Layali Webzine Vol.1 Issue Four

LAYALI ISRA SPEAKS HEALTHY RAMADAN + 7 & Volume 1, Issue 4

HOW TO FIND YOUR VOICE

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SPEAK OUT

SUMMER

2014

fashion

TRENDS

TIPS ON

NETWORKING

FRUIT TART RECIPE e u s s i TH

editors’ letter Salam,

Growth doesn’t happen over one night, but over many.

We, as Muslim women, know that despite the stereotypes about us being oppressed and subdued, that we HAVE a voice. We all have a voice.

Yet, there is still a low percentage of Muslim females that are noted as “speakers” in our community. The Muslim-American community undoubtedly needs more women to speak out and communicate to others the issues related to us as women and to us as a community.

Young Muslimahs like Isra C. of Isra Speaks, (on the cover and pg. 26 ) embody the message of “speaking out.” As an aspiring United States ambassador, she strives to shed light on social and global issues (like the availability of clean water and human trafficking) that affect our communities worldwide.

However, we are all different and so are our skills. You don’t have to be up on stage to speak out. Social media, as referenced by Isra and in a couple of the pieces in this issue, is a powerful tool used to advocate for causes and having your voice heard (pg. 71).

Other forms of speaking out include using fashion (pg. 44) and photography (pg.

58) to express yourself, and what you believe in.

Once again, we -- Muslim-American women -- all have a voice. It is time our voice is heard. It is time we speak out.

Keep faith, Omama Altaleb & Rawan Elbaba

@omama_altaleb & @roelbaba

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LAYALI Editorial Executive Editor Rawan Elbaba

Editior-in-Chief Omama Altaleb

Cover Photo: Monica Weeks Contributors: Deen & Spirituality- Zainab Alwani In School-Sharmin Shanur Career- Lena Nour & Sana Mohammed The Wife Life- Nusaiba Mubarak Motherhood- Sumayya Sahin Nutrition & Health- Leena Asad Fitness- Hallima Ibrahim Fashion- Citra Style Food- Mahvish Danka & Noori Ali Travel - Noha Hamid Exploration- Masouna Kochaji Linked In-Mahvish Danka & Ola Alghazzouli Book Reviews- Nesima Aberra Beauty/Tutorial- Nadia Shahzad We invite any of you Muslim ladies to contribute to Layali Webzine through your experiences, talents and skills. (For more information on contributing, please visit the Contribute page) at layaliwebzine.com or email us at contribute.layali@ gmail.com.

Please remember, this is a Webzine for you, about you and by you.

Just a reminder: The views expressed by the contributors in this Webzine are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Layali, or Layali Webzine.

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CONTE Deen & Spirituality Tafsir Corner

Life -- In School Harvard in your PJ’s

Life -- The Wife Life Before I was married

Life -- Motherhood First post-partum experience

Health How to be healthy in Ramadan

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6 8 18 22 36

ENTS 44 54 58 72 76

Fashion Modest runway Citra Style summer trends Eid style

Food Snicker cookies Fruit tart

Travel & Exploration El Gouna, Egypt Washington D.C.

Reviews Salaam Love

Tutorials Simple Ramadan make-up

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DEEN

tafsir

CORNER By: Dr. Zainab Alwani, part two -- continued from pg. 9 and 61 of Issue 3’s Tafsir Corner.

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he Quranic interpretive process is governed by important principles, on the basis of which the Qur’an then rejects or accepts a single interpretation.

Any interpretation that contradicts the main Qur’anic principles will be rejected.

These principles, among others, are: Understanding the Sunna as the major source for clarifying and explaining the Quranic text. This body of knowledge, which presents a model for its application to real-life situations, remains a practical experience at the highest level of human capability as practices by the Prophet, who was also known as “the living Qur’an.”

This means that Muslims need to construct a methodology that enables them to understand how to relate the teachings of the revelation to real-life.

Understanding the grammatical, syntactical and etymological nuances of the Arabic language. God revealed the Qur’an in the Arabic language for a reason, a reason that is perhaps beyond the grasp of human understanding. As God says in verse 12:2, “We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an, in order that ye may learn wisdom.” This does not mean the Qur’an privileges Arabic-speaking peoples or that it exclusively addresses the Arabic-speaking tribes that existed

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at the time.

Simply, God chose this language to be the tongue of the Qur’an to fulfill His divine plan for humanity.

The Qur’an’s divine language is different than the human language of Arabic. In early Islamic history, Muslims understood that Arabic as a divine language is different than Arabic as a human language. The human language is usually restricted and influenced by the culture, the customs and the regional history and traditions of the Arabs. The language of the Qur’an, on the other hand, is a divine language and not subject to the regional, cultural and historical influences which inevitably impose themselves upon the evolution of human languages. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the most prominent scholars of the Arabic language, who are regarded as founders of the major linguistic sciences, were not Arabs. They established those linguistic sciences based upon the Qur’anic language, which is divine in its terminology and meaning. There is a complete consensus that a mastery of the Arabic sciences (grammar, lexicology, poetry, etc.) is a necessary requirement for interpreters of the Qur’an—those interpreters who are engaging the scholarly discourse and putting forth their interpretations as one possibility among many others.

SPIRITUALITY

Finally, the Qur’an, as divine Speech, is the final arbitrator of all interpretations.

The Qur’an itself hands down the final verdict on any single interpretation. For Muslims, God’s promise to protect the Qur’an means that it is immune and insusceptible to interpretations that violate its essence or explicit meanings. As clear guidance with an unambiguous message, the Qur’an—through its words—ultimately stands as evidence of interpretations that best reflect its true meaning. The Qur’an becomes the criterion by which an interpretation is then accepted or rejected. As God says in verse 13:17,“…

This way does God set forth the parable of truth and falsehood: for, as far as the scum is concerned, it passes away as [does all] dross; but that which is of benefit to man abides on earth. In this way does God set forth the parables.”

Therefore, the interpretation that is considered bid’a (unacceptable innovation) in the sense intended by the narrated ahadith prohibiting interpretation by personal opinion could belong to the following: 1) Interpretation based on personal opinion without a serious consideration for the genius of the Arabic language, its styles, reasons of revelation, and the objectives of Shariah.

2) Interpretation which involves thought, but of a defective understanding. The exegete draws his conclusions from the apparent meaning of the words or even an aspect of this meaning and taken this to be the only meaning intended.

3) When the interpreter is a follower of a particular school of thought, schism or tendency which causes him/her to interpret certain ayat of the Qur’an to suit the views of his/her trend without taking a serious study and analytical methodology.

When the reader/researcher approaches the Qur’an and makes use of the intellectual, scientific, and cultural resources of his/her time and applies them to the ayat to see how compatible they are with the pointers of the Qur’an, the researcher can then decide how these disciplines can be rectified in the light of the Qur’an. For example, when a modern Muslim economist considers the words of Allah, ”In order that it

may not make a circuit between the wealthy among you” (Qur’an 59:7) and then puts forward an idea never previously raised by the scholars regarding the formation and distribution of wealth, and the way in which this can best be done for the public good, he should not be opposed on the grounds that his statement has never been made before and does not have the backing of hadith.

The text of the Qur’an has never been altered or modernized. The Qur’an defines its own specific qualities and explains that it embodies a complete Revelation which responds to all situations throughout all the ages past, present, and future:

“That which We have revealed to you of the Book is the Truth, confirming what was (revealed) before it, for Allah is certainly with respect to His servants, well acquainted and fully observant as We have chosen: but there are among them some who wrong their own souls, some who follow a middle course, and some who are, by Allah leave, foremost in good deeds, that is the highest Grace” (Qur’an 35:31-32).

These ayat and many others (e.g 56:75-79) clearly show that the Qur’an constantly responds to the situations and needs that arise over the ages in a selfrenewing process.

