Muslimah Girl Magazine February/Rabie' Awal 2012/1433 issue #7

the magazine every Muslimah should read! February/Rabie’ Awal

MuslimahGirl 2012/1433 issue #7

www.muslimahgirl.com

AROUND THE

WORLD r a de Turkish recipes inside! e l litt ! e A Loss i t n au for A

TURKEY

R YO U NS O I T S QUE ERED W ANS

COMPETITIONS ! !

S U L P

HEART WAS “MY THE ONLY BEAUTY PEOPLE NEEDED TO SEE

”

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

Gain

part two

#1 TEMPTATION B-buh-boys! www.muslimahgirl.com 1

12

FASHION

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Passion for Turkish Fashion

Take a journey through Turkish fashion where you’ll find inspiration, learn about the traditional Turkish hijab, meet some amazing Turkish women, and see modest Turkishinspired outfits.

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17

winter turkish hijab guide Learn how to wear the Turkish hijab exactly like the Turkish do!

Beauty

12

top ten perfumes of 2012

13

What’s the deal?

Wear the most delicious, most beautiful perfumes of 2012!

Did you know that threading eyebrows, dying hair black, buying or wearing a wing or aparanda (fake plates) and wearing tattoo is prohibited in Islam?

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did you know?

14

Facts about Turkey and Istanbul!

32

competition

17

Answer a few questions that test your facts about Turkey and get a shout out next issue!

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fiction

32

A beautiful secret

33

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Advice

18

“Hijab is making me bald!”

26

#1 Temptation: B-buh-boys!

44

“But everyone does it!”

45

Miss super model

poetry

your top 5

11

What are the 5 things you wish nobody had ever invented?

others

4

editors note

5

meet the writers

28

istanbul

19

DU’aa

29

Palestine is ours/ Untitled

20

fun stuff

health

39

book review

“it’s that time of the month!”

41

diary of a depressed student

40

dear little auntie

30

is everything haram?

13

a piece of advice

recipes 21

Suppa inglese

22

SÜTLAÇ/Turkish delight

D.I.Y.

42

iznik tiles

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Editors Note Assalamu Alikum everyone!

Last issue got over a thousand views and the MGM staff was overjoyed.

Thanks to everyone who reads Muslimah Girl!

Muslimah Girl is going to have a tour around the world. On your screen!

Each issue will be packed up with information, recipes and fashion of a specific country. This issue features Turkey. The extraordinary country with the stunning views and kind people..

We hope you’ll enjoy your journey!

We also apologize because this issue has been delayed for a while due to the team being SUPER BUSY. Sorry!

I’d like to remind myself and you girls of something: Allah is watching you. (and me!)

If each and every one of us remembered that, I don’t think we’d ever do a wrong thing! Right?

I would like to thank Yasmeen A. and Romaisa Sebaihia for participating actively in this issue.

Jazkun Allah khairan girls! I’d also like to thank the rest of the writers; without you, this issue wouldn’t have been here!

We would really appreciate it if you spread the word of Muslimah Girl Magazine through your friends and family!

Salams!

Menna Fateen

Menna Fateen Editor-in-chief

MuslimahGirl Issue’s writers

Abimbola Adigun Afnan Nehela Asmaa Ehab Haleema Bello Kouthar B. Little Aunties Mariam Ashraf Mariam Ghanem Mariam Syed Menna Fateen Nadoona Rahma Fateen Romaisa Sebaihia Sabrina S. Shaira Hafsa Unaiza Faiz Yasmeen A. Yumna Hassan Editor in chief Menna Fateen Editor Asmaa Ehab Design and Layout Menna Fateen Cover Girl Busra Demirci Any comments, suggestions or questions?

Email info@muslimahgirl.com

Find us on: @muslimahgirlmag Muslimah Girl Magazine

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M.G.M.

writers

meet the is a 15 year Afnan Nehela who likes old hijabi girl g, hanging reading, writin s and going out with friend ter. Her favoron the compu Math and she ite subject is chicken! adores eating

Abimbola is a 16 year old Nigerian girl. She’s a shy girl who expresses herself through writing. Abimbola likes reading, clothes, fashion, photography and perfumes. Check out her blog at http://nikeylee94. blogspot.com/.

Yasmeen is a 17 year old h omeschooled Musl im American girl!

Her dream is to be an Islam ic scholar and h er hobbies are reading the Q uarn writing and exc , blogging, ersing!

Asmaa loves doing exciting things because she suffers from a serious case of quick boredom. She’s a 14 year old supergirl who can do almost anything if she’s Mariam S. is a golf determined enough.

Mariam Ghanem is Mariam A. , lik jock who adores reade the rest a girl who has been of the team, lo ing and writing and ves readwriting ever since she loves to swim. She ing and writin K outhar is a 15 g. She year old could hold a pen! She’s positvely loves travadores readin from San Die go, Califor- a hijabi girl who loves g poems eling and shopping. nia who curre and writing th n tly lives in writing short stories and She’s a geek who’s a em. Other C airo, Egypt. S than that, she poems. Aside writing, he’s an spends jock and a fashionista! energetic girl her free time she’s a total bookworm who likes listening to readin g, writing, blo who loves reading all gging, music. shopping and kind of books! watching m o vi e s.

V isit her blog irl who Unaiza is a g http://bedouin r Nadoona is a new women’s fo -nomadn has a passio journals.blogsp t o health and fitness organization, g ’s ot.com blogging; she aimed at changing the world, onal Little Auntie a 2 blogs! (pers n d L itt le e one calorie at a time. Nadoona h S ) g Menna Fatee Miss Aunty are and cookin n is th [r e e a g l] in isn’t just about losing weight. It’s d a founder, the d twin sisters! also hearts re esigner and a health revolution and losing T h e y’ re editor-in-chie conservative, anything! f of this magbut not the ridiculous attitude of feeling azine! Menna exactly conve loves writ- like one is a slave to food. We n tio d a n a re l, ys jo ing and readin slightly neuro Rahma en g novels. A weren’t put on this earth to be tic and ying la p d n a g total nerd righ tin ri chocolate add ing, w t?

Visit her slaves to food; we were put on icts.Oh d soccer. and th blog at www.m basketball an e y’ re e n 2 n 3 asblah- this earth to be slaves to God. ye d ar old reste g.blogspot.co She’s also inte E g yp tia m ns. ! y.You Let’s get that power back! in photograph t a g lo can visit her b oud.

An engineerin www.chococl Shaira is an 18 year old g student blogspot.com who lives in P Sabrina is a medical stugirl who likes reading Isakistan is an llo e lo B ve a s m dent who is super busy e re le a lamic books especially the a ding and writH Nih tis ri B in , g n .

Y ca but enjoys writing health u ri mna also enjo Quran. She loves playing Ame ys ly te lu so b sw a o im h ming and aero articles (and chocolate!) gerian w bics! sports like volleyball, table S! She T R A e th You can ask her quess ve tennis and badminton. lo pho, g in w ra d tions at ask@muslimahys enjo Romaisa is a 13 year old Algerian girl who nd a g in d a re y, h girl.com tograp lives in England. She’s a vanilla loving girl pes to writing and ho who adores reading. otograbecome a ph teacher. pher or an art

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Fashion

Winter Turkish Hijab Guide by: Alaa Qasim

Once again it is the time of the year where the days are getting colder and the shops are filled with cool, beautiful colours of heavy winter coats and scarves. With the rainy, breezy weather comes winter fashion. As we have approached the chill winter months, it is everybody’s chore to rearrange their wardrobes to make it appropriate for the season. And of course, how can we forget the beautiful Hijab?

