LAYALI FALL
Volume 2, Issue 1
2014
IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD
TRENDS
+ “Louella”
fashion
+
GLUTEN -FREE CRAZE
on
FENCING
e u s s i H T 5
editors’ letter Salam,
Growth doesn’t happen over one night, but over many.
What is fearlessness? What is courage? Are they the same thing? Growth requires us to overcome our fears, whatever they may be. Growth is about standing in front of your fears instead of letting your fears stand in front of you. As women, we face many fears. Society tells us that a woman who stands up for what she believes in or for what she passionate for is “over the top” and “too bossy.” The MuslimAmerican community undoubtedly needs more women to be courageous and involved in solving issues related to us as women and to us as a community. The fear of how we might be perceived is always lurking in the backs of our minds. We, as a community, however, must stand up to our fears and say “no, not today.” We have a lot to offer and we won’t let the fear of failure or negative perception stop us from being bold and different. Muslimahs like Ibtihaj Muhammad, (on the cover and pg. 24 ) shows us just how far being courageous and fearless can take you. As a professional sabre fencer and member of the United States fencing team, she makes sure her daring job coincides with her faith. However, we all have different fears and go about overcoming them in different ways. Fencing isn’t the only way to show just how fearless Muslimahs can be. Fearlessness and courage come from our passion to make the world a better place. Standing up to injustice (p. 10, 70) or finally accepting our bodies (p. 79) are both ways to master the fear that lays inside our minds and bring up the subdued courage we all have. Being fearless and courageous also includes adjusting to motherhood for the first time (pg. 22) and transitioning from a young intern to a full-time employee (pg. 14) among other events all women experience. Once again, we -- Muslim-American women -- all are brave enough to stand in the way of our fears. It is time we let our courage shine. Keep faith, Omama Altaleb & Rawan Elbaba
@omama_altaleb & @roelbaba
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LAYALI Editorial Editior-in-Chief Omama Altaleb
Executive Editor Rawan Elbaba
Cover Photo: Noha Hamid Contributors: Deen & Spirituality- Zainab Alwani In School-Sharmin Shanur Career-Zohra Alnoor The Wife Life-Samirah Nabbus Motherhood- Sumayya Sahin Nutrition & Health- Leena Asad Fitness- Najma Khorrami Fashion- Somayyah Ghariani Food- Nada Ibrahim & Noori Ali Travel - Noha Hamid Exploration- Masouna Kochaji Linked In-Lena Nour Book Reviews- Anwar Omeish Beauty/Tutorial- Dhefaf Alwazir Advice Column- Mahvish Danka & Sameen Bozai
Any Muslim lady can contribute to Layali Webzine. (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 School-wide Drive for Gaza
Life -- Career From intern to employee
Life -- The Wife Life Bonding over cooking
Life -- Motherhood Post-partum follow-up
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ENTS 30 32 38 50 54
Health Gluten-free craze
Fitness
The ability of exercise to sharpen the mind and to motivate
Fashion Modest runway Fall fashion trends Layali picks Louella
Food Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Pretzel Sugar Cookies Tres Leches
Travel & Exploration Alexandria, Egypt Best day trips
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CONTENTS Linked In Mike Brown & Social Media
Reviews 1Q84
Tutorials How to perfect the brows
Advice What makes us human Body image and media
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I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Nelson Mandela
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tafsir
CORNER Contemplating surah Luqman: Why we shouldn’t associate anyone with Allah? By: Dr. Zainab Alwani
B
eing granted with wisdom is the ultimate blessing that Allah bestowed on us. Surah 31, Luqman, explores human wisdom as approved by the Divine. Luqman was an ordinary person; however, the Qur’an highlighted his wisdom. Why and how? Ayah 13: “Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction: "O my son! Join not in worship (others) with Allah, for false worship is indeed the highest wrong-doing." The man asked his son to worship the One, and to associate anyone or thing with Him is the greatest wrong doing. Is this enough to teach the intellectual person? The Qur’an explains the reason and answers the question “why should I do that?” Because Allah has equipped humanity with free will so they freely choose to love and worship Allah. All the other creations submit to the Creator with no choice, including angels. In this surah, Luqman took the journey of teaching his son how to seek the truth by questioning, researching and finding evidences to prove his assumption. If the Creator is Merciful, show me how? An amazing reminder for
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SPIRITUALITY human kind is of their parents. The first stepof creation happens in your mother’s womb. Then for nine months you are cared for. Therefore, in this surah, Allah reminds us of the most loving and caring person -- our mothers, and asks us to be grateful to them. It reveals that the most caring people are the parents, however, even our parents may misguide us. Allah reminds us that we are still equipped with intellect and a heart that recognizes the truth. He also guides us to discover our internal strength that allows us to love and care for our parents regardless of the different paths we chose. Through his mercy, He teaches us to be merciful. Ayah 14. “And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.” Ayah 15. "But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did." Allah, the Most merciful, preferred to answer all the unspoken questions and leaves no doubts in his servants’ minds. Luqman, the wise man, teaches his son and all of us to know more about God and His infinite knowledge. He connects us with the universe by inspiring our imagination to go out there and look for a small seed under a rock or even in the heaven or the entire earth, Allah is capable to bring it and solve its mystery. Now we know that we can’t hide from Allah, because He is with us everywhere we go. If we need him, He will be the closest to us. If we don’t want Him to see us in a bad situation, we cannot hide from Him. We then choose our relationship with Him. Ayah 16. "O my son!" (said Luqman), "If there be (but) the weight of a mustardseed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: for Allah understands the finest mysteries, (and) is well-acquainted (with them).”
If we want to be close and intimate, Luqman shows us the way of asking how. Regular prayers maintain open communication with Allah. Life is hard so we have to prove our beliefs and values by standing for justice and having the virtue of patience. Knowing the power and ultimate knowledge of God teaches us how to be humble and kind with people and everything around us. Ayah 17. "O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs. Ayah 18. "And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster. Ayah 19. "And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass." Allah in this surah continues to remind humanity of His mercy through His creation. It is interesting that as He presents proof for another of His love, He demands from people who claimed other gods to present the same. Otherwise, it should be rejected. The Qur’an always teaches us to use our intellect and logic and there must be proof or evidence for any argument before we believe in it. Because casualty is the foundation of the creations and there is a reason for everything, we are encouraged to look for it and find it. He teaches us that there will be no limits of Allah’s knowledge or His power. We will be closer to Him by expanding our knowledge and travel the earth, the sea and heavens, and when we need His help, He will be there for us. It is interesting to end the surah with five unsolved mysteries that only Allah knows of, the exact time of the final hour, the unborn embryo whether it will be born at all, and if so, what its natural talents and its character will be, as well as what role it will be able to play in life, and no one knows in what land we will die; and life itself is symbolized by the preceding mention of rain, and the end of life in this world. At the end of this journey, He will be waiting for us. Are we prepared to meet with Him? (Ayahs 20-34).
