I love the versatility of the hijab. Contrary to popular belief, the hijab in no way holds my Muslimahs back from actualizing their dreams!

and it feels something like when it's Ramadan...

2010-11-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

So put your fasting armor on. Today marks the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah meaning....Eid is in two days!! However, there's more to this month than just Eid celebrations - this is one of the four sacred months in Islam; meaning, get your act together this month because Allah (swt) has his (metaphorical) arms open extra wide. There is plenty of opportunity to correct one's faith and make up for shortcomings.

some details on this MONDAY (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah):

1.Fasting on this day is an expiation for TWO years. 

It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafaah. He said, 'It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.' Narrated by Muslim.  This (fasting) is mustahabb for those who are not on Hajj. In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of Arafaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast on this day in Arafaah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of Arafaah in Arafaah.  

2. It is the day of forgiveness of sins, freedom from the Fire and pride in the people who are there: 

In Saheeh Muslim it was narrated from Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'There is no day on which Allaah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafaah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, 'What do these people want?' It was reported from Ibn Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Allaah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of Ishaa on the Day of Arafaah, about the people of Arafaah. He says, 'Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.' Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.   

Duas for this day: The Prophet (SAW) said: The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:  

Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.  

None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.

let's get on that deen iA!

You came, too.

2010-11-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

I came to the crowd seeking friends

I came to the crowd seeking love

I came to the crowd for understanding
I found You
I came to the crowd to weep

I came to the crowd to laugh
You dried my tears

You shared my happiness
I went from the crowd seeking You

I went from the crowd seeking me

I went from the crowd forever
You came, too
-Nikki Giovanni

I'm not sure if she is writing this to God, but that's my favorite interpretation of it. When it comes to interactions with others, I feel that you take away a little piece of everyone that you get to know and essentially that molds your personality. Throughout life we have experiences and get close to all kinds of people and sometimes that equals lasting friendships while other times it equals heart break. This comes with all kinds of emotions and wants and changes of heart and the only One who is there for us without any doubt is Allah (swt). He is the best kind of friend one could ever ask for and if you haven't yet, today. Take a second and have a chat with Him, it feels good.

Life...let's do this thing with a little bold nerve & a lotta foresight.

2010-11-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

subhan'Allah...we honestly do get too caught up in the HERE and NOW - for the here and now, rather than for the HEREafter. I'm sure every one of these people thought they would live wayyy longer and would have time to repent for their sins, but Allah (swt) can take us at any given time. So let's purify our intentions iA.

I've been thinking lately about perhaps visiting the graveyards once a month, I've never visited graves in America, just when we go to Pakistan. But I mean, it would be a good (not so subtle) wake-up call which is what my soul is fiendin' for.

"This is the life of this world, and this is what it will do for those who seek after it." -Jesus (pbuh)

OH ps
tomorrow is the first day of the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah - the Holiest days of the year... make a game plan. do it BIG!

How To Unlock the iJannah

2010-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

I love Suhaib Webb's khutbahs - did you catch the True Blood, Kobe, and Iverson references? I would move to the bay just to attend them.

"La illa ha ilillah (there is no God but God) has a profound impact on the life; it touches every aspect of the person. And the Prophet (pbuh) said to his companions, 'renew your faith' how? say, 'la illa ha ilillah' in abundance, iA you're faith will be renewed." (more on this in another post)

Step one of unlocking the iJannah: have sound faith
How to attain sound faith?
1. study the Qur'anic method of creating the believer, look at the statements of the Prophet (pbuh)
2. have good friends and good companions
3. practice, be involved in the community

May Allah (swt) protect us all from laziness and ignorance and control of our tongues.

Pakistan Floods

2010-10-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

donate: http://www.islamic-relief.com/Emergencies-And-Appeals/1-67-pakistan-flood-emergency-appeal.aspx

Never let the hand you hold, hold you down

2010-10-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

"Everyone's making everything up
There is no one in charge except for those
Who pretend to be
No one is coming
No one is going to
Rescue you
Mind read your needs
Know your body better than you
Always fight back.

Ask for it
Say you want it
Cherish your solitude
Take trains by yourself to places
You have never been
Sleep out alone under the stars
Learn how to drive a stick shift
Go so far away that you stop being afraid of
Not coming back.

Say no when you don't want to do something
Say yes if your instincts are strong
Even if everyone around you disagrees
Decide whether you want to be liked or admired
Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out
What you're doing here."
-Eve Ensler's Manifesta from "I Am An Emotional Creature"

Today's khutbah included a reminder that the person we mold into in these four years of college is more or less the person we're going to be for the rest of our lives. Essentially, our interactions with one another can get really dramatized seeing as we're living on our own and have our own little campus community; meaning we are prone to experiencing extremes on the popular-lonely spectrum. This can lead to potential elementary decisions if we don't take a step back and make sure we're being true to ourselves. What is being true to yourself? I don't think you can know that without taking a few minutes out of every day to contemplate the person you are aiming to become and what steps you are taking to get there. It's easy to get caught up in a multitude of things, atleast it is for me. My theory is that the key lies in remembering death often and making sure you keep that Allah (swt) connection tight - via actions and intentions. These four years aren't to be taken too lightly...don't do stupid shit.

DEEN TIGHT

2010-10-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Music, considered taboo practice by many traditional Muslims, has also become one of the most prominent methods for Muslims to share their faith internationally through Muslim Hip Hop. Hip Hop is a global phenomenon reaching from the skyscraper laden skies of New York all the way to the deep deserts of Arabia and beyond. It is a subculture that transcends boundaries of language, gender, and religion. Deen Tight brings to the screen the untold story of Western Muslims struggling to find a balance between their culture and their religion.

Filmed on location with Muslim rappers, DJs, slam poets, breakdancers and a graffiti artist in concerts, recording studios, at homes and in the streets. Our story focuses on the perceived conflict between traditional religious ideals and modernity, as well as both the positives and negatives of Western Pop culture on today's Muslim youth."

Skateistan: To Live and Skate Kabul

2010-10-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

SKATEISTAN:

photo credit to Noah Abrams.

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile: so basically Skateistan is a co-educational, non-profit skateboarding school in Kabul, Afghanistan that teaches ollies, kickflips and boardslides to nearly 300 children a week. The program has expanded from three boards and no building to a free, co-educational skateboarding school open six days a week and boasting a 18,836-square-foot indoor skate park, funded by $600,000 in donations.

'Skateistan: To Live And Skate Kabul' trailer from grain media on Vimeo.

She was a skater girl...

why is this AWESOME?
1. It builds community. Skating is a great tool for communication. "Helps with social interaction...I think the kids were very keen to get involved with something...focusing on an activity giving them something to do that is positive. At the moment in the media there is nothing actually positive wirtten, filmed, or spoken about Afghanistan..."
2. It builds confidence and ultimately confidence = smart choices. "To become a good skateboarder, you just have to lose your fear - and they don't have any fear in the first place."
3. Girls are getting involved.
"Roughly half of Skateistan's students are female, not only notable because skateboarding is a boy-dominated sport, but also because of the plight of women in Afghanistan."

"When I'm skating I feel like a bird flying. I wish I've always had."
Hardly any of us can imagine what it's like to live in a country that has been afflicted with war for almost all of it's history. Yes, there's a lot of work that needs to get done in Afghanistan (i.e. building new infrastructure), but seriously the kids need something positive to do. Something fun to do; depression lowers productivity by like a crazy percentage. No kid should be forced to grow up so quickly, so THANK YOU Oliver Percovich, jazaks to the max.

"Not to get preachy, but at the end of the day, people are people. Culturally we may be very different but our goals are pretty much the same — we all want to be happy. No-one wants to suffer. This is why, for me, doing a trip like this is so important in the grander scheme of things. It’s that cross-cultural dialogue that will hopefully help push things in the right direction for us all." - Noah Abrams

wanna volunteer?
http://skateistan.org/international-volunteer-application

"How are you living? Sirat Al Mustaqeem" - One Be Lo

2010-10-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Living authentically: being true to our own evaluation of what constitutes a meaningful existence and accepting responsibility for the fact that we create our lives through the choices we make.

Lo knows what's up.

"I rock brass knuckles over my kid gloves/ Like you wake up with busted teeth, but know you felt real love." - Doomtree

2010-10-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

"They say don't judge a book by its cover but in the US right now, as far as the Muslim community, that's exactly what they're doing."

Face the Truth: Racial Profiling Across America from Breakthrough on Vimeo.

A big thanks to Haneen O for posting this on her fbook.

Sanah

2010-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

"Also, you sound super wasted, but since you are Muslim, I can only assume that you were exposed to large amounts of glue while constructing a collage for the local mosque."

My sister should really write for a TV show.

Musa & The Rock

2010-09-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Got this in my email this morning and it made me really excited to iA meet Allah (swt) one day. He knows us better than we know ourselves and always does things in our favor. So thank you Allah (swt) :)

Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Musa was a very modest person who kept himself covered, none of his body could be seen because of his extreme modesty. Some of the Bani Isra’il annoyed him by saying, ‘He conceals himself to this extent only because of a defect in his skin, either leprosy or scrotal hernia, or some other defect,’ but Allah wished to clear him. So one day while he was alone, he took off his clothes and put them under a stone and took a bath. When he had finished taking the bath he turned towards his clothes but the stone took them and fled. Musa picked up his staff and ran after the stone, saying, ‘My garment, stone! My garment, stone.’ (He raced) till he reached a company of the Bani Isra’il who saw him naked in the most beautiful form Allah had created so they cleared him of what they used to accuse him. The stone stopped there and Musa took his garment. He began to beat the stone with his staff.”

“By Allah, the stone still has some traces of the effect of beating, three, four, or five scars. This is what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) refers to when He says: ‘O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Musa, but Allah cleared him of what they said, and he was honoured in Allah’s sight. [Surah Ahzab: 69]’” [Sahih Bukhari]

Another hadith elucidates that “the Bani Isra’il used to bathe in the nude (all together) looking at one another (shamelessly).” [Sahih Bukhari] Musa (alaihis salam) would not bathe with them because of his modesty. This hadith is very relevant to Muslims today who dress and behave modestly. They can empathize with how Musa (alaihis salam) must have felt when his modesty was ridiculed. People are accused of having either physical defects or intellectual or psychological shortcomings for dressing or behaving modestly. But modesty is from eeman while indecency and flirtatiousness are from hypocrisy.

Foolish people do not hold themselves back from causing suffering even to prophets. However, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) does not tolerate His prophets being falsely accused or annoyed. In fact, the ayat referring to this incident follows Allah’s instructions to believers regarding how they should conduct themselves with Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) since some of their actions were difficult on the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).

It is not known for a stone to pick up clothes and run with them or for a wooden stick to be able to leave scars on rock. However, everything is subject to the command of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). Fire burns but when Allah ordered it, the fire turned cool for Ibraheem (alaihis salam). Poison kills man but it was panacea for Khalid bin Waleed (radi Allahu anhu) when he drank a bowl of it. It is the characteristic of water that it drowns, but a whole army of the Sahabah marched over the Dajlah (Tigris) on horseback and reached the other side.

The peculiarities of all things are subject to the commands of Allah. He created the laws that govern them and thus He, and only He, can suspend or alter these laws, which accounts for miracles. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) sometimes demonstrates the extraordinary to remind us of His power, since people get used to the miracles of existence they see around them and thus take them for granted.

From this hadith we also learn to show patience with the foolish. When they do not abstain from bothering prophets they will certainly cause distress to ordinary Muslims engaged in religious teaching. The ranks of those who show patience will be raised on account of it.

VMAs & Islam...joining forces

2010-09-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

this aired during the VMA's:

hatred is the enemy.
ignorance is the enemy.

"From dirt back to dirt."

2010-09-14T06:35:00.001-07:00

"In the world, people are publicized by their property, wealth and asset, and in eternity they are known by their deeds and actions." - Imam Hadi (AS)

Packing always puts the "have no attachments to dust" & "covet nothing" ideals to the test. Just finished packing for back home after spending a good seven weeks in the Pak...this was my first time coming alone and in retrospect it was just what I needed (although, it seems that a trip to Pakistan is always "just what I needed"). My extended family is an amazing support system - well most of it anyway - visiting Pakistan after two years put me back in check, alhamdulillah. In fact, this might be really dramatic, but Dessa's lyrics from Children's Work (I've learned how to paint my face/ how to earn my keep/ how to clean my kill...) are resonating with me more than ever. After the horrible floods it's become more clear to me than ever that we can't get too attached to the pomp and glitter of this world; 'cos one day we're going to leave it and the more attachments we've got, the more our souls will struggle to stay here. I really want to be one of those Rabia Basri types and be yearning to see Allah (swt) and want nothing more - still have a long way to go - but working on it. Packing was a good exercise because I kept evaluating whether I really needed something or if I could make someone else happier (stronger, faster?) with it. Realized the only things I'm REALLY attached to are my laptop and underwear. Interesting mix. Although, I must admit, headbands put up a good fight...overall, I'd give myself a B for this little session.

Surah At-Takathur definitely wins the Relevant Surah-of-the-Day Award:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Most Gracious [Who has bestowed upon mankind His Guidance [10:57-58, 17:82], the Most Beneficent [Who showers His special blessings upon those who rehearse it and abide by it [7:204, 6:155].

أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ

102:1 The mutual rivalry for accumulating (more and more wealth and other worldly gains) diverts you (from the real purpose of your life)

حَتَّى زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ

102:2 Till such time that you reach your graves

كَلا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

102:3 (This is not something utterly incomprehensible. If you think of it in a dispassionate manner) you would soon come to know (how destructive this attitude is.)

ثُمَّ كَلا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

102:4 Of course you can quickly understand (the outcome of this way of life.)

كَلا لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عِلْمَ الْيَقِينِ

102:5 Nay, if you could understand (it) with an understanding of certainty

لَتَرَوُنَّ الْجَحِيمَ

102:6 You would indeed, most surely, envision the blazing fire (as a direct consequence of this way of life)

ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّهَا عَيْنَ الْيَقِينِ

102:7 (But if you cannot understand this by using your intellect,) then, most surely, (one day) you will behold it with eye of certainty

ثُمَّ لَتُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعِيمِ

102:8 Then, on that day, you will be questioned about the bounties [the Almighty had bestowed for the nourishment of mankind, but which you collected to satisfy your own greed. You will be asked whose toils and blood it was that decorated your palaces of joy and pleasure and what right you had to usurp them (21:13)

"Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty." - Derek Zoolander

2010-09-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

I just came across a post I wrote in Feb that I never got around to posting...it makes me nervous thinking about school and quizzes and midterms starting up in a couple of weeks. ANYWAYS the overall message of the post is good so...read on!

