Soul Sister

NYTimes: Reviving the She-Scholar Tradition

2007-02-25T01:15:00.000-05:00

The erosion of women’s religious education in recent times, Akram says,
reflects “decline in every aspect of Islam.” Flabby leadership and a focus on
politics rather than scholarship has left Muslims ignorant of their own history.
Islam’s current cultural insecurity has been bad for both its scholarship and its women, Akram says. “Our traditions have grown weak, and when people are weak, they grow cautious. When they’re cautious, they don’t give their women
freedoms.”

Tariq Ramadan is My Baby Daddy

2007-02-05T01:29:00.000-05:00

He just doesn't know it yet.*

*Yes, just kidding. But we can all dream.

ALSO, if one is looking for me, look no further....

Looking for Me??

2006-08-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

I'm right here! (Let's just say it has been a very busy month.)

Dubya Fails Diplomacy 101 (Again)

2006-07-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

I saw the actual video for this embarrassing gaffe on another site. Sometimes, like this, I am genuinely embarrassed that this is my beloved country's face to the world. (I can say that, of course, because I am not a country music star and therefore don't have a legion of fans that will turn on me for something like that.)

The funny thing is the pic in the article linked above shows him doing his famous cowboy-"Yee-haww" thumbs up. It's funny because in Afghan culture it is an extremely obscene and offensive gesture. I wonder if he ever gave it to Karzai.....

Anyways, let us analyze for a moment the crux of his new brilliant, albeit colorfully spoken, foreign policy:

"See, the irony is what they really need to do is to get Syria to get Hizbollah
to stop doing this s***, and it's over".

WOW!!!! REALLY! GOLLY GEE! It's a good thing we have you as our leader, Mister Prez, to come up with insightful policy like that. Forget those snobs at Harvard and you know, your Cabinet, that have been telling you for years this same thing! They doubted you, but I knew, I just KNEW, that deep down you had it all under control - you know, like how Iraq and Afghanistan are stable, peaceful democracies today because of your foresight and wisdom. Mister Prez, if I have a child I will name him Dubya in honor of your magnificent wisdom! I can only pray to the good Lord that He will make him half as smart and eloquent as you! He will be leader, maybe at the head of the U.N. - much better than that Annan fellow that goes screwing up everything with those ceasefires, right Mister Prez!??

************

And the real irony is the absolute failed use of the word "irony" in his little "hard talking cowboy with big guns" statement.

If this party is not voted out of office in 2008, then it is going to be 'Canada or Bust' for me...

Muslims In Rwanda: Truth is Simple Yet Powerful

2006-07-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

SubhanAllah.

Sometimes we get so caught up in defending Islam using all this logic and this and that and the reality is so much more simple. Sheikh Nuh Keller often says (my bad paraphrasing follows) that people go to religion if and when religion works. That is, that it makes their lives better, that is serves a useful purpose.

In Rwanda, the short, simple truth is that Islam is what kept Muslims from participating in the bloody genocide 10+ years ago. Now there are TWICE as many Muslims in Rwanda. People saw that Islam worked.

Check out this audio/video from NY Times. The truth is simple but powerful.

Her Reply

2006-07-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Zohra,

I'm happy you've found a style of dress that you feel is appropriate.

Robin

Robin Givhan, fashion editor
The Washington Post

********

Talk about anti-climatic. Although I can't really think of a better alternative other than her responding to say "Wow, I have never read anything like that! I showed my editor and now you have your pick of jobs at the Post. Well, except for editing." ;-)

I fought the Power and the Power gave me a one-line acknowledgment.

Not bad for a day's work.

WaPo Article on Modest Dress and My Response

2006-07-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

WaPo has the following article on a line of modest swimwear:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/13/AR2006071301845.html

I personally found the article to be scornful and dismissive and I wrote her a long email in reply (below). I wonder if she will write back....

"Greetings Ms. Givhan,

Thank you for your recent article on WholesomeWear and presenting your opinion.It's unfortunate, though, that your opinion and similar ones are the ones that seem to receive the most attention in our modern media. I disagree, and strongly.

I am a Muslim woman who chooses to wear a headscarf and clothes that cover up to my ankles and wrists. And yes, I do feel "liberated" by doing so. I was a slave to fashion for so long. And I didn't make the transition into Islamic dress to avoid running up my Express card every month - it was a natural progression during spiritual changes I went through many years ago. Does it get hot sometimes? Yes. Do I wish I had more clothing choices sometimes? Yes. But do I think I was happier/better off before? No - a thousand times "no."