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LIFE
Pro #SAVE
roject EGAZA by: Sharmin Shanur
IN SCHOOL
T
he last several months have been a death ride for the Palestinian people in Gaza. Many of them were assaulted by airstrikes, while others remained in UN shelters with the constant fear of hunger, violence and depleting medical aid. The exponential number of casualties since the start of the conflict sends shivers down my whole body. Even when I close my eyes to the unbelievable images on TV, the scene of pregnant women seeking prenatal vitamins to protect their unborn children, the elderly trying to ration their energy, and fathers giving away their food to their children in order to ensure their survival, penetrate my vision. Unfortunately, the media seemed to focus on the political aspect of this war and channels such as CNN or CCTV constantly debate about whether Palestinians are the perpetrators and Israelis the victims or vice-versa. Addressing the need for humanitarian aid and medical assistance has become a secondary concern to the media. As American Muslims we must be the “maintainers of justice”(Surah al-Maida: 8) and should never passively accept cruelties because as stated in the Quran, saving one life is like saving all of humanity. After reading the wise sayings in Surah al-Maida, I began to contemplate the different trajectories I can take to maintain justice. Eventually, an idea
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manifested in my mind and I thought to myself, “Maybe I should start a #SaveGaza drive at my school, that is only concerned with providing children with food, elderly with basic necessities, and pregnant women with vitamins.” This idea had a major domino effect because the minute I spoke to my community service coordinator she was astonished and wanted to start a fundraiser immediately. Suddenly, a close Jewish friend of mine who had volunteered at an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots organization informed me that she knew a Palestinian who would love to provide a personal account of her struggle in Israel. My small idea that seemed minor but necessary at the time exploded into a major event that I am still coordinating. The #SaveGaza drive is beginning to educate my high school and my predominantly unaware teenage friends about the situation in Gaza and how we, as teenagers, can enact change through saving lives. Of course I am not writing this article to merely display my achievements, I would like my story to be a precedent for all of you reading this article to start a school wide drive at your school. If you appeal to logos and pathos, you might just lead your school’s administration to see your idea as a great event for your school. Here are a few techniques you can use to jumpstart a #SaveGaza drive at your school:
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Simply start your conversation about Palestine by addressing the over 2,100 Palestinians who have died, 578 of them children, 261 of them women and 102 of them elderly people. Show pictures and explain the implications of this humanitarian crisis.
Explain why this drive appeals to the school’s community (My school’s mission is to establish “women of great heart and right conscience” so I used this go-to saying to establish the point that my drive will promote the saying aforementioned.)
Define the mission of your #SaveGaza drive. Make sure the drive does not seem like another way your school can persuade parents to donate money to another unneeded cause
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Draw out the logistics of this drive. Make sure it is fun by possibly scheduling a speaker to speak about the theme of your drive.
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Most importantly pick a legitimate organization that will use the money of your drive to help Palestinians.
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Make sure you allow your school is aware of the organization you are donating to and also let the students be informed of that as well.
Remember as Muslims it is our mission to save and preserve human life. As stated in Surah al Maida ayah 32, saving a human life is like saving all of humanity. This statement was not simply reveled to the prophet to read and preach, it was sent to us as a path, we as human beings, must take when addressing conflict. I hope you all have an affinity for justice and human life because in the end of the day, taking away one’s life will not solve anything. Rather, preserving one’s soul is the method we should all take when seeking justice.
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7
tips to make a job out of your
internship
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By: Zohra Alnoor
[CARE]ER [CARE]ER
So
I'm about to do the super common 'insert a quote into the beginning of an article' thing, but I seriously do like this quote and it relates to the topic of today: internships. "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Those words came from Benjamin Franklin and I bet it was because he had a sucky internship where they never gave him things to do so he just played around with marbles until someone noticed he was there. I say this only because I’ve heard so many internship stories and I think that Franklin’s words really resonate with me when it comes to this subject. Interning at a company where you will take home unique lessons that can be used in the real working world is a gem in today’s society. It’s what every college student should strive to acquire and I know this from experience. I've gone from being an intern to training them. I began my current television career as an intern at Fox 5 Local News in Washington, D.C. in January of 2011. It was my junior year of college and the opportunity to apply for the internship sort of fell in my lap. After a semester interning at a station in a Top 10 television market, I was hired as a Promotions Producer in July of 2011. In this article, I'm hoping to share details
on how to make an impression on the company employees you’re interning for in order to score a job after your internship. My goal here is to hand you advice that will leave those company workers wanting to hire you once you’re ready to join the working world. None of these methods are guaranteed of course, but after seeing so many interns come and go, I know what the people you’ll be interning for will probably like, and what they won't like. In your last two years of college, you're going to meet many students who are working at internships and you'll probably find an internship yourself, whether it’s for college credit or for your own experience alone. Hopefully you're super duper excited, but in the case that you’re not, then look for a better opportunity. No one wants to be stuck at an internship that they don’t enjoy or aren’t learning from and there are always internships out there, you just need to look for them. Don’t be afraid to aim high and don’t ever doubt yourself, even if you think you won’t make it. Always expect yourself to get whatever it is that you set your mind on and once your mind is focused on your goal, drop your expectations. For example, expect not to be paid because then you won’t be disappointed when they tell you you'll only be getting college credit for your six months of hard work. Sorry folks, but most places do this, and for a good reason. This leads me to my first piece of advice:
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Work as if you're getting paid a ton of money
Most people who read this probably already do this and I love you for that. But for those of you that think you’re doing a company a favor by working for them for free (and there are people who really think this) then you need to check yo’self before you wreck yo’self. Literally. You’ll wreck your chances of ever getting a job with this company. Not interested in ever working for that company so you think you can slack off? Nope! Don’t do it. The recommendation that you can acquire from your supervisor is what you’ll need in the future. Don’t burn those bridges. Build yourself a friggin’ Golden Gate Bridge with your work relationships. Interns are great! Full-time employees love them because they really do help lighten their workload so they can focus on bigger projects, plus the fresh faces added around the department keep things new and interesting and who doesn’t love that? But you need to remember that when interns aren’t there, full-time employees handle all of the work just as efficiently as before. Interns are like sprinkles. Everyone loves them, but you don’t necessarily need them to enjoy your ice cream cone. Working hard at your internship is something that will mostly benefit you, so try NOT to take it for granted.