I'm finally getting a day of straight up lounging without any guilt; these last two weeks were chalk full of exquisitely stressful midterms and make-you-chew-your-pencil-like-it's-candy quizzes. For the past hour I've been testing out my latest belated birthday gift: Sennheiser HD 205's - whaats up Louis Armstrong, your voice sounds even more delicious through this new medium. Anyways, getting to the point...this break means time to reflect and the topic that comes up among most collegiate minds in a very Zoolander-esque manner is: "Who am I?"

Of course this self-discovery will never cease, but it's been noted that those who take some time to try to shape certain aspects of themselves rather than just "going with the flow" are much more appealing roamers of the Earth. So how do you shape yourself to be someone you want to be? Take a look at your environment and all that you're exposed to. These things shape you; you're like a sponge and all of the external factors you come across are absorbed into your head. Eventually the sponge will be less like our little, rigid Nickelodeon friend and be more like the mushy square laying atop your kitchen sink...and it will overflow. All that comes out of it is everything it took in, similar to everything that comes out of your mouth is one version or another of what your five senses have experienced.

TOP FIVE RUINERS OF YOUR COULD-BE AMAZING PERSONALITY:
1. Jersey Shore
2. Cosmo
3. the Twilight series
4. Auto-Tuners (thank you T-Pain)
5. Teenage Mom

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE ABSORBING:
1. Qur'an + legit Hadith
2. lots of Def Jam Poetry (holla all my sassy women of color!)
3. One Be Lo's S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.
4. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
5. Ani Difranco.

I lovelovelove her fran(c)kness (ha ha), but really, that's an powerful quality to have...as long as it's used in an eloquent manner: "squint your eyes and look closer/ I'm not between you and your ambition/ I am a poster girl with no poster/ I am thirty-two flavors and then some."

As opposed to Snooki from Jersey Shore, who is also very frank....but whaaaat?
"I had a feeling where I wanted to make out with somebody, so, umm, I just made out with Ryder, because all the guys like that."

peace!

Muslims, Media, Magnetism(?)

2010-09-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Two really cool movies featuring the Muslim-American struggle:

MOOZ-lum

Fordson

"That's no Oscar Mayer bacon, you should run and tell your moms" - Kanye

2010-09-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

Kanye gives Islam + Muslims a shoutout. Kanye is a trendsetter. Hopefully this pro-Islam sentiment will stick.

"Now everything I'm rhymin' on cause a Ramadan
Been a don, prayin' for the families lost in the storm
Bring our troops back from Iraq
keep our troops out of Iran
So the next couple bars, Ima drop them in Islam
They say As-Salamu Alaykum
say wa alaykum as-salam
That's no Oscar Mayer bacon, you should run and tell your moms
Now the question is, how we gon' stop the next Vietnam?
Keep Flex out of Korea,
'cause you know he drop bombs"

(a thanks to Imran for showing this to me - you tend to know what's up)

Profound Aesthetic

2010-09-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today I came across my absolute favorite "cool Islamic wear" line! They're called Profound Aesthetic. I am normally all about Threadless tees - not so much wearing, but enjoying - but this line brings more to the table than just witty words & whimsical artWork (dang, couldn't keep that alliteration going...)

Their About Us: "Profound Aesthetic ® is a clothing brand founded on many grounds, but, principally behind the bona fide love of two things: everything art and the love of wisdom. It is a creative outlet of expression that carries weight with tremendous metaphoric connotation, delivered to the masses through the universal language of art.
Designed to inspire and spark innovation, each piece is carefully thought out to depict not only a visually appealing garment but also a powerful concept. This distinct combination defines the brilliance of The Profound Aesthetic Movement. Rendering a positive message, pushing the limits of intellectual creativity to fit an eclectic taste in fashion and mind. The result is a distinguished t-shirt that transcends all boundaries, suitable for every citizen of humanity. Come join the Profound Aesthetic Movement."

Excited?? here's a link to their site http://www.profoundaesthetic.com heads up: this is probably the most well-made site you'll ever come across.

two of the concepts that I especially liked:

"A bold statement which beautifully encompasses a positive attitude. "Shoot for Stars, Peace and Exclusive Cars." Success is measured in many different ways to many different people. Whether it's having the ability to attain material possessions or just an overall feeling of being content, we believe that being successful is a state of mind. Reach for the stars, while keeping your feet grounded; obtain peace, first within your heart while allowing that positive energy to reach every individual you encounter, and, well, exclusive cars are just one way to enjoy the finer things in life and a reward for hard work. Work hard, play hard. Live life to the fullest."

"A bold statement by one of the most famous poets of all time: Rumi, an individual who spoke about love in every format known to man. In his work, he said it best, "Fi hi ma fi hi" translated as, "It Is What It Is". Sometimes in life you must accept things for what they are, learn to change the things you have control on and excel at everything you do. This statement is powerful, not a sense of hopelessness but a way to reflect on the way things have been gifted to man. Life is beautiful. Make it count."

If you like what you see, tell your friends, let's help these clever entrepreneurs keep doin' what they're doin' iA!

Chill Yo, Islam Yo

2010-09-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

[This is the Official Chill Yo, Islam Yo t-shirt...BEST. it makes me happy, like when Brother Ali says "then that's peace" in Forest Whitaker - more on that later.]

9.11.2010

2010-09-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

RIP all the innocent lives that have been lost senselessly during 9/11 and in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Gaza

Goodbye, Ramadan

2010-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

"Life is a constantly morphing thing. Just when you think you know where it's all headed you wake up the next morning to a completely different view. The landscape has changed along with the seasons, but the trees are the same trees, only your view has changed. So you try to cling to the old things that used to comfort you, clinging to the familiar, but they provide little or no solace. The fears do not subside. At this point we have no choice but to surrender to the unknown.

that is where the real beauty lies.

It is not in the knowing, the familiar, the expected. But in the embracing of the unknown. a willingness to walk down a new path and to trust that everything is as it should be. perfect. as it is.

Schopenhauer said,"When you look back on your life, it looks as though it were a plot, but when you are into it, it's a mess: just one surprise after another. Then, later, you see it was perfect."

Sometimes there are little glimpses of the perfection, amidst the mess. It is at those times we feel blessed beyond measure." - Keri Smith from The Wish Jar Journal

Here's to a new year...post-Ramadan. Tomorrow might to be the last day of Ramadan 1431 (2010)...I'll miss you my dear friend, you are where the perfection felt more possible :( but hey, we can take whatever we got from this month (or didn't due to poor planning or laziness) and keep goin' with it (or get started on it & make it happen) for the rest of the year iA.

"We all tryin' to get to where the sufferin' ends" - Lupe Fiasco

2010-09-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

"There are hundreds of paths up the mountain,
all leading in the same direction,
so it doesn't matter which path you take.
The only one wasting time is the one
who runs around and around the mountain,
telling everyone that his or her path is wrong."
-Hindu teaching

From Manhattan to...Madera?

2010-09-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

(^a Banksy production)

'Mosque hate crime: An article in Sunday's Section A about a hate crime at a Madera, Calif., mosque omitted the attribution for a quote. It was Marciela Garcia, the receptionist for Dr. Muhammad Anwar, who said: "I've seen these Muslim doctors help people who have no money, no health insurance; start free clinics; run food drives. Dr. Anwar is my boss, my friend and a caring person. I feel like I would lay down my life for him. But what do you say and who do you say it to?" '
[read the whole article here]

This occurred right by my hometown and I've known all the aforementioned doctors for 10+ years. They are all big players in the community service sector. Madera is exactly as the article stated a "Central California farm town with laid-back ways" and also about as far as you can get from Manhattan in every respect, but the Park51 tensions apparently had no trouble at all covering the distance. The current mindset of most Americans towards Muslims is troubling...but we cannot play the victims. Imagine if the Prophet (pbuh) had played the victim when the Quraysh tribes were in hostile opposition to him...we probably wouldn't even have the religion of Islam. What if he had decided that there was NO way that anyone would ever come to the religion and that it was better to just not mingle with anyone that objected his teachings? Instead, in as little as twenty-three years, the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam and is now the second-largest religion in the world...people were inspired by the Prophet's honest, merciful, compassionate, and brave character. These days we as Muslims act too radically towards people who do stuff we do not approve of (burning of Qur'an, protesting at mosques, drawing pictures of the prophet) - instead of retaliating in the same fashion as the agitators, we should set an example as Muslims to be calm and composed. By acting angrily and aggressively we're doing the opposite of what the Qur'an and Prophet's example teach. What kind of message are we sending about Islam to the average American?

Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbors to Allah is the one who is the best of them to his neighbor" [At-Tirmidhi].

How many of us have invited our non-Muslim friends over for an iftar and explained to them what Ramadan is all about? Or aside from Ramadan, just made an effort to get to know our neighbors? Or volunteering your time at a local shelter? Or really just partaking in anything the greater community is involved in - beyond just the Muslim community? By staying in our own little "safety-bubbles" we aren't doing any justice to our religion. Right now, more than ever, the notion of "Islam" in America needs a makeover, makeoverrr. As Tariq Ramadan stated "It is urgent to stop blaming the 'society-that-does-not-like-us' or 'islamophobia' or 'racism'...That such phenomena exist cannot be denied, but Muslims must tackle them by getting involved as citizens and by fighting against injustice, racism, discrimination, populist stigmatization discourse, and hypocrisies."

Another flaw of the "safety-bubble" is that most of us have taken on the persona of the"silent type." Yes, mysterious can be attractive, but not in this situation; where the livelihoods of so many Muslims are on the line. When people are talking about Muslims in a negative fashion, being an example yourself as a good Muslim isn't enough...we should voice our knowledge on matters regarding misinterpretation of Qur'anic teachings due to the media.

"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness―to believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers; to spend of your substance out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans for the needy, for the wayfarer for those who ask and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth the Allah-fearing." - (Quran 2:177)

^That's what makes a Muslim...If through your actions and words you show what being a Muslim is all about; that the freedoms this Country was founded on reflect true Muslim values, who wouldn't stand up for Islam?

Eloquence & Common Sense

2010-09-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's hard to find the right words to say in any given situation, but we get keys & hints from literature we read or things we hear on TV/radios. SOMETIMES we don't get enough Islamic dialogue in our everyday lives...so when it comes time to converse with Allah (swt) duas can start to feel really mediocre. Of course #1 would be to figure out how to get more savvy in utilizing the Qur'an and hadith. And in the meantime, here are 30 Duas for Ramadan I found via an iPhone app. Yeah...Ramadan is almost over :( but these can totally be used year-round and act as a good stencil:

DAY 1

ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.

DAY 2

ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur’an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.

DAY 3

ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.

DAY 4

ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.

DAY 5

ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.

DAY 6

ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.

DAY 7

ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.

DAY 8

ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.

DAY 9

ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.

DAY 10

ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.

DAY 11

ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire, by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help

DAY 12

ALLAH, on this day, beautify me with covering and chastity, cover me with the clothes of contentment and chastity, let me adhere to justice and fairness, and keep me safe from all that I fear, by Your protection, O the protector of the frightened.

DAY 13

ALLAH, on this day, purify me from un-cleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help, O the beloved of the destitute.

DAY 14

ALLAH, on this day, do not condemn me for slips, make me decrease mistakes and errors, do not make me a target for afflictions and troubles, by Your honor, O the honor of the Muslims.

DAY 15

O Allah, on this day, grant me the obedience of the humble, expand my chest through the repentance of the humble, by Your security, O the shelter of the fearful.

DAY 16

ALLAH, on this day, grant me compatibility with the good, keep me away from patching up with the evil, lead me in it, by Your mercy, to the permanent abode, by Your Godship, O the God of the worlds.

DAY 17

ALLAH, on this day, guide me towards righteous actions, fulfill my needs and hopes, O One who does not need explanations nor questions, O One who knows what is in the chests of the (people of the) world. Bless Muhammad and his family, the Pure.

DAY 18

ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help.

DAY 19

ALLAH, on this day, multiply for me its blessings, and ease my path towards its bounties, do not deprive me of the acceptance of its good deeds, O the Guide towards the clear truth.

DAY 20

ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur’an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.

DAY 21

ALLAH, on this day, show me the way to win Your pleasure, do not let Shaytan have a means over me, make Paradise an abode and a resting place for me, O the One who fulfills the requests of the needy.

DAY 22

ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of Your Grace, send down on me its blessings, help me towards the causes of Your mercy, and give me a place in the comforts of Paradise, O the one who answers the call of the distressed.

DAY 23

ALLAH, on this day, wash away my sins, purify me from all flaws, examine my heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.

DAY 24

ALLAH, on this day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask

DAY 25

ALLAH, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.

DAY 26

ALLAH, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.

DAY 27

ALLAH, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, accept my apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.

DAY 28

ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share in its nawafil (recommended prayers), honor me by attending to my problems, make closer the means to approach You, from all the means, O One who is not preoccupied by the requests of the beseechers.

DAY 29

O ALLAH, on this day, cover me with Your mercy, grant me in it success and protection, purify my heart from the darkness of false accusations, O the Merciful to His believing servants.

DAY 30

O ALLAH, on this day, make my fasts worthy of appreciation and acceptance, according to what pleases You, and pleases the Messenger, the branches being strengthened by the roots, for the sake of our leader, Muhammad, and his purified family. Praise be to ALLAH, the Lord of the worlds.

To read these duas in Arabic click here

9/11 Happened To Us All

2010-09-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

A Muslim advocacy organization has released public service announcements -- including one featuring a Muslim firefighter who responded on 9/11 -- as part of a campaign to fight recent anti-Muslim bigotry.

"Muslim Americans were among the victims and also Muslim Americans were among the first responders," said Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations at a Wednesday (Sept. 1) news conference at the National Press Club.

"We also should acknowledge that 9/11 hit us all hard and we should not allow those who seek political and religious division in the United States to win," Awad said.

One of the public service announcements features Hisham Tawfiq of the New York Fire Department, tearfully recalling how he learned his firefighting colleague was missing after the attacks on the Twin Towers.

"I'm a New York City firefighter and I responded to 9/11 and I am Muslim," he said in the ad.

Awad was joined by other Muslim organization leaders who decried recent attacks on Muslims and protests of a proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero and mosques in other parts of the country. They urged greater local police protection of Muslims in their communities.