Furthermore, the Qur’an has many other qualities. We can discern them in its organic, methodological unity, particularly after the Book was arranged so that the presence of its ayat was no longer dictated by the period of revelation (a time when they were fragmented and limited by the specific occasions on which they were revealed).

These qualities can also be discerned in the fact that the Qur’an is divinely preserved, and that it renews its contribution to human affairs by uncovering its meanings according to the requirements of time. It is the master of time, place and change since it provides a total awareness of the universe, its movements and its relationships. It also contains an awareness of the whole of existence, including knowledge of the words of Allah.

Hence the past, the present, and the future generations are not in any way capable of attaining a comprehensive understanding of the revelation. Instead, they each take from it as required by the civilizational, social and historical conditions as well as the modes of thinking of their own time.

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LIFE

Going to HARVARD in your PJs by: Sharmin Shanur

Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, are the way to go if you want to take college courses in the comfort of your own home.

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ducation has taken a new vignette in today’s society; a person is no longer obligated to sit in a classroom to gain an education. Now, with just a computer and some internet access, men and women all around the world are able to attain educational credit for completing courses from the world’s top tier universities through a Massive Open Online Course or MOOC. MOOC is an online forum for people with corresponding aspirations to meet in a cyberplatform for the purpose of gaining knowledge through the plethora of free online courses available on the internet. Website such as Coursera, Edx, Udacity, and Canvas

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are posted on MOOC to inform people of the various classes open for them. For example, Coursera allows students to take classes that run the gamut from science and mathematics to music and literature.

I personally have been lucky enough to attend virtual classes at University of Chicago, Harvard, and MIT and even communicate with people with years of experience in my field of interest through Edx and Coursera. Thankfully, with summer fast approaching, my fellow internet users and I can attend more virtual classes and acquire certificates that will eventually build on our resumes and personal knowledge. However, we are in an extreme advantage this year because not only is summer

IN SCHOOL

vacation on its way, but Ramadan also coincides with the two and a half month vacation. So, if college students or high school students are sitting idle due to “fasting fatigue,” or simply have nothing to do for the summer break, they can just take out their laptops, open a browser and learn about the neurological makeup of the brain, how business administration works or how to become an established journalist

through the sites posted on MOOC. Education has truly become more accessible and practically free through these online forums and platforms; no one should neglect such sites that will not only be conducive for achieving personal achievement but also build on our religion because “[w]hoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allaah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.” (Al-Bukhaari).

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P TE RN SH I

IN 10 layaliwebzine.com

myths By: Lena Nour

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[CARE]ER

Demystifying Taboos: The Importance of Internships Photo two courtesy: MPAC

Internships provide the perfect opportunity for students and recent graduates to learn more about possible career paths and acquire new skills. But why intern?

With the U.S. job market becoming increasingly competitive, students with only a bachelor’s degree are experiencing difficulty when trying to enter the workforce. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, almost 50% of employers prefer to see an internship on a student’s resume. This staggering statistic highlights the emphasis for students to invest in internships during their college years. The following will provide an analysis of common taboos associated with pursuing internships.

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Internships are only for Political Science majors.

False. Internships are for everyone.

Whether you are majoring in Biology or Art, internships can be found in an array of different fields. Many hospitals have internships or externships (a temporary training program, similar to an internship but lasts for a short period of time) that provide students with the opportunity to learn in the field of medicine. Internships can be found in many fields ranging from nonprofit work to fashion design. The possibilities are endless.

The more you know, the more you can grow.

I have a high GPA, I don’t need an internship.

Wrong again. Let’s look at a real-life scenario. Say you are an employer and you are debating between two candidates for a job at your company. Candidate #1 has a 4.0 gpa, is involved in many honor societies, and was class valedictorian. Candidate #2 has a 3.3 gpa, has served as a student leader on campus and has participated in an internship that does similar work as your company. Who would you choose? While academic achievement is commendable, it is not the end-all-be-all. Employers look for well-rounded candidates that can excel inside and outside of the classroom.

I have no experience and no one will hire me as an intern.

Not true. Internships are where you get the experience to pursue other opportunities. While it is true that some industries require that you have some experience, there are plenty of internships that will hire students with no experience. The secret is to keep applying.

While it can be frustrating applying to internships and constantly being rejected, you never know which opportunity will eventually stick. Applying to an internship is similar to applying for a job.

Rejection is a possibility, but surely at the end of the tunnel there will be light.

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[CARE]ER There aren’t any benefits in becoming an intern and you have to work for free.

Also false. The benefits are immeasurable.

Students who have internships are connected with one of the most powerful tools in job hunting—networking. Networking involves maintaining relationships and contacts with professionals that have the possibility to advance your career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of all jobs are found through networking. As an intern, you are connected with a community of professionals who can serve as a reference as you begin your professional career.

While most internships provide little to no financial compensation, internships have flexible hours and it is possible for students to work part-time while also interning parttime. No one said it would be easy, but eventually you will see your hard work pay off.

Personally, the internships I have had the pleasure of taking part have helped me learn valuable skills necessary for the 21st century job market. It has provided me with countless mentors and a sharpened sense of my career path. Don’t be afraid to take the first step in your professional career. Contact your local Career Service Department and begin your search. Be proactive, take initiative and never give up.

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P

rophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “A person is on the religion of his companions. Therefore, let everyone of you carefully consider the company he keeps.” (Tirmidhi) These words mean more now than ever before.

We live in a world where we are constantly connected, yet often distanced from our peers and our community, but no matter how independent, self-reliant, and self-assured we claim to be, we cannot deny that the people we meet, associate with and form friendships with have a profound impact on our lives.

In his recent Ted Talk, Zafar Razzacki, former 786 band member and current Account Executive at Google, uses his personal experience and his background in chemical engineering to illustrate the impact our social connections have on our ability to achieve our goals and attain success.

He compares our unique skills, intelligence level and other internal factors that drive us to the “raw materials” in a chemical reaction.

Chemistry dictates that raw materials need a catalyst to kick start the reaction and form the end product. Similarly, he argues, the character traits and skills we bring to the table aren’t enough to achieve our goals because we “need some type of catalysts in [our] lives. . . that will make [us] go forward and inspire [us].” He identifies the people that we “collide” throughout our lives as the primary catalysts of our individual chemical reactions, which help us utilize our raw materials to reach our end goal.

The obvious question then is – how? Whether it’s in college or early in our career, how can we ensure that we surround ourselves with the right catalysts -- the right people that will inspire and drive us forward? While you can’t create and sustain this type of social network overnight, follow the five tips/rules below to make sure you’re taking steps in the right direction.

4 Tips To

[CARE]ER

To Build A Network

by: Sana Mohammed, photo courtesy: MPAC

1

Cliques are overrated.

Many of us (especially us girls) have a tendency to be far too, for the lack of a better term, “cliquish.” We form a group of core friends with whom we spend most of our time with, and we often unintentionally shut ourselves off from others. While this system is important, sticking solely to the same small group of friends you formed in high school or college hinders you. It limits the scope of the opportunities you hear about and the knowledge you gain from being well connected especially since studies have proven that weak ties actually lead to more job opportunities than strong relationships.

Make a concerted effort to be proactive in branching out and meeting new people. Attend networking events.

Volunteer regularly. Get involved in an organization both while in college and after you graduate. Most importantly, avoid making the mistake that most of us are inclined to do, by going to networking or social events and only talking to the two or three people we already know at the event. Get out of your comfort zone, and form connections with new people and keep in touch. You may never know how they will inspire you or vice versa.

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What others think about you does matter.

We’ve grown up hearing inspirational phrases such as “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” but the truth is that others’ opinions of us do matter. Multiple research studies and personal narratives repeatedly remind us that society’s perception of an individual can be a self-fulfilling prophecy and we often limit ourselves within the confines of others’ perception.

As Julia Roberts stated in “Pretty Woman,” if “people put you down enough, you start to believe it [and]. . . the bad stuff is easier to believe.”