There will be many slow moments in your workday, but show that you’re interested and eager to learn and take on responsibility. Approach all of the employees that you’re working with directly and ask them if they have any work they want you to complete. I’ve had many interns approach me with this question and they were the ones I always remembered. Most of the time, there probably won’t be any work for you to complete if you’re already sitting there with nothing to do, but at least you asked before working on your homework or surfing the Internet.
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Always ask for more work
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This one can be really hard to do, especially if you’ve got a full school schedule, but if you know that you can sacrifice one night of Bollywood movie night with your friends, then give up that time and work that extra shift. Doing this will help you become a face that everyone recognizes and trusts. Gaining that trust is extremely important in the work world. You want your employers to have faith in you when it comes to handing you different projects.
Work extra hours if they need you
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This one is something you would think is obvious, but a lot of interns don’t ever ask questions. Employers will hand interns assignments and the students will get the job done flawlessly, but they’ll never ask what it is they’re working on or why. The job is completed almost automatically, and they never know what it’s for. Show interest in what you do, even if you’re stuck at a company that you have no passion for. You never know what may interest you.
Ask questions
When working long hours most interns will begin to open up to their new colleagues. I’m all for this because these people are part of your new “work family.” But that doesn’t mean you have free reign to talk about whatever you want, no matter how comfortable you get. Use extreme caution when approaching topics like politics, religion, family/friend problems, work/internship problems, relationships, etc. Remember, you’re still in a “probation period” if you think about it. Make a good impression on your new full-time colleagues. Everything you say and do is being evaluated, so really think before you speak.
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Be aware of your words
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This is an easy one. Speak to everyone kindly; no matter how they speak to you. Some people may be rude, this can and probably will happen at some point in your career, but don’t ever let it change you. Be yourself and don’t ever let it make you bitter or mean. You should never let one person ruin your experience, whether it’s at an internship or not. Keep smiling and stay positive. Folks who may be a little hard to work with, may even start to warm up to you.
Respect everyone
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Don’t ever think that you need to mold yourself into someone you’re not just to fit in. I still remember in my first week of my internship, the other interns were talking about their favorite alcoholic drinks, they were cursing freely, they were talking about their weekend out at the club or at a house party. It was an extremely different world for me and I automatically felt like I wouldn’t fit in. I stayed true to myself and told everyone, ‘I don’t drink,’ ‘I’m not into the clubbing scene,’ etc. I was relieved when everyone respectfully asked me questions about what I was interested in, which then somehow led me to writing everyone’s names in Arabic, something that they were hilariously super impressed with. The group clicked right away, and through all of our differences, we all got along and our little work family began to grow. The advice above is a collection of things that I’ve told my younger siblings, friends and acquaintances when they asked me for suggestions to try and snag a job after their internships. Over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error what methods work more than others and although no situation is black and white, I think a lot of these could make a difference in your internship experience. Got a question, comment, or your own advice/experience that you want to share? Tweet me @motheroftootie!
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Be Yourself
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COOKING UP CONVERSATION
by Samirah Nabbus
I
h a v e to admit that cooking used to be my least favorite thing to do. I could make a mean grilled cheese, but that was about it. I can bake but you can’t necessarily eat cake and cookies for dinner, unfortunately. Before getting married, I knew I’d have to cook but I didn’t really put too much effort in trying to learn figuring I would learn as I went along. Well, that didn’t happen. Julia Child said “...no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” That is exactly what I needed to do! My husband and I began to cook together, which has really changed my perspective on cooking. After work, I usually come home and join my husband who has already started preparing food. This has to be one of my favorite things about married life. I don’t feel stressed to get everything done on my own. We work together to make a great meal. While
cooking, we often talk about how the day went, upcoming plans, or we joke around. It also makes the time go by quickly. It’s a great time to learn more about your spouse. There’s always something new to learn, big or small. My husband tends to be more adventurous when it comes to choosing meals for the week. Every Sunday we choose recipes and come up with the grocery list. We love doing our grocery shopping together. These are all great times for us to bond and they just so happen to revolve around food. I’ve realized that it takes time and effort to get better at cooking. So, I think that cooking with my husband has really made all the difference. It’s the perfect time for us to bond and have enjoyable conversations. If you haven’t started cooking with your spouse, it’s never too late. It’s a great way to strengthen your connection!
THE WIFE LIFE
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MOTHERHOOD
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Mommy is a night flower
It
is quite ironic that as I write this reflection on my post-partum experience, I am rocking my teething, feverish, coughing baby in his bouncer and spent the last 48 hours reflecting on how my first few months with him prepared me for days like this... When I rock him back to sleep in the middle of the night, trying to soothe him from his fever and aches, I remember the night before my husbands’ medical school graduation with our 6-week-old. I spent that night in a hotel room, catching little pockets of sleep and waking every 30 minutes to a screaming baby that needed to be rocked, danced and soothed back to sleep. That night felt like it would never end. And now that I know it did, I know that every long, sleep-deprived night will have its sunrise as well. When my son is so sick that he refuses to consume anything but mother’s milk, I remember how lucky I am to be able to still be nursing and comforting him in this way. I had so many issues in the beginning with production and letdowns and moments in which I was completely dry. I think often of all the prayers and charities I gave in order to continue being blessed with milk for my baby. I am so thankful to have this means of providing for him, and have to remind myself not to take it for granted. When I see my son crying out of pain and discomfort with a high fever, listless behavior and no desire to eat or drink, I have to calm my fears. I have to do what I
By: Sumayya Sahin
can and remember that health and wellness is from Allah. I remember the moments my anxiety would consume me because my newborn couldn’t breathe through his nose, was screaming from gas, or wasn’t able to burp. Allah got us through those moments and guided us to the solutions to those problems. His Healing is the only healing and I remind myself to trust in Him completely to guide us to the good and protect us from harm. When I think of those first few months of motherhood, I remember the darkest moments of my life. But in moments of darkness, we are able to experience an intensity of insight that we could never have known was possible. I realize now that like a flower that blooms in the dark night and skin that thickens with harshness, I too, blossomed and strengthened as a mother, woman and Servant of God. It is clear to me now that our tests from Allah are blessings from Him on this path of parenthood that will ultimately help us raise righteous, strong, patient and Godconscious children. We will teach them from our own experiences with the hopes that they do not have to learn them on their own, just as our parents have done the same for us. Most importantly, however, our tests from Him are a means to draw us closer to Him. And therein lies the greatest blessing of all. May Allah, Mighty and Majestic, preserve, protect and increase our parents in all that’s good and forgive them completely. God have mercy upon them, as they cared for us in our childhood. Ameen.