[This article was from Huffington Post by Adelle M. Banks]

Native Deen love

2010-09-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just went on a run half fueled by frustrations and the other half consisted of the bowl of nutella + bananas I ate for iftar. It took me a good four miles to feel satisfied as well as all of the Native Deen & Outlandish albums I own. This took me back to my senior year of high school where I listened to nothing other than these two bands every single day. I am currently writing Native Deen a thank you letter for making their music, because honestly, I didn't realize how much their lyrics shaped my thoughts and actions. Sometimes you just need to hear someone else's experience match up with situations you come across to stimulate your own perseverance. And usually...Gossip Girl and 30 Rock don't teach very good decision-making tactics. It was especially the track "I Only Fear My Lord Allah" that I remember repeating incessantly especially during rough drives home from school around the time I turned down my at-that-time crush because I didn't wanna hit up Prom with him.

"Has there ever been a time when it was time to pray, And you were with a group of people at that time of day,
Maybe with a group a buddies who know nothing bout Salat, Or yet a teacher or a boss, someone you do respect a lot.
And you wished to take a moment, but you knew not what to say,
Your afraid that they will look back in that funny type of way.
...You stay and do not pray because you fear what they will say,
You forget Allah is greater than a person made of clay.
Lord of all the heavens and lord of all the sky,
And you go and fear a creature that is someday gonna die.
I think we underestimate, who controls our very fate,
We say that hes our lord, but we forget that he is very great.

These lines are what always stayed in the back of my head when I started praying at the library or in the Macy's fitting room. Soo if you haven't already, check out some Native Deen and Outlandish tracks + add them to your workout mixes :)

check out other Muslim Hip Hop here: http://www.muslimhiphop.com/

Welcome to Vegas Mecca, Baby!

2010-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hello readers! (or lack there of...) I know I haven't been very consistent in updating my blog in the last year, but I'm refreshed from Ramadan and have a bunch of new ideas. Also, on a bigger note: one of my dear friends has taken an interest in the blog/cause and has agreed to be a co-author! Introducing...Raisa Mirza (posting as blessherheart) she is also on the pursuit to find the Muslim-American balance, is a huge PR enthusiast (she's about to start working for Ogilvy!), dresses to kill, and will offer a fresh paradigm on lots of topics, iA. Let's kick things off with our first joint post...

Picture this: throughout the year, millions of people flock to these two cities prepared for minimal sleep and in hopes of changing their lives... What else do these two metropolises have in common? They're both scorching deserts, I'm talking about Mecca and Las Vegas.

Reasons Mecca is better than Vegas:
1. Hajj (Holy Pilgrimage) is performed in Mecca - after it's completion one is completely sinless, Vegas is known as "Sin City"...if you were to die right after your trip, which one would you rather be coming back from?

2. Mecca attracts 13 mill people/year while Vegas attracts around a third of that. Where's the satisfaction at?

3. Where will you make better decisions? Vegas: "Angel in my head, Devil on my shoulder" Mecca: "Angels everywhere, Devil tied to a pillar"

4. A drink found only in Mecca is Zamzam water, it is said to relieve one of hunger/thirst/illness plus it comes from a well that has never gone dry. Vegas offers specialty cocktails that relieve one of...good decision making skills.

5. Waking up to Adhan, to see the Kaaba, while 1.5 billion people around the world, no matter the time zone, are facing in the same direction OR waking up with sore feet to see the Bellagio water show? Yea, the latter doesn’t quite have the tenacity that the Kaaba does. I turn towards this place everyday- imagine seeing it right before your eyes and thinking about all the people who are turned in that direction with you. Now THAT’s where amazing happens.

6. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” Um, that doesn’t sound as exciting as everyone makes it out to be. What happens in Vegas? You dress up, you eat at a nice restaurant, you go swimming, and you go out. Sounds fairly simplistic, right? Well, contrary to popular belief, it is rather simplistic. There is virtually nothing that is any bit compelling to come back and talk about- maybe some good food? A celebrity sighting? but what is a celebrity sighting going to do for me? Nothing- this is all a fascination with the dunya that so many of us, myself included, are somewhat enthralled in. Now, what happens in Mecca, you bring back with you and carry it with you for the rest of your life. This sounds like a much more beneficial manner in which to spend my vacation time. Although I have yet to travel to the Holy City, hearing the compelling stories from my peers who have visited can truly shake a person. Now if hearing about a traveler’s experience can shake you, imagine what actually visiting Mecca must provide for oneself. I can’t even being to wrap my head around how I would feel.

Peace.

Conversations with Al-Mujeeb (The Responsive)

2010-08-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I’d read a book (i.e. Great Expectations) or watch a movie (generally any Quentin Tarantino) that has conversation I felt like couldn’t be topped…but then I learned that Allah (swt) and I converse atLEAST twenty-two times a day when I’m reciting Surah Fatiha and nothing can top/make me feel as good as a conversation with Him…

Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Allah the Exalted said: “I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for”.

When the servant says: “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe"
Allah Almighty, says: “My servant has praised Me”

When the servant says: “The Most Compassionate, the Merciful”
Allah Almighty says: “My servant has lauded Me”

When the servant says: “Master of the Day of Judgment”
Allah Almighty remarks: “My servant has glorified Me”. And sometimes He would say: “My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me”

When the servant says: “Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask for help”
Allah says: “This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for”

Then, when the servant says: “Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray”
Allah says: “This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.” (Muslim)

If you’re intrigued, read on! Suhaib Webb did an excellent segment on Surah Fatiha: http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/the-opening/

To Be Hijabi, or Not to Be?

2010-05-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

I just read this amazing article featured on Oprah.com about this half white, half lebanese, nine year old girl who chooses to wear the headscarf. The article is from her mother's point of view; and she explores the idea of covering up as an outlet to discover oneself. Take a look and see what you think:

Choosing To Wear the Headscarf - article linked here.

Excerpts from the article that especially resonated with me:
"Since that day in Venice Beach, I'd spent years learning to swim in the turbulent currents of attraction—wanting to be desired, resisting others' unwelcome advances, plumbing the mysterious depths of my own longing. I'd spent countless hours studying my reflection in the mirror—admiring it, hating it, wondering what others thought of it—and it sometimes seemed to me that if I had applied the same relentless scrutiny to another subject I could have become enlightened, written a novel, or at least figured out how to grow an organic vegetable garden."

I agree with what she's saying here, I've had different points in my life where I'm very modest - to the point where I forget that I have curves of any kind and that I could use them to my "advantage" (a horrible dumb-it-down scheme the media feeds to women making them believe that if their appearance is up to par - they don't need to have a brain or opinions or thoughts) or very immodest - to the point where I become overly obsessed with my appearance and forget my actual purpose in life. Honestly, moderation is key, I'm happiest when I'm in the middle of both extremes - "O you who believe! Make not unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you, but Commit no excess: for Allah loves not those given to excess." (5.87) - I am by no means saying that one should ever use their body to get ahead by unlawful means, but it is definitely necessary to feel good about oneself so that Muslimah's are associated with high self-esteem and great poise - I would go to such an extreme that I would stop exercising and wearing nice clothes.

"I understood then that while physical exposure had liberated me in some ways, Aliya could discover an entirely different type of freedom by choosing to cover herself."

This is so TRUE. I feel as American-Muslims especially, we should explore and create dialogue about the kind of freedom that stems from dressing modestly. It's so pleasant to know that you have the power to let someone into your space as opposed to knowing that everyone knows/imagines what every curve of your body looks like unclothed. ALLAHUAKBAR!

Peace.

Come on, Paint Me a Rainbow.

2010-05-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a couple of articles talking about color therapy or chromotherapy and how different colors can induce different emotions or moods from us. This is through the fact that each color has different vibrations and each vibration is associated with different attributes and qualities. "A color will vibrate at a specific frequency. It is said that organs and glands of our bodies also vibrate at specific frequencies and that colors correspond to the areas of our body which have the same frequency. When we are sick, our organs and glands may become out of balance and not function at their proper frequencies. Restoring the proper frequency is thought to restore health."

Red is hot. It can stimulate and excite. It connects to our physical self.
Orange is warm and joyful. It connects to our emotional self.
Yellow is warm to hot. It connects to our mental self.
Green is the master color. It is refreshing and cool. It connects us to unconditional love.
Aqua (turquoise) is cooling. It connects us to our expression.
Blue is cold and acidic. It connects us to holistic thoughts.
Indigo is cool and calming to the nervous system. It connects us to our unconscious self.
Violet is cool. It connects us to our spiritual self.
Magenta is balancing. It connects us to devotional love.

Then, I started thinking about how color overtly affects me on a day to day basis and took note of what colors I am drawn to. My room is full of whites, light blues, and yellow - I looove coming home to it after a long day of classes and libraries. However, I started noticing something that threw me off and it was my janemaaz (prayer rug) - it was BRIGHT RED and black. Looking over what all of these colors can stimulate, I decided it was necessary to change the color of my prayer rug to aqua with hints of red, I don't know if it was all in my head, but alhamdulillah my duas are now much more open and eloquent. SO, if any of you would like to try out this little experiment and tell me how it worked out for you, that'd be lovely!

I'll leave a link down here for more reading on the possible benefits of color therapy for a deeper look, check it out:
http://www.color-medicine.com/

This world is a prison for the Faithful, but a Paradise for the unbeliever- Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)

2010-05-08T19:09:00.001-07:00

This used to be a longer video but I can't seem to find the other parts. Subhan'Allah my heart jumps when I see Samar laughing or smiling and seeing her father's face when he sees her. I can't even imagine having enough patience to deal with losing a family member...and he lost three. This puts the problems of a college student into perspective for sure and makes me so much more grateful for all the blessings I have been bestowed with. Seriously, as a college student I have so much potential to make a change in the world iA and seeing videos like this recharges me in my mission, I am not going to throw away this opportunity. We're surrounded by messages about raising higher in our ranks of this world via wealth and popularity, but why would that be our only intention in this life? The Creator can take away anything He's given us in a second, whether that be our wealth, our legs, or our life. So wouldn't it be wiser to put our focus on the Hereafter and raising our status in the eyes of Allah (swt)? Take a second and think about that also make sure you keep this in your daus: May Allah swt give our brothers and sisters patience in these hard times and also give us, the more fortunate, the ilm and tawfeeq to help them.

read the article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8164582.stm

Mama said, "There'll be days like this."

2010-04-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Having one of those days where I wish I had someone that has gone through the exact same relationship and career planning problems that I have and could guide me on what steps to take next. But each of us is on our own journey and to wish that someone's matches yours entirely is being too idealistic, isn't it? This is a trial from Allah (swt), I know, and i'A I'll come out of this stronger and equipped with the experience to help the next generation of Muslim-Americans.

Recently, at a khutbah, the speaker made a very illuminating point: he said whenever a problem befalls us, we look to Allah's creation for help, whereas we should look to the Creator Himself! After all, He has made the problem so of course He knows how to solve it. And the way to converse with Allah (swt) is through reading the Qur'an. I picked up my lovely Qur'an today and read for awhile and subhanAllah, this is what I came across:

"And those who, when they commit and immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know. Those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will abide eternally; and excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers." - 3.135-136

"Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?" 3.142

"Allah wishes for you ease and He does not wish difficulty for you." [2:185]

Showing the characteristic of "steadfastness" is a common theme in the Qur'an and I love it because Allah loves it. For the past week I've wanted to do something really drastic like move to a different state or go live at home with my parents and attend our local State University. But by putting me five hours away from home, Allah (swt) has a plan for me, I trust Him and am going to stay strong. How are we going to enter Paradise if we aren't tested? It's much easier said than done, I know, but if any of you sisters are feeling something similar to this, pick up the Qur'an and read about Allah's favorite qualities in a human and try to attain them. Nothing comes easily and we can't run away from our problems, for example, learning how to walk came with many, many falls but if we gave up on it (not ran away from it, because that'd be impossible ha...ha..) because we didn't like the failure, then where would we be now?

Peace.

Guitar Hero to the Rescue!

2009-10-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

“SubhanAllah” moment of the week occurred yesterday. I was playing Rock Band with some friends after I was done with a loooong week of class/midterm study - note: this game is $150 and we don’t spend that kind of money on games in my house (but we do on jeans...if that means anything). For awhile I stuck with vocals because singing is easy and fuuunnn but after awhile someone else wanted to try, so I tried out the guitar. I’m sure everyone knows what a Rock Band guitar looks like - just like a Guitar Hero one - six colored buttons on the neck and while you play you watch the screen to know which buttons to press while you “strum” the bar. When you’re new it takes a lot of concentration because your brain is still learning which fingers go with which colors, the more you concentrate, the faster you learn.

I was doing horribly, on EASY, while everyone else was playing on hard or expert. But even as I saw myself getting low percentages every time, I didn’t make an effort to pay more attention to the finger-color pattern. It as as if I had internally labelled myself as a “n00b” and therefore it was acceptable for me to be performing badly. This seemed like a mechanism to keep myself from feeling bad about performing poorly as well as to prevent myself from the “oh no” feeling of treading outside of the waters of my comfort zone.

At the time, I didn’t care. But the “subhanAllah” kicked in this morning when the connection between my incoherent playing was made with the way I’ve been living my life - Ya-Allah, you work in such beautiful ways.

Basically, I’ve been “half-assing” (for lack of a more fitting word) my way through LIFE. Whether it’s preparing for tests, participating in class, running races, concentrating in prayer, being a good Muslim. EVERY SINGLE one of these things could be done SO MUCH better, but I choose to stay in my little bubble and not move forward...just get by. If I was somehow able to get out of my body and look down at the person that I have grown into, I would be quite disappointed. I’d flip them the bird. I have like sixty more years to live tops...and if I’m going to merely “get by” for the next years, I doubt I’ll have much to show for it on the Day of Judgment.

“Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (al-Qur’an, 13:11)

Allah (swt) is always there to help us, but we need to provide an outlet for this help! This is for anyone who feels like they aren’t getting the most out of their life - and I’m sure everyone feels like this at time. But, hey, the answer is lies in the Qur’an. At last Friday’s khutba the speaker said “If you want to talk to Allah (swt), pray. If you want Allah (swt) to talk to you, read the Qur’an.” So let’s make two nafl of prayer today and ask Allah for aid in re-connecting with him and in turn i’A becoming a better human being. Ameen.

Ramadan Kareem

2009-08-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

oh obama : )

Take a Second...