This is an unfortunate fact of life, but by understanding the impact others’ attitude and actions toward us have on our lives, we can regain control. We decide who we surround ourselves with, whose advice matters to us, and how we should react to everyone else that doesn’t matter.

Don’t tolerate negativity, belittlement or condescension. You deserve honesty, support and encouragement, but don’t expect everyone to like you either. There will always be people who disagree with you, underestimate you, and maybe flat out dislike you. Well, that’s absolutely fine.

Don’t let them get in your head. If possible, don’t be around them at all. Instead, find people that believe in you, inspire you and keep you grounded because your environment is almost just as important as your abilities.

3

Focus on like-minded values not common goals.

Even if you’ve started to meet new people in your classes or in your same professional field, a critical mistake we have a tendency to make is forming a network solely based on these similar goals. While there are immense benefits of having friends with related goals, so you can study for the LSAT together or complain about your organic chemistry class, this segregation inhibits us from reaching our full potential. Zafar’s story reminds us that diversity of thought can lead us to opportunities that we never even fathomed.

Focus instead on creating a group of people with whom you share similar values such as an appreciation of hard work, an aspiration to better the world we live in, and so on. While each of you may be upholding these values through different means (as a future doctor or writer), you’re still serving as a positive reinforcement to each other and keeping the door of alternative possibilities open.

4

Find a mentor.

Actively reach out to others farther along the career path you’re looking into.

Seek their input, advice and feedback.

You’ll be surprised at how many people genuinely want to help you and see you develop .

But a word of caution, remember that you’ve got to do your homework as well. If you’re interested in going to med school, then research school requirements, acceptance rates and any available med-school related opportunities at your college first. Only after doing this, seek the advice of others such as a senior in your MSA that you’ve heard has already accepted into med school or a contact you found on LinkedIn. By doing the leg work and having targeted questions or concerns, you’ll show others that you’re serious about your ambitions and you respect their time as well.

Mentor-mentee relationships don’t form overnight, nor can they be forced. They are a progression of a natural spark between two individuals. Maybe it will be the fourth or fifth person you get in touch with that you’ll share this type of a bond with leading to a strong (often mutually beneficial) relationship. It takes time, so don’t be discouraged. Remember to keep in touch and be proactive. The wisest of us are the ones who can learn from others mistakes and save themselves the pain of having to experience it themselves.

Before getting married myself, I used to see married couples and think, Story by: Nusaiba Mubarak. Photo courtesy: Nusaiba Mubarak

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THE WIFE LIFE Before getting married myself, I used to see married couples and think, “They look so cute and happy.” In fact, I catch myself thinking this even now, as a married woman. Of course, it is naïve to think that a couple is happy simply by seeing them for moments in public, but the reality is that –- even knowing this –- many people have such thoughts. Social media has not helped clarify the reality either. Facebook friends are posting photos of their honeymoons and beautiful vacations with their “hubbies” and Muslim fashion instagrammers are getting engaged or married. This has increased the pressure that already exists for many young Muslim women –- the social pressure to find the one and get married, fast.

My biggest advice to my single friends is: enjoy your time! Every stage in life can be beautiful and wonderful if you make it that way. Of course, it does not help if our mothers are constantly pressing new suitors on us and our friends are all hashtagging hubby. The reality is though, that a lot of married women are envious of the freedom –- from being emotionally and mentally consumed by a relationship -– which you have, so take advantage of it! Go after all your ambitions and make them come true, and don’t wait to add someone else

to your life to begin your adventures.

To all those who are preparing for marriage, I cannot stress the importance of premarital counseling enough. Unfortunately, many people still do not recognize the significance of counseling and mental health. However, when wedding planning sets in and the worries of one’s future become real, it is difficult to keep your head clear. Sometimes, we lose sight of what matters most, like preparing for our marriage (instead of our wedding), maintaining good relationships with our family and friends and focusing on our relationship with Allah (SWT), first and foremost.

Counseling is not for people with problems; it’s for everyone who wishes to improve their lives and balance healthy minds, bodies and souls. Having a Muslim counselor might be the best way to go for you and your future husband, but any marriage counselor with good ratings will do.

Finally, read, read, and read.

Read leading psychology professor, Dr. John Gottman’s, “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.” For a nice, easy read, take on “The Five Love Languages” and the quiz. Read Sister Yasmin Mogahed’s articles on love, some of which are posted in Layali’s previous issues. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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At the end of the day, we –- Muslim women –- experience a lot of pressures and stress, married or not. We must be clear when speaking about marriage or witnessing others’ “happiness.” We must remember that we do not know the trials and challenges that others face, no matter how happy they may seem. We must recognize and appreciate each other’s relationship statuses and lifestyles, wishing the best for one another, without judging.

We must unite in solidarity for all the pressures and worries we face –- as Muslims and as women, two of the most marginalized groups in today’s society.

Yet, let us celebrate our strength and power. We represent each other wherever we may be. Let us show the rest of the world that we stand together, proud and powerful.

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THE WIFE LIFE

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5 THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY FIRST POST-PARTUM EXPERIENCE As a first-time mom herself, Sumayya Sahin, reflects and shares some tips and advice on what she learned about motherhood a year after having her son.

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MOTHERHOOD

When

I first became pregnant with my son about two years ago, I was your typical first-time mom. I immediately picked up “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” took weekly photos of my (barely) growing belly, and wrote letters to my growing fetus about life lessons I was learning along the way.

As my pregnancy continued, we moved from New York to Maryland, Maryland to Florida, Florida to Michigan and finally Michigan to Maryland. Six weeks prior to our final move (which would have us settled in Michigan for the next three years), I had a slow and peaceful labor and delivery, much like the one I had been praying for throughout my pregnancy. I also prayed for an easy recovery, which amazingly, I did have. But there was one thing I would have never had known to pray for protection from, and that was a crazy difficult and stressful post-partum period.

I had a very unhappy newborn with many digestive issues, anxiety and depression about having to move (and then about being alone after the move), nursing issues, and, on top of it all, I had to completely cut out dairy for my son, which left me with about five things to eat. Once I got to the point where I began to feel more like a survivor than a victim, I began wondering why no one talks about how difficult this time can actually be. As I posted reflections about it on Facebook, I began getting a lot of responses from friends who also admitted to having baby blues after birth. I feel a moral and social obligation to bring awareness to the realities of this time in life that is often so sugar coated. The following are five things I learned from my post-partum experience and that I hope will better prepare others and myself for any to come.

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1. The baby blues can happen to anyone I was already dealing with chronic anxiety before I got pregnant, and it had been improving while I was taking a homeopathic remedy for it so I never expected for it to get any worse. During one of my many blog surfing sessions in my seventh or eighth month, I came across a momma who wrote about her postpartum depression (PPD) and how badly it affected her for the entire first year. I remember feeling sad for her but I was not able understand how someone could feel so unhappy and alone after having a beautiful, healthy baby. Little did I know, I would be facing something very similar, very soon. Because of the social taboo to silently suffer, you will often never see any of your new mama friends posting about any difficulties. I urge you to private message them and just ask if they need any help or support. Even if they deny your offers (which they most probably will), it will likely mean a lot to them.

2. Of course, you can never be prepared enough for anything Allah (swt) is the only One who knows all that is written to come— but we have to make an effort to educate ourselves in order to be better prepared. I’ve heard stories of women who had to pump for every feeding because their nipples were inverted, stitches not healing properly (causing burning and pain with every bathroom trip), deep internal wounding due to uterine clots having to be manually taken

out, excruciating back pain due to back labor, extreme afterpains while the uterus contracts down, yeast infections, mastitis and much, much more. Even during my pregnancy, I could never have even imagined all the things that could go wrong for anybody. I realized that pretty much everybody is tested with something, and if it wasn’t anything in the post-partum period, it was somewhere else along the way. It really helps to prepare yourself during your pregnancy about things you can expect so when the time comes, even if you don’t remember the exact solution, you’ll be more likely to remember that there is one out there. There are great books out there such as the Dr. Sears books and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.