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FEATURE
Mu
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FEATURE
ibtihaj uhammad Q & A by: Omama Altaleb & Rawan Elbaba Photos by: Noha Hamid
Layali had a chance to catch up with the only Muslim-American woman on the U.S. fencing team -- Ibtihaj Muhammad -- at the 51st annual ISNA convention in Detroit, Mich. Dressed in her very own design, Muhammad talks about growing up around sports, how she got into fencing and creating Louella, a modest clothing-line.
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Q&A Q: How did you get into fencing? A: I played a ton of different sports, you know. Sports have always been a part of my family. I’m one in five children. I have one brother and three sisters and we’ve always played different sports. It was really important for us to be active, so you know there’s different things. I’ve tried tennis, I’ve ran track, you know kids’ softball things like that. And when I got to around 12 or 13, my mom told me she wanted me to play a sport where I could be covered, or where I wouldn’t have to alter the uniform in a way in order to participate. So in track, I wore like long spandex and long t-shirts, under the shorts. The same thing in volleyball, I would wear sweatpants you know when my teammates wore tank tops. So, it was interesting, we were in New Jersey and we were driving past the local high school and my mom noticed a sign that had fencing masks on. At the time, she didn’t know what the sport was. She was like I don’t know what it is but I want you to try it and at that time I was 12. So, when I got to high school and I tried it, I remember doing some research after seeing the different colleges that had teams and I noticed this trend among the top 10 schools, they all had fencing teams. So for me, it wasn’t just about finding a sport that was accommodating for my faith but also I thought it was a way to go to a good school. Q: So you have your mom to thank, right? A: Even now, I mean my mom is my biggest supporter. She has always been a strong support system for me and believing in me as an athlete. And as a woman, I think within our community, we kind of shy away from getting our girls into sports. And for my mom, it’s always been really important to her that her daughters be involved in sports. Q: How important is it for Muslim women to be engaged in sports and a healthy lifestyle? A: It’s not necessarily about religion at all, this is something that is important for all of us. We should all lead healthy lifestyles. I’m apart of a counsel with the United States Department of State. A few years ago, I was asked by former secretary Clinton, and the initiative they are pushing is to empower women through sports. I noticed within the Muslim community, especially within cultural groups, that it’s not a part of the fabric to be involved in any type of active lifestyle. I think it’s problematic, but I am seeing a change. Just boys having basketball tournaments in the Muslim community. ISNA hosted their first 5k ever, which I thought was really cool. Some people brought their entire family. I think it’s important to show from a very early age, that this is the make up of our family – we participate in healthy activities whether it’s hiking, walking or running. I’m hoping we see more of a trend in the importance of exercising and eating, and leading a healthier lifestyle in our community. Q: What is one thing that you love about fencing? A: What keeps me going, even now, is I love how completive it allows me to be. I’m a very type A personality. I enjoy a challenge and having an obstacle put in front of me and saying ‘hey I can overcome this.’ With fencing, it’s that I’m not number one in the world. When I first graduated college, I didn’t think I would be where I am today in this sport. But I saw that there weren’t any minorities in the U.S. Fencing team. It was a little frustrating at that point it was 2007, we should have an African American on the team, a Muslim woman on the team and I felt like I had the talent to be the person to break through that barrier, and alhamdulilah I was fortunate enough to be successful in my
sport, and it’s a work in progress. I love that it allows me to be competitive, tactical. It’s fun to work out, I enjoy working out and getting better within my sport and seeing how far I can go. Q: Do u the feel pressure of representing Muslim women or just Muslims in general since you’re on a global stage throughout your career? A: No, not at all, I think that the pressure is more from an athletic perspective. It’s that pressure to do it again (win), and I think that can be the most overwhelming thing about it. In terms of representing the community, I don’t think so. I don’t ever feel that pressure because I know that there aren’t other Muslim women doing what
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I do on my level, I thank Allah (swt) everyday for everything I’ve been given as an athlete. I just pray other Muslim women come after me to do the same thing and even more. I just try to lead by example, but I don’t feel the pressure to perform as a Muslim. Q: How do you feel your position gives voice, especially to Muslim women in America? A: I think it’s two-fold in a sense: it gives other Muslim women the ability to see themselves in a different stage. When I think of me and my friends, a lot of our goals, especially growing up, everyone is like ‘okay I’m going to go to med school and law school until I get married,’ and that’s the
it’s a full-time job itself. It’s hard to juggle sometimes, but it’s fun. Q: What inspired you to create Louella? A: Working for the State Department as a sports ambassador, traveling to different communities, colleges to speak, I was always looking for a modest dress to wear. Just like every Muslim woman, I was chasing that perfect long-sleeve, floor-length dress. Honestly, I just got tired of spending money and getting them from overseas. My brother was the one who thought of the clothing company and said ‘why don’t you just make your own dresses and have a clothing company.’ It became this idea we really believed in and our family supported us and we just grew a business out of it. Q: Are you considering a sports fashion line?
photo: nahla.ba extent of how we see ourselves as Muslim women. We want to have a good job, get married, have a strong family and that’s it. Especially in the Muslim community, its like doctor, lawyer and that’s it. How do we have a strong ummah? To have people be involved in different things and be good at their task. Everyone cannot be a doctor; we need people to do things outside of the norm in order to have a strong community.
ourselves but also how non Muslims see us. Having this platform allows non-Muslims to see Muslims in a positive light. We are doing amazing things in the community and it’s great to be a representation of that. Q: What do you do when you're not training or competing?
A: I travel to Los Angeles – I started a small business -- a clothing company called Louella by Ibtihaj Muhammad– It’s not only how we think of it’s a lot of fun but a lot of work,
A: For sure, there’s a need for a sports fashion line. It definitely takes time -- it’s a different facet of the company that would have to grow. It’s something that we are working on. When starting our company, I realized there are other Muslim fashion companies, but never clothes I would necessarily wear. Everything that we make, if I wouldn’t wear it, then we definitely won’t make it. My sisters and I design everything, we try to stay current, and I don’t believe that being modest should in any way, shape, or form hinder you from being fashionable, you shouldn’t have to compromise one or the other.