2009-08-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Bismillah

The poem below has been penned by a Muslim sister, 17-year-old Fatma Abdullah. We thought it reflected depth of thought and a keen observation of the state of Muslims today.

pen-and-notepad

What is happening to Muslims today?
Why are we imitating the western way?
Are we forgetting a crucial part of Islam,
Following the Prophet (alayhi salaatu wassalaam)?

Although entertainment may bring about pleasure,
The Quran and Sunnah is what we should treasure.
What we commit to memory instead of ayaat and ahadith,
Are lyrics of songs that only weaken our belief.

When asked about Sahabah who struggled for this deen,
The response will be a shrug from many of the teens.
Biographies of singers and athletes fill their minds,
While daily adhkaar are sadly left behind.

Instead of preparing for our inevitable end,
We find ourselves spending endless hours with our friends.
Gossiping about celebrities and fellow kids at school,
Only so that we can be among the ‘cool’.

We find ourselves submitting to fashion and fame,
Instead of praising Allah with His glorious names.
Is it just me, or is the hijaab getting smaller?
Diets to get slimmer and high heels to look taller?

This ummah is in danger, and something must be done,
But first we must remember that as an ummah, we are one.
Like a single body undergoing trials and tests,
When one part feels the pain, it is felt throughout the rest.

Let’s go back in time to the seventh century,
And take examples from a people full of faith and purity.
The first Muslim generation knew divided they would fall,
So they stood together, may Allah be pleased with them all.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was the Prophet’s closest friend,
Supportive of his mission till the very end.

Umar bin Khattab was a companion strong and fierce,
But due to taqwa of Allah, he could not hold back his tears.

And Uthmaan bin Affaan would always give more than take,
So he was known to spend in masses, solely for Allah’s sake.

And there’s another who submitted when he was just a lad,
Unshakable faith was what Ali bin Abi Taalib had.

And let’s not forget Musab bin Umayr, Abu Dharr al Ghifari,
Abdullah bin Masood, Bilal and Abu Ayyub al Ansari.

Enemies of islam did what they could to stop the call,
But the Sahabah stood together like a firmly fixed brick wall.
The same can be said for Islam in modern days,
Being attacked from many angles, and in many different ways.

The media tries its best to make this way of life distorted,
Pointing fingers at those who try hard to support it.
So let us all unite and show the whole world that we're bold,
And spread Islam and its teachings to people young and old.

The Only Thing Constant In The World...Is Change.

2008-11-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm in super India Arie mode (she is SO legit), hence there are a lot of allusions to her lyrics in this post. The question at hand is one that transverses all generations: Will a woman ever be more than what she wears? It seems that we are constantly focused on a woman's outer appearance and fail to recognize deeper, more important aspects of situations. For example, during the earthquakes in Pakistan, I read an article on the front page of a newspaper saying that this tragedy befell on Pakistan because the women were wearing sleeveless clothes. Ummmm okay...what?! Wouldn't you think that there are more important things that deserve to be the focal point during this stage? Anyways, I think that it is very important for us to focus on our inner workings before we start agonizing over our outward showings.

If we try to change ourselves on the inside first, the rest will follow. “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (al-Qur’an, 13:11) Seriously, I remember at one point in my life I was on a super religious high (alhamdulillah) and as my iman got stronger on the inside, it became apparent on the outside. I began to find pleasure in dressing and acting modestly...and I don't quite have the words to describe what an amazing time that was for me, but basically, Allah (swt) is ready to help us out, we just need to take that first step.

“I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly even better than that. And if he takes one step towards me, I take ten steps towards him. And if he comes walking to Me , I go running towards him. ” (Hadith Qudsi)

This being my first year in college, I'm beginning to realize certain things. First off, this is a LITERAL fresh page; I can be whoever I want to be here without the awkward "what?! that's so unlike you" situation. What an excellent chance to be a better person, a better Muslim. Like what India Arie says in "I Choose:"

my past doesn't dictate who i am.
every day we're making a decision.
on what to do and who to be.
it's constantly changing.

Due to this constant changing, one cannot let labels turn into self-fulfilling prophecies. We cannot get stuck on one thing we've done and let it prescribe the rest of our lives for us.

"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death." - Anais Nin

To ensure that we're changing for the better, sometimes it's helpful to tell myself: "Hey, every facet of your life should be all or nothing." So if I'm trying to be Islamic in certain aspects, but not in others...then why bother? That's like studying really hard for a test but then not reading any of the questions when the actual test comes around and just blindly guessing. Of course, we will never be PERFECT - but that's the point right? The struggle? So Allah can be like "Hey man, you tried hard" and i'A grant us His mercy and entrance into Heaven, because I sure know I wouldn't get in only based on my deeds.

So yeah, that was a bit all over the place, but essentially just a reminder to not let other people's perspectives of you (outer appearance) create who you are as a person. Keep striving to better yourself, holla!

"Life isn't about finding yourself, its about creating who you are." - George Bernard Shaw

Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person?

Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend?

Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?

Peace.

Moving From the "No" to the "Yes"

2008-11-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

I don’t know too much about Islam’s stance/definition of what dreaming is, other than it’s the sister of death...but it’s a pretty interesting subject, and i’A I’ll look into it and let you know! One of my friends recommended this movie (“Waking Life”) to me when we were on the subject of “indie movies” and some parts are pretty mind-expanding. However, if you decide to watch it, keep in mind that it is very existentialist and as I do not have a great understanding of existentialism I can't provide what parts are and are not in line with Islamic thought. But, watch with an open-mind. Anyways, the point of me putting this clip up is to comment on what he says from 5:10 to 6:14. It caused me to reflect on what I’ve been doing with my time...and if those are good decisions based on the ambiguity of HOW much time I actually have here on Earth. We should live this life as if we are travellers (i.e. don’t get caught up in materialism/worldly gain because our final destination is Jannah i’A).

I got this from Daily Reminders site (there's a link on my blog roll - check out this blog it's really cool): On the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them both), he relates that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) once held my shoulders and said:

“Live in this world as (if you are) a wayfarer or a stranger.” And Abdullah ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them both) used to say: “If you live till night, then do not wait for the next day (i.e. do not have hopes that you will live to the next day), and if you wake up in the morning do not have hope that you will live till the night. And take (advantage) from your health before your sickness and take advantage of your life before your death (i.e. do every possible obedience in your life before death comes to you for then no deeds can be performed.)” [Bukhari and Tirmidhi]

Back to the clip, let’s focus on this part: “this instant where God is posing a question, ‘do you want to be one with eternity? Do you want to be in Heaven?’ and we’re all saying, ‘no thank you, not just yet.’” and “Time is a constant saying no to God’s invitation...and actually this is the narrative of everyone’s life...the story of moving from the ‘no’ to the ‘yes’...all of life is like ‘no thank you, no thank you’ and ultimately it’s ‘yes I give in, yes i accept, yes I embrace’ and that’s the journey, everyone gets to the ‘yes’ in the end.”

The way I interpreted this was: okay our life is as long as an instant compared to the Hereafter and we have been given all the resources to get into Heaven (i.e. the sunnah of the Prophet pbuh, the Qur’an, the power of reason) - so why, with the answers right in front of us, are we still following the ways of those who have gone astray and earned Allah’s wrath? Take a second to think about your life and all of the “no thank yous” you’ve “said,” where you’ve chosen temporary worldly pleasures over eternal pleasure. Take a second to try to grasp the meaning of “eternal” can you even wrap your brain around living forever?! subhan’Allah. Let’s look at this excerpt from a SunniPath.com answer:

“A person drowned in desires should reflect upon his condition after he has fulfilled and satisfied his desire. He should ask himself: Have I found the pleasure and comfort I am searching for after fulfilling my desire? It is the Wisdom of Allah Ta'aala that whenever a Muslim fulfils a forbidden desire he feels unhappy, distressed, depressed, miserable and ashamed to such an extent that these feelings compel him to repent. Thus a sinner is afflicted with an unending sadness, misery and disgrace. Ibne Mubarak (RA) has said: ‘I have seen sins deadening the heart. It's addiction causes disgrace. The abandoning of sins is life for the hearts. It is best for you to oppose your nafs.’”

And another huuuge point: Imaam Ghazaali Rahmatullah alaihi writes: "The angels and Ambiyaa alaihimus salaam are such that they never commit any sin. Shaytaan is such that he persists in committing sins. Never does he ever feel ashamed nor does he ever think of discarding sin. The human is such that immediately after committing a sin he feels ashamed and makes a firm determination to discard the sin in the future. From this it is understood that not to repent after committing a sin is the work of Shaytaan." We have to keep on struggling, because this life is temporary - we have to start taking those steps towards saying “yes” to Allah’s question before our lives pass us by.

Salaam!

Barack Mubarak?

2008-11-09T02:12:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2008
Among Young Muslims, Mixed Emotions on Obama
By PAUL VITELLO

It was easy for them to love the candidate. With the same passion, and for the same reasons that millions of other young people did, they loved Barack Obama’s call to activism, the promise of change, the sheer newness of the guy.

What was hard was feeling they could not show it because they were Muslims.

“I pretty much kept away, because I didn’t want to appear with an Obama button and have people look at me and say: ‘Oh, a Muslim girl supports him. Aha,’ ” said Sule Akoglu, a 17-year-old New York University freshman, who wears a head scarf.

Like just about all the Muslim students who gathered Wednesday night at the university’s Islamic Center on the day after the election, Miss Akoglu described a mixture of delight and frustration at the successful campaign of the nation’s first black president-elect.

He had run a great race, broken so many barriers, done so much right. Yet the persistent rumor that Mr. Obama was a Muslim had led his campaign to do things that the students found hurtful, they said. The campaign had dismissed a Muslim staff member for seemingly flimsy reasons. A campaign worker had shuttled two young Muslim women wearing head scarves out of the line of sight of TV cameras at a rally.

And the candidate known for his way with words had never said the words they waited for.

“In my community, people were saying to me, ‘Who do we support?’ ” said Meherunnisa Jobaida, a journalism student from Queens. “The person who is making the stereotype? Or the person who is not defending us?”

The words defending them were finally spoken instead by former Secretary of State Colin Powell, when he announced his support for Mr. Obama on Oct. 19. Answering a question about the candidate’s faith, Mr. Powell said: “Well, the correct answer is he is not a Muslim, he’s a Christian. He’s always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?”

The remark struck so profoundly, said the young Muslims at the meeting, that Mr. Obama’s election — in which they thoroughly rejoiced — was like the icing on Mr. Powell’s cake.

Lina Sayed, a Queens native and a recent N.Y.U. graduate now working in finance, said Mr. Powell’s matter-of-fact articulation of an essential American principle lifted a sense of alienation that she had come to accept, and was almost unaware of.

“I forgot about the American dream,” she said. “I forgot that something like this was possible.”

The Islamic Center at N.Y.U. serves about 2,000 students who identify themselves as Muslim, offering activities like skating and bowling, as well as a place for religious instruction, daily prayers and regular meetings like the one on Wednesday night, where students are invited to come and talk.

Though a small sample, the views of the dozen students that night — most of them the American-born children of immigrants from South Asia and the Middle East — generally reflected the results of surveys and recent scholarship.

The Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, for example, recently found overwhelming support for Mr. Obama among the country’s estimated 2 million Muslim voters; and scholars like Jen’nan Ghazal Read, a Duke University sociology professor who studies assimilation patterns among Muslims in the United States, has described the sense of resignation many Muslims felt at how the pejorative use of the word “Muslim” went unchallenged during most of the campaign.

“This is a very sober, mature voting population,” Professor Read said in a telephone conference call with reporters yesterday. “They understand the realities.”

Sufia Ashraf, a freshman pre-med student, voiced that sobriety: While disappointed by Mr. Obama’s failure to speak up for Muslims, she was willing to let it go. “I would rather Barack Obama win,” she said. “If he had said something like what Colin Powell said, he might have lost.”

Imam Khalid Latif, the Muslim chaplain who runs the N.Y.U. center, said that throughout the campaign students were “figuring out what it means to be a Muslim in America,” and that seven years after 9/11, young Muslims are still facing tricky questions in their everyday lives. To wear a full beard, or trim it? Skull cap or baseball cap?

Ms. Sayed, the recent graduate, said two of her brothers who worked in the Obama campaign in Pennsylvania, both of them with “very Muslim names,” decided to do their door-to-door canvassing as “Alex” and “John.”

Among the students, many are children of small-business owners who supported Senator John McCain. Many were schoolchildren on 9/11, taken by surprise by the taunting of their classmates, and even more surprised by the police security that became part of their daily school life for a while.

Miss Akoglu, the young woman who did not want to hurt Mr. Obama’s chances by campaigning for him wearing a head scarf, had made the religious commitment to wear a scarf, in fact, just the week before 9/11, when she was in the sixth grade. Though she received more attention by wearing it, and more grief, she has worn it ever since. (After Mr. Powell’s public remark, Miss Akoglu began wearing her Obama pin just to the side of the scarf. “That’s when I put it on,” she said.)

For all the apparent conditions placed on full participation in the political process, the students said, they were more optimistic about the future the day after the election than the day before.

The election proved that the promise of America is real, that the only barrier to participation is one’s own inertia and that “now is the time for us to step up,” said Haseeb Chowdhry, a senior at the university’s Stern School of Business.

“We love this country. This country has an ability to change — that is its strength,” he said.

The consensus among them about Mr. Obama (only one of those present had supported Mr. McCain) was partly generational, partly an identification with anyone saddled with a name like Barack Hussein Obama, and partly a sense of common ground with another child of the world.

“He’s grown up in Indonesia, in Hawaii, in the Midwest,” said Mr. Chowdhry, whose family roots in Pakistan allowed him to grow up in two cultures. “The guy is a cosmopolitan. That’s important for the future. To be able to understand that we are part of the larger world.”

Mr. McCain’s only supporter in the room, Jameel Merali, a junior studying hospitality management, said Mr. Obama’s victory was a wonderful thing, though he still had reservations about his view of economics.

After explaining his understanding of Mr. Obama’s view, and contrasting it with his own — using terms that college students taking economics courses might follow — Mr. Merali concluded that all in all the system of checks and balances would protect the nation against any intemperate economic decisions the next president might consider.