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Fashion

T

urkish Hijab style is one that has its speciality mainly in the beautiful, shiny Hijabs made from silk. I’ll give a guide of how to wear the Turkish Hijab style, but first let’s talk about colours.

The perfect colour choice for winter is cool, calm and bold colours. While bright shiny colours are made for summer, it is

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When picking your Hijab, despite the colour, make sure you choose a square, silk or polyester one.

When gathering your hair, make sure to make your ponytail a little bit higher than usual.

4

Put the triangle Hijab on your head and shape the frontal according to what you like.

This part usually takes a bit of time and practice until you get it right so take your time.

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still a nice touch to get a winter-coloured Hijab with summer-colours prints. They help to add a bit of liveliness into your Hijab. When selecting your Hijab for winter look for colours like burgundy, midnight blue, grey, neutrals, and the darker shades of green, purple and pink.

Wear a bonnet cap on your head and tuck your ponytail hair upwards inside your bonnet.. Choose a bonnet colour that matches your Hijab colour.

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If you can’t make the frontal a circular shape you can put a piece of bending, thin cardboard or plastic between the two layers of your scarf to shape it and prevent it from messing up.

After you get the shape wanted, pin the Hijab underneath your chin with a security pin. To add extra security and to prevent your Hijab from slipping, pin your Hijab from each side about 3 inches above your ears.

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

Fold the square into a triangular shape. Control the size of the triangle according to the amount of coverage you want by your Hijab.

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The two pieces that you are left with can be wrapped around any way you want or they can be tucked in your clothes.

A nice touch would be to bring one side to the other side above your shoulders and pin it with a pretty brooch.

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Fashion

Passion for

u rk T i h s Fashion by: Madeline Molly

P

ast the beautiful photos we all see of Turkish women donning lush silk scarves, neatly folded to perfection, there is the great country of Turkey. Turkey’s rich, historical background, beautiful architecture, and impeccable artistic aesthetic are among many of the things that make Turkey such a driving force in fashion. Whether it is sixteenth century Turkish art or Ottoman era mosques, Turkey is a threshold of endless inspiration. Vibrant colors and effortless details are the product of this historical inspiration. I am going to take you on a journey through Turkish fashion. Along the way you will find inspiration, learn about the traditional Turkish hijab, meet some amazing Turkish women, and see modest Turkishinspired outfits.

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Fashion

First stop: Hijab

“Turkish hijab” is undoubtedly one of the most widely-recognized hijab styles. The Turkish hijab style is highly identifiable with its visor-like fold above the forehead, neatly executed by the scarf itself. To achieve the Turkish hijab style, it simply takes a generously sized square scarf and a few pins. Below my personal photo on the right, is a pictureby-picture tutorial on how to tie the Turkish hijab style. The tutorial below was originally posted on www.muslimahshop. de The narrow structure of the folds used to achieve this scarf style elongates the shape of the face. This illusion makes this scarf style perfect for those with a wider face. Like the completed tutorial on the right or the photo above, the scarf can be worn both near and far from the face.

Next stop: Women of Turkey

Elif Kavakci is a Manhattan-based fashion designer. Kavakci’s Turkish roots and passion for fashion make for a perfect combination. To learn more about Ms. Kavakci and her amazing creations, you can visit her website at www. kavakcicouture.com or you can read her blog at www.hijabitopia.blogspot.com.

Elif Kava

kci

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Fashion Yasemin Kanar, better known as “Yaz the Spaz,” is a YouTube hijabi extraordinaire. Miss Kanar’s Turkish heritage is heavily prevalent in her popular YouTube videos. To check out Yaz’s amazing hijab tutorials, visit her YouTube page at www.youtube. c o m / u s e r / Ya z T h e S paz89.

r a n a K n Yasemi

Last stop: Outfits

Now that you’ve met Ms. Kavakci and Miss Kanar, here’s a better look at their amazing style.

Their Turkish roots shine through their unique outfits. From vibrant colors to eccentric designs, their wardrobe is crowd pleasing! All photos are from these amazing women’s websites, blogs, or fan pages on Facebook.

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Your Top 5 MGM is going to ask you girls a question each month. If you want your answers to be featured in the next issue send your answers to info@muslimahgirl.com along with your name, age and country. (optonal: your picture) OR tweet it to @muslimahgirlmag Next issue’s question is...

‘The Yummiest Food I’ve Ever Eaten...

Facebook E-books (textbooks!)

Taxes Starbucks McDonald’s --Halima Eid School!!!

Weapons of mass destruction :( Fast Food Mobile Automobile Horns (very noisy!)

--Masiha Khan

This issue’s question was...

“What are the 5 things you wish no one had ever invented?”

Bombs!

Guns School Tax Racism --Zahra Salim Gambling Wars Bullying Smoking Euthanasia --Maliha Arif

Nuclear Weapons Facebook Make-up Skinny pants Physics --Israa Mohammed February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

www.muslimahgirl.com 11

Beauty

s l r i G e g a n e e T Top 10 !

2 1 0 2 f o s e Perfum

emowever, rem H t! n a g le e r non-mahelicious and u d o , y d f o o o y g n a ly at ass by dicious eople so th that smell ri r house or p p u s o e e y m th f u o s rf t e e u s p o n e and pas always use en you go m h n u a w Below are te c rf e e u m p o u Y s rf ’ e e ). s an u marks n’t use p id: ‘If a wom g severe re a ber, you ca s in ) n h a u e b (p (m t ., rophe -so… g out! rams! The p e is so-and h s r, o ls-only han d ir o g s a it t g e in g v a y h ou’re they ma Viva La Juicy is the next e or when y m o h t a s e big thing! This perfum #2 Viva La Juicy Perfu posh and perfect me perfume smells by Juicy Couture

Fall in love with this elegant perfume of berry, mandarin, honthat smells like chic green tangerine, eysuckle, gardenia, jasmine, violette, and pink jasmine mingle with amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood and praline. soft patchouli, musk, and delectably In addition, its decorated with to-die-for Juicy Cousweet strawberry leaves and ture charms! e Perfume caramelized popcorn! Yummy! ri e h C r io D #1 Miss men me Dior for Wo t Blue Perfu n h a ig ti s L ri 4 h # C y b Gabbana This designer perfume is happy, Fantasy is a fun and

by Dolce & playful and feminine in a fresh and lively fragrance that is sparkly way. Light Blue is a great awesome for daytime. perfume for spring and summer that Fantasy smells like red smells of Granny Smith apple, bluelychee, kiwi, cupcake, bells, jasmine, bamboo and jasmine, white chocolate #5 Abercro white rose mbie and musk. r fo Fitch rfume

8 Perfume

Pe #3 Fantasy ars Britney Spe Women by

#6 Vera W ang Princess Pe rfume

rfume #7 Glow Pe Lopez

by Jennifer

#8 Dessert Beauty Deliciously Kissable Love Potion Fragrance

by Jessica Simpson

12 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

8 perfume is so much fun for day and night! Notes of orange, melon and grapefruit mingle with lily, violet, freesia, vanilla, musk and amber.

