Editors Note Love in Islam What is Islam Inspirational Poems: A Letter to My Society Simple Duas Hadith/Sayings/Art Recipes: Chocolate Bread and Fritatta Heart Health Reviews
Young
Muslimas Assalamu Alaikum! Ever since YM started this year, I have been thinking about making us a magazine. I mean how cool would that be? I guess in the heat of the moment I had a sudden inspiration and worked non-stop until I finished this first issue of YM Magazine! The first magazine for Young Muslimas! Since this is my first time making a magazine like this, it's not all that good. I have to improve my computer skills. Hopefully we will have more people contribute into this magazine, for I have done all the work for this issue. Inshallah, I hope this magazine goes well, and we will continue to blossom and expand in the future.
Magazine Editor-In-Chief Ifrah A. YM Positions President-Hunana C. Vice President-Sarah B. Secretary-Kanza C. Treasurer-Naj N.
Ifrah A. YM Web Designer Editor-In-Chief ymchangeworld@gmail.com
Web Designer-Ifrah A. Photographer-Zainab C.
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LOVE IN ISLAM
According to Google, love/ləv/ Noun: An intense feeling of deep affection” “their love for their country.” Also according to Google, is·lam/isˈläm/ Noun: The religion of the Muslims, a monotheistic faith regarded as revealed through Muhammad as the Prophet of Allah. So what is Love in Islam? Well if we combine the definition of love and Islam together, we get exactly that, in a literal sense. Love in Islam can pertain to many aspects. It could be: • love in your family • love of your friends • love of your passion, belongings • love of prophets
• • •
love of teachers, elders love of Islam love of Allah
Since in a few upcoming weeks, it will be Islamic Awareness Week/Month, the theme for this year (2012) is LOVE. So I want to explore love in Islam in this issue. They say that Islam is a journey and that Love is the mercy and forgiveness that Allah (SWT) has granted us. It is one of the most powerful emotions that we have been gifted. I know when the subject of Love comes up, many Muslims immediately think about dating and marriage and all that comes with it, but love can be so many other things. There is that love that a mother expresses to her newborn baby, that love that teachers express to their student's passions. The love that hijabees express to their hijabs. The most important kind of Love though, is the one that we express towards Allah (swt). We were put on this Earth for one purpose, that is to worship Allah and be as good as we are in faith, as we are in life. We have to remember that this world is only temporary and will one day be reduced to nothing. We're living in a mirage, a giant game show that is being given to us by Allah (swt). Our task is to compete and pass this test so we may obtain the reward in the end. If we fail, Hell awaits, and if we pass then Heaven awaits. Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The world is a prison for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer.” [Muslim] A believer is ever mindful of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). Therefore, he/she is not free to do what they please. They cannot wait to get to Jannah where they will have no restrictions of any kind, no suffering, no sacrifice, and no separation from their loved ones. That is why this world feels like a prison to them. Those believers who are even more cognizant of Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) are in even more pain because of their separation from Him. An ashiq/lover always yearns to join his Beloved (subhana wa ta’ala). This is the sole thought occupying his or her mind. You are the true innermost desire of my heart, Love of You is the deepest thought in my mind. Whenever I glance at the world around me, I find that today there was naught but You, And that tomorrow holds naught but You. When an ashiq looks around, he finds the heedless people of the world trapped in their desires. To him the world seems like a cage. On the other hand, a person who is not mindful of Allah, does whatever they feel like, or whatever they think they can get away with. There are indeed many things that can be enjoyed in this world. A person who is not looking forward to meeting their Lord, would spend their every moment trying to maximize their enjoyment here, short-lived though it is. Thus, the non-believer can find this world to be a Paradise. But the believer knows that no happiness here is everlasting and that they are always in danger of falling into the hands of Shaytaan. They, therefore, long to get out of the exam that this world is and into the safety of the grave.
Allah (swt) loves us much more than anything in the universe, he loves us more than our parents. He created us after all, and he doesn't want us to perish, so he is trying to make this
life and the test easier for us. Our teacher told us a story that when Hazrat Maryam was pregnant, she wanted a date. She told Allah (swt), but Allah (swt) doesn't give you something without seeing you try to obtain it. So Hazrat Maryam went to the bottom of a date palm and tried to shake a date off. Now date trees are really hard to move, much less shake, but she was trying and so Allah (swt) gave her dates. See how much he loves us? If we take on step towards Allah (swt), he will come to us running, but he sees that we are trying. So this month we should all try even harder to find that inexplicable love for Allah and to try to love Islam even more. We should deepen our love with Allah (swt) every day, but since it is awareness month we should try even even harder. Remember, even when nobody is there there for you, Allah (swt) is always there for you!