It's easy to go around making statements like, "embrace the freedom," or "yes, maybe society sucks but just go against the tide, love your body." But the reality is that we live in a society that appraises you in three seconds or less (ask Malcolm Gladwell). And we live in a society where test after test has shown that slim, attractive people have more access to jobs, resources and the like. And we live in a society where shows like Fox's "The Swan" exist - where people essentially mutilate themselves to find a happiness that before was only in their dreams (happiness in this case directly correlated with fake breasts, hair extensions, self-tanner and liposuction). Ms. Givhan, did you notice a certain Katherine McPhee - a girl who is stunning with a gorgeous voice admitting to bulimia? Many would say she was more than fine the was she was - but what messages from her society was she receiving that told her all she had wasn't enough...that she was still "not quite right." Ms. Givhan, hypotheticals are nice and make good copy, but the reality is just that - Reality.

Reality doesn't make good copy. Reality is the injustice, the 3-second appraisals, the pervs that stare and lick their lips on the Metro ride at the co-eds in the Powersuit/miniskirts. The Reality is the non-pervs who just "can't help" but stare at the chest of the female in front of him. The Reality is a society that makes us change our wardrobe every few months with what is now in style (i.e. "for sale") or risk ridicule. The Reality is clothes being modeled on anorexic Barbies, worn by bulimic celebrities and then bought by women above a size 4 who suddenly hate themselves because they don't look as good as said Barbies and celebrities. Apparently, if one is not skinny enough that their breastbone PROTRUDES, then their otherwise frightening skinniness is not worth mentioning. That's Reality Ms. Givhan.

So, unstated but apparent among the many beautiful freedoms this country allows is the freedom to choose. You have the freedom to be a part of the game, the race, whatever one wants to call the sick cycle of trying to keep up with society's expectations, buying all the clothes, losing all the weight, dealing with the injustices, trying to keep your head up, failing, therapy, bulimia, Prozac, whatever....it's all lumped together. Or you have the freedom to make a choice.The truth is when I chose to put on the hijab, I assure you, it was only for a spiritual purpose, to assist in personal, spiritual development. It was soon after that I realized the enormous social aspect of wearing it. I found that I was offered respect - from the same men staring hard and exchanging words about some girl's extra low riding pants and what they exposed - I was having doors opened and held and hasty apologies given for any profanity made around me. The comparison was stark.

I would leave my home in the morning amazed at how I didn't feel bad if I wasn't "made." My hair not perfectly done up, makeup perfect (and yes, I was one of those with a long regimen). I found how much I used to dread going outside and all the preparations. And that the times - before - when I wasn't "made" I felt like a slothful pig. I didn't mind walking past certain places anymore - usually places where men gathered like construction sites or even more informal gatherings. Before I would have to brace myself for the onslaught of comments. Now, they may look up, acknowledge my existence and get back to what they are doing. I didn't have to be probed and dissected by unwanted eyes. And ask any Muslim woman in this country who is wearing Islamic dress after having not been Muslim or been practicing, and I guarantee she will tell you the same.

Ms. Givhan, in America the reality is that our society has a serious issue regarding women and their bodies. And people have to make difficult choices all the time. And I made a choice several years ago and - God willing - will never return to my old ways. There was nothing there for me there but competition, unhappiness with body and always feeling like I couldn't win. And you will find that most women tend to feel that way. But now, I am free. People make assessments on me based on what comes out of my mouth, not my low top and miniskirt.

Not that long ago I was in a bowling alley and went up to the shoe rental counter. As happens occasionally the man took one look at my jeans, long sleeve shirt and headscarf and openly sneered at me. Finally he said "Why are you wearing that thing on your head?" I replied "Excuse me?" And he said "I said, Why are you wearing that thing on your head. This is AMERICA. You are free. FREE. You don't have to wear that." I responded "You are absolutely right. I am free to practice my religion however I see fit." He looked at me, cocked his head to the side and said "Well, I guess you have a point there." I kid you not.

Sometimes, when I read articles like yours and hear some of the difficult experiences that friends and family might endure because of their choice of more MODEST dress, I wonder if it occurs to people that freedom can go many ways. I am free in this country, to wear my hijab to work to school. Sometimes countries where the vast majority of people are Muslim, this is forbidden, they are not free to do so, such as Turkey. I am free to wear pants and a long sleeve shirt, and don't have to wear an all-encompassing black abaya, the norm in Saudi Arabia. Although if I wanted to take the hijab off, or if I wanted to wear the abaya - which I do on occasion - I am free to do so.