Also, hospitals and birthing centers almost always have free classes you can take, and moms, sisters and mom-friends can be great for ideas and help. You can even hire a postpartum doula to support and care for you. Most importantly, however, is to prepare yourself with duaa (prayer) for ease and protection from harm.

3. Please, please, please rest enough.

There is a divine reason why women are given 40 days of rest from prayer after birth. In many Eastern traditions, the women are also not allowed to leave the house for 40 days. Because of the dense family living situations in the East, this also makes it easier for the woman to have help and support with cooking and cleaning during the first few weeks. Don’t lift anything heavy, don’t travel and don’t start deep cleaning the house. Your body really needs to

rest, and if you don’t, it will catch up with you in the short or long term. If you don’t have the luxury of help from family, prepare freezer meals while you’re pregnant or ask your friends to take turns bringing you meals for the first few weeks.

When they come to visit, ask them to put in a load of laundry and do the dishes. You can even hire a company to clean or make a deal with a catering service. Just try to do what you can so that those first few days are spent resting and recovering with your baby.

4. Don’t be afraid to talk to other women.

Chances are, your husband can be sympathetic the first few times you open up about your problems, but good luck on any time after the seventh time. The natural instinct of men is to give solutions, but often, women just need a listening ear (or advice from someone who knows first hand what it’s like). If you get lucky, the women you get to open up to are Godsent and have been through similar situations, or share great wisdoms or make really sincere duaa for you that help tremendously. Of course, husbands are great shoulders to cry on, but believe me, he will appreciate the break more than you think and you will benefit from the extra dose of estrogen in your life.

5. Allah repeats His promise twice in the Quran that “verily, with difficulty there is ease.”

Scholars clarify that it doesn’t

only mean that ease comes after difficulty, but that there is ease along with every test. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it’s usually not hard to see once you change your focus. Right when I thought my world was over by moving away, Allah blessed me with such a huge help; my sister only lived 3 hours away from my new apartment and she was able to visit me frequently.

She was on the same dairy-free diet plan so she was always teaching me new things I could eat, she would bake me large batches of lactation cookies, do grocery trips for me, take me out, help me tremendously with the baby and was such a huge emotional support. She would come over, take over, and would tell me, “You’re doing a great job.” Everything got easier and better every time she left me and sometimes I wonder if I could ever thank her enough.

Most of all, I am so thankful to Allah (swt) for allowing me to overcome my difficulties, for blessing me with the ability to continue nursing, for healing my son of his digestive issues, for giving me the gift of dairy back in my diet fairly quickly and for giving me this test as a means of drawing closer to Him. May He be our Healer, Guider and our Protector. I pray that this article is of benefit to you and that you are protected from any hardships in your pregnancies, labors, deliveries, recoveries and post-partum periods. May Allah guide and protect us all.

ISRA speaks Colorado-born and raised 23-year-old Isra C. isn’t just some Midwest girl who moved to the bustling city of Washington D.C. to make her voice heard. Yes, Isra speaks, but her dreams are much bolder than that.

Story by: Omama Altaleb & Rawan Elbaba.

Photography by: Monica Weeks.

FEATURE

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A

spiring to become a U.S. ambassador to a Middle Eastern country or to the United Nations, Isra isn’t worried about achieving her dream as much as what she does with it when she gets there.

“Although I know it’s a really difficult path to take, and I know it’s really hard for anybody, let alone an ArabAmerican and a Muslim woman, it’s still what I am determined to accomplish,” she said.

Aside from pursuing her Masters degrees in Public Policy and International Affairs, Isra works full-time at Sisters Cities International, an organization under the White House that connects cities domestically with cities all across the world through different international development projects.

“I’m really happy to be here. I feel like I’m at the forefront of developing relations and connecting people to promote peacebuilding relationships and mutual acceptance and growth,” Isra said. Isra has met the chairman of the organization, President Barack Obama, on multiple occasions throughout her career.

Isra says she’s always had this passion for helping people and giving back. She enjoys working with international organizations that stress the importance of humanitarian efforts worldwide. During her time working at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Isra was able to see the results of her work firsthand when many women won elections in Sierra Leone, something unprecedented, due to campaign schools that NDI hosted to teach women how to run a campaign and provided them with the necessary resources to accomplish their dreams.

“I love being in the position through my job where I am able to really see results. A lot of people talk, ‘oh I aspire to be, and I want to achieve,’ but few are able to really say ‘oh my God, this program that I helped write the grant for really ended up having women run for office, and win in a country where it’s not common,” Isra said.

Her passion for social change didn’t just happen overnight. Just like Layali’s motto, her ambitions developed over many nights.

Involved in extracurriculars all throughout high school and in college, Isra made an effort to participate in clubs, volunteer locally in the state of Colorado, intern for political campaigns, and even lobby for legislation at the State Capitol.

When Isra went into college, she had a completely different plan for herself.

“I went in studying architecture,” she said. “I always saw myself building and designing health clinics, cultural centers or schools in developing countries.”

But as Isra got more involved in student government, she started re-thinking her career path.

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ISRA C.

“I started realizing that I had a big role to play in this world, that it was more than just sitting at a desk drafting for hours and hours.”

Although she has a Bachelors degree in Architecture and decided to pursue International Affairs professionally, Isra refers to herself as a social architect, which she defines as someone that is “able to connect people in a way where positive social change happens.”

The person behind Isra Speaks -- Isra herself -- realized that social media is one way to influence positive social change.

Creating the hashtags #MyPurposeIs, #ThoughtfulThursday and #InfiniteKindness on her social media pages and website, Isra hopes to inspire other people to start thinking beyond themselves and beyond their own personal objectives.

“I want to be part of a movement. I want to inspire other people to be part of that movement,” Isra said.

Along with inspiring others to figure out their purpose and their reason for being, Isra uses these campaigns for self-actualization and self-realization. By learning about the purposes and examples of kindness from others, she herself is influenced.

“My purpose in this world is to be an influencer and a catalyst for social change, my purpose is to inspire people hopefully in any way, shape or form to find out what their strengths are, what their passions are, what motivates them, and to cultivate all that passion Photo courtesy: Isra C. Photo courtesy: Isra C. into something bigger.”

Isra is very cautious about what she posts, whether on her blog or on Instagram, she reads and researches before posting anything.

“I care about what I’m giving the world, what people are walking away from my page with,” she said. “Use social media in a responsible way that best represents you no matter what, because it is ultimately your footprint in this world.”

“Remember that your purpose is greater than just you, greater than your bubble, find a way that you can improve the world around you and give back in some way,” Isra said. “It could be through multiple facets -- food, photography, fashion, nature, etc. The point is, figure out your purpose and live it to the fullest extent, no matter what or who tries to stand in your way.”

If Isra is sure about one thing, it’s her purpose. Isra wears a collection of Alex and Ani bangles she bought from a fundraiser for Syria. The engraving says it all -- “Leaving my thumbprint on the world.”

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Q&A

FEATURE

Layali sat down with Isra and quickly learned that there is more to her than Instagram and Isra Speaks. Hint: she is a lover of sushi, sketching and Snapchat.

Here are some of the many questions we asked her during our interview.

L: When did you know what you wanted to do with your life?

I: I’ve always known and I think as a kid, even in my journal or diary entries, they would say that I am meant to make a change in this world.

The quote by Mahatma Gandhi is my life mantra -- “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

I really believe if we want to live in a world that’s better for everyone, more representative of everyone, where everyone is given rights and access to live a fair and happy life, we need to be implementing that actively. We as humans are all the catalysts for that.

L: What are your passions, what are the issues you're interested in promoting?

I: I’m really interested in humanitarian aid and social justice -there are a lot of organizations worldwide and charities that don’t really have a solid following, they’re not highlighted in the news. I’m really passionate about learning and giving back to charities in any way I can -- advocating for them. I’m interested in refugee-type work. What I am trying to promote is not about taking political sides, it’s about focusing on the well-being of humans -- the humanity aspect.