Islam is the one true religion that was given to Adam and the passed on till the last Prophet, Muhammad (SAW). It is the religion that Allah (swt) has perfected for us, and more than a religion it is also a way of life. Islam is built on five pillars: • Shahadah: Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah (the One God), and that Muhammad is His Messenger. • Salat: Establishing regular prayer • Zakat- Paying the poor-due • Hajj-Making pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Makkah • Sawm- Fasting in the Month Of Ramadan Islam is a very beautiful religion, and it is a great lifestyle as well. All the rules for how to live our lives are in the Quran, Allah's (swt) Book. Those aspects that Allah (swt) didn't emphasize on are then further explained in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). So we have these two to help us guide us on the right path. There are also six articles of faith in Islam: • One God • The Angels of God • The Books of God • The Prophets of God • The Day of Judgment • Qadr (God's Power)
A LETTER TO THE CULTURE THAT RAISED ME BY YASMIN MOGAHED
Growing up, you read me the Ugly Duckling. And for years I believed that was me. For so long you taught me I was nothing more than a bad copy of the standard (men). I couldn’t run as fast or lift as much. I didn’t make the same money and I cried too often. I grew up in a man’s world where I didn’t belong. And when I couldn’t be him, I wanted only to please him. I put on your make-up and wore your short skirts. I gave my life, my body, my dignity, for the cause of being pretty. I knew that no matter what I did, I was worthy only to the degree that I could please and be beautiful for my master. And so I spent my life on the cover of Cosmo and gave my body for you to sell. I was a slave, but you taught me I was free. I was your object, but you swore it was success. You taught me that my purpose in life was to be on display, to attract, and be beautiful for men. You had me believe that my body was created to market your cars. And you raised me to think I was an ugly duckling. But you lied. Islam tells me, I’m a swan. I’m different – it’s meant to be that way. And my body, my soul, was created for something more. God says in the Qur’an, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49:13) So I am honored. But it is not by my relationship to men. My value as a woman is not measured by the size of my waist or the number of men who like me. My worth as a human being is measured on a higher scale: a scale of righteousness and piety. And my purpose in life – despite what the fashion magazines say – is something more sublime than just looking good for men. And so God tells me to cover myself, to hide my beauty and to tell the world that I’m not here to please men with my body; I’m here to please God. God elevates the dignity of a woman’s body by commanding that it be respected and covered, shown only to the deserving – only to the man I marry. So to those who wish to ‘liberate’ me, I have only one thing to say: “Thanks, but no thanks.” I’m not here to be on display. And my body is not for public consumption. I will not be reduced to an object, or a pair of legs to sell shoes. I’m a soul, a mind, a servant of God. My worth is defined by the beauty of my soul, my heart, my moral character. So, I won’t worship your beauty standards, and I don’t submit to your fashion sense. My submission is to something higher. With my veil I put my faith on display – rather than my beauty. My value as a human is defined by my relationship with God, not by my looks. I cover the irrelevant. And when you look at me, you don’t see a body. You view me only for what I am: a servant of my Creator. You see, as a Muslim woman, I’ve been liberated from a silent kind of bondage. I don’t answer to the slaves of God on earth. I answer to their King.
Upon awakening
Alhamdulillah-hillathee ah-yana ba'da ma ama tana wa ilayhi nushoor. Translation: Many thanks to Allah who gave us life after having given us death and (our) final return (on the Day of Qiyaamah (Judgement)) is to Him.
When a Non-Muslim sneezes
Yahdee Kumullahu wa Yaslih Ba Lakoom. Translation: May Allah give you guidance and make your children pious. Reply to someone who sneezes
Yar Hamoo kall Lah. Translation: May Allah have mercy on you.
When I woke up this morning I asked myself: What are some of the secrets of success in life? I found the answer right there in my very room. The Fan said - Be cool. The Roof said - Aim high. The Window said See the world. The Clock said - Every minute is precious. The Mirror said - Reflect before you act. The Door said - Push hard for your goals. And don't forget, the Carpet said - Kneel down and pray! A woman, whose face was shining with joy and beauty, was asked: ‘What sort of makeup do you use?’ She said ‘I use for my lips truth, for my voice remembrance of Allah, for my eyes lowering my gaze, for my hands performance of good deeds, for my body sincerity and straightness, for my heart the love of Allah (SWT), for my mind wisdom, for my soul obedience of Allah, and for my desire the Iman. "Islam is the university, the world is the classroom, the Quran is the syllabus, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the teacher, and Allah (SWT) is the examiner. Try to pass the final exam." - Unknown
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Chocolate Bread Ingredients •2 slices of thick, rustic bread (Italian or French) to hold and soak up the melting chocolate •½ bar (75g or 2.5 oz) of dark chocolate that is 70% or more chocolate •Butter Directions 1.Heat oven to 350° 2.Cut bread in half to open the inside. Select how large a slice you want and butter it. 3.Cut the chocolate into squares and add the amount of chocolate pieces you want directly on top of the butter (3 pieces should be sufficient- remember it will be melting all over the bread)
4.Place the bread, chocolate side up, on a sheet pan directly into the hot oven. Bake for 5 minutes, watching carefully. Do not let the chocolate bubble. Remove once you see that all of the chocolate has melted. 5.Serve with a glass of warm milk on a cold afternoon- nothing will make you happier! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Minute Frittata Ingredients •10 eggs, preferably cage-free brown eggs •1 cup arugula •1/8 cup shaved carrots or thinly julienned carrot strips •1/8 cup shaved broccoli stems •white, extra sharp cheddar cheese (I prefer the Tillamook brand) •Parmesan cheese •1/8 tsp. black pepper, or to taste •¼ tsp. salt, or to taste Preparation 1.Preheat oven to 350º. 2.Put all ingredients into an oven-safe dish and whisk together well. 3.Bake for 20-30 minutes or until top is evenly browned.