That is the beauty of this country. Yes, the commodification and exploitation of women is all pervasive and something MUST be done about it. But, I don't have to sell out my ideas of what I believe is right for me. You can't make me change by force, nor can the police stop me on the street and rip off my scarf. That is freedom. You certainly have the freedom to write about what you think is right for yourself - and even what you think is right for others. And people have the right to tell you they think you are dead wrong.

And that is what I hope to have done here.

Sincerely,
Zohra"

FINALLY! AIDS Marathon Donation Link is Up!

2006-06-21T13:37:00.000-04:00

At long last, I am able to share the online link for making donations towards my marathon fundraising goal for the Whitman Walker Clinic in Washington, D.C.

wa ma tawfiq illa billa!

Starbucks is the Devil....

2006-06-19T15:19:00.000-04:00

..but DANG is their Mud Pie ice cream yummy! I think I ate 3/4 of a quart this weekend -over multiple sittings, of course*. It is my new official favorite food. Would-be gift givers take note!

*Mulitple in this case can be taken to mean as many as inifinite and as few as one.

Umm Zaid in Top Form

2006-06-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

She asks "Isn't it Funny..." I say: Ain't that the Truth!

"Stop, It's Hammer Time" has met its Match

2006-06-14T14:28:00.000-04:00

Pause, It's Prayer Time!

NYTimes: Muslims and Nursing Homes

2006-06-14T09:14:00.000-04:00

From yesterday's paper, but very timely article on U.S. Muslims and Nursing Homes . Interesting that most people in the article and interactive have the attitude that they wouldn't mind it for themselves, but they they couldn't do it to their own parents (reminiscent of "not that there's anything wrong with that")

This question is coming up in my family as my grandfather has fallen ill. Alhamdulillah in my family the strife is opposite to the general expectation, the fighting is over who WILL take care of the elderly parent. Alhamdulillah. My brother in law gave a wonderful khutba about parents once and I will always remember one part about how when one loses one's parents they also lose a special gate: that of the parent who makes fervent du'a for their child. That, along with the gate of khidma to one's parents... who wants to lose that?

May Allah (swt) us ALL people who have the means, the patience, and the long-sightedness to be able to care for our parents when they need us the most. Ameen.

BBC (again): Egyptian Muslim Woman Preacher

2006-06-08T11:10:00.000-04:00

Did I mention I love BBC? I found yet another slideshow on Islamic topic, this time a female preacher in Egypt. When they use the word preacher, I wonder if the mean "imam" or "day'ee"...

BBC Slideshow: Sufism in Fez, Morocco

2006-06-08T10:25:00.000-04:00

I love the BBC, they have a slideshow on Sufism in Fez.

*Note: Why can't people stop referring to Sufism as a BRANCH of Islam. Branch connotates random offshoot. It's more like...bark. A tree isn't a tree without bark. Islam in it's entirety is not Islam without Sufism/tasawwuf.

Turquoise: Color of Choice for Magic Carpets Everywhere

2006-06-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

Trend Alert:

Today the WaPo ran an article about the new Muslim Prayer Center at the Marine Corps Headquarters (and might I add the FBI training center) in Quantico, VA. The full color shot of the center, seen clearly in the print edition shows the center's carpeting: Turquoise.

On the same front page of the Metro section two days ago did, did we see another example of our affinity for Turquoise carpeting.

I had a point, which I forgot now, but I thought I would inform you all of this new development. (Yes, I know it is SOOO important....)

What Would YOU Do?

2006-06-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

A friend sent this link about a clip from MSNBC where a group tries to test the public's response if they were to witness a kidnapping. Sad results, but interesting discussion. The more people who are around to witness an assault/crime, the LESS likely they are to act. A case of group "not" think.

Hola! WaPo: Latina Muslims in D.C./U.S. Article

2006-06-05T14:20:00.000-04:00

Washington Post has an article on the growing number of Latina Muslimas in the U.S. The slideshow with the article has pics of two of the more well-known masajid in NoVA (Northern Virginia), Masjid al Mustafa (saw) and ADAMS Center.

***************

On another note, I spent the weekend in the company of saints. Now, back in my 9-5 (well, actually I was late this morning...) the contrast of the two settings makes me feel sad to no end. Ya Allah.... :-(

NYT: Chechen Zhikr Video

2006-05-24T15:58:00.000-04:00

SubhanAllah! Just today some friends and I were discussing Chechnya's Sufi tradition and boom! NTY has a video and article (previous link) on this..