Another thing I am really passionate about is breaking down stereotypes of Muslims in America. I don’t think we have enough visible Muslim leaders in public service that are actively breaking down these stereotypes through the work that they are doing where actions speak louder than words.

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L: How do you find your motivation?

I: Through keeping myself aware of what's happening in the world.

When I see images or videos about what people are suffering through and dealing with, I remind myself that I am in a place of privilege and I am sitting on this platform that I need to do something with.

Isra Speaks only keeps me motivated that people want this, people need this. And I need to give that to them because Allah has given me the blessing of being able to do that. Everything I have is because of God, I really believe in that. Plus this is my passion, this is what I live and breathe.

L: If you had the opportunity to change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?

I: If there was one thing that I could change and had the power to change, is to provide access to food and clean water to every person worldwide. I think every person is entitled to basic necessities to survive -- making sure that every person in this world has what they need.

L: What have you learned from having Deepak Chopra as your mentor?

I: I met Deepak at a day-long conference for the Shriver Report focused on social change and women’s empowerment. Deepak was on the panel with Maria Shriver, and I met him after the panel finished.

He asked me what my story was, and I responded describing myself and what my purpose is. He pointed out that I was the only hijabi in a room of 500 people. I told him one of the challenges I face in general is that I’m usually the only hijabi in these conversations, events, making these moves. I feel pressure, a lot of the times. It’s beautiful to represent my faith in a positive way, despite the pressure and criticism I have faced. It’s empowering for me when I see other Muslim women participating in these types of spaces.

He said, “Your hijab, and the way you dress and physically appear is there, it’s present, you don't need to state you're a Muslim, hijabi, Arab-American. People see it, don’t let them box you in with how you appear as who you are spiritually and what your purpose is.”

That to me was profound.

He really is a mentor. It has nothing to do with being religious or spirituality. It’s the fact that he’s a leader. He leads with the purpose of helping others and that to me is what I aspire to do, so we relate and connect on that platform.

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Q & A

Q & A

FEATURE L: What’s a typical day for you?

I: A typical day for me is going to work, where I have the privilege to attend influential and interesting events happening around D.C.-- all influencing change in one way or another.

During the school year, I go to work, commute to campus and I’m in class until 10 p.m., then I commute back home, and spend time reading and researching about what’s going on in the world and that’s when I take the time to post.

In the summer, I get more time to work on my website and attend networking events. I’ve been more involved with the Arab and Muslim communities in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. I don’t really sleep. I wish I spent more time sleeping, but there is so much to do and so little time!

L: What do you do for fun?

I: I sketch -- I love sketching and drawing. I’m still very much into architecture. I love hanging out with friends and family, grabbing dinner, talking about issues, attending events that are stimulating.

I also exercise -- hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, only because I grew up in Boulder, Colo., where everyone is into these hobbies. I love going to the movies -- escaping the world for a couple hours is always good. I’m into race car driving...just kidding.

I have a phobia of bodies of water- swimming pools, lakes, etc. You’ll never see me in water. I love rollercoasters and amusement parks in general.

Our last question for Isra came from “The Book of Questions” by Gregory Stock.

L: What is the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done and do you look back on it with more pleasure or regret?

I: I think the most outrageous thing I’ve ever done was running for student government elections in college. There was no precedent before me of any Muslim and Arab-American woman running, but the fact that I still did it despite the death threats that I received, the harassment I dealt with, despite being called a terrorist and being spat on, being attacked, the fact that I took that stance and didn't back down, was truly outrageous.

I look back at it with complete pride and happiness, and the fact that I did that, just motivates me to fight any obstacles that stand in my way of accomplishing my dreams, because I went through that at such a young age. I look back at it as a big stepping stone for me, for my courage and emotional development so now when I get comments, feedback or criticism, it just kind of rolls off my shoulders; it doesn’t impact me the way it could have or would have if I hadn’t had my past experiences.

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FEATURE

***The next morning this picture of Isra and Obama ended up on the front page of the Denver Post --

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the most popular newspaper in Colorado.

Another outrageous moment was the first time I met President Barack Obama – and I almost fell off the stage trying to meet him when he came to give a speech at my undergraduate university. I was standing behind him on the bleachers as he gave his speech, and I wanted to meet him after the speech was over. There were about 10,000 people in the stadium watching the stage and he was walking around shaking hands from the audience.

As he was about to exit the stadium, I ran to the side of the stage, leaned over and started screaming out his name to get his attention. He walked right up to me, looked up, reached out his hands, and grabbed mine. He told me hello and that I looked beautiful. It will forever be one of the most memorable experiences in my lifetime.

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HEALTH

how to have healthy Ram

Student nu

a mdan.

by: Leena Asad, nurse and blogger from With Love Leena

HEALTH

R

amadan is a month meant for attaining a higher sense of God consciousness with the additional benefits of cleansing the body and purifying the heart.

Unfortunately, many struggle to eat consciously during this time and find themselves gaining weight instead of benefitting from the cleanse. We must first learn what goes on inside the body during fasting in order to know how to eat properly and maximize the healthful benefits of this blessed month.

In the normal, non-fasting state, the body uses glucose (sugar) as the main source of energy.

In the 8 hours following a meal, the fasting state occurs naturally, where the body runs low on sugar and starts breaking down fat for fuel. This is what we want! Toxins in fat are released due to fat breakdown and are removed from the body. If the fast is extended for many days to weeks, starvation occurs where protein is the last energy source that the body uses. We don’t want that! Since there is plenty of time while the sun is down to replenish energy stores, fasting during Ramadan gives a gentle transition from using sugar for energy to burning fat, without breaking down protein. Now that we know what is going on inside, what can we do to make sure our body is burning fat and removing toxins instead of adding on pounds?

During Ramadan, many people feast all night on fried foods and desserts with the excuse that it’s okay since they will be fasting for multiple hours the next day. This is not the mindset that we need to have. The blessed Prophet (pbuh) said, “The children of Adam, fill no vessel worse than their stomach. Sufficient for him is a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air.” Also, chapter 20, verse 81 of the Quran states, “Eat of the good and wholesome things that We have provided for your sustenance, but indulge in no excess therein.” Therefore, nutritious and quality foods in moderate quantity are what will allow a successful cleanse during Ramadan.

Let’s look more in detail on how and what to eat on a fasting schedule.

Iftar is a crucial time for rehydration after a long day of fasting. Following the prophetic tradition of breaking one’s fast with dates and water has been scientifically proven to rehydrate the body more effectively than water alone due to key vitamins and minerals in dates. They also contain a special blend of glucose and fructose to reenergize the body in the short and long term. After breaking your fast with dates and water, it is also best to continue the prophet’s (pbuh) tradition and pray Maghrib right away. This gives your body a short time to process the water and dates that you just consumed so you do not overload your digestive system. It will also mentally prepare you to exhibit self-control and avoid overeating.

Dinner should be a normal-sized meal containing protein, fiber (which will prevent constipation) and healthy fats. Before your meal, it is also a good idea to eat homemade clear broth based soups, which will slowly awaken your digestive system and allow you to get a little more hydration. Beware of canned soups that have too much sodium, which can actually dehydrate the body. Here are a couple of dinner examples that contain protein, fiber and healthy fats: • Grilled chicken or fish with brown rice or quinoa and vegetables sautéed in olive oil • Lamb or beef with baked sweet potato and veggie salad with olive oil and lemon dressing I know there are many traditional foods from different cultures that are prepared during Ramadan, that are not necessarily healthy, but hard to go without! You can always make them healthier by using brown rice instead of white, baking or grilling instead of frying, substituting coconut oil for butter, using less sugar or oil and cooking with grape seed oil instead of canola to name a few. Desserts are also a big part of Ramadan traditions. If you

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crave something sweet after dinner, reach for fruit!