#10 Harajuku Lovers Love by Gwen Stefani for

ume f r e P l e d o #9 Superm Secret ’s ia r o t ic V by

&

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Beauty

WHAT’S THE DEAL? BY: YUMNA HASSAN

D

id you know that threading eyebrows, dying hair black, buying or wearing a wig or paranda (fake plates) and wearing tattoo is prohibited in Islam?

It is narrated by Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Allah has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women who change the features created by Allah. Why then should I not curse those whom the Prophet has cursed? And that is in Allah's Book i.e. His Saying: 'And what the Apostle gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain (from it)' (59:7)"(Al-Bukhari Hadith no: 5547)

Threading Eyebrows:

In the above Hadith it says: "…and those who remove their face hairs…" this specifies that threading eyebrows is Haram. I remember my elders told me that when anyone is cursed by the Prophet PBUH by doing something which is against Islam he or she is removed from Allah's mercy.

So, be cognizant about what you're doing!

Regarding wigs:"A woman came to Allah's Apostle and

said ' I married my daughter to someone, but she became sick and all her hair fell out, and (because of that) her husband does not like her. May I let her use false hair?' On that the Prophet PBUH cursed such a lady who artificially lengthens (her or someone else's) hair or gets her hair lengthened artificially." (Al-Bukhari Hadith no: 5550) So, beware of what you're going to do about your hair!

The reason for not wearing a wig in Islam is because this way you are deceiving others. And Islam does not like those who cheat, as the Prophet PBUH said: "One who cheats is not amongst us."

A Hadith states: Muawiya came to Madinah for the last time and delivered a sermon. He took out a tuft of hair and said, "I thought that none used to do this (i.e. use a wig) except Jews. The Prophet PBUH labelled such practice, (i.e. using a wig), as cheating.

(Al-Bukhari Hadith no: 5553)

Dyeing Hair: However, the Prophet PBUH is reported

to have said: "Jews and Christians do not dye their hair so you should do the opposite of what they do." (Al-Bukhari Hadith no: 5518) But, dyeing your hair BLACK is again not allowed. Because that way you are deceiving others by showing them that you're hair is still beautiful as before. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has given us permission to dye our hair in any other colour rather than black. You can use coloured hina or artificial dyes for this purpose.

And Allah knows best!

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

A Piece

Of Advice By: Abimbola Adigun

“Verily Allah is the All hearer ,All knowing” (QURAN8:17) He listens to every call,cry in whatever language at any point in time.

Call upon Him. Knock on his door. He is As-Sami “Allah said, ‘O son of Adam! If you mention Me to yourself, I will mention you to Myself. If you mention Me in a gathering, I will mention you in a gathering of the angels (or in a better gathering). If you draw closer to Me by a hand span, I will draw closer to you by forearm’s length. If you draw closer to Me by a forearm’s length, I will draw closer to you by an arm’s length. And if you come to Me walking, I will come to you running” (Bukhari) No matter how big or small the problem tell him He will answer and if he does not answer immediately he is testing your patience because he reassures us in the Quran O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salah (the prayer). Truly, Allah is with AsSabirin (the patient).

And if he doesn't answer you at all then He has something better in stall for you.

Start asking!

MGM FACT You can’t dream and snore at the same time www.muslimahgirl.com 13

Did you know?

Istanbul

by: Mariam S.

“If the earth was a single state, Istanbul would have been the capital.” ~Napoleon Bonaparte “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.” ~Alphonse de Lamartine “Istanbul is a magical seal which unites Europe and Asia since the ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world.” ~Gerard De Nerval “People were right when they say there is no other place on earth as beautiful looking as Istanbul.” ~Chateaubriand “On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, Istanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens.” ~Atatürk

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Did you know?

Fun facts On Istanbul and Turkey! by: Mariam S.

1

Istanbul is the only city in the world that stands in two different continents, Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus River divides the two continents.

2

It was the capital of some of the most important empires in the world: Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Otto-

3

Istanbul is NOT the capital of Turkey.

5

Istanbul is one of the biggest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million.

4 6

The city was as Byzantium, Constantinople, and finally changed to Istanbul

Blue Mosque is the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets. It's the only one in the city having six of them, which is the maximum number you can have in a mosque.

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Did you know?

8 10

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The historic center of Istanbul is on the European side of the divide.

Major I\industries include: textiles, glass, shoes, motor vehicles, ships, and cement.

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Two of the worlds “Seven wonders of the Ancient World” are in Turkey, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis.

The famous Trojan Wars took place in Western Turkey, around the site where the Trojan horse rests today.

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Turkey provides 70% of the world's hazelnuts.

Prophet Ibrahim was born in Southeastern Turkey.

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!

N O I T TI

E P M O C

your t s e t d n a e ticipat r a p the o d T n ! a n e o i t m i t a e your n comp d z i n u e q s n ress h e s d i h d k t r a , u s l i T n a a o i m t ’s s e e Her to this the que y r r t e n w u s o n c a , e nd nce to a a h e c g a e , h t e e knowledg m v ust ha r surna j u t o h y g f i o m r e u t and yo first let m o c . l r i g limah ck :) . e u l u s d s i o t o x G info@mus e – stions in the n e t u u q o t e u h t o l h l e for a get a s l g o o G e s to u P.S. Try not

1 What is the largest city in Turkey?

2 Where is this place in Turkey?

3 What is the capital of Turkey?

4 What is their currency?

5 What’s this mosque called?

6 Where is this mosque?

7 What is their most common religion?

8 What city is on 2 continents?

9 What are these 2 continents called?

10 What color is the Turkish flag?

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

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Advice

“Hijab is making me

BALD!”

Some girls take the ‘my-hair-falls-out-when-i-wear-the-hijab’ as an excuse not to wear the hijab. But the hijab isn’t the reason. It’s you, young lady.

I

s your hijab too tight? Because if it is, then there you go, now you know why you’re losing hair. Honey, your hijab doesn’t have to be locked down like a maximum security jail! By wearing your scarf like that, you can lose hair around the front and the back of your head and not to mention, it can also cause severe headaches. Try to loosen your hijab a bit or wear hijabs that are sort of stretchy.

Or maybe your hair is just too dry. When your hair rubs up against hijabs, it can break off from friction. Try to keep your hair wellmoisturized by using an oil like coconut oil.

You could also use moisturizing conditioners. Just make sure to leave your conditioner in your hair for some time before you rinse it out.

By: Menna Fateen ponytails can cause breakage.

In addition, try to wear only smooth silk hijabs (like the Turkish ones!). Hijabs made of silk won’t cause friction with your hair which will make it less likely for your hair to fall out.

In the end, if I were you, I’d wear cotton bonnet-style underscarves (I do that already!) which really reduces damage. It is gentler to the hair than anything else.

Anyway, if you try doing all of that and you still lose lots of hair, then you should talk to a doctor. Good luck!