Go to: http://video.on.nytimes.com and then click on the link for "Religion Comes to Chechnya" (as if it was never there - dumb title!).

It was Bound to Happen...

2006-05-23T17:19:00.000-04:00

Afghanistan's first Dari gangsta-rapper

Though I wanted to reserve comment, I will say this much: Ahmad Zahir can rest soundly in his grave...I don't see Afghans burning their copies of 'Sultani-i-qalban' anytime soon.

Mixed Blessings

2006-05-17T08:42:00.000-04:00

My apologies for this huge gap in posting. After a few years of dying for an active Muslim community and activities I am now inundated with activities. I had to actually TAKE OFF work on Monday to get some work done in my non-work life. Yes, 7.5 hours of vacation time for that!

It's true what they say...be careful what you wish for. You might just get it! Alhamdulillah for everything though. Lots of stuff to update on insha'Allah though...hopefully a little later this week!

Another Light Has Dimmed

2006-04-11T09:53:00.000-04:00

Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi raji'un.

Truly, from Allah do we Come and unto Him is our Return.

Our dear Sheikh Muhammad al-Yacoubi has lost his beloved wife, Umm Ibrahim. And our Ummah has lost another shining light. May Allah grant her family patience, have mercy on her soul and make her grave a corner of Jannah. Ameen.

And we, you and I, are not to far behind. May Allah grant us all Husn'al Khatima.

Shoes Make the Runner and Lessons Learned

2006-04-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

I was fitted for and purchased shoes from a store in Reston, VA called Footsteps. I am giving them a shout-out here because I had a really great experience and recommend others in this area go for running gear.

The girl who helped me was Nicole, an experienced marathoner. I had a ton of questions and she answered them all. She also analyzed my run - they have this cool track that runs through the store - and we found the right shoe for my needs. I have narrow feet that are kind of flat so when I run, my feet tend to turn inward...so I needed special [non-existent] arch support. Also, since I am running the MCM under the tutelage of the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, I get a 10% discount off EVERYTHING I buy up to race day.

Some gems I learned, which I never knew beforehand:

- Running socks should never be cotton - they get too wet with sweat and can cause blisters and other unsavory foot problems

- By extension, running clothing - particularly those running long distances - should be synthetic dry-weave material on which the sweat will quickly dry off. As for hijab issues, I decided I will buy running shirt or pants on sale and have my dear mommie convert into a hijab - if I am unable to find the fabric at a fabric store.

- As dorky as I think hip-packs are, really I am practically allergic to them, they are extremely useful in long distance running, being able to carry items of necessity including energy gels (bleh) and water bottles...so I plan on getting some of my own.

- Feet swell during running, especially with longer distance. For that reason, my feet already a longish 9, had to be fitted in size 10 - YES 10, the equivalent of Mens size 8 - shoes. I am not even that tall (5'7")! My running partner, bless her heart and midget feet, has size 6.5 even after accounting for swelling. Why do I feel like I am in sixth grade again, tallest girl standing in the back row with all the boys for class pictures???? Actually, when our two shoes were next to each other near my door the other night, my mom, running partner and I were laughing in amusement and then I said "they look like his and her - like those are her boyfriend's shoes." LOL

Some things I have concluded on my own:

- Great running partners who are just as into it as you are are an Allah-send. So thank you soooo much Ameenah! In fact, I am not sure if I could really motivate myself to the extent that I do without her as my partner. And there are two other sisters that are likely as well to run...we will be the musliMarathoners insha'Allah!

- Practice makes perfect. Or, at least makes improvement. After months of doing yoga feeling like I wasn't really benefitting, yesterday I had this huge revelation. I can touch my toes. Does anyone knows what that MEANS? Being long limbed and short, inflexible-torsoed means always viewing your toes from a distance, always see, no touch. In grade school we had this stretch test. You put your feet up under this box with an extended top. Then you reach forward and the best of three tries of distance is measured. I do not lie when I say I had trouble even reaching to the numbered gradiations. But now, with some effort and deep breathing - I can touch my toes. Alhamdulillah. Yoga, just a few times a week has really paid off. Thank you Allah. And Patricia Walden.

First Training Update

2006-04-07T11:24:00.000-04:00

Alhamdulillah, I have already had a few training sessions for the marathon, and have already started noticing several things:

1) I have zero guilt about eating sweets now. I still don't mess with sodas and juices, but I would offer up a limb before quitting chocolate.