“That’s the beauty of it,” said Mr. Merali, who was born in Tanzania. “The way it was all set up by our founding fathers.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/nyregion/07muslims.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

More Modern Islamic Art

2008-10-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

hey guys, two more Islamic graffiti sites (click on the names):

mazzy malik

samir malik

This is just a quick post - I have midterms this week!
Salaam

When Islam Meets Bridget Jones

2008-10-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is a BBC News article about "Jewel of Medina" by Sherry Jones. Judging from the article, I definitely am not going to be reading this book. However, it's good to be "in the know" about the storyline - here's the article:

A romantic telling of the life of one of the wives of Islam's prophet has caused controversy among some Muslims - and its publication has been indefinitely postponed in the UK amid fears of a violent reaction. But is The Jewel of Medina actually any good? Blogger Shelina Zahra Janmohamed is one of the few people in Britain to have read it.

The Jewel of Medina is a chest-heaving, brassiere-busting book of outrageously tacky historical romantic fiction.

Some parts of the media are suggesting that this book is at the forefront of defending free speech. The author wants it to reach out to solve our global problems of intercultural dialogue. Between them they had me rolling around on the floor laughing.

The book claims to tell the story of Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, through her own eyes, from the age of six, through adolescence and into adulthood. But although she lives through one of the most dramatic periods of history, the narrative conveys little of the enormity of the changes of the era, and of which Aisha was a huge part.

Sherry Jones, the author, says she wanted her book to be "at once a love story, a history lesson and a coming-of-age tale".

In order to do so, she fabricates a storyline about a lover, Safwan, whom Aisha runs away with - but then decides to leave and return to Muhammad.

But this invented plot dominates, leaving barely any room for the real history and importance of her story.

Whether you believe her to be fact, fiction or fantasy, and Muslims believe her to be very real, Aisha is of great significance in global history. The one fifth of the world population who are Muslim regards her as the wife of the Prophet Muhammad and a "mother of the believers".

click here to read the full article

and here's another linked post from our sisters of Muslimah Media Watch: http://muslimahmediawatch.org/2008/10/16/theres-something-about-aishah/#comments

Sofia Baig: Daughter of the Sand Album out now!

2008-10-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Remember Sofia Baig, the amazing spoken word artist I mentioned in a past post? Well, she recently came out with her first album! It's titled "Daughter of the Sand"

So, I suggest you visit her site: http://www.sofiabaig.com and listen to her stuff (if you haven't already) aaand if you like what you hear then support this sis and order her cd! Seriously, $15 for some insightful thoughts - which are hard to come around these days - sounds like a good deal to me.

Salaam and happy listening!

Islamic Graffiti Artist: AEROSOLARABIC aka Mohammed Ali

2008-10-14T00:48:00.000-07:00

Salaam girls and guys! I hope everyone's Ramadan was amazing and that your Shawwal is going well - hurry up and do your six sunnah fasts if you haven't already! Okay, coolest thing ever - Islamic Graffiti (: legiiit. Mohammed Ali is British, but he's bringing his projects into the US (yaay!) I have two videos for you guys and they pretty much give all the background info so there's not much for me to write. Check em out, let me know what you think.

BBC:

CNN:

there are more videos on his site as well as galleries of his work: http://www.aerosolarabic.com/v2/index.php

ps, anyone have cool islamic art they'd like to have featured on my site?

Peace.

The Nature - Talib feat. JT

2008-09-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

[Talib Kweli]
Expect the unexpected
Yo

[Intro & Interlude: Talib Kweli & Timberlake]
It's kind of hard to keep faith in the things that you do
When everybody turns they back on you
It's kind of hard to keep faith in the things that you do
When everybody turns their back...

[Talib Kweli]
Yeah I know a city that's surrounded by a beautiful beach
The economy boosted by the drugs they move in the street
More clearer than the crystal sky, blue as the beast
The people ain't got shoes for they feet, or food to eat
So they hurtin but what's for certain you can get you some heat
And over beef you laid to rest like you was gettin some sleep
Where the little kids get ammunition (word) you can't get no nutrition
Or any type of suitable living condition listen
They shoot you over that paper, its just survivalist human nature
to put you out of your misery like euthanasia (yeah)
Don't let them fool you we ain't different than the youth in Asia
Africa and Europe, it's a small world we truly neighbors
If they the third world then who the first to get to heaven
I know it's hard but who does God choose to go through it worst
Usually it's the prophets, ask a cat what really matters
Nowadays usually it's his pockets

[Chorus: Justin Timberlake (Talib ad libs)]
We gotta get back to what really matters
We gotta search our soul to find out, what we're after
The more I find my voice the more they try to make it harder
Mom and dad don't forget, to warn your sons and daughters
About the-na-ture-of-the-world-to-day, the nature of the world today
The-na-ture-of-the-world-to-day, the nature of the world today

[Talib Kweli]
Word! Don't nobody talk no more they all text message
Drivin and typin, not payin attention, missin they next exit
Dependin on navigation they ever know where they goin
They stayin stuck in one spot they not growin
I'm so over cryin, waitin and hopin playin the blame game
The game changed me into (A Different World) like Dwayne Wayne
I'm gettin high just to maintain (yeah)
Take my music like a drug and drop the needle in the same vein
I get a rush like I'm tweekin off blow
Except it ain't via the nose it's from deep in my soul
The street slang I be speakin in code
Kick in the do's, freakin the flow 'til the speakers explode
We in control, the people know I speak the truth
The power of my roots is thicker than sour sop
And they so strong they bustin out the flower pot
Family tradition is to tell 'em you love 'em
While your family livin from granny in the kitchen the little man in prison

[Justin Timberlake]
I'm just tryin to get back, to what really matters
I'm tryin to search my soul to find out, what I'm after
But the more I find my voice the more they try to make it harder
So mom and dad don't forget to warn your sons and daughters
About the-na-ture-of, the world today, the nature of the world today
The-na-ture-of, the world today, the nature of the world today

How To Prepare For Ramadan

2008-08-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Only a few more days till Ramadan starts! I'm especially excited about it this year because I get to spend at least twenty days of it at home - not worrying about school - since it's starting in late september. and as one of my favorite muslimtees.com shirt states: "Ramadan: time to recharge" check it out (and buy it - because you can never have enough witty shirts, right?) here

I was searching online for Ramadan-esque stuff and came across this amaaazing post from www.suhaibwebb.com. Take some time to read through it and perhaps, i'A, apply it :)

A lot of us yearn to prepare for Ramadan, but we have no idea how to start. Below are a few tips to insha’Allah help prepare our minds and hearts for this upcoming Month of Mercy.

1. Making the Intention

Simple to do and has a powerful impact. Maybe you want to prepare for Ramadan, but between school, work, family, and any other activities, you just have no idea how to fit in ‘Preparing for Ramadan’ time. Instead of making ‘preparing for Ramadan’ something separate from your daily activities, MAKE your daily activities a means of preparation for Ramadan.

For example, perhaps your mom asked you to pick up your brother from school on the day you finally had time to read a few extra pages of Qur’an. Instead of feeling upset and feeling like you have lost a great preparation for Ramadan opportunity, make the intention that you are picking up your brother to please Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and prepare for Ramadan by obeying your mother, helping your family members, building ties of kinship… and the list continues.

The point is that preparing for Ramadan does not have to be some magnificent, enormous, extra-special thing that needs to be done at a certain time of the day. Many of your daily actions can be turned into Ramadan preparation actions with a sincere intention, insha’Allah.

2. Do these easy-to-reap-reward actions:

1. Asking Allah to forgive your brothers and sisters. “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [at-Tabarani, classed as hasan by al-Albani]

1. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (r.a) said “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever says subhanAllah wa bi hamdih (praise and glory be to Allah) 100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 6042; Muslim 2691

1. If a person says “SubhanAllah” (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. Narrated by Muslim 2073

1. Remember Allah when you go shopping : “Whoever enters a market and says:
‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer’[there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent]Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as hasan by al-Albani]

3. Up your worship

To help condition your heart for this blessed month, intensify your worship before Ramadan begins. Just a small, consistent amount is enough. The Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam told us:

“The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”

For example, if I always pray 2 rakats of sunnah after ishaa, from this day until Ramadan begins- and even through Ramadan, let me make the intention that I will now pray 2 extra rakats of sunnah after ishaa. And every time I pray these extra 2 rakats, which are more than what I normally pray, let me remember that I am doing these with the intention of asking Allah to help me be prepared to strive and exert my utmost effort during Ramadan.

4. Make a duaa list today

This is THE MONTH to ask for EVERYTHING, both related to this life and the Next. Let us not wait until the last 10 nights to make special duaas, and then once Eid passes realize that we had completely forgotten about fifty other things we needed to make duaa for. Let us start making our lists now, and add to it as more things come our way. Insha’Allah this should help us remember to make constant duaa in this month where duaa is accepted, and help our hearts pour out to the One Who can make those duaas happen, subhanahu wa ta’ala.

5. Write out your objectives for Ramadan

Praying all of your fard prayers? Praying all of your sunnahs? Reading the entire Qur’an? Giving $1 charity a day? Making itikaaf in the masjid? Leaving one serious sin that you’ve been trying to get away from for some time now? Sincerely turning completely back to Allah?

Write out a list, put them somewhere you will see them, and make duaa for your success in fulfilling these objectives.

6. Make a plan!

Look at your objectives, and try to make a plan on how to actualize those objectives in this month.

For example, perhaps you are really struggling to pray your sunnah prayers. In this month, realize the enormity of the ajr of praying the sunnah prayers… think that perhaps these sunnahs will be the deeds that will be so heavy on your scale of good deeds when you are intense need of them- on yowm al qiyamah. Therefore, fight to keep doing them all throughout Ramadan. If you can’t pray your 2 rakats after dhur right away, make sure to do them as soon as you get a chance.

Thus, your plan might look something like this:

Objective: Pray all of my fard prayers.

Method: Envision myself on the day of judgment seeing the insha’Allah weight of praying my sunnah consistently during this month. Make sure to pray sunnah salah immediately after salah. If I cannot, do it as soon as the opportunity arises… don’t let myself put it off!

Another example is that of finishing the Qur’an:

Objective: Finishing the entire Qur’an in this month.

Method: Read 4 pages of the Qur’an after every salah. 5 prayers X 4 pages = 20 pages. 20 pages= about 1 juz. 1 juz X 30= the entire Qur’an.

——-
So many Muslims have passed away since last month. So many people have not made it to Ramadan this year. Last year was their very last Ramadan. Will you make it to this Ramadan? Will this be your last Ramadan?

Aim to strive in this Ramadan. With a very small amount of effort, such as just making a small intention, or adding a few extra acts of worship, we pray that Allah will help our hearts soften and honor us with making it easy to turn to Him and open up to Him.

May Allah make us of the successful in Ramadan, and make it easy for us to turn to Him completely and perpetually. Ameen

Appreciatin' and Praisin'

2008-08-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

A while ago I received a pocket sized book from the mosque called Fortress of the Muslim - Invocations from the Qur'an & Sunnah. I've been looking through it a lot this summer and am amazed at how many different supplications and invocations there are... it's beautiful how Allah SWT has made everything so simple for us - if we only take the time to look. My favorite one so far is What A Muslim Should Say When He Is Praised, and subhan'Allah, while I was looking for the duaas typed up online I ran into Muslimology.org and the blogger has the same book AND scanned the duaas AND made a post on this very subject! So here's a snippet from that post and insh'Allah you will check out their website, too.

How a Muslim should praise another Muslim

If any of you praises a Muslim then let him say:

“I consider (such and such a person), and Allah is his Assessor,

wa laa uzakee ‘alallaahi ahadan

(meaning: and I cannot claim anyone to be pious before Allah) -if you know of this (good character trait in the person) to be such and such (saying what he thinks is praiseworthy in that person).” (Muslim 4/2296)

What a Muslim should say when he is praised

Allaahumma laa tu’aakhidhnee bimaa yaqooloona, waghfir lee maa laa ya’lamoona [waj'alnee khairam-mimmaa yadhunnoon].

Oh Allah, do not call me to account for what they say and forgive me for what they have no knowledge of [and make me better than they imagine].

(Al-Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad no. 761. See Al-Albani, Sahih Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (no. 585). The portion between brackets is from Al-Baihaqi, Shu’ab Al-Iman 4/228, and comes from another account.)

I love the "and make me better than they imagine" part :) maan it's like Allah SWT is giving us some elbow room as we're keeping our egos in check.

Peace

Abaya: The New Black?

2008-08-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

Found this article in New Statesman from 2006. I'm glad there are women writing about wearing the abaya, because judging from the way "covering up" is portrayed in the media, the public needs to see different perspectives on it to make their own decisions. The article's informative and witty - my favorite mix :) - read on and let me know what you think.

The new black
Raya al-Khalifa
Observations on covering up

The fashion industry is no longer concerned with being elegant. It just wants to sell everyone the same outfit. It may be my elevated taste in fashion or just the likes of Paris Hilton wearing head-to-toe logos but looking none the less like a joke. After all, anyone can don a theatrical Dior jacket. Just as money doesn't buy happiness, it doesn't secure elegance, either.

This is why I am contemplating wearing the abaya full-time in the west. When in my husband's country of Qatar, I indulge in wearing my beautiful abayas. The long black gowns drape my body as elegantly as anything worn by a 1940s Hollywood starlet. An abaya comes complete with a train that glides as I move across the desert terrain. The sleeves of my gorgeous silk creations are always lightly embellished with crystal designs and lace to add some extra glamour. My headscarves are usually wrapped lightly around my head with extra corners revealing the co-ordinating designs of my dress. I am mysterious, modest and chic, all within the margins of being religiously conscious.

Looking good never felt so right. In Qatar, even when I'm wearing a grubby old pair of jeans, I can simply slip on my abaya to do my errands. Instantly, this desperate housewife feels confident and statuesque. As I stroll through the aisles of the Mega Mart contemplating different cheeses, my abaya drapes me with every move, ensuring my modesty while enforcing my elegance. My steps are hidden and I look as though I am gliding across the marble floors.

This is a far cry from negotiating the local Tesco. Here, I must continuously push back my messy hair, hold my top as I reach for stacked loo roles, and reveal my underwear to ogling men as I bend down for my muesli, inevitably placed on the lowest shelves.

A girl in an abaya doesn't have to be a slave to fashion to look chic. I want to feel glamorous every minute of the day. A big old T-shirt makes me feel more frumpy than comfy. My inner peace is achieved by feeling good while being modest - showing some beauty yet not too much booty. Wearing my abaya helps me in my quest for effortless elegance. How else can a woman look and feel good without attracting annoying attention from gross men? (As if I would waste my time on such losers, anyway.)