Be sure to keep the ends of your hair tucked in (we don’t want the boys to see your gorgeous hair do we?) and away from the scarf.

You can do that by wearing your hair in a bun or braids. Make sure that your bun isn’t too tight, because sometimes tight buns or

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Du’aa

r e t f A s r e y Pra a s f a H a r i a h S By:

t sa

The Prophe

r way o is:

st superio id "The mo

s from Allah

forgivenes f asking for

bduka, wa a a n a a w i n , ta Khalaqta n A , ma sana'tu ta i n r r a a la h il S a in h a m il ta Rabbi la A'udhu bika n , a u 't a ta m ta m s u a h m 'Alla wa wa'dika a ik d h a la ana 'a You created

but You. ip h rs o w f o far as i am hy rt o o s w u o e Y n o to n is ge sLord, there nd my pled a y t, m n a to Your bles re n a it e u v m o o d Y c a , r I h u . a o e ll Y n ay do ep (O A one who m r slave. I ke n what I have u f is o o Y il re v m e e a th e I r th d m , Fo me an e in You fro Forgive me g . s fu d re e e k d e e is s ym able. I u.)

I admit to m d n a , sins but Yo e e m iv n o rg p fo u s ing nd faith in it, a rm fi h it w y a ; d of Paradise it during the le s p e o it e c p re e y th d , om ebo the morning he will be fr ded. "If som , re d g a fo in t e n e b e h v s p e ie ro the nd d The P day before faith in it, a e m rm a fi s h e it th w t dies on at nigh aradise." it P f s o e it le c p re o e y p bod om the and if some he will be fr

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Fun Stuff

Suduko

MGM FACT Nightmares are usually an indication of a fear that needs to be dealt with. They force us to pay attention and acknowledge the problem “What we think, we become”

Riddles 1. What can you catch but not throw?

2. I’m the part of the bird that’s not in the sky. I can swim in the ocean and yet remain dry. What am I? 3. What goes around the world but stays in a corner?

4. Give me food, and I will live; give me water, and I will die.

What am I? 5. You use a knife to slice my head and weep beside me when I am dead. What am I? 6. What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

7. I have holes in my top and bottom, my left and right, and in the middle. But I still hold water.

What am I? 8. What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?

9. What goes up and down the stairs without moving?

10. Throw me off the highest building, and I’ll not break. But put me in the ocean, and I will.

What am I?

Answers 1. A cold 2. The shadow 3. A stamp 4. Fire 5. An onion 6. A towel 7. A sponge 8. A river 9. A carpet 10. A tissue 20 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

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Recipes

Welcome to Turkey!

While you are here you must try out these popular easy-to-make Turkish deserts. A little something sweet to make your journey sweeter, inshaAllah! So grab those aprons and try these recipes out today!

E S E L G N I A P P U S H S I K vers!)

R U T all Chocolate Lo ded for

en (Highly Recomm

iz

By: Unaiza Fa

Servings: 5

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups of milk 9 tsp sugar 2 tbsp cornflour 3 tbsp chocolate syrup 5 gm butter Dark chocolate or chocolate chips Chocolate cookie or biscuit Chocolate sponge cake (or you might also use leftover chocolate cake)

DIRECTIONS

Mix cold milk, sugar, flour and chocolate syrup (I substituted cocoa powder for the chocolate syrup since I didn’t have that at home).

Start cooking the mixture while stirring constantly.

Once it starts to boil, take it off the stove.

Add butter at this stage and stir well until the butter melts.

Add the chocolate chips and stir little.

Cover the bottom of bowls in which you want to serve the desert with a layer of cake and next with a layer of cookie or biscuit.

Wet them with a splash of milk.

Now pour the chocolate mixture into bowls.

Decorate top with ground pista (I used almond).

Serve cold.

Turkish pudding or “sup” is popularly served with a scoop of ice-cream on top.

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Recipes

D E K A B ( Ç A SÜTL ) G N I D D U P E RIC ish desert) (A traditional turkFaiz By: Unaiza

INGREDIENTS: 1 lt milk ½ cup white rice 1 cup white sugar ¼ cup corn flour or corn starch 1 tsp vanilla extract.

DIRECTIONS: s of water Wash the rice and boil it with 2 cup not be comuntil water is soaked(Let the rice ter remainpletely cooked but have a little wa ing). ract in a pot Put rice, milk, sugar and vanilla ext and stir on low. ute more after Keep stirring for about 20-30 min it starts to boil. with a little In a separate bowl mix corn starch ooth. Then bit of water until the mixture is sm minutes. add this mixture to pot. Stir for 4-5 sutlac then In case you want to have regular serve cold pour the pudding into bowls and with cinnamon sprinkled on top. ing for which Or you could try baked rice pudd in them and pick oven safe bowls. Put pudding and serve. then broil until top is brown. Chill d tested at These lovely recipes that I tried an www.almoshome were originally published on blog out for tturkish.blogspot.com! Check the more Turkish delicacies!

?

WD OE TDLIDAYÇOU(BKANe K 3 major cuisines

one of th Turkish Cuisine is and Chinese! ch n re F e d si g n lo in the world a 22 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

Turkish hSteb!aihia DeRolmig aisa By:

Turkish delights were invented by a man who had a confectionary shop in 1776 – Now if you’ve ever wanted to make these amazing Turkish sweet treats then read on and find out how to make them in 10 easy steps!

You will need: Water Corn starch Sugar Powdered/ Icing sugar Orange juice For flavours either: Lemon juice Rose water Nuts Mix 5 table spoons of corn starch with ½ a cup of water (cold) ter up Heat the other half of the wa an along and then pour it in a saucep ½ a cup of with two cups of sugar and il (don’t orange juice and leave to bo forget to stir often) your corn When it’s at a full boil add starch mixture Simmer for fifteen minutes After that keep stirring often remove When you see it thickening from heat like and stir Add the flavours you would greased Pour into a suitable, already tray and let it cool until hard h squares When cool, cut it into 1 inc square into When you’re done dip each powdered/ icing sugar www.muslimahgirl.com

Recipes

Nadoona Healthy Recipes Turkish Cabbage Salad (Lahana Salata) Total Time: Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 0 mins Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1 head cabbage 3 carrots, shredded olive oil vinegar or lemon juice salt pepper Directions: Cut the cabbage in half and discard the outer tough leaves and the inner core.

Cut each half into quarters and wash under cold water.

Place each quarter on its side and slice very thin slices with a sharp knife.

Place cabbage and carrots in a bowl and dress it with salt, pepper, oil and vinegar or lemon to taste.

Toss well with enough dressing to suit your taste

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Nadoona Notes!

This recipe is incredibly simple and easy to prepare - exactly as it is intended to be. Cabbage is actually considered a 0 calorie food, because it takes more calories for your body to burn the calories than the cabbage actually has. So enjoy this virtually calorie free salad! Eating olive oil and vinegar is sunnah too! www.muslimahgirl.com 23

Recipes

Nadoona Healthy Recipes Muzlu Sut (Milk and Banana Drink) Total Time: Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 0 mins Nadoona Notes: Similar to a fruit smoothie, this is a common Turkish drink which only takes a few minutes to make. Honey is sunnah too!