It is hard when there are so many different desserts around, but dates are usually available at everyone’s home during Ramadan and make the perfect healthy treat for your sweet tooth.

Suhoor is difficult at times because it is hard to think of eating a full meal when you would rather be sound asleep.

However, it is a practice of our prophet (pbuh) to eat suhoor before Fajr, which is the most important meal to sustain your energy the entire fasting day. Suhoor should also be a normal-sized meal of protein, fiber and healthy fats, but with a greater emphasis on the healthy fats. Fat is what keeps you satisfied and feeling full, not the amount of food you consume. Some examples of healthy fats include olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds and avocado. Here are some example suhoor meals that include protein, fiber and healthy fats:

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HEALTH

• Scrambled eggs with olive oil and whole grain bread with almond butter or avocado • Boiled eggs and oatmeal with banana, nuts and honey • Smoother (with a protein powder and healthy fat added like coconut oil, nut butter or avocado) Exercising during Ramadan can also be beneficial if done correctly.

During the fasting day, your blood pressure may be low and you may have an increased risk of muscle tears due to dehydration. If you wish to continue your fitness regimen, it is best to wait until after you break your fast so that you have the proper energy reserves and hydration. Power walking or light yoga and stretching are great ways to exercise during Ramadan.

I hope that you have enjoyed my tips and are able to use some of my advice to have a healthful and blessed Ramadan!

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A SPIRITUAL, EXERCISE: By: Hallima Ibrahim

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” No, not Christmas, but Ramadan, at least for Muslims that is. Ramadan is a month that people oftentimes look forward to because everything has so much meaning, even the most simple and basic deeds become great to do.

For me, this will be a special time to abstain from harmful activities and take care of my mental health.

Although Ramadan is a wonderful time where a lot of good happens, it is also hectic. Yes we may be feeding our souls, but we must remember to take care of our emotions and mental health as well.

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Someone once told me that health is making sure your mind, soul, heart and energy are all functioning properly and being taken care of.

Therefore, I want to share an exercise that you should use during the month of Ramadan and hopefully for the rest of the year.

First off, mental health has been ignored for too long in the Muslim community and many of us have been raised to believe that it is something taboo to discuss. Even today as a Psychology major, I cringe at the responses from my family members when I tell them and they ask me “So you want to work with crazy people?”

FITNESS However, there has been a breakthrough in our community/communities today as vast programs emerge to address this concern. I attended a spiritual retreat in Philadelphia this past month and learned the following exercise: • Lie flat on your back on something comfortable, and let your body rest flat on the surface.

• Begin to take deep breaths and do this continuously until you begin to feel the tension in your body unwinding.

• As you continue to do this, you will become conscious of what your body is doing but do not resist it. Let your body take control of itself. Your mind will race with thoughts, but don’t succumb to it. This will allow your mind to actively clear itself of any negative thoughts. If you become overwhelmed with emotions then just let it out, cry.

• You will begin to feel like you are about to sleep. Let yourself sleep, this means that your body wants to rest.

• Finally, read a verse of the Quran that you have memorized and if not, listen to a recitation before you lay down. The key here is not to move.

By the end of this exercise, your mind, your soul and your entire body will become in tune and you will be in control. Often times we allow other factors in our lives control how we feel, instead of allowing ourselves to take control.

This exercise will help you spiritually learn to become more conscious of our actions and ourselves. This exercise is meant to help us take care of our mental health, body and soul.

This can be practiced as a form of improper meditation and I highly recommend trying it after prayer or before bed.

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FASHION

Tory Burch, Ready to Wear Spring/ Summer 2014 Runway www.vogue.co.uk

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1

Bouchra Jarrar, Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2014 Runway www.vogue.co.uk

2

Giorgio Ar Prive, Cou Spring/Sum 2014 Runw www.vogu

3

Versace, Couture Spring/ Summer 2014 Runway www.vogue.co.uk

Modest Runway

rmani uture mmer way ue.co.uk

4

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CASUAL

to

festive Citra S t y l e’s Color Bursting Modest Summer Collection You Can’t Skip When temperatures turn layering into a challenge and modesty remain the number one priority from top to bottom, you need just the right amount of color and vibrancy to carry you through summers, gorgeously and gracefully.

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FASHION

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CITRA

As far as our be what we think most befitted co summer, in ter and theme

STYLE

est picks, here’s k make for the ombination this rms of the look separately.

Citra Style

summer trend report

I

n short – achieve that perfect modest look, uncompromised style, just the apt cut, and breathing space in all that you wear. We think your summertime wardrobe should be as full of potential as those long, balmy days. To help you pinpoint just what you need for you very own summer lineup, we narrowed down our top modest wardrobe essentials and color-pulsating summer looks, presented in exclusives by international modest fashion bloggermodel, YazTheSpaz and Nora Tehaili, Face of Citra Style’s Summer collection. These looks have been shot across the time frame of seven days in and around the heritage and modern vistas of Dubai by the supertalented Muslim fashion photographer, Lisa-Vogl Hamid.

Read on for the bright colors, interesting array of Citra Style’s themes, arresting silhouettes, and spirited design details that'll have you sorted for whether you opt for the out-and-about, a ritualistic 9-5 to take care of, meeting your BFF, shopping for groceries, picking up kids from school, or preparing for Ramadan and the festive celebration of Eid. Phew! No sweat! Just read on.

Citra Style’s pulsating colors, patterns, prints and vivacious themes have been designed maintaining the following terms in mind: bespoke-driven, atelier, curated, trendy, chic, modest fashion. Our collection has been carefully separated into four essentials themes, namely: Mediterranean Flowers, Chic in the City, Spirit Caravan and Festivities. With the stunning new Citra Style online shopping interface and exciting features such as: ‘Shop

By Look’ and ‘Shop By Theme,’ every modest Muslim fashion savvy customer who visits the website, gets a chance to explore a diverse array of modest styles, color contrasts, Islamic-inspired prints, eccentric and eclectic patterns and suggestive ideas of wardrobe combinations plus much more. All this readily available right at your fingertips: www.citrastyle.com

When modesty is the best policy, and color lovin’ choices are available in abundance, we’d say, look positively happy and refreshed all season long, and turn Coco Chanel’s quote to absolutely reality: “The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you!” True that!

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Instant EID LOOKS!

FASHION THE LOOK

Graphic T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt

Delia's, $40

Charlotte Russe, $6

Kabayare Fashion, $27 Aeropostle, $15

A leather jacket + graphic tee + maxi skirt combo breaks fashion rules...but who cares?!

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Vero Moda, $43 Forever 21, $9

Guess, $42 H&M, $43

Lulus, $22

THE LOOK The Jumpsuit is TOTALLY the new Maxi Dress. The awesome thing about jumpsuits is that some tend to come wider at the bottom (definitely a plus!)

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Jump Suit + Blazer

THE LOOK Prints + Bright Colors

We call pairing printed bottoms with a bright top BOLD. Go for a different look this Eid (maybe even going for a more colorful print for your bottoms!)

H&M, $14

Gap, $22

Target, $20

H&M, $34

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SNICKER C

Type of Dish: Dessert Cuisine Type: American Estimated time: 1 hour Level: Medium Serving Size: 20-25

CHEF’S NOTE I made this because when I need to study I will try to do anything but study. You need those dishes washed? I got you.

Just kidding. I made the dish because I never understood why snicker doodle cookies had the word snicker in it when the actual cookie didn’t include a Snickers bar. And hence the snicker cookie was born, staying true to its name. I love it because it’s a combination of the two greatest things to have ever existed in the world of food.

I prefer the cookie warm while the Snicker inside is still melted, but to each his own.

DIRECTIONS

- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick b set aside.

- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together sugars.

- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

- Reduce speed to low and add f lours, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, vanilla, an mix until well combined.