But, in any case, I have become tired. Tired of squeezing into "skinny" jeans, tired of holding in my stomach and tired of unwanted advances.

I am ready to look and feel like a statuesque woman of class, not trash. I am ready to drape my frame with the luminous black cloth that perfectly outlines my silhouette. I am ready to express my glamorous side through the beautiful embroidery that delicately frames my face.

The abaya is my answer to the dilemmas of modern fashion. Glamour is achieved, modesty is secured, and self-esteem is upheld. And did I mention how slimming the colour black is?

Building the now for the promise of the Infinite

2008-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Love" by Mos Def

They say the goodness in life belongs to those who believe.
So, I believe.

I start to think, and then I sink
Into the paper, like I was ink.
When I’m writing, I’m trapped in between the line.
I escape when I finish the rhyme.

My pop said he was in love when he made me.
Thought about it for a second, wasn’t hard to see.
I could hear he was sincere, was no game of promotion,
The entire affair was probably charged wit emotion.
When love call your heart, I guess you got to pursue.
12-11-73 my life is testament:
Praise the Beneficent, Element-at-Rest,
The Void in the form that make love manifest.

I spent my early years in Roosevelt Projects,
It was a bright valley wit some dark prospects.
In ‘83, Venny C was the host wit the most:
I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close.
I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close.
This is far before the days of high glamour and pose!
Aiyyo, power from the street light made the place dark!
I know a few understand what I’m talkin’ about,
It was LOVE for the thing that made me wanna stay out,
It was LOVE for the thing that made me stay in the house

Spendin’ time, writin’ rhymes,
Tryin’ to find words that describe the vibe
That’s inside the space
When you close yo’ eyes and screw yo’ face…

Is this the pain of too much tenderness
To make me nod my head in reverence?
Should I visit this place and remember it
To build landmarks here as evidence?
Night time, Spirit shook my temperment
To write rhymes that portray this sentiment:
We live the now for the promise of the Infinite.
We live the now for the promise of the inifinite,
And we believe in the promise.
(Yes, YES, y’all, and we don’t stop) because

I got love, l-o-v-e and I be

Love, l-o-v-e to MC
Get love, l-o-v-e and I be
Love, l-o-v-e I MC
Get love, l-o-v-e and I be
Love, l-o-v-e to MC
Get love, l-o-v-e and I be
The m-o-s-d-e-f-initely

My folks said they was in love when they made me.
I take the love they made me wit to make rhymes and beats
(Can you feel?) The raw deal, it’s all-wheel-driven
Contemplate the essence of beats, rhymes and livin’
Speech in line wit the rhythm, designed wit the rhythm,
Ears and eyes keepin’ good time wit the rhythm.
I shine wit the rhythm, the Black Star Gallactica,
Big number fleetin’, we ancient like the abacus.

After us, I see we proceed to be trees -
Sproutin’ leaves, givin’ breeze to the we who believe.
I MC, which means I Must Cultivate the earth,
Straight back, straight backs, hard beats and hard work.
I be the funky drummer to soften the hard earth.
(Amin) Pray Allah keep my soul and heart clean.
(Amin) Pray the same thing again for all my team.

This go out to Fort Greene and on out to Queens
Uptown to boogie down, yo’ just look around
And shook up the world!, like Ali in 6-3

I’m reachin’ the height that you said cannot be,
I’m bringin’ the light but you said we can’t see.

Saw the new day comin’
(it look just like me!)
Sun burst through the clouds
(my photo ID!)
I bring light to your day and raise yo’ degree,
The Universal Magnetic, you must respect it
From end to beginning,
praise True and Livin’,
Ever-changing, but Sustaining Magnificent!
Building the now for the promise of the infinite
Building the now for the promise of the inifinite.

Entry #1: Eye On The Prize

2008-08-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

It's necessary for us to keep this world and the next - meaning we can't just go into a forest and worship all day, because there's no dunya or temptations involved in that. So it's about finding that balance which is probably our hardest job as Muslim-American teens. Good advice that I've gotten is that in everything you do in life, make sure the Hereafter is the biggest part of the equation - if dunya related stuff is bigger and the Hereafter is waay small, then rethink what it is you're doing. As Muslims it's our duty to keep our eyes on the prize... that is Jannat. Keep in mind that everything can be an act of worship if we keep our intentions straight.

"Our Sustainer
Let not our heart deviate now after You have guided us, But grant us blessings and mercy from Your own presence, For You are the granter of bounties without meaure" (3:8)

"O God! I seek Your protection
against knowledge that profits not
and a heart which fears not God
and a mind that is not satisfied
and aprayer thatis not answered." - from Islam The Natural Way...suppplications of the Prophet

"And keep yourself content with those who call on their Sustainer morning and evening, seeking His countenance, and let not your eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this life, nor obey any whose heart we have permitted to neglect Our remembrance, who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds." (18:28)

It Has Potential

2008-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in Pakistan for the summer and as the internet connection here is pretty slow it'll be tough to find videos and search for clothes - but I still wanted to post so I had an idea the other night: I'm making an Iman Strengthening book for college to use as a pick-me-up when my iman feels weak and I decided that everytime I add something to the book, I'll add it to my blog as well - that way I'm potentially helping more than just myself :)

here's page 1:

"...a person has the need to keep his imaan (faith and awareness) alive to strengthen it. He must strive to preserve and develop his innate goodness. Quite clearly, it is not enough for you to say "I believe" and expect that your moral sense will remain sharp. It is easy to be forgetful and become engrossed in the business and cares of life. Through neglect or even deliberate disobedience, the moral sense can also become so blunt that the ugliness of vice may seem beautiful and attractive." (p. 66 Islam The Natural Way - AbdulWahid Hamid)

Islamifying "Pocketful of Sunshine"

2008-06-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Recently I was listening to the radio and I heard Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocketful of Sunshine." From the first listen I loved it! After a few listens I tried to figure out why I liked it so much because I don't generally like love songs - they make me want to fall in love haha and I have way too many things to accomplish before I start thinking about falling in love... So I came up with an interpretation that works for me and inspires me. Most of this is probably influenced by sufi poems I've been reading lately. Thought I'd share it with everyone :

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it's all mine.
Oh.
she has nur in her pocket, her love / connection with Allah swt

Do what you want, but you're never gonna break me.
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me.
No.
Talking to the dunya and materialism – she’s so deeply engulfed in her love for Allah swt that these other things just don’t get to her

Take me away: A secret place.
A sweet escape: Take me away.

Take me away to better days.
Take me away: A higher place.
Pleading with Allah swt in these four lines – asking to get this test of the dunya over and done with already. To take her to Heaven

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it's all mine.
Oh.

Wish that you could, but you ain't gonna own me.
Do anything you can to control me.
Oh, no.
Talking to the dunya and materialism again, she’s too busy seeing Allah’s magnificence and knows what she’s on this world for – so worldly temptations don’t get to her.

There's a place that I go,
But nobody knows.
Where the rivers flow,
And I call it home.
In the Qur’an Heaven is constantly described as being full of gardens with rivers flowing underneath, so here she’s talking about reading the Qur’an where she is taken to a different place imagining what her reward will be (I’A) and she calls it her home because we all return to our Creator.

And there's no more lies.
In the darkness, there's light.
And nobody cries.
There's only butterflies.

The sun is on my side.
Take me for a ride.
I smile up to the sky.
I know I'll be all right.
She gets her strength from Allah swt and when you put your full trust in Him then you know you will be alright (:

Graduation Party Outfit #1

2008-06-20T10:59:00.001-07:00

Graduation party season is still going strong and sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to wear to all the parties when your friends are getting off easy by wearing sun dresses, anyways it's not impossible to find something cute and covered - that's what my next few posts are going to be dedicated to - check it ouuut:

The Silk ruffle-front dress, bridget fit wide leg pant, and Chandelier thong sandals are all from Victoria's Secret (there's a huge sale there by the way). The floral metallic scarves are from Forever 21 and the metal beaded bangles are from Urban Outfitters. Click the names of items to get linked back to the sites (if you didn't already know that).

Also congrats to all the graduates!
Salaam

Getting Back On Track

2008-06-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

So I know I've been super MIA and I apologize. I got caught up in the whole school's ending forever thing... amongst some other stuff that doesn't need to be mentioned (haha nothing BAD just like minor things that would lead to deterring me off the straight path - which I'm already trying hard to not slip off of). But yeah, when I noticed that I was rushing through prayers and choosing horrible radio rap over my Imam Suhaib Webb cds... I put on my "emergency brakes" & did some self evaluation.

Life is full of little (and big) tests and I was most definitely failing mine - but the beauty of Islam is that we're encouraged to come back to Allah and ask for His forgiveness because He is Ar-Rahim (The Merciful) and Al-Ghafur (The Forgiver and Hider of Faults). As humans we're bound to make mistakes and all the better right? because the blessing's in the struggle. Anyways, alhumdulillah I am back on track and have my priorities set straight once again. :)

Salaam

Palestinian Refugees: 60 Years of Suffering

2008-05-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

In 1948, 3/4 of Palestinians were uprooted from their home and their towns and villages were destroyed by Israeli militias. Today more than 6 million children, women, and men are languishing in 59 refugee camps and in exile all over the world.

On the 60th anniversary of the continuing catastrophe that characterizes life for Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and Diaspora, The Muslim Public Affairs Council released its "60 Years of Palestinian Suffering Resource Kit". The kit provides vital practical tools to organize public awareness efforts and includes a historical timeline of events, web resources, and a petition to circulate and deliver to members of Congress.

CLICK HERE to download the kit.

Summer Solstice... Bronze Beginnings

2008-05-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

So if you click on that ^ it will lead you to this site where you can see each item separately and where it can be purchased from!

I really like the bronze look (and obvi don't try on all of this stuff together - but it's a collection of my favorite bronze make up). Also, the look - with some practice - is subtle! So it won't look like you've piled on a lot of make up / or that you're a walking rainbow. Thus, you look pretty and glowy (if that's a word?) and are still keeping it refined. All of this make up can be found at Sephora if you get curious and want to try some of it on (:

I'm done with testing, yaay for summer!

ps bronze and pink look really cute together if done right!

"Paradise lies underneath the feet of your mother" (Nasa’i)

2008-05-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

So today is Mother's Day and it would be fitting to commemorate a very famous mother in Islam - Hajar (ra) the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and the mother of Isma'eel (as).

Each year millions of Muslim pilgrims pay homage to Hajar as they perform the Hajj ritual of Sa’i - running or walking between the points of Safa and Marwa. Hajar has become a permanent symbol not only of a mother's love for her offspring but of a true believer's faith in the delivering power of God.

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, 'Prophet Ibrahim brought Isma'eel's mother (his wife, Hajar) and Isma'eel, while she was still nursing him, and then camped with them next to (the area where) the House (the Kaa'bah) was to be built, next to a large tree just above (the area where now exists the well of) Zamzam and which is also above the Masjid (the Holy Masjid in Makkah). At that time, Makkah had neither inhabitants nor a known source of water. He left them there and left with them a bag full of dates and a Siqaa' (a jug usually made of leather) full of water.

When Ibrahim started to depart, Hajar followed him, saying, 'O Ibrahim! Where are you going and leaving us in this valley that does not have any inhabitants or anything else?' She repeated this several times, but he was not paying any attention to her. She then said to him, 'Did Allah command you to do this?' Ibrahim replied, 'Yes.' She said, 'Then certainly, He will not abandon us.' She went back, while Ibrahim kept on walking, until he was next to a hill where he could no longer be seen. He then faced the direction of the House and recited the following supplication,

"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivated valley by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may perform prayer, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks." [Surah Ibrahim 14:37].

Afterwards, Isma'eel's mother nursed nurse him and drank from the water (that Ibrahim left with them). When they ran out of water, she and her son became thirsty. She looked at Isma'eel and saw that he was turning around on the ground (out of thirst). She hated to see him like this, so she left and went up on Mount Safa, the nearest mountain to her, then looked down to the valley, trying to locate any person. She then descended down Mount Safa until she reached the valley, and then raised her sleeve (trying to protect her eyes from the sun). She walked just like an exhausted person would walk until she reached the end of the valley. She then went up on Mount Marwah and stood trying to locate anyone, but she did not see any person. She repeated this sequence seven times.

Ibn Abbas then said, "The Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi Wasallam said, 'This is why people walk between them (between Mounts Safa and Marwah, while performing the rituals of Hajj).' When Hajar went up on Mount Marwah (for the fourth time, completing seven trips back and forth between Mounts Safa and Marwah), she heard a voice, and said to herself, 'Shush,' and tried hard to listen. She heard something again, and then said (aloud to whom she thought she heard), 'I heard you! Do you have relief so that you will provide us with assistance?' She then saw an angel digging up the ground with his wing where Zamzam exists today, and water then started to flow. She then started to contain the water with her hand (trying to make a pool of mud to collect the water in it), and she was also cupping her hands to fell her Siqaa' (water jug), yet the water was flowing as fast as she was filling."

Ibn Abbas then said,

"The Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi Wasallam said, 'May Allah bestow His Mercy upon Isma'eel's mother! If she had left Zamzam - or if she had not cupped her hand - Zamzam would have been a flowing spring.' Ibn Abbas then said, 'So she drank and nursed her son. The angel then said to her, 'Do not fear abandonment, for a House for Allah (the Kaa'bah) will be built in this area by this boy and his father, and most certainly, Allah does not abandon His people." [Al-Bukhari].

Prophet Ibrahim's sincerity with Allah was evident in his leaving his wife and son in an uninhabited area, just as Allah commanded him. Also, his wife's sincerity with Allah was evident by her attesting with certainty that Allah will not abandon her and her son, since it was Allah Who commanded Ibrahim to leave them in Makkah.

Did Allah abandon them? No, indeed. Prophet Ibrahim and his wife had a type of sincerity that brings strong emotions to all those believers who hear their story. Because of sincerity, Allah made Zamzam flow with water, not only for Isma'eel and his mother, but also for the billions of Muslims throughout the ages, all drinking from it while visiting the House of Allah.

Taken from ”The Muslim Creed” February 2005 Vol. 13 No. 2 Publisher: The Daar of Islamic Heritage

Hajar (ra) is viewed as the pioneer women who paved the way to the institution of a new civilization. She is seen not only as Ishmael's mother but also as the mother of all those who later became the followers of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a descendant of Prophet Isma'eel (as). Her story is amazing and there are very few others in history that can match it.

Salaam and Happy Mother's Day!

Update soon...