Servings: 1 Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon ground almonds 1 teaspoon honey 1 cup skim milk Directions: Put the banana slices, honey, almond and 50 ml (3-4 tbsp) of milk into the blender. Blend for about 35-40 seconds. (you want a smooth mixture).

Pour in the rest of the milk and mix again for about 35-40 seconds. Pour into a glass and drink with the bubbles.

You can also add in a couple ice cubes.

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www.muslimahgirl.com

Quote

WORK FOR A

CAUSE

NOT FOR

APPLAUSE

LIVE LIFE TO

EXPRESS NOT TO

IMPRESS

DON’T STRIVE TO MAKE YOUR PRESENCE NOTICED JUST MAKE YOUR

ABSENCE FELT

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Advice

! s y o b h u b B : n o i t a t p m . e A T n e 1 e # m s a Y : by

A

re we lowering our gaze like we are supposed to? Or we instead drooling over that hot boy seating just a few feet from us? Don't be tempted to make the wrong decision, my sisters in Islam!

Dating is totally haaram. Some Muslim friends of mine used to think dating was totally acceptable, particularly if you're dating another Muslim. NO! That's still wrong! Dating within itself is still haaram. I don't care if you're dating a monkey, it's still haaram (ok, maybe not that far but you get the point, right?). Let me explain to you what dating is exactly. Dating is when two people of the opposite gender get together ALONE. Yes, alone! And do you know what happens when two people of the opposite gender...when two people have feelings for one another do when they are alone?

Things that are haaram! That's what the Shaytan loves- when we are alone. Then we can end up doing something that we may end

26 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

up regretting one day.

There's no such thing as dating in Islam. If you feel like you want to date so bad, then you really need to talk to your parents about wanting to get married (this is a note for my sisters out there who have already reached puberty, which is usually around the age of 13 and older). Marriage will help you stay away from the haaram.

When it comes to looking for a husband, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi was sallam) said, "When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks to marry your daughter, comply with his request.

If you do not do so, there will be corruption and great evil on earth. " (Tirmidhi) As for the men looking for wives, Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi was sallam) said, "A woman is normally sought as a wife for her wealth, beauty, nobility, or religiousness (adwww.muslimahgirl.com

Advice herence to Islam), but choose a religious woman and you will prosper. " (Muslim) and "A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. You should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser. "(Bukhari) So sisters, next time you see some "hot"guy up ahead, just simply lower your gaze and control yourself!

Insha'Allah, Allah has planned someone better for you in the future! Once you control yourself (which trust me can be done), then you can control Satan from butting into your life. I actually went to a cafe not too long ago (RJ's Cafe in Maryland) and when my family and I were ordering food, there were some Muslim college guys around and I was totally able to lower my gaze. It wasn't hard at all and in fact, it's only hard because Satan makes it hard. Allah (swt) makes things easy for us, but we will be given tests in life, in which it'll only be easy to those who remain true to their faith.

Remember in order to make it to Jannah, we must work for it. Jannah isn't automatically a free ticket to everyone.

Just like when you are given an exam or a test at school, you cannot expect your teacher to give you a A+ 100% score without even grading it. So here on Earth, God is "grading" us and when we die, we will be given our grades. It may be hard to get to Jannah, just like it may be hard to get that A+ 100% score on an exam, but it's not impossible. It will be easy among the believers. So my Muslim sisters don't lose faith and hope, insha'Allah, Allah (swt) will make things easy for us! Ameen.

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God is grading us and when we die, we will be given our grades. www.muslimahgirl.com 27

Poetry

Istanbul by: Kouthar B.

Endless street vendors calling you to buy Cafes serving chai Athan rippling softly in the background Hoards of people rushing to prayer Foot to foot, shoulder to shoulder Beautiful blue skies Birds up ahead Smiling children, running in the street their laughter echoing Tourist maps risen to the horizon ‘Seni seviyorum’ whispers a mother to her child As ice cream drips down her little elbows Quran melodiously pouring out of windows As the sun tucks itself smugly between the mountains

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Palestine is ours! by: Rahma Fateen I really wish you go to hell, because my feelings, I can't tell, People's blood is so easy for you to sell but get ready, we're starting a rebel.

Its almost your end, and no one's your friend we used to do nothing but defend, you; out of the world, we're going to send.

You should be afraid of us, take us as a big fuss, because we are something, we are the owners of this world, once and twice you've been told.

Get out of here, 'cause when we get hold, we wont be treating you easy.

I'm so angry you know, I'll get you out of here by one blow, so take your time and see where you'll go, but take care, I hate it when you're slow. or look, I've given you a big chance, we've been dying while seeing you dance, I can't hold it, no one can Our souls aren't for free! I wanna burn your tan.

Palestine is ours, get out of our land, Get out of our territory, keep off our sand.

We've got all the help, and later you'll be needing a hand, Allah is with us, and He wont leave you stand.

We're making a rebel, get ready, get ready.

We aren't easy, we are very steady hand in hand, we'll get rid of you forever.

Oh yes we will, for the sake of the mother, and the people who sacrificed to save this land, we're gonna continue your work, hand to hand, we wont give them a chance, to fix things up.

Every soul of ours, will be rewarded Paradise because we'll stand against you, till the very end.

MGM FACT The average person spends six years (wow!) or 2,100 days dreaming.

[untitled] by: Haleema Bello We are all just Just here looking all around Around the world, we have come Come to a land Land of fortune Fortune to all, we are all different Different we are, diverse are our culture Cultures all around us Us be taught, us be educated Educated we will survive Survive as many people People are very dear Dear to our country Country is our home Home to very many Many different cultures

Palestine is ours, don't try giving us flowers, or build the longest towers.

We've got faith, we're getting rid of you, every single one. Oh yes, that's our goal, We're getting Palestine back. and once we're done, we're gonna pray in the Aqsa together, and thank God for helping us get rid of you, this will be very soon, I am sure of this, it's very soon.

Insha'Allah, very soon. ♼ :')

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r a e D , e i t n u A e Littl

ere ?? Is th m a a r a h thing ?

Is every e can do w t a h t anything s

Anonymou

Dear A non mouse!

My amigo, I so know what you mean. There are some grown-ups out there (okay, fine, people my age, even) who can really make you feel like everything is the ‘h’ word…H.A.R.A.A.M. But the truth couldn’t be any further! Well actually, it could, if we change the ‘h’ word into the other ‘h’ word- H.A. L.A. A. L. One of the fundamental rules of fiqh, actually, is that…. *Get READY FOR THIS* ‘Everything’ (outside of worship) is halal except when there’s proof that it’s haram (e.g. textual proof in the Qur’an, sunnah, or what can be derived by analogy as proof).

Does that mean you can go and do anything you want to do? Err. Nope. This rule isn’t a license to do whatever you want- it just lets you realize that Allah intends for you ease. Most things are halal. The exceptions are the haram things, not the other way around.

Let’s do a little fun exercise. Let’s list something that is haraam and some things in the same category that aren’t haraam. Does that sound fair to you?

Category: Drinks Haram: Alcohol (wine, beer, etc.)

30 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

Halal: Water Milk Lemonade Juices (Apple juice, Orange juice, Cranberry juice, Mango juice, Carrots and Orange juice- just checkin’ if you’re still reading this and btw, this really is a juice!)