-Roll the cookie dough into about 20-25 balls. Flatten one ball and wrap the entire Snick the cookie dough and place it on the cookie sheet about two inches apart. Make sure holes in the dough and that the dough is not thin in some areas.

- Bake until lightly browned, but still soft, about 15-20 minutes, depending on what t you have. After 10 minutes use a toothpick to test it the dough is raw. Continue to check intervals.

- Cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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COOKIES

FOOD

By: Mahvish Danka

INGREDIENTS Snack size Snickers bars 1 pound unsalted butter 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar 2 1/4 cups packed lightbrown sugar 4 large eggs 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons pastry f lour 3 cups bread f lour 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 pounds bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped *I also added 2 tb cornstarch to help the cookies stay tender

baking mats;

r butter and

nd chocolate;

ker bar with there are no

type of oven k at 5-minute

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FRUIT TART By: Noori Ali

tart

INGREDIENTS

1 box vanilla instant pudding mix 1 orange, zested ½-cup seedless raspberry preserves 1-½ pints of mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries, etc.)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, optional Pie crust (see recipe)

tart DIRECTIONS -Make pudding according to package directions. Stir orange zest into the pudding and let stand until set.

-Spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves across the bottom of the crust.

-Top with pudding.

-Arrange fruit on pudding -Sprinkle pie with mint and serve immediately.

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FOOD

T crust

INGREDIENTS ½ cup granulated sugar 1- ½ cups all-purpose f lour 1- ½ sticks unsalted butter, sliced, at room temperature

crust

DIRECTIONS -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. -Blend all ingredients in food processor until the mixture forms a ball.

-Press the dough into a 12-inch round tart (or cake) pan with a removable bottom until the crust is even on sides and bottom.

-Bake for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned.

-Cool completely before assembling tart.

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EL GOUNA, EGYPT: On her visit to Egypt this summer, Layali Travel photographer Noha Hamid, explored the Red Sea in Hurghada, Egypt.

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TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

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TRAVEL

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Marina, boats & restaurants

WASHINGTON D.C

story & photography by: Maso

ouna Kochaji

EXPLORATION As a child, school field trips to D.C. were a frequent highlight.

Minutes from the district, the skyline becomes visible and among other monuments, one sticks out above the rest -the Pencil. That pencil, also known as the Washington Monument, is an iconic part of D.C. tourism. People from all across the world travel to D.C. to walk along the National Mall, and eventually take the breathtaking tour up the Washington Monument.

Unfortunately, on August 23, 2011 the Washington Monument was damaged by an earthquake, resulting in the closing of the monument ever since. As a native of Virginia, I was disappointed as I had yet to take the journey up the Monument. And with the damage caused by the earthquake, I worried I'd never have the opportunity to do so.

I’m a photographer now and social media has become the platform to share photos with the world. Instagram particularly allows me to share my world through my lens with countless individuals I'd otherwise never be able to share it with.

A new trend among major organizations and corporations is to host “Instameets.� These meet-ups encourage "Instagrammers" to come together and offer their followers live updates of

an event or experience. In January 2014, I was selected to attend the National Zoo's first Instameet to see the new baby panda. Having been an incredible experience, I began connecting with other Instagrammers to keep in touch through future Instameets.

While scrolling through my Instagram feed in April, I came upon a post regarding an Instameet for the reopening ceremony of the Washington Monument. The Department of U.S. Interior was looking for 12 Instagrammers to share the reopening ceremony with their followers. As always, I had second thoughts about applying to be selected.

I worried they would be looking for professional photographers, or people with massive followings on social media. I gave it a shot regardless, so after submitting my application, the days passed by and I had nearly forgotten about the opportunity altogether.

On April 21, I received an email stating that I had been selected for the reopening Instameet. My heart stopped, a rush of every emotion, if all goes as planned, I'd be of the first to tour the reopened Washington Monument and I'd get to share the experience with my Instagram followers.

The day finally arrived

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MONU-MEET

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as I observed the rows of chairs set up facing a stage, with the glorious Washington Monument as the backdrop. Heads of different departments were swarming the event and news crews were closing in. I wasn't sure how I got to be amongst such a crowd, but I could only acknowledge it as a blessing.

The Instagramming began there. All 12 of us selected to cover the event used #monumeet as the hashtag so that individuals across the globe could follow our posts about the reopening ceremony of the Washington Monument.

The ceremony itself was fantastic. Getting the opportunity to sit in the reserved section and meeting those involved in the reopening efforts was memorable. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Instagrammers were led to the monument. Soon passing through security, we were escorted to the monument elevator. In just moments I would get to experience the breathtaking view of D.C. from the beautiful Washington Monument.

The “bing� of the elevator doors parting signaled our moment to pour out onto the floor and hustle over to one of the four available windows. Light filled my eyes, a dream coming true. Here, I stood at the top of the Pencil overlooking the beloved D.C. As a young Muslim-American photographer I realized what a privilege and blessing it was to be offered this opportunity. May 12, 2014 the monument reopened, and I was a part of the historic

EXPLORATION

event, but what made it even better is that I was able to share the event with individuals across the globe via social media. *Photos from @masounakphotography feed for #monumeet event*

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LINKED IN

Beauty IN

BROKEN

by Mahvish Danka

G

rowing up, we’re taught to count our blessings, that no matter where we stand, we are still more fortunate than someone else in the world.

Everyone to a certain extent is grateful for their family, their loyal friends, a roof over their head, the food on the table, good health etc, but that list is so generic it no longer holds any merit.

It’s easy to appreciate the things we have been given when life is going well, but how thankful are we when things get taken away from us? How much do we appreciate our heartbreaks and downfalls?

Some people reach a point in their life where they regret all the poor decisions they have made. They want to take back the time they wasted with the wrong people, the time they didn’t give to the right people, the trust they gave to those who didn’t deserve it, the years spent chasing a fruitless ambition only to reach a dead end. But what we fail to recognize is that no experience is a waste of time.

Your past, both good and bad, has built you into the person you are today. Celebrate the wisdom your downfalls gave you and remember that the only power your past should hold is the power to turn you into a better person than you were before.

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Be grateful for your struggles, they gave you your strength.

Be grateful for every moment in life that pushed you down to your knees, it taught you how to stand.

Be grateful for every person who wronged you, they helped you appreciate the people who never did.

We think the purpose of life is to figure out its mystery, but the truth is there is nothing to solve. Things fall apart, and then come back together. Each storm that destroys you holds a lesson. The point of life isn’t to try to figure out the key to your happily ever after, nor is it to make your heart so hard that nothing can break you. The point is to learn to rise, to rise from the ashes every time you get burned.

Something beautiful happens when someone’s world shatters, a humility rises out of it. And sometimes when life brings a person to their knees, they learn how to bow down and pray. Your character when you hit rock bottom reveals a lot about who you are. Don’t run away from that, embrace it.

Just when you learn to admire the beauty of the sunset, it leaves you.

But learn to love the darkness as well, because it’s the darkness that teaches you the value of the sunrise it brings.

FROM

retweet

to internship

by Ola Alghazzouli

O

ne day this past spring semester, I logged into Twitter -- a popular social media site. Now you may be thinking, “Well, what’s so special about that?” But this log-in wasn’t an ordinary stalk session or, “I’m so bored, let me log into Twitter.” When I was browsing through my timeline that spring day, one tweet in particular caught my eye.

Helping Hand for Relief and D e v e l o p m e n t, a nonprofit organization that aims to satisfy those in afflicted areas around the world, tweeted a flyer for an internship.

I clicked on the flyer thinking it would be a perfect opportunity for me, as I wanted to do something

meaningful this summer.

I looked at the flyer again and noticed that the deadline was in FOUR days.

“What can I lose by trying, right,” I thought.

I didn’t hesitate for a second and took the chance. I applied and submitted everything

interview shortly after.