HEART HEALTHY February is National Heart Awareness Month. Heart disease is the number one killer in the world. Every year about 1,000,000 people suffer from a heart attack, and half of them die. This is no joke, we have to be heart healthy and be preventive so the risks for heart disease are decreased. Here are some heart healthy tips:
1) Don't smoke or use tobacco. 2) Exercise for at least 20 minutes every day of the week 3) Eat a heart-healthy diet 4) Maintain a healthy body weight 5) Get regular screenings or checkups, at least twice a year
Top 23 foods for Heart Health Salmon Flaxseed (ground) Oatmeal Black or Kidney Beans Almonds, Walnuts Tuna Tofu Red bell peppers Oranges Acorn Squash Papaya Tea
Brown Rice Soy Milk Blueberries Carrots Spinach Broccoli Sweet Potato Asparagus Tomatoes Cantaloupe Dark Chocolate Olive oil
Have you ever changed something about your appearance that you knew would draw attention to you? Maybe you dyed your hair neon green? Maybe you got your lip pierced or cut your hair super short? Well anything knew about you will draw attention from people in negative and positive ways. Just like the time when the protagonist of this book, Amal Abdel-Hakim decides to wear the Hijab. A Hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women and young girls all over the world. It is to represent their modesty and present their integrity and dignity. When Amal decides that her time has come to start wearing it, she is really in for a bumpy ride. Right off the bat, people start to treat her differently, some with respect and some make fun of her. She is embarrassed at first, but decides to show them that she is not oppressed or forced to wear it, it was her own choice. Many people at her school think that all Muslims are bad, but she proves to them that you can't judge an entire group by one person. Amal also has friend problems, since she is not allowed to date, she has to keep a bit of a distance from her crush, the perfect Adam, and to top it all off one of her best friends runs away due to pressure by her mom. This book shares the many aspects of many religions, and the struggle of one girl to try to fit in her school with with her new appearance. Quotes: "I’d rather follow God’s fashion dictates than some ugly solarium-tanned old fart who’s getting by on a pretty self serving theory of less is more when it comes to female dress" This quote explains the modesty of the Hijab when Amal is thinking whether she should or not wear the Hijab. It means that in Islam God wants us to follow his "fashion" rules and we will be rewarded. So of course you want to follow God, right? On the other side, Amal is saying that when some men look at women they like it more when they were less, since to them it is revealing themselves more. That's one reason that Amal choose to wear the scarf. "Sometimes it’s easy to loose faith in people. And sometimes one act of kindness is all it takes to give you hope again " What this means is that sometimes people and and pester you, and you seem to lose all hope. You feel like you can't trust anyone anymore and you start losing faith in others around you. You seem to feel so small and invisible, but when someone shows just a small bit of kindness, like holding open the door for you, or saving you a seat, or sticking up for you, your "hope meter" regains strength. Amal felt this way when nobody really talked to her when she wore her Hijab, but then her crush came up and invited her to his party, and also he had a heart-to-heart talk with her. She felt so hopeful and happy :D
My last quote that I want to share is; "Putting on a Hijab isn’t the end of the journey. It’s just the beginning of it" When you choose to wear the Hijab, it is not like the end of you journey, it really is the beginning. You are now going to feel like you are ion a other world, It will be a brand new experience for you. Since people treat you different, and society views you different. So in other words, you are just like you are reborn. I would rate this book a complete 5 out of 5. It is a great book to maybe read at a sleepover or any time. This book also goes over a lot of problems that teens might face, like; crushes, weight issues, bullying, peer pressure, religious talk, and friends and family bonding. This book shows a Muslim girl's life in a funny and inspirational way. I would recommend this to teens, and non-Muslims of today, so that they can gain some knowledge on Muslim life. I simply loved this book, and for further reading I also recommend Ten Things I Hate About Me, also by the same author. You will love both! :D
NEW MUSLIM COOL This is the story of a Puerto Rican-American rapper names Hamza Perez. He pulled himself out of the dark of drug dealing and normal street life 12 years ago and became a Muslim. He has now moved to Pittsburgh's touch North Side to start a new religious community, and rebuild his shattered family. He decided to take his message of faith to other young people through hardhitting hip-hop music. But when the FBI raids Hamza's mosque, he is confronted with the realities of post9/11, and himself. This touching documentary follows the spiritual journey of one changed many and his dream to change the world. This is a true story.
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