Milkshakes (strawberry milkshake, chocolate milkshake, etc.)

Tea Coffee (Cappuccino, espresso, mocha, etc.)

Sparkling water Mountain Dew, 7 Up, Coke, The list goes on!

You see how long the halaal list is compared to the haraam list?

We can dr ink Mountain D ew

It’s like when Allah Subhanoo Wa’ Tala told Adam and Hawa that they could eat from wherever they wanted, except from that one tree…We have pretty much the same thing. We can do most/many things, except some small things…

And even then, sometimes we can do those things, themselves, just in a specific context’. Huh, you say? Haha, I say! Yes, some things that are ‘haram’ are actually not ‘haram’ in themselves…for exam-

www.muslimahgirl.com

!

Dear Little Auntie ple, ‘wearing make-up’ is not haram if it’s done in an area where only girls/mahrams are (like home, etc.)

We can understand this even more when we consider this ayah: "O you who believe! Give your response to God and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which will give you life." [A-Anfal 24] The things that He has told us to do and the things He has told us not to do are for our own benefit. They are what ‘give us life’.

Now, I know that right now you’re a teen and that you were asking about being able to ‘do’ things….

The truth is, there are plenty of things that you can do!

We’ve got to be creative and think of alternatives.

Let’s say the people around us ‘go out to clubs and drink a few drinks’. We obviously don’t do that! But we can meet up with friends in coffee cafes. What’s the harm in that?

What about going on picnics with friends?

Going to the beach might be a bit hard- what with all the nakey people- but how about going to an all girl’s gym (if you’re a girl, obviously :P). Playing basketball/ soccer with your friends?

If a friend of yours has an in-door pool (okay, we can dream :D), what’s the problem with swimming?

What about reading? Not all books revolve around ‘bad or forbidden things’!

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

What about inviting some friends over and cooking together? It can be a lot of fun- choose a recipe, go out and buy the groceries together, come home and cook!

(Gee, first I talk about drinks and now I talk about food. I sound obsessed with ‘eating’, in this reply. It might just be cause I am, lol).

We don’t get tattoos but we have henna. We don’t listen to music but we listen to ‘islamic nasheeds’.

Again, alternatives, alternatives, alternatives.

The fact is, don’t limit yourself to the things your ‘friends’ do. Think outside of the box. And if your "friends" are going out to do some haram things, have a back up plan ready. Get to know some Muslim girls from the Masjid. You don’t need to hang out with only people from your school.

I will say though that sometimes, it is going to be hard.

And this world is going to seem like a….

Prison.

That’s cause that’s what it is for believers.

Prophet Muhammad (Sallah Allahoo alyhee wa salam) said, ‘The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” [Sahih Muslim Kitaab Az-Zuhd] Our paradise awaits for us…

Stay strong! You can do it!

I believe in you!

Do YOU have a question for Little Auntie? Ask away!

Send it to littleauntie@muslimahgirl.com and she’ll be sure to answer you inshallah!

t u o g n a ! h s d n n a c e i We our fr h t 31 i w www.muslimahgirl.com

Fiction

A Beautiful Secret by: Mariam Ghanem “Dana you have such gorgeous hair mashallah,” Salma said as I smiled sheepishly. I let my hijab drop as I pretended to fix my hair in the mirror. From the corner of my eye I could see Salma fixing her hair as well letting her long curls flow beautifully over her shoulders. I let out a small sigh and stared at myself through the mirror, listening to the small whispers: I’m just as pretty as Salma, I could even be prettier. There’s nothing wrong with my hair, if only…

I let out another sigh, this one was louder and Salma turned to look at me. I smiled weakly as I wrapped 32 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

the hijab back over my hair and stared at myself in the mirror. It wasn’t that I felt ugly wearing hijab, on the contrary, I believed it maintained my beauty, however there were days when all I wanted to do was go out and show people that I had more to offer. The feeling came on days like these when all my friends and I decided to go out for dinner and maybe take a stroll through the city streets and stop for ice cream somewhere. I was the only one of my friends who wore hijab and on nights like these it was perfectly clear. Everyone looked beautiful in their dresses and high heels, www.muslimahgirl.com

Fiction while I opted for a long skirt and ballerina flats.

I had become an expert at hiding my moody ways so I smiled at the appropriate moments, offered my fair share of good jokes and stories, and complimented everyone as enthusiastically as I could. Throughout the entire evening the whispers grew louder and louder until I finally excused myself to use the restroom. I stood over the sink and tried to keep my balance as I felt my entire body get consumed with the agonizing, pathetic murmurs of a tormented girl that I fought daily. But I didn’t want to fight anymore, so I slowly started to take off my hijab. I let my hair fall down my back and watched my vision blur as the tears began welling up in my eyes. She was beautiful.

As my vision cleared up again I realized something so obvious that I had to catch my breath before my brain could sort it out. I looked at the stranger in the mirror and realized that not

“

I wiped my tears slowly and stared back at the girl in front of me, “You, my friend, are very beautiful.

But no one needs to know that, you’ll be our little secret.”

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

”

only did I not know this girl standing before me, but I also felt no desire to share her with the world.

I wiped my tears slowly and stared back at the girl in front of me, “You, my friend, are very beautiful. But no one needs to know that, you’ll be our little secret.”

“Hey Dana,” Salma said as she walked through the door. “Are you okay?”

I turned and smiled widely at her, “I’m absolutely perfect, Salma, just perfect.” The words came out with so much truth to them that I almost cried again. As we all walked out of the restaurant I could see my reflection in the glass and it was difficult for me to contain my laughter as I realized that I was a beautiful secret, the one that Allah had bestowed upon me with all the trust in the world.

My heart was the only beauty people needed to see, and frankly that sufficed. I am a beautiful secret.

www.muslimahgirl.com 33

Fiction

A Lossfor

A Gain

PART TWO

By: Afnan Nehela

I

was sweating so much I could feel the perspiration running between my shoulder blades. I tried shifting my position many times as it got extremely uncomfortable, but wasn’t successful. I was sitting between two big men who squeezed me so hard from my side that I thought my hip bone was going to pop. Blinking, I let my eyes adjust to the darkness. I started thinking about my parents and wondered if I would ever see them again. I broke down quietly at that thought. I felt fresh tears running down like the raindrops I could still hear at the windows. I was shaking like an aspen leaf.

My problem was that I have always imagined my life like a September loose leaf binder, neatly slotted and tabbed— everything perfect. I had always thought that if you had a father like mine, you were safe, and there was nothing to worry about. I shook my head at my ignorance letting my throat close with more tears. I

realized that there was nothexcept for a dilapidated 20-stoing better that I could do at ry building surrounded by endthe moment than to ask Allah less dry fields. My jaw was so (God) for help. None of these tight from being clenched that worldly matters could help a quiver ran down my spine. me, not even my father or his There was no way I could “amazing” career. escape. I was in the middle ****** of nowhere.

My jaw was so There was no hadn’t realized that I had fallen sign of life here tight from being asleep until I whatsoever. My clenched that a head swam, heard an earsplitting, thunderous my shoulders quiver ran down voice yelling at me ached, and my my spine.