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HEALTH
what’s up with the GLUTENFREE craze? by: Leena Asad, Student nurse and blogger from With Love Leena
E
veryone has heard of the gluten free diet. You see options on restaurant menus, packaged food labels, cookbooks, blogs and magazines designed specifically for this lifestyle. However, people who do not have gluten intolerance (celiac disease) are also adopting this diet. You may wonder “why give up wheat products if you don’t have a diagnosed intolerance to it?” Well, there is evidence that suggests gluten can also be harmful to people who don’t have celiac disease. Going gluten free may be more than just the latest diet fad. What is gluten anyway? Gluten is a protein found in many grains including wheat, semolina, spelt, barely, cross-contaminated oats and rye. It’s what gives the elastic consistency to bread dough and helps food maintain its shape. It is found in commonly consumed foods such as breads, baked goods, cereals, pastas and may also be found in things like soups, sauces and salad dressings as a thickening agent. Bodies with celiac disease mark gluten as a foreign invader and attack both the gluten and the intestinal wall, which is why it is classified as an autoimmune disease. However, you don’t have to have celiac disease to have negative reactions to gluten. Even in non-celiacs, gluten may have negative effects on the barrier function of the intestines, allowing toxins, microbes, undigested food particles and antibodies to escape from the intestines and enter the body via the blood
stream. This can cause inflammation in any part of the body and cause a wide array of symptoms. The most common symptoms are bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea and joint pain. If you experience any of these, it could mean you have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. It’s a disorder that is very common, but hard to diagnose because gluten sensitivity does not show up on a blood test and symptoms can be generalized and vague. Many people go around without knowing they are sensitive to gluten. Essentially, being sensitive to gluten just means that eating gluten causes some type of negative reaction. However, when you eat a gluten-free diet you can have an improvement of symptoms. The best way to tell if you are sensitive to gluten is to cut it out of your diet for 30 days and see if your symptoms improve, then reintroduce it into your diet and let your body be the judge. Some people choose to abstain from gluten due to sensitivities, but others just wish to eat a more wholesome diet. By eliminating gluten, they eliminate processed and packaged foods that contain it and eat foods in their natural forms such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and meat. You have to be careful of packaged products labeled “gluten free.” Many times, they replace the gluten with added fats and sugar, which does not make them any healthier. Whether you decide to eat foods with gluten or not is up to you. Just listen to your body and eat the foods that make you feel amazing!
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FITNESS
sharpen the mind,
exercise Story by: Najma Khorrami Photos by: Malikah Photography
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A
ccording to FDA standards in the United States, exercise cannot substitute commonly used medications for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. However, according to Dr. John J. Ratey, and even European treatment standards, exercise has the same, if not better, effects on relieving the effects of depression and anxiety. In today’s society, being exposed to strenuous effects of your working and social environment, which include job searching, relationship building, money-making and leading a satisfying lifestyle overall, can become stressful. Notwithstanding, the life of a Muslim woman in the U.S.—married or unmarried— which can include a staunch amount of added obstacles as a result of culture clash, may present with even more challenges. The impact of exercise is worth a double take. The effects of exercise on the brain are extremely helpful to relieve stress and push depression and anxiety aside. A lifestyle led by moderate to excess amounts of exercise can improve the circulation of sufficient amounts of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. In Europe, doctors abide by different treatment standards, including recommending exercise as a treatment for depression and anxiety. Not to mention, including exercise as a common bond to form social circles outside of work is something that can carry lots of rewarding feelings beyond its ability to elevate mood and sharpen attention. The benefits of exercise include the effect of balancing the array of neurotransmitters in the brain, in addition to, enhancing the ability of the brain to learn. During exercise, Dr. Ratey describes it is not useful to try and learn as the part of the brain heavily involved in learning— the prefrontal cortex—is not in high gear and does not receive proper blood flow; however, post-workout learning is ideal. During the recovery phase of the brain (i.e. after a workout), proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are at high levels and prime the branches of the neurons to learn the best. While running and other cardio activities are ideal to enhance learning and balance brain chemicals, adding a sport or activity which involves slightly more complicated movement, is more effective. Sports like tennis, swimming
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and rock climbing are good examples of what advanced runners call “cross-training.” Dr. Ratey agrees that such sports paired with cardio activity will enhance BDNF in the brain and pave the way to a more alert, attentive and motivated mind. The social benefits of exercise include finding fitness groups that share running dates, times and settings, as well as sharing information on diet regimens and post-workout shakes and a choice-array of smoothie mixes. Forming friendships by teaming up for running events, workouts, or other exercise opportunities is a great way to spend your time off and really satisfy our social craving all the while benefiting mood and motivation, according to the new neuroscience. Interestingly, similar to how postworkout recoveries can present themselves as opportune periods for learning, it is important to remember that our brains are “worked out” beyond more than just exercise. A certain degree of stress, when impacting the brain, leads to a recovery phase, which can build resilience of neural networks involved in coping and recovery from stress. This may lead to “stress-on” and “stress-off” periods, which lead to what can be considered as “stress-conditioning,” the positive effects of stress. This is what makes us stronger after a difficult period in our lives, whether it is loss of a loved one, losing a job, feeling sad for a prolonged period, feeling especially anxious at times, or having a tough time with any subject in particular. Through proven science, the brain’s resilience is increased by a certain degree of stress and thus not all difficulties are only difficulties but can also be blessings—blessings that strengthen our character, our friendships, our relationships with families, our value systems, and our ability to succeed in all that we do. So, why not add a workout routine before lunch to stimulate your creative thinking before afternoon meetings at work or before class? It could mean an entire new attitude with the added benefit of improved learning for life, especially if you maintain exercise throughout weekly engagements. Learning better and living better, all through the powerful influence of exercise on the mind is a powerful way to build upon our current lifestyle. It goes without saying at the same time that a little stress might just not be that bad for you.