2008-04-29T20:45:00.001-07:00

sorry about the lack of posting... school's a little crazy. but keep checking back (:

Not Your Erotic, Not Your Exotic - Suheir Hammad

2008-04-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Another powerful Muslim sister! Suheir Hammad is a Palestinian-American poet, activist, and author
she's AMAZING.
I love her casual-yet-oh-so-powerful style.

"Exotic" - Suheir Hammad

Don't wanna be your exotic
Like some delicate fragile colorful
bird imprisoned caged in a
land foregin to the stretch of her wings

Don't wanna be your exotic
women everywhere look just
like me some taller darker
nicer than me but like me
Just the same women everywhere
carry my nose on their faces
my name on their spirits

Don't seduce yourself with my
otherness
the beat of my lashes
against each other ain't some
dark desert beat it's just
a blink get over it

Don't build around me
your fetish fantasy your
lustful profanity to
cage me in clip my wings

Don't wanna be your exotic
your loving of my beauty ain't
more than funky fornication
plain pink perversion in
fact nasty necrophilia
because my beauty is dead
to you
I am dead to you

Not your harem girl
geisha doll banana picker
pom pom girl poom poom short
coffee maker town whore
belly dancer private dancer
la malinche venus hottentot
laundry girl your immaculate
vessel emasculating princess
don't wanna be
not your erotic not your exotic

My favorite line is "it's just a blink - get over it" huzzah! She's discussing the sexual exploitation of women of color. The concept of "orientalism" is very strong in this poem too, and if you don't know what that is, then I suggest you do some reading. I could attempt to explain on here, but it's quite lengthy and I, myself don't have a strong grasp on it. It's along the lines of how the West views everyone from the East as "the other" or "them" as inferiors... this is where being "exotic" and all that steps in. Definitely is a heavy subject - but as Muslim-Americans, we are going to come across orientalist comments many times in our lifetimes, so it's best to be knowledgeable about it!

Salaam

Chill, It's Spring Outfit

2008-04-15T20:01:00.001-07:00

Finally, a new outfit!The top is from H&M, the tote, sandals, and scarf (howw cute is that scarf?!) are from Urban Outfitters, the new seventies jeans are from Victorias Secret, and the bracelets are from Forever21. I feel like this is a very earthy outfit. Speaking of earth, I planted flowers a few weeks ago and they started budding - but today when I checked on them, one whole pot of flowers was completely dead :( I think it was the drastic weather change that did it...

On a happier note, I received mail today! And not just any mail - this was lonnnng awaited mail. It is an 8-cd pack of lectures by Imam Suhaib Webb called Purification of the Soul. I've heard many good things about it so I am quite excited about the drive to school tomorrow because I'll start then. What a good way to begin my day! I'll report back when I finish i'A.

Food For Thought

2008-04-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

As I was blog surfing today (yeah I'm being open about that lol, we all do it! & it's better than like myspace surfing..) Anyways, I came across this beautiful piece by mariya (<-- that's a link to her site) titled "Our Pathetic State"

Cute Hijabs, matching tight pants, perfectly manicured hands drumming restlessly to the beat of the latest Nasheed pop;

Nice rides, sipping café lattes, halaqas embraced in the depths of cozy rooms, speaking of distant dreams and privileged existences.
Do we know the real struggle?
ISNA club, throngs of fans milling air conditioned convention halls, pop star speakers glimmer in the spot light, beckoning distant hearts to spirituality and deeper lives; chastising in that “oh so mesmerizing voice”; as the crowd yells a deep bass “Takbir” followed by shrills of “Allahu Akbar”…
Do we really comprehend the Greatness of our Creator?
Trekking the globe in search of meaning, disenchanted existences within treasure filled homes, dreams of substance blocked by trivial minds; apathy radiates in different colors; squeezing potential out of our beings like deep soaked sponges inflated by muddy waters;
Can meaning seep into a suffocated heart?
Following zigzag paths of nothingness; in search of “Deen” or “the other half of my Deen” whatever comes first. So we step in style, mouthfuls of “Subhana Allah”; gleeful “Mashaallah”; echoing from empty hearts frenzied by empty lives.
Scratching the surface of submission; echoing lines from distant lives; dreams of greatness shelved away; as we pander our “Proud to Be Muslim” shirts; cheap prices for cheaper wares.
Pardon my jaded writing…perhaps I forgot the subtle depths of this struggle; as I begin to still the meaningless symbols clanging in my heart;
Please remind me:
Do rays of the Divine
ever
illuminate
these
darkened
c o r n e r s ?

just some food for thought. I did some introspection after reading this... and I've noticed it's part of human nature to try to relate everything we read/hear to ourselves... especially as this piece is eloquently written. It pushes the reader to find a deeper connection with their soul. For sure, I am guilty of some of the things mentioned above, but at the same time everyone finds peace of mind by different means. I feel most connected (body, mind, and soul) during and after a good run while someone else might find that situation to be the least fitting for them. On the subject of pop Nasheeds - I just got Native Deen's "Not Afraid To Stand Alone" album in the mail recently, and I find their lyrics to be extremely influential... there are so many decisions I've changed from wrong to right, just by having their lyrics in mind. It works for some, doesn't for others. But essentially, her words touched me, and it's soo important to reflect upon how we're living our lives - and if we see things we don't like, then insh'Allah we will take the steps to change those aspects. I think the most pertinent thing is to always be aware of what we are doing and what we are allowing ourselves to be around. In a speech I heard once, the speaker said some profound things, the line that has embedded itself into my head is "our hearts are like sponges and we absorb everything that is in our environments... eventually when the sponge is full it's squeezed and everything we've exposed ourselves to is let out from our tongue." So check yo self!

Salaam

I Haven't Seen This Much Love in a Room Since Narcissus Discovered Himself

2008-04-02T22:39:00.001-07:00

The title is a quote from disney's Hercules (1. because it's hillarious, 2. because it's semi-pertinent to what this post is about).

How many times a day do you look at your reflection in the mirror? Many, and yeah sometimes it is more out of habit than narcissism, but we still do it a lot. So what's a good way to get more out of looking in the mirror than just the usual "you are so full of yourself" comment? Reciting this dua:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ حَسَّنْتَ خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي

Allahuma anta hassan’ta khalqee, fa hassin li khulaqee

"O Allah, just as You have made my external features beautiful, make my character beautiful as well". (An-Nisai)

Ultimately, it is your behavior and not your external features that's valued more by Allah and by mankind right? If you're personality/behavior/character is awesome then your family, coworkers, and basically everyone will like you more, and you will like yourself more. There are no negatives about it, so yallah - memorize this tiny dua!

Salaam

How Muslims Are Treated in America - ABC Primetime

2008-03-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Kudos to everyone who sticks up for her! Of course this is not how all Muslims are treated in America so one cannot watch this and make rigid assumptions - nothing is in black and white - there are always shades of gray. The guy who gave the cashier a thumbs-up disgusted me, but it saddened me even more to see how many customers did not speak and were merely observers... :(

I would like to especially send out much love to the two girls who stood up for her - they are part of our coming generation, and it would be awesome if we all learned to speak our minds and to be assertive like they were! i'A.

Salaam

City Sisters: Hijab Trials

2008-03-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Remember Sukina Douglas, the wonderful muslimah from Poetic Pilgrimage? I found out that she is a presenter on a show called City Sisters on the Islam Channel. On this show there is a segment called Hijab Trials (however, Sukina's not in this one) where they show you how to wrap hijab in different styles.

The two presenters of Hijab Trials are Hadiya Masieh and Habiba Ali - click here for their bios.
I think it's quite a good segment, check it out.

Wham! Bam! Islam! - The 99

2008-03-15T17:34:00.001-07:00

Recently, I came across this comic book called “The 99.” I don't read comic books too much anymore other than like the occasional Archie. I did read “Persepolis” which is a graphic novel and loved it. I went on and researched what “The 99” is about and here are some explanations the author, Naif Al-Mutawa, gave about his comic:

"In 1258, the Mongols invaded Baghdad and all the books in the library got thrown into the Tigris River, which changed color. Which color it changed to is a matter of debate," says Al-Mutawa, "but every kid in the Muslim world knows this date."

“In the comic book version, the library curators gather the books before the Mongol invaders have a chance to get them then transfer all the accumulated history and knowledge of the library onto 99 mystical gemstones. These gems are then scattered all over the world.”

“The comic's title refers to the 99 attributes of God (or Allah, in Arabic), including ‘generosity, strength, wisdom, foresight, mercy, and dozens of others that are not used to describe Islam in the media today.’”

“The comic seeks to act as a metaphor for what's happening in the Islamic world”

"The appeal of 'The 99' is that it is based on global attributes that are present in all cultures and makes a point of emphasizing that which humanity shares in common, not what separates us," he says. "The books are based on Islamic values, which are global and universal. No one religion has a monopoly on them."

too add to that... an intense trailer:

and a news report on it for some more depth:

There's a free copy of the comic on the site [the99.org] it’s pretty cool - drawn like an old school Marvel comic and what not. I don’t believe that Naif Al-Mutawa is by any means trying to embody the characteristics of Allah into these characters. In fact it’s not even a religious comic book – it’s just your basic superhero comic. The plus is that we're being exposed to more Islamic culture/history than we would from like Superman... awesome awesome.

Malindi the Giraffe - Universal and Unique Expressions of Cultures on Curricula

2008-03-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

First off, you will probably be seeing a lot of giraffe print this spring, secondly read below to see why I chose to do a giraffe print outfit (aside from the fact that I love it).
The top is by Michael Korrs, bronze bag is by Steve Madden, Rebecca ring, and gorgeous wedges a la Via Spiga all from Nordstrom, pants from Abercrombie & Fitch. The tan scarves are from Rebirth of Chic and the brown pashmina is from Star Scarves - you can choose from either! Ooh and another idea: brown turtleneck with a wrap hijab, chiicc.

I came across this story called "Malindi's Journey" it was part of the Fulbright Association Annual Conference in Marrakech, Morocco - Program of the International Education Task Force: “The Universal and Unique Expressions of Cultures on Curricula"
Teachers in Boston added it into their curriculum as piece of the whole. Click here for a link to the pdf. I think it's a cool concept and I'm glad we're trying to expand the horizons of the young generation.

these are the highlights:
Malindi’s Journey and the curriculum provides opportunities for students to learn that Africans, Asians, and Muslims have a history that has indeed been interconnected for centuries. Students learn about the thriving trade routes of the Indian Ocean in the centuries before and after the spread of Islam. In learning about the experience of African, Arab, and Chinese travelers and traders from long ago, students learn how to step into the shoes of others and develop deeper understanding of African, Chinese, and Islamic history

Malindi is a giraffe, why a giraffe?
In 1414 the giraffe was presented to the Yong Le Emperor in Beijing with ambassadors from Malindi -- the giraffe is still used today by the Chinese as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa

**** edit
In response to Alixianna's comment, I thought this would be relevant:

Donate to Doctors Without Borders to help them aid the people of Kenya during this unfortunate time. May Allah reward you for your efforts insh'Allah.

Here is a link to their site - and a specific article if you don't know whats up: click here.

Young Women Follow Islam's Ancient Tenets on Modesty -- but With a Modern Twist

2008-03-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

So this is kind of an old article, but oh how fitting it is... I found this article linked on another blog - Scarf Ace: http://scarfacewearingaheadscarfinamerica.blogspot.com/

Balancing Religious Sensitivity, Fashion Sense
Young Women Follow Islam's Ancient Tenets on Modesty -- but With a Modern Twist

By Sandhya Somashekhar
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, August 29, 2005; B01

"Isn't this so cute?" cooed Hiba Khan, admiring a loose-knit vest glimmering with a sequined brown collar at Tysons Corner Center's LVL X clothing store. Sexy, the 21-year-old Fairfax City resident admitted, but that's easily remedied with a long-sleeve top and a properly fastened head scarf.

In the hip young Muslim crowd, modesty is always in.

"I usually try not to buy anything too flashy or too revealing, but yeah, I want to look nice," she said while at the mall one recent afternoon for a little back-to-school shopping.

With summer coming to a close and classes about to start, she and a half-dozen other college students were in search of "sister-friendly" clothes -- attire that conforms to Islamic dictates but appeals to a contemporary sense of style and beauty.

But sticking to Islamic standards of modesty isn't always easy, and it doesn't always come naturally to girls raised in the United States, where MTV and Hollywood are more likely than religious texts to set fashion standards. Choosing to follow Islam's clothing guidelines is often the result of a deep desire for cultural identity or religious soul-searching -- especially for young women such as Khan, who as a teenager decided on her own to adopt the clothing standards of her religion.

That doesn't mean she and other young Muslim women want to put aside a desire to be pretty.

"We want to look beautiful, but we don't have that pressure to be sexy," said Khan's friend Khadija Amjad, 21, of Centreville, dressed in a sleek black-and-purple ensemble that stretched to her ankles. The outfit was topped by a pink-and-purple hijab , or head scarf.

Estimates of the number of Muslims in the United States vary from 3 million to 7 million. About 150,000 live in the Baltimore-Washington area, according to the American Religion Data Archive.

Muslims, men and women, are required by their holy book, the Koran, to be modest in their attire, Islamic scholars said. How the guidelines are interpreted varies by geography and family tradition, from simply avoiding form-fitting or revealing clothes to covering oneself with a head-to-toe burqa .

"The whole thing goes back to the presence of God," said Akbar Ahmed, chair of Islamic Studies at American University. "You need to be in a state of decorum. You must ask yourself: How would God like to see me?"

Rika Prodhan, 22, a recent graduate of George Washington University, never worried too much about her form-fitting outfits and cascading hair when she was growing up in Houston. But as she matured into an observant young Muslim woman, a nagging voice in the back of her head grew louder. She recalls it telling her that the Koran was unambiguous -- the body, including the hair, should be well covered.

While in college, she gradually adjusted her wardrobe to better reflect her religious convictions, eventually purging it of clothes that revealed her ankles or wrists. Finally, after much introspection, she began wearing the hijab, a big step that she knew would forever change the way she was perceived in public.

"I tried to find every reason not to wear it," she said. "But I came to the conclusion it was like listening to your parents. We may not know the wisdom behind it now, but we'll realize it later."

Her parents, she said, actually were troubled by the decision, fearful that she was becoming "too Muslim" and isolating herself from mainstream society.

Today, though, they respect her decision and are glad she wears the hijab, which she said she sees as a sacrifice for God.