The night before my interview, I went on their website, learned more about them and took notes on a piece of paper. During the interview, I was asked what I liked about HHRD, what I knew about it and so forth.

on the last day of the deadline. With patience and constant duaa (supplication) for the best, Allah slowly opened one door after another. I was contacted for an

I was honest with my coordinator as I took out my “cheat-sheet” and looked up what I wrote. It helped me out tremendously, since it showed I was taking the opportunity

seriously.

As a humanitarian organization, HHRD has various programs to support the global community.

The Sponsor an Orphan program is just one example of the work that they do. I had admired their work for awhile and when I was told I got the internship, I truly felt blessed.

If it wasn’t for being on Twitter that spring day and seeing that retweet, I wouldn’t have found this internship.

The majority of my peers today have various online accounts -Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and the list goes on.

All these popular networking sites can be helpful to anyone if used wisely. So keep a look-out and you might just land yourself an internship just like me.

*photo courtesy of Helping Hand for Relief & Development

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Salaam LOVE By: Nesima Aberra

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m

REVIEWS “Muslim men are often not seen as talented or desirable…We don’t celebrate Muslim men, their talent and contributions and this book will do that.”

These were the words of Ayesha Mattu, one of the editors of the new anthology Salaam Love: American Muslim Men on Love, Sex, and Intimacy, at the recent book launch event in San Francisco. This anthology is a companion to the highly successful collection, Love, Inshallah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women, edited by Mattu and Nura Maznavi.

The editors divided the book into three sections: Umma: It Takes a Village, Sirat: The Journey, and finally Sabr: In Sickness and in Health.” This arrangement helped weave connections between the men’s experiences by emphasizing particular themes from family and community, transformation and growth, and the difficulties of sustaining relationships.

With so many stories, some are bound to be “better” than others not only in terms of pure storytelling technique, but also in terms of the lessons learned from their relationships. I’ve chosen to highlight four stories in this review that resonated with me the most as I read.

A Pair of Photos by Ahmed Ali Akbar This story ruminated on intergenerational love and how a parent’s presence (or absence) in this case can impact their children’s relationships. The author begins with telling the story of a photo depicting his parents’ wedding. They meet as medical students in Pakistan and have the coveted love marriage, ignoring culture, caste and status. His mother, Raani, is an ambitious, fearless feminist. His father, Chacha, is a quiet, loyal man. His family ultimately disapproved of the marriage to Raani and boycotts the wedding.

Raani and Chacha move to the US as

newlyweds and experience the difficult, lonely life of immigrants establishing their careers and navigating their relationship and children. Raani is diagnosed with cancer and dies when the author is only 22. Her death changes the author as he struggles to understand his father better and seek guidance from him.

I loved the usage of photos as a tool for the author to study his parents’ relationship and personalities. I think everyone can relate to wanting to use our parents’ relationship as an example to inform us of how to find the right person to marry.

Prom, Inshallah Moghul

by

Haroon

This story was a lot of fun to read because it touched on a seminal part of the American high school experience: prom. Every Muslim has a different opinion of the appropriateness of attending the event, but we can all relate to the fact that it sucks to be left out of anything.

Haroon’s story of a brown kid who knew he couldn’t date, dance or drink, but wanted so desperately to go to prom with a beautiful classmate named Carla, was an entertaining tale of the underdog. His desire to go to prom forces him to get his first job ever at McDonald’s, (that he has to hide from his parents) so he can make enough money for a date.

It’s easy to complain about double standards in the Muslim community and that Muslim men can get away with things we women would not be able to, such as going to prom with a date, but Haroon shows a sensitive, thoughtful side to the 17-year-old Muslim male that just wants to belong in the world.

“We can want what others want and still want it for ourselves. Sometimes we’re unable to point to where our desires begin and others’ end,” he writes. I couldn’t agree more.

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REVIEWS

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The Ride by Ramy Eletreby

Ramy’s story was a heartbreaking, powerful exploration of love and relationships from the perspective of a devout Arab Muslim who happens to be gay. He struggles to suppress his feelings and desires while maintaining an acceptable image for his family and community.

“Those moments of restriction then became signals to give more praise to Allah,” he writes.

His friendship with a rebellious, captivating man named Corey allowed Ramy to learn how to be comfortable with himself but also introduces him to the dangerous world of drugs and alcohol. When Ramy is outed to the public and his family rejects him, he turns to Corey for consolation. Even though Corey is an atheist, he tells Ramy that one day in the future it’s possible for him to find a way back to Allah.

I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story but I loved it as a great example of how Muslim men are balancing the various identities they hold and that discussing sexuality in a healthy way can help people from harming themselves. There are serious consequences for our community turning away people who seek God’s guidance and love.

The Promise by Alan Howard

Alan and his wife came from different worlds: he was a convert from South Carolina, she was the daughter of Filipino immigrants in San Francisco.

When he met Joan for the first time, her cancer was in remission. I love the bold line he says to her when he sees her scar and strikes up a conversation.

“The cancer affects you, but it doesn’t define you. What do you plan to do with the rest of your life?”

Joan and Alan begin a beautiful marriage with happiness and joy until the cancer returns and pushes their family through extraordinary pain and suffering. We often hear the story of the woman who battles against cancer, but rarely are we privy to the emotional and spiritual trauma of her partner. This story is a tear-jerker, but also a wonderful testament to the true expression of commitment through sickness and in health.

Perhaps because I am an American-Muslim woman, I related to the “Love, Inshallah” anthology more than “Salaam Love,” but nevertheless I was grateful to have a chance inside the mysterious minds of American Muslim men (or at least 22 of them), who rarely offer an honest, emotional perspective on the issue of love. The challenges Muslim men face in understanding how to discover, build and sustain healthy relationships is an important topic that should be discussed as well as how our faith and culture impact our understanding of love. It should not be one we speak of out of shame, guilt and nostalgia. As Mattu elegantly stated at the launch event, “We need to reclaim the word love into Islam. God made us to love each other.”

You can purchase Salaam Love here and follow the Love, Inshallah blog for more stories, advice and conversation here.

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Ready FOR

RAMADAN

Simple Make-up Routine

By: Nadia Shahzad Are you looking to change up your daily makeup routine and want a simpler, more natural look for Ramadan that won't take too much of your time?

Well, now is a good time to change it up!

In three steps, you'll figure out just what you need in order to have a simple, yet beautiful look for this Ramadan. Look out for the products recommended in this article and seek to try new beauty products for your new routine. The products mentioned throughout the article are my personal recommendations and favorites so far!

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse

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Revlon ColorStay Foundation

Apply your foundation like you normally would. It's no surprise that we first have to start off with a clean, flawless foundation routine. Since it is summer, most women go for a lightweight foundation for low to medium coverage.

If you're in no need of coverage, I would recommend a BB cream; there are many good ones out there!

After you have applied your foundation, it's time for concealer. Below are some great recommendations for foundations and concealers.

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer

Step 1: Foundation and Concealer

Step 2: Eyes and Brows

Rimmel London Eyebrow Pencil

Makeup Forever: Smoky Extravagant Mascara

TUTORIALS Loreal Telescopic in "Carbon Black"

For a simple makeup look, we need to keep the eyes well... simple! Use a black eye pencil and tight line the upper waterline for a fuller lash line effect.

Next, whip out your favorite mascara and apply one to two coats at most. Don't forget your lower lash line as well.

Filled in brows give a more youthful and overall polished look to any woman's face. Just keep in mind to choose a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow color. Below are my recommendations for mascaras and eye brow pencils.

Loreal Lipstick in "Fairest Nude"

To complete this look, we have three more products to use. To set your foundation and concealer, apply your preferred translucent face powder. Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks, but don't overdo it! We want to keep this look effortless and as natural as possible. Then, line your lips with a liner closest to the natural color of your lips, and dab a lipstick that is also a natural color according to your complexion and your simple Ramadan look is complete!

NYX Bronzer & Blusher Combo

Step 3: Face Powder, Blush, and Lipstick.

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