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FASHION
Valentino, Couture Fall2014 Runway www.vogue.com
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Chanel, Couture Fall 2014 Runway www.vogue.com
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Vera Wang to wear Fal Runway www.vogu
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Carolina Herrera, Ready to wear Fall 2014 Runway www.vogue.com
Modest Runway
g, Ready ll 2014
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FASHION
fall
TRENDS M by Somayyah Ghariani
y favorite trends this fall are the kimono & the crop top. Both items can either be dressed up for an evening event (i.e. Eid event) or dressed down for a casual day or back to school look! The crop top has become the essential top for all of my maxi skirts. From casual cropped sweaters, to basic cotton cropped tops, they are perfect for layering as well. A crop top can be also paired with any maxi dress or a loose button down to add some contrast. The kimono and its many lengths, cuts and colors will transform any outfit you have on. One of my favorite fabrics is chiffon, carrying presence and elegance making a statement. Most, if not all, kimonos I have come across are made of chiffon, and flow perfectly as a fall essential. I have a great appreciation for infusing elements of culture into modern day fashion. A fall favorite for me will have to be the art of black henna. I often try to draw on my own and use black henna as the perfect fall accessory. You can usually find it at any local halal grocery store; do make note that everyone's skin reacts differently to black henna specifically. Each season I will be featuring a fashion blogger I enjoy following.
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Fashion Blogger Find: @ascia_akf
FASHION
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“Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what !� -Coco Chanel
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FASHION
LayaliPICKS! THE LOOK Fall Coats
chicnova.com, $105 chicnova.com, $68
Dorothy Perkins, $88
newlook.com, $80
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FASHION H&M, $56 pariscoming.com, $48
Payless, $20
Topshop, $84
Modcloth, $33
THE LOOK
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THE LOOK Army Green vessos.com, $31 Lacoste, $65
Sole Society, $90
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VICTORIAN DIANA DRESS - PETITE 75.00 www.louellashop.com
photo courtesy: www.louellashop.com
COBALT DIANA DRESS 75.00 www.louellashop.com
RED FLORAL DIANA DRESS 75.00 www.louellashop.com
tres leches Chef’s Note
T
res Leches Cake is a popular dessert throughout Central and South America, and is also one of my personal favorite cakes. It consists of a porous sponge cake that has been soaked in three milks -- evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream -making it sinfully decadent. The cake can easily stand alone -- creamy, sweet and dense -- there really isn’t much to dislike about it. However, for those who love the unique texture and flavors of Tres Leches, but find it to be too intense, I’ve found that adding fruit to the recipe helps cut out the richness. I made this version of the Tres Leches cake for a 4th of July party this year and used mango, my favorite summer fruit. However, any tropical fruit or berry would work equally well according to the chef’s personal preference. Enjoy!
sponge cake
Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 4 oz butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 5 whole eggs, lightly beaten 12 oz evaporated milk 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1/3 cup heavy cream
Serves: 8-12 people
sponge cake Directions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line two nine inch cake pans and set aside. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy and set aside. Alternate adding eggs and flour mixture into the butter until just combined. Do not over-mix. Divide batter between the two cake pans and bake for 20 minutes until golden and then set aside to cool completely. 7. Combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream in a bowl. 8. When cakes are completely cool, place onto cake platter. Then, using a fork, carefully poke holes into the cakes. 9. Slowly ladle milk mixture over each cake, allowing the milk to completely absorb in between spoonfuls until the mixture is entirely absorbed. Set cakes aside to soak and assemble the mango cream (see below). 10. Top one cake with half of the mango cream. Then, carefully top with the second cake, and then the remaining mango cream. 11. Serve slightly chilled with fresh mango garnish.
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leches cake
FOOD
By: Noori Ali
mango cream
Ingredients
2 ½ cups whipping cream 2 whole mangoes, very ripe 2/3 cup granulated sugar
mango cream Directions
1. Peel and slice one mango into cubes or strips to serve with cake. Set aside. 2. Peel and remove the pit from the second mango and puree in a blender with sugar until smooth. 3. Pour puree into a saucepan and simmer on stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Set aside to cool in refrigerator. 4. Whip cream until firm peaks form. 5. Carefully, fold the chilled mango puree into the whipped cream, being gentle in order to prevent the mixture from falling flat.
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Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia By: Nada Ibrahim
Ingredients 4 Tilapia fillets 1 cup grated parmesan 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1 tsp paprika 1 tbsp chopped parsley 1/2 lemon 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp milk Salt & Pepper
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Combine beaten egg and milk in a small dish. 3. Mix together Parmesan, bread crumbs, paprika, and parsley in a large plate or tupperware. 4. Lightly salt and pepper each fillet. Dredge each fillet in egg then in parmesan mixture until covered with a light coat. 5. Place fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or until fish is white and flaky. Let sit for 5 minutes then sprinkle with some fresh lemon and serve. This dish tastes great cut up and placed on a salad or next to a bed of greens.
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FOOD
Pretzel Sugar Cookies By: Nada Ibrahim
Ingredients 1 large egg, hard-boiled and cooled, remove the whites 10 tbsp (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (1 if using powdered) 1 cup unbleached allpurpose flour 1/2 cup wheat flour 1 large egg white, lightly beaten with 1 tsp water 4 tsp turbinado or clear sanding sugar
Directions
1. Place butter, sugar and salt in the bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment. Press hard-boiled egg yolk through a mesh strainer into the mixing bowl. 2. Beat mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy. 3. Add vanilla, mix until combined. Add flours and mix at low speed until just combined. 4. Using your hands, knead dough a few times until fully incorporated. If your dough is too dry to fully combine (this happened to me) add a few tablespoons of water until the dough is a cohesive mass. 5. Divide dough in half; place each half on a square of parchment paper. Form each into a log about 6 inches long (it will be about 1 3/4 inches in diameter) and wrap tightly with parchment, twisting ends to seal. Chill logs for 30 minutes, until semi-firm. 6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 7. Slice 1/4-inch off chilled dough log. Roll slice into a ball, then roll ball into 6-inch rope. Pick up the end of each rope and fold into the center forming a pretzel shape. Place on baking sheet one inch apart. 8. Brush each pretzel cookie with egg white wash, then sprinkle with coarse sugar. 9. Bake cookies until they have golden brown edges, about 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven but let firm up on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to cooling racks.
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alexandria egypt: On her visit to Egypt this summer, Layali Travel photographer Noha Hamid took a short train ride to Alexandria, the “pearl of the Mediterranean,� from Cairo.
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TRAVEL
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TRAVEL
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TRAVEL
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TRAVEL
best day trips Story and photography by: Masouna Kochaji
Tons of textbooks and piles of papers, ink-smudged hands and tired eyes... yup, the semester has begun! Personal health is essential to productivity in any area of life, including your academic life. Stress can run rampant during your semester if not managed correctly. Here are some simple day trips in the Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland area that’ll put your health first, your mind at ease and your textbooks away.