These days the hijab has become a flashpoint of controversy over women's rights, religious extremism and terrorism -- a symbol in some eyes of more radical Islam. The French government banned the hijab in schools. But for Khan, Amjad and Prodhan, it's an expression of cultural and religious identity as well as a fashion accessory to be matched with a stylish handbag or jacket.

Modest doesn't have to mean ugly, said Sarah Ansari, co-owner of Artizara.com, a San Diego-based company that sells modest clothing with a modern flare.

Her site features wide-leg pants, tops that go up to the neck and down past the buttocks, and tailored jackets that cinch in a bit -- but not too much -- at the waist. Her best-selling item, she said, is a flowing tie-dye skirt festooned with sequins, a staple offering at any youth-oriented mall clothing store.

"I don't think there's anything in Islam that precludes women from looking attractive or professional," she said. "No one says you have to look like a bag lady. Actually, the Prophet [Muhammad] was known for wearing perfume, being clean and very well dressed."

One Web site, http://www.thehijabshop.com/ , offers a line of stretchable cotton athletic hijabs that are slipped over the head or fastened with Velcro rather than wrapped. Another, http://www.hasema.com/shopen , sells full-body swimsuits for women.

And dozens of sites selling trendy, modest clothes have cropped up in recent years, not only for a Muslim clientele but for orthodox Jews and conservative Christians as well.

Ansari, who is Muslim, said her customers range in age from 13 to 65 and come from a variety of backgrounds.

For Amjad, Khan, Prodhan and their friends, mainstream stores such Banana Republic and H&M offer enough choices. The latter, a Swedish retailer, is especially popular because its up-to-the-minute European styles tend to cover more of the body than standard American offerings, they said.

During their shopping trip, the young women pointed out their favorite styles of the day: peasant skirts, billowy gaucho pants that fall to the ankles and tunic-style tops that end far below the waist. They tend to buy jeans a size bigger than their actual size, fix ankle-baring skirts with a chic pair of boots and pair sleeveless tops with concealing blazers.

They will, however, occasionally buy an outfit that doesn't follow the rules, saving it for "sisters-only" -- or women-only -- events such as like sleepovers or bridal parties.

The hijab adds another accessory to the mix, they said, and has the bonus of covering up a bad hair day, Khan joked.

In all seriousness, she said, the hijab is a garment for the body and the soul.

"It lifts you up as a person," she said. "You're seen more as a person than that girl with her hair flowing around."

© 2005 The Washington Post Company

Orange Crush - Outfit

2008-03-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

Mm orange! Haha I'm actually getting sick... and when I get sick I try to get as much vitamin C as possible i.e. oranges! So I decided that an orange-y outfit was in order. The Champaigne Sherbert Coat (how much are you loving that pattern? It's supposed to be inspired from Greek letters), L.A.M.B. tote, and bracelets are from Nordstrom. Marisa Fit Trouser Jeans a la Victoria's Secret (check them out they have some cute wide leg pants), and the sandals are from Urban Outfitters. I loove the shayla, it's from Al Muhajaba El Aniqa and I personally like mixing patterns but of course, it's just a suggestion.

salaam

Awesome Muslimah Rap Goup - Poetic Pilgrimage

2008-02-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

I came across a Muslimah rap group called Poetic Pilgrimage today, and wow they're powerful. plus they have cute English accents. Their lyrics are inspirational - and we could always do with more of those! I'll leave the deeets to the article below:

Sukina Douglas and Muneera Williams are Muslim artists with an edge. Long-time friends from England, the two have worked together for five years uniting Hip Hop and poetry. Their art has led to the creation of the group Poetic Pilgrimage. It allows them to speak out honestly and passionately about life: life as Muslims, life as black women, life in general. Their intention is to represent the under-represented. “I think hip hop in general has a negative light,” says Sukina. “We stick to the fact that hip hop didn’t start like that - it’s about providing a voice for the voiceless. It’s representing injustice. There’s a common term that hip hop is black people’s CNN. That’s how we see it.”
Since the inception of Poetic Pilgrimage, Sukina and Muneera have seen many changes in their lives, and their work has been a constant reflection of this. One of the most significant was their conversion to Islam in 2005. “Although we embraced Islam, we had many preconceptions about Islam and performing as women,” says Muneera, explaining they were not sure if they’d ever rap again. “We wanted to make sure we were doing it (rapping) for the right reasons.” Through the encouragement of other Muslim artists, they decided to continue their journey as hip hop artists, incorporating Allah into their work.

Their decision to continue rapping as Muslim women was empowering for many, however some older generations were not as accepting. “It’s like these two girls come in and are mixing Hijab with hip hop” says Sukina. “Islam and hip hop – does it work?” Although frustrating at times, Muneera says she’s learned to handle the criticism. “I used to get fired up about it, but now I just try to put it aside. I just think it’s frustrating because the people we’re trying to represent are shutting us down. It can be disheartening.”

Despite some controversy, Muneera and Sukina say the majority of their work is well-received, and not just by the Muslim community. They once got an email from a gay Christian man, explaining how their work has inspired him. “We were like ‘what’? That’s not really who we have in mind when we’re writing our rhymes, but I think when you put something out and you create it, it doesn’t belong to you anymore. It belongs to the world.”

As for the future of Poetic Pilgrimage, the women say they’ll continue fine-tuning their craft to represent people of all backgrounds who don’t have a voice. “Art has the ability to transcend any barriers: culture, religion, it doesn’t matter what the differences are. Art is art, music is music. If you like it, you like it, if you don’t you don’t" (from pearlsoftheworld.ca)

Here's a preview (this one's not on their myspace) :

check out more of their stuff on their myspace
and if you like it, support them by buying their upcoming EP Freedom Times
and tell your friends, of course!

salaam

If I Adore You

2008-02-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

If I adore You out of fear of Hell, burn me in Hell!
If I adore you out of desire for Paradise,
Lock me out of Paradise.
But if I adore you for Yourself alone,
Do not deny to me Your eternal beauty.

- Rabia al-Basri (8th century, sufi poet)

omg, I was moved to tears after reading this. How beautiful - and seriously, if we get our head out of the clouds (stop obsessing over little things especially) and focus solely on Allah swt I don't think we'd ever want to stop basking in his amazingness. So, I wrote a long letter to Him about how I'm going to clean up my act insh'Allah (for me, writing things out is the most effective outlet for emotion and so is talking to Allah, so I figured why not do both? double whammy).

new resolution: wake up 15 minutes earlier so I can read some Qur'an - and a plus will be the noticable noor on my face (i'A) and consequently I will no longer have to resort to my illuminating tinted moisturizer or "noor in a bottle" as I call it.

That last bit was meant to be funny.

salaam.

A Pinch of Green Outfit

2008-02-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

It's finally sunny again! yaay, in celebration, here is an "I'm so glad it's almost spring" outfit or a St. Patricks day one haha (note the word play "pinch" of green). The trapeze top is from Gap, jeans: True Religion Candice Wide leg, adorable granny satchel purse and bangles from Urban Outfitters, peep toe wedges from H&M and both scarves are from H&M as well. I decided that both of the scarves looked really good in their own way, so you can decide!

Spanish Serenity - Outfit

2008-02-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a good transition outfit since the weather's starting to get a bit warmer - hence the sandals and white pants! The gold necklace reminds me of a Spanish gate and it complements the gold in the scarf nicely, no? (yes, I am totally going to flatter myself until I start getting more comments haha). The top is from Forever 21, bag, sandals, and necklace are from Urban Outfitters, pants a la Abercrombie & Fitch, and the scarf is from H&M. enjoy!

peace

Feeling Grounded, Humbled, and One with Everything

2008-02-11T19:53:00.001-08:00

I woke up early (for a Saturday) this morning and decided to go for a run because I was done with bio notes and there was nothing for me to be rushing to do. It was pretty barren outside and foggy and fresh. Haha I'm not sure why that was necessary to explain, anyways, I decided to listen to a few songs my sister sent me rather than the usual get-the-legs-kicking-hip-hop and boy, everything just clicked perfectly! First, some background info:

1) I didn’t run on my cross-country team this year so I don’t have the same stamina :-/
2) as expected, I could not handle the feeling of having no stamina so I’ve been running and biking a lot lately
3) I have a running route that’s about 2.5 miles, and lately... I'm cramped up before I finish.

Back to today’s beautifulness:

4) I heard “I Like Giants” by Kimya Dawson
5) I loved it – so I put it on repeat
6) I ran the 2.5 miles without a problem (no out of breath no cramps, finally I’m back in shape)
7) if anything I felt powerful when I finished

Then, I found a spot of grass on this little hill by my house and I sat there and closed my eyes. And it all felt very cool as I noticed droplets forming on the tips of my eyelashes from the fog. I wasn’t hot nor was I cold, infact I don’t even know what temperature I was. I just listened to I Like Giants and looked at the sky and the dewy grass and the trees and the little bugs on the flowers. For awhile it was as if the lyrics embodied everything I was feeling: “grounded, humbled, and one with everything” and mix that with the endorphins from my run. Maan. I haven’t felt that particular way ever – no thoughts what so ever about anything other than the moment I was in then and there. For the rest of my day everyone I saw told me that my face was glowing…mm the benefits of meditation.

So thank you Kimya Dawson for being awesome and eloquent and witty.

Here are the lyrics to her song:

When I go for a drive I like to pull off to the side
Of the road, turn out the lights, get out and look up at the sky
And I do this to remind me that I'm really, really tiny
In the grand scheme of things and sometimes this terrifies me

But it's only really scary cause it makes me feel serene
In a way I never thought I'd be because I've never been
So grounded, and so humbled, and so one with everything
I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything

Rock and roll is fun but if you ever hear someone
Say you are huge, look at the moon, look at the stars, look at the sun
Look at the ocean and the desert and the mountains and the sky
Say I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye

When I saw Geneviève I really liked it when she said
What she said about the giant and the lemmings on the cliff
She said 'I like giants
Especially girl giants
Cause all girls feel too big sometimes
Regardless of their size'

When I go for a drive I like to pull off to the side
Of the road and run and jump into the ocean in my clothes
I'm smaller than a poppyseed inside a great big bowl
And the ocean is a giant that can swallow me whole

So I swim for all salvation and I swim to save my soul
But my soul is just a whisper trapped inside a tornado
So I flip to my back and I float and I sing
I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything
I am grounded, I am humbled, I am one with everything

So I talked to Geneviève and almost cried when she said
That the giant on the cliff wished that she was dead
And the lemmings on the cliff wished that they were dead
So the giant told the lemmings why they ought to live instead

When she thought up all those reasons that they ought to live instead
It made her reconsider all the sad thoughts in her head
So thank you Geneviève, cause you take what is in your head
And you make things that are so beautiful and share them with your friends

We all become important when we realize our goal
Should be to figure out our role within the context of the whole
And yeah, rock and roll is fun, but if you ever hear someone
Say you are huge, look at the moon, look at the stars, look at the sun
Look at the ocean and the desert and the mountains and the sky

Say I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
I am just a speck of dust inside a giant's eye
And I don't wanna make her cry
Cause I like giants

the serenity and awe that she feels as she ruminates about the “giants” a.k.a Allah’s creations is a universal sentiment.

On that note, I came across an article on SunniPath.com about the sunnats of reflection:

The ways of reflection are many. One, which is the most noble of them, is to reflect on the wonders of God's dazzling creation, the inward and outward signs of His Ability, and the signs He has scattered abroad in the Realm of the earth and the heavens. This kind of reflection increases your knowledge of the Essence, Attributes, and Names of God. He has encouraged it by saying: Say: Look at what is in the heavens and the earth! (10:101)

Reflect on the wondrous creations He has made, and on yourself. He has said: In the earth are signs for those who have certainty, and in yourselves; can you not see? (51:20-21)

I recommend that you read the whole article (<-- click that)

(: salaam

Vintage Inspired Outfit

2008-02-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

(click it so you can admire it with a closer eye)
As I was browsing through the Rebirth of Chic website I came across the GORGEOUS hijab above. howww vintage inspired is it?! Soo I created an outfit for it... Suede flats, canvas hobo (which is actually huge, but I had to resize it to fit), and grey pants are all from Old Navy; shirred sweater top from twelvebytwelve.com; and the pearl bracelet is from perlunapearls.com (super expensive ha, but I had to add it). I think these colors complement eachother well, they remind me of an oyster shell. Which reminds me of a story...

When I used to have days like "OMG why can't I just go out after Maghrib and blah blah" my mom always told me this extended metaphor: first I was to imagine that there is a pearl that has "been around" and is rolling all over the streets, and it's super dirty - if you saw that pearl would you even take a second glance? And then there'd be another pearl that had kept itself safely in it's oyster and was clean - which one would I prefer? Naturally, the clean one. So I think of the oyster as being the limits that I've put on myself - not as my house because it's the 21st century and us Muslimahs have to uphold our Din when it is wrongly slandered about - we have a voice and aren't afraid to use it! But essentially we have set out limits for ourselves as we amalgamate Islamic morals into our modern Western lifestyles, and I believe that is our oyster shell.

Hijab Scene #1

2008-02-04T22:33:00.000-08:00

"You dress strange," said a tenth-grade boy with bright blue hair to the new Muslim girl with the headscarf in homeroom, his tongue-rings clicking on the "tr" in "strange."

A Muslim Heroine - The Adventures of Iman

2008-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

omg this is adorableee! I present to you, the first Muslim girl superhero: Iman.

Iman is a teenage super hero - her super powers? the Qur'an and Hadith. Her main quote is "Islam means peace. Not war" She quotes the Qur'an through out her adventures to help people deal with their problems.

Ahh! What a good role model to girls - shows that they can be smart, beautiful, and athletic as well as still be good muslims. The little girls that I know these days brush off the fact that they're Muslim -they hear so much negativity about it as its constantly being misrepresented in the global media, that they aren't proud to be Muslims - they're more concerned with Hannah Montana, Abercrombie, and Bratz (who by the way spend all day at the mall.. uh atleast Barbie had occupations and aspirations?)

In an interview, Khoreibi said "I especially wanted girls to feel that their religion gives them equality even if their cultures don't"

"Girls have to know that the Qur'an favors them as much as it favors boys. It gives them the chance to be all they can be within an Islamic Framework. They don't have to think I've got to be a different culture or a different religion to be all I can be. You can actually grow up to be an amazing woman-- career-wise, a mom, a very productive person in society-- and be proud of that and still be a Muslim."

huzzah!