There to get up. I jumped skin no longer out of my seat, was no way I could seemed to fit. relieved that I could I sucked in my escape.

I was in the finally move my breath and legs. I also realized middle of nowhere. imagined that I that the blindfold was opening a was gone and I vent, allowing could finally see. I immediately some of the enormous presgot my hands handcuffed. I sure to ease. The man in front was surrounded by four huge me was staring at me in way men, one in front, one behind, that chilled my core. I shivered. and one to each of my sides.

They finally started walking I looked around to see if there towards the building. When we was anyone who could help entered from the front, it was me. There was not a single terrifying; there was nothing soul other than these men. Not there except unfinished wood, only that, but there was nothdried-up paint buckets, broken ing as far as my eye could see walls, and rotting stairs. I felt

I

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Fiction myself go numb. Where and how are they going lock me up? I wondered. As if he could read my mind, the man who was in front me pulled a set of keys from his pockets and motioned for the other to follow him. They led me to a silver, shiny elevator, the only sturdy structure in the place. The man who took the lead stepped in front me so that I couldn’t see anything, and he punched a code to open the elevator door. Not only that but he also put his key in the key slot that was there, and the elevator door finally opened.

This wasn’t a typical elevator, it was small and frightening.

There weren’t buttons to click on from the inside. You had to do that in the beginning before the door opened. The elevator shot up to the 20th floor, where I would be detained. It consisted of a long hall that led to a small tiny room with nothing but a bunk. Its walls and doors were made out of metal.

The man behind me threw me inside and I could feel all their eyes on me, hot as the sun in the deser.“This is where you’re going to be staying, you little brat. If you even try to escape; you’re going to be sorry.” I saw his hands ball into fists.

I felt my neck redden. “You will have two meals a day,” he continued harshly. I stood there unsure whether to explode or cry, finally letting the feelings cancel each other out.

I was left with a confused rage that allowed only a steady glare at him, a stony silence.

I finally decided to speak, “But why are you doing this to me? I haven’t done anything wrong.” My own voice was thick and unfamiliar. He looked at me for a long moment, “Your father is to blame.” With that, they all left the room, locking it behind them. His words hit me, a solid slap. My head felt as if it were filled with stones.

I jerked on the doorknob even though I knew the door was

the little seventh grade girl’s face kept floating around my mind. I realized now what her expression was-she had been crushed by someone she admired. I was the crusher. My dad wasn’t the best role model for me either; he created this arrogant personality in me through the way he dealt with his clients. He led me to believe I was superior to others.

However, he had also given me a peaceful and comfortable life, so I felt that it wasn’t right to just sit there and blame him.

Instead, I made du’aa (supplication) for God to guide us to the straight path and make locked. us better people who would be ****** gentle and humble in our deallay down on the bunk with ings with others. Praying made my arms flung over my me feel so much better and eyes. Even though I was made me want to be better. fierce and strong, I felt myself For a second, I let hope sneak sinking towards despair. Tears through the cracked walls of kept welling up in my eyes. I my cell. immediately scolded myself for * * * * * crying. It’s not going to do you The quiet dulled my senses any good, I told myself. What to the point I became fixated will help me now? I tried to on the door. I tried to distract think, and remembered that myself with silly challenges. I once my grandmother had won’t blink, I told myself, until told me, “Only rely on Allah for the next minute bled into the help.” last. I craved normalcy, even if I thought that the only thing to it was just a façade. I glanced do now was to pray. After pray- wistfully at the spot where my ing, I sat there with nothing but armchair would probably be silence accompanying me, and if this were my room. Seven found myself re-evaluating my days had gone by since I was life. I had clearly made many kidnapped. On the eighth day, mistakes. I wasn’t a practicI couldn’t stand staying in that ing Muslim, I didn’t really pray, room anymore. I couldn’t even even though I had just found lay down--my mind was tumsome relief in my captivity bling like angry rapids. I could through connecting with Alno longer eat the meals that I lah. In my reflection of myself, had been given twice a day, as

Seven days had gone by since I was kidnapped.

I

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Fiction the man had promised. I just kept making du’aa (supplication) that I find my way out of this as soon as possible. * * * ** n the fifteenth day, a man I have never seen before came and bought me my breakfast.

He was a thin, tall man who seemed to be constantly flushing with emotion. He immediately introduced himself, “Hello, I have been hired to guard this area and deliver your meals. My name is Tariq.”

He smiled, which caused his cheeks to lift into little hills on his face. His eyes were wide and the color of oak.

“Nice to meet you,” I croaked; I had to clear my voice. He seemed very nice; he didn’t look like the type of guy who would do anything to harm me. But then again I have to admit; at this point I was desperate.

He handed me my breakfast, which was bread and cheese and sat down. I felt my eyebrows lift in surprise. I hadn’t expected him to stay with me.

“I see your attitude has changed quite a bit,” he said so softly that I had to strain to hear him. I faced him. “You don’t seem as smug or as harsh as I have heard you were.”

“To be honest with you, being here alone has caused me to re-think my life and evaluate my behavior. Not only that,

O

but it has also strengthened my bond with God. It is true that something hateful might be good for you, like being a captive has been for me. God had written for this to happen to me, and so it did. If they ever decide to let me go, I will be a different person. I have now realized that opulence isn’t everything, and having an awesome lawyer as a father doesn’t mean much either. It is all in the way you act with people and in your relationship with the Creator.” I dropped my gaze, my mind replaying these facts over and over like a loop of videotape.

“You have taken the best out of this,” he said. There was a tone to his voice as if I were a specimen-now labeled “satisfactory.”

It seemed he understood me better than anyone else ever had or ever would. There was a bang at the door, and that connection between us--evanescent as the moment a butterfly lands on your hand---- broke. * * * ** here was nothing to do here, nothing at all. Out of complete boredom I started doing so many exercises that my legs felt rubbery and my arms like limp spaghetti. I hadn’t yet tried to escape in any way just because

“It’s something very hard for me to tell you and it will be even harder for you to hear”

T

36 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

I was sure that I wouldn’t be successful. Not to mention that I was in the middle of nowhere. But that day for some reason I felt that I should at least try. I walked over to the door and said “Bismillah” before I turned the doorknob. To my complete surprise, the door opened! My mouth dropped in disbelief. I felt a smile start inside me like a candle flame.

I was so happy I forgot that I should be quiet and discreet.

I just threw open the door and winced as I heard the smack of the door hitting flesh. Something like panic churned in my stomach. All breath left my body. Oh no, I thought. I froze.

It was Tariq. Relief filled me.

I felt as if someone removed forty pounds of concrete from my stomach. “You didn’t really think that they would have kept the door unlocked, did you?”

He asked. Apparently I had chosen to try to escape the exact moment Tariq had decided to enter.

“It was worth a shot,” I replied honestly. I studied him. He was nervously biting his bottom lip and there was something strange about the jittery way he kept glancing at me, as if he was holding something back and was nervous about it.

“I have some horrible news for you,” he drew out each word slowly. “It’s something very hard for me to tell you and it will be even harder for you to hear. However, I advise you to remain steady.” He said firmly and softly at the same time.