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EXPLORATION
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1.
mountains Take a breath of fresh air at the summit of a mountain. If you are looking to spend only an hour or two, Great Falls National Park is the place for you. Just minutes from the city, you’ll find yourself in the forest. Great Falls is split into two parks, one in Virginia and one in Maryland. You can take the main path along the water till you find a nice view, or hike one of many loops going in and around the park. For a longer trip, drive out into the country towards Shenandoah National Park. Here you’ll find breathtaking views overlooking the mountain range, as well as countless trails (varying in length and difficulty) that will you to a mountaintop. If hiking isn’t quite your thing but you love the mountain views, visit Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. The meadows are perfect for setting up a nice picnic and taking in the mountainous view.
2.
beach
All year round the beach is beautiful. With the fall and winter temperatures approaching I wouldn't suggest swimming in the ocean, but trust me, the sound of the waves and the gorgeous breeze will make any walk along the beach worth your time. Spend an afternoon clearing your head, and leave behind the school stresses with a day at the beach. A good book (totally unrelated to school) and some healthy snacks will ease your stresses in no time!
When stress hits this semester, breathe easy and take a break. Coming back from one of these stress-relief trips will refresh your spirit and give you just the energy you need to be successful. Enjoy your classes, focus less on the negative and more on the positive and insha’Allah you’ll have a wonderful semester!
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city
3.
The rhythmic hustle of the city is soothing to many, so if that’s you, take a break from your textbooks and head over to the city. Venture through the city either on your feet or on a bike, and enjoy the sites. D.C. is lovely and a diverse place full of all sorts of beautiful things to see. Walk along the Georgetown waterfront, or grab a coffee in the Adams Morgan area. If you already live or go to school in the city take a day to be a total tourist. Check out the Smithsonian museums or even bike through the National Zoo. D.C. also hosts countless events ranging from festivals to conferences on a weekly basis. When you have a day off from classes, look up events in the district for that day, you may be surprised at just how many fun events you can find.
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LINKED IN
Michael Brown media, and lining
rown, social and a silver lining by Lena Nour
“My faith teaches me to speak values standing for integri
O
ver the past few months, news outlets, popular discussions, and much of social media have kept their eyes on Ferguson, Missouri. People of all faiths, ages, and ethnic groups have used Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets as a platform to ensure that their voices provide a call for justice. On August 9th, 18 year-old unarmed African American teen Michael Brown was shot and killed by Officer Darren Wilson, a member of the St. Louis police force. Rallies and protests have taken the streets of St. Louis County and across the nation as social media hashtags ‘#IfTheyGunnedMeDown’ and ‘#HandsUpDontShoot’ adding volume to the uproar. The case brings to light the plight of many African American men who have fatally fallen, often times unarmed. Citizens of every nation have experienced grief over the past several months from the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 shooting over eastern Ukraine killing almost 300 people (this is the second loss of a Malaysian plane since Flight MH370 went missing in March 2014) to the
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death toll of many civilians in Gaza constantly on the rise. Pictures and videos of Ferguson with the presence of SWAT teams carrying heavy artillery, tear gas, against mostly peaceful protestors has painted a picture of a nation which ironically prides itself on freedoms and liberties. Sadly, Michael Brown’s case is something we’ve seen before. Michael Brown is more than just a young man lost too soon. He symbolizes the tension between police officials and many minority communities and the unspoken racism that exists in every facet of our society. The over militarization of the police and presence of the National Guard ordered by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has strained the relationship between local citizens and the St. Louis County police force. As an American Muslim and person of color, I was enraged when I first learned about the Michael Brown case. My faith teaches me to speak the truth and hold firm to my values standing for integrity and against injustice (Surah an-Nisa’, Aya 135 “You who believe! Be upholders of justice”). Muslim organizations like the Council on American Islamic Relation
POLITICS
the truth and hold firm to my ity and against injustice.” St. Louis chapter have expressed their condolences and stood in solidarity with the Brown family. Social media has put the Michael Brown case to the forefront of the public’s eye acting as a watchdog holding members of the police force accountable for their actions. Howard University students posted a picture on Twitter during a freshman orientation held on August 13th captioning “Don’t Shoot” with hundreds of student holding their hands up displaying the universal symbol of surrender. Additionally, award winning Palestinian Photojournalist Hamde Abu Rahma took a photo on August 14th with a sign reading “The Palestinian people know what mean[s] to be shot while unarmed for your ethnicity” #Ferguson #Justice.” Is there a silver lining to the Michael Brown case? While social media helped unify, educate, and show solidarity
with the town of Ferguson, social media should not be the extent of our fight for justice. Call your local, state, and congressional representatives demanding stricter rules against police brutality. Get involved in student groups or professional organizations and send letters to media outlets. Demand justice until justice is served. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
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REVIEWS There are some books we stumble upon in well-worn book sales, some we pull from a friendly midnight recommendation, and others we extract by sight from library shelves bursting with stories. Other stories, however, we find completely by accident. When I first picked up Haruki Murakami’s “1Q84” in the bookstore of the bustling Atlanta airport, my selection was a case of mistaken identity. I had confused Murakami with Kazuo Ishiguro, an English writer also of Japanese descent (a mistake I now cringe to recount). Having been a fan of Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” I decided I would try another taste of his writing, not realizing that this was another writer entirely. What a happy mistake that turned out to be. This three-volume, 1000page novel (translated and printed as one book in the United States) follows the stories of two characters. The first, Aomame, is a young woman and fitness instructor who moonlights as an assassin of domestic violence perpetrators. The other, a young man named Tengo, teaches math at a local cram school and doubles as a writer and ghostwriter for various publications. After Aomame makes a critical choice on the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway, her world begins to change in subtle and mysterious ways. Meanwhile, Tengo is convinced by his editor to take a highly secretive editing job for “Air Chrysalis,” a fantastical novel written by Fuka-Eri, a strange, laconic 17-year-old girl who lived in a bizarre commune
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called Sakigake until she was 10 years old. As Aomame and Tengo explore the often surreal and unsettling changes happening to each of their worlds, the reader (and, indeed, several characters in the novel) begins to discover the threads linking the two together despite all odds in this strange new world of 1Q84. At the center of this web of connections is FukaEri and the so-called Leader of the secretive commune she used to call home, as well as the enigmatic Little People and Air Chrysales that feature in her novel. As this web is woven more and more thickly, the fantastical melds with the heartwrenchingly raw to create a specimen of magical realism that vacillates between the achingly melancholy and the exquisitely grotesque. Murakami’s novel is a tale of adventure, an epic of the utterly surreal, and a grand romance built letter by letter. Threaded with literary, musical and pop culture references, the novel is tied together by Murakami’s incredible ability to wield suspense in his stories. “1Q84” never presents the reader with a dull moment; never leaves him or her without an ache deep in their heart; never allows them a respite from the novel’s impenetrable questions. Murakami’s own words are perhaps the best descriptors of the reader’s experience: “Please remember: things are not what they seem.” Format: Paperback, Print List Price: $16.95
1q84 by: Anwar Omeish
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Brows are the new BLACK Everyone is dying over full brows but we’re not all fortunate enough to be blessed with them! Get the look with 6 easy steps that will walk you through the process of filling in your eyebrows.