2) I sleep very soundly and don't find myself yearning - as badly - for a post-Fajr nap.

3) I am hyper aware of my body.

After a post-run yoga session I started experiencing some pain in my left knee. I iced it but started panicking immediately thinking of long-term consequences. Then today, I am having some small pain in my left ankle, and worrying a little more. Each on their own wouldn't normally bother me - kinks that would work themselves out insh'Allah - but now I think of everything in terms of "must train for an run 26.2 miles" - like a mantra that runs through my head. So I think, "will my knee get better?" "will my ankle get better?" "will I be creating a worse injury by continuing to run on it?" etc, you get the point. To be fair, I think the knee thing actually came from yoga, I think I sprained/twisted it in one of the poses...but a good lesson to be careful more mindful of form.

All of this of course, not just due to a few runs, but largely due to my mindset. Since alhamdulAllah making my intention solid, I am very serious about training and completing this marathon, in other words, it has become a very solid goal, one that I truly want to achieve, not something more abstract like "I want to get married, have kids, live in a castle and run with the bulls in Spain." This niyyah I have made, with all my different sub-reasons, is amazing. I think i have truly discovered the "power of intention."

Go me! Er, I mean alhamdulillah. ;-)

WaPo Article on My Life

2006-04-07T10:51:00.000-04:00

Okay...not exactly my life, but certainly one of the most persistent themes since before even graduating from college, "What now?". The article is kind of sugar-coated shallow, but there are certainly deeper issues to be explored. I actually bought a book, yes, BOUGHT vs. good ole free library system, called Quarterlife Crisis. Talk about something that is supposed to help and actually makes the situation worse! Basically it was a review of all the issues facing fresh-grads to mid/late-twenties Americans. Along with the review of the problem were tons of stories from actual people about their lives. And let me tell you, MOST of them were not what I personally would call a "happy ending."

I have so many different goals but they all deal with continuing school - law or grad - personally, though, the largest thing (I think) standing in my way is $$$$$. (For some reason that old song that goes "money-money-MON-ey" just came into my head.) I just don't want to get into debt again. AlhamdulAllah, I am making my way out of an embarrassingly high amount of debt, slowly but surely. And I don't want to hear anything about "but student loans are okay or 'good debt.'" I don't agree and that's that. So I would have to be working fulltime (law school) or working in a way that would allow me to study for free (grad school). One of my immediate goals after I get to the end of this debt and save up some though, is to study at Qasid Institute - insha'Allah make du'a for that. But yeah, basically after that, the door of possibility is WIDE open. Grad school - in what area? Law school - neaaah...very mixed feelings on that. I have worked in the field for 3 years and I know for certain I don't really want to be a lawyer-lawyer, but use the law degree for some better goal. But, and this is a BIG but, you come out of law school drowning in debt and end up working for "da man" to pay off debt and then it becomes hard, the longer you stray from intial your idealogical motivations.

Then you hear arguments about, "its okay get rich, the ummah needs rich Muslims." Last time I checked the Ummah has lots of rich Muslims, and we are still in some not so great shape. I think what we need are successful, wealthy Muslims that truly view every penny as a penny more for the cause of Allah (swt) and share and support other Muslims. I mean easy for me to say since I am not rich. And Alhamdulillah that I am not, because who knows if I would stick to the ideals....start waqfs and support Islamic venture capitalists (or is it to be one) donate it all to IRW or whatever. Anyways, I think I have strayed off course once again. Basically, I just need to stop stressing and allow whatever Allah (swt) has for me run it's course. (Or, if incapable of that, put off the decision until the end of my time at Qasid, insha'Allah. When in doubt, procrastinate.)

ARRRGHH [Shaking Fist of Fury at Butterfly Photo and FedEx!]

2006-04-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

BOYCOTT BUTTERFLY PHOTO.COM and FEDEX!!!

My digital camera, ordered and paid for almost 2 weeks ago is NOT HERE. FEDEX damaged it, and the company will not replace or refund until their beef (claim) is settled with the driver. Meanwhile, one Kodak moment after another has passed and will continue to before this mess gets settled. I want to be patient and say alhamdulilla. BUT I AM FREAKING TIRED OF THIS MESS.

I may as well have shelled out the extra 70 bucks and bought from a known company versus some hole-in-the-fire-wall joint like b-fly photo.

SERENITY NOWWWWWWWWW!!!!

***********************
There, alhamdulilla, feel a little better now.