by: Dhefaf Alwazir
Products you will need to achieve this look:
Brow Spoolie
Tweezer
Brow Scissors
Dipbrow
Concealer
Angled Brow Brush Flat Brush
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BEAUTY
The first step is to groom your natural brows. Use a “spoolie” to brush your brow hairs upward and tweeze/cut any unwanted hairs. That way when you fill in your brows, there won’t be any hairs awkwardly stick ing out. However, you must be careful, because it’s easy to unintentionally overtweeze! If you’re missing the eyebrow “tail” (the end of the eyebrow) then this step is especially crucial to you. Underline your brow from the bottom to create that clean edge.
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2 3 4
Outline your brow from the top to create the arch. Begin filling in your brow using short hair-like strokes, but start with the end of the “tail”. That is where the most product should be, NOT the front of your brow! You want the least product there for a less harsh/boxy eyebrow look. Note: a little bit goes a long way. Use a concealer two shades later than your natural shade to both highlight and sharpen the brows. Place the concealer directly under the bottom of your eyebrow. Blend out the concealer and set your brows with any brow gel (or clear mascara).
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ADVICE
what makes US human by: Mahvish Danka
Of
the many problems that plague our generation, I think the biggest one is that we’ve forgotten how to be human. Our humanity is composed of love and so many of us have lost the capacity to love. We’re so disconnected from our hearts and without our hearts, who are we? So many of us walk around constantly on guard, with our fists up, rather than walking with our hands open, ready to take whatever falls our way, both good and bad. We expect people to give a part of who they are to us, before we give any part of ourselves to them. And the biggest excuse we give for our behavior is “I’ve been hurt before” or “You have no idea what I’ve been through,” but we forget that we’ve all been hurt before to some extent. You have no idea what the person next to you is struggling with. To be honest, you have no idea what goes on in anyone’s life except for your own. There’s a quote that goes, “Be kind to everyone you meet, for everyone you know is fighting a battle,” but it goes beyond just being kind. It means being compassionate toward their battle as well, regardless of if you know them, or whether they have wronged you. Give everyone you meet a small part of yourself to hold on to, even if its something as small as a smile, because you have no idea if maybe that smile is what turns their day around. Show everyone mercy regardless of their behavior, so that one day someone will
show mercy to you when you’re at your low. Learn to laugh off the guy who just cut you off on the road because maybe he’s having a bad day and you could be that person tomorrow. Learn to excuse the friend who spoke behind your back because we’ve all been overcome by our emotions. Be compassionate and attentive towards everyone. It’s nice to know that someone was listening to you, and not just hearing what you were saying. These were the qualities of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him). He had the weight of the world on his shoulder, but he still managed to pay attention to the smallest of details in life. When you were with him, his entire focus would be on you. And his kindness and compassion extended to even those who had wronged him in his past. Everyone is struggling in their own way, and some struggle more than others, but hardening your heart against the possibility of pain will only hurt you at the end. Understand that this life is a box that you have to give to before you can take from. Understand that in life you’ll have to give a lot before you can receive even a little. Understand that if you lower your walls, it gives people the chance to take advantage of you, but it also gives others the chance to love you. We need love in order to connect with our hearts and we need our hearts in order to unite as an Ummah and restore humanity.
body image by: Sameen Bozai
Do
you ever look at another individual and think, “Man, I wish I was her?” I’m pretty sure we’ve all come across that thought at least a couple of times. But have you ever realized that there is a reason we were all created differently by our creator Allah (swt)? The term ‘beauty’ isn’t confined within a specific, single definition. However, as media and technology have gradually made their way into our lives, our minds have been programmed to see beauty in a certain way. Among the troubles surrounding this phenomenon is poor body image for females. Body image is how people think they look and how they think others think they look. It’s basically how someone feels about their body including their emotions: perceptions, imagination and many more. Ever since mass media emerged, opinions and ideas have changed in the world. This includes how people, more specifically women, feel about themselves. The images that media portrays of women influence many women to think they have to look like celebrities and models in order to be considered beautiful. Many young girls nowadays think beauty has a set of rules and is only achieved through looking like the women and models in the mainstream magazines. This triggered many of the eating disorders and self-esteem issues women face. The “perfect” images of people that are presented in the media are exactly why women lack confidence and can’t accept themselves the way they are. There was once a time where I myself fell into the trap of media and didn’t accept myself the way that I was. My self-esteem was low and I constantly thought that in order to fit in, I must lose weight to look thin and pretty. I wasn’t even overweight. I was actually at a healthy weight. However, I didn’t feel secure in my own body and began to lose weight drastically over the course of a few months. Instead of enjoying foods that my friends were experiencing, I was limiting myself to a strict diet routine. At the end, after feeling content with being fifteen pounds lighter, I felt like I had my life in my own control. Little did I know, others thought the exact opposite of me and I said I had destroyed my body. After feeling sick and weak for a while, I realized how hopeless and defeated I felt after being so mesmerized by the false impressions of media. I began to understand the truth behind the workings of media and began to love myself in a healthier state. Instead of focusing on my outer image, I began to focus on my inner beauty -- my characteristics. Ibn Al-Qayyim (may God have mercy on him) says, “Truly, in the heart there is a void that cannot be removed except with the company of God; and in it there is a sadness that cannot be removed except with the happiness of knowing God and being true to Him; and in it there is an emptiness that cannot be filled except with love for Him and turning to Him and always remembering Him; and if a person were given the entire world and what is in it, it would never fill that emptiness.” Family and true friends will love you just the way you are, and that should be enough to feel comfortable in your own skin. Media works in a strange way and its goal is to glamorize celebrities. Photoshop has been used repeatedly in the media to “perfect” the image of popular and public figures. Celebrities and models are people just like us except for they have fancy makeup artists and cameras. Beauty doesn’t have a strict definition and comes in all forms, shapes, colors and sizes. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
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