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Fiction This frightened me a little; I swallowed to stiffen my quivering voice. “What’s new?” I asked him. He took a huge sigh and motioned for me to go in and sit. I followed him inside and waited.

He finally spoke, “I’ll start with what’s easy first. I’m here now to finally take you home.

Your mother needs you with her. But your father….You

came a changed man. He was extremely affected by the tragedy of losing his daughter.

Exactly ten days after your abduction, it was all over the news that he donated $40,000 to all the helping centers in Minnesota. There was also a specific man whom your father bought a house for; he also found him a job and above all that, gave him $10,000. He

screaming. I would have gone into a depression or perhaps even committed suicide. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God) God led me to the right path and Insha’Allah (God-willing) He will give me strength to deal with this. God had willed for this to happen and I have to accept that. However, it did make me unbelievably happy knowing that father had be-

“Asmaa, your father Hasan passed away yesterday, May God have mercy on him.”

know Allah is the Almighty, in his hands is the life of everyone. He gives and takes life to whom He wills.” I had complete faith in that. Still, his tone scared me. His muscle flexed in his jaw. “Asmaa, your father Hasan passed away yesterday, May God have mercy on him.” My gaze fell into my lap like a stone. Everything around me slowed--maybe I had misheard. I shook my head, trying to dislodge the words. My eyes were filled with tears that I wouldn’t let spill at any cost.

My chest hurt as if it were going to explode. The room had gone utterly silent.

I swallowed hard before I spoke. “H-how?”

He took a deep breath. “Your father was driving late at night yesterday and got into a terrible car accident that resulted in sudden death.” He looked up. “Asmaa, Ever since you disappeared, your father be-

had six kids I believe.” I knew exactly who he was talking about, that man that came to my father’s office for help, but at that time my father rejected him. I couldn’t help it, I broke down. He stared at me, unable to offer comfort. “Asmaa, This kidnapping was intended to teach you and your father a lesson. I didn’t know the full story myself, but the people responsible for your kidnapping had been trampled on by your father severely and they wanted him to feel how they had felt. That goal was more than accomplished, I believe.

As for you, you have changed into the best possible person.

And so had your father. If you compare your before-and-after personalities, there will be an exponential and impressive difference.”

I remained quiet. He’s right, the old me would have probably went insane and started

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

come magnanimous in his last days, answering my prayers for him.

“To Allah we belong and to him we return, God be with you my father Hassan.” I drew in his name like oxygen and imagined it breaking into a thousand tiny pieces, funneling into red blood cells, beating through my heart.

www.muslimahgirl.com 37

Quote

“Man in the early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I’m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilisation that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is regressive back to ancient times" -Tawakul Karman 38 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

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Book Review

The Hunger Games By: Suzanne Collins Review by: Asmaa Ehab

This book made me fall in love. No. Really. It’s brilliant by all means and I’m not exaggerating or anything.

Anyway, if you haven’t read it yet, I think I ought to give you little hints about it.

Where to begin_where to begin? Umm, basically we have Katniss Everdeen (our heroine), Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne, the Capitol and President Snow, the thirteen twelve Districts and above all are: The Hunger Games.

The Games are held annually for the entertainment of the Capitol’s people.

Not to metion how it’s used to remind the Districts of the Capitol’s infinite powers. Twenty four tributes are picked randomly from the Districts and are put in the arena (where you must learn to expect the unexpected) to fight for their lives. To STAY ALIVE is the one and only rule and just one out of the twenty four would abide by it.

Up until the 74th Hunger Games, the Capitol couldn’t be defied. Never.

Could that be even possible? No way! At least not unless... you pull out those berries like Katniss did so she’d save the beloved one....

Review by: Asmaa Ehab My Sister The Vampire series By: Sienna Mercer The books present the exciting adventures of the two long-separated twins, Olivia Abbott and Ivy Vega. Olivia, the pink-loving cheerleader, meets gothic Ivy after she moves to Frankilin Grove with her adopting family. Next thing you know-the two girls become so close and almost BFFs. The two girls actually succeed at keeping their secret well hidden and everything goes around normally until Ivy reveals a horrifying secret to her long-lost sister.

Horror-of-horrors: Ivy isn’t just a goth-she’s a VAMPIRE....

Consider these...

Vicky Angel by: Jacqueline Wilson

Review by: Asmaa Ehab The It Girl series is written by Cecily von Ziegesar.

Jenny Hemphrey gets a couple of modeling jobs during her freshman year at the exclusive private girls school CBS in NYC. Jenny then became knowwn for her notorious behaviour, thanks to her many several risks to get the job. To cut a story short, Jen got expelled. The girl starts fighting her way back to a school until she finally settles at the WA private boarding school. Jenny and her new friends begin the gossiping; about almost everything going around at the school and you know what?! The story goes on...

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

The Accidental Cheerleader By: Mimi McCoy

www.muslimahgirl.com 39

Health

t a h t s It’ f o e m ti ! h t n o the m By: Sabrina S.

only known rual cycle, comm st en m ly th kon m e lking about it or as ta have heard of th e to er es th t m ou co it u n yo le it for a fortable whe I’m sure all of and how to hand are shy or uncom ct u pe yo ex of t to t os M ha . w as periods all guide on put together a sm e I’v so ns tio es ing qu period last and r ys u da yo 7 s 5e le o d ab rt ng fo com , how lo

hat is your First thing’s first, w al cycle? monthly menstru bleeding one

day of It is from the first the day of bleeding on month to the first ou ab t average cycle is e Th . th on m xt ne a e of us might have 28 days but som cle cy er days) or a long shorter cycle (25 tent. ovided it’s consis pr ), ys da 32 to (up y of ar on the first da Mark your calend of ea id at you get an each cycle so th u yo cle is. This way how long your cy ur when to expect yo will always know em y an m yourself fro period and save ions. barrassing situat

DO

Next how much?

n way and is unique in our ow us of e on y er ev ’s period Each and While one person ly. nt re ffe di k or on to 7 our bodies w person’s might go r he ot an , ys da much might last for 2-3 period lasts, how ur yo ng lo w ho to person. Do days. In addition s from person to rie va so al t ou blood comes that. not worry about milk. Also your daily glass of on ip sk t no do u portant), Make sure yo gs (the yolk is im eg as ch su n, iro straweat foods rich in kpeas, spinach, ic ch s, an be , s) isin our bodies dried fruit (like ra rtant to replenish po im is It s. te da berries and bleeding. e lose due to the w at th n iro e th with

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such pain medication Over-the-counter help with d Ibuprofen can an l s? no g le in Ty sw as d plying ps and moo am ith the cramps. Ap cr w ed se at o ci th so t u as o in e the pa men may also And what ab that time of th on the lower abdo lutely normal for h so ot cl ab e m . ar ar w ng ps pi a am am In addition e cr Stomach cr in and discomfort. women experienc pa l e al m of so p, lf ve ar ha lie sh an re e sleep th rienc month. More ht, getting enough others may expe rig g le hi tin w ea in e, pa es ll th e du to se of the of th Some may have larly over the cour ates contraction gu ul re im st ng si at ci th er al ex ic es pr em how and e a difference in ges may also be intense pain. A ch ak an m ch l tly na ea io gr ot n m ca E is pain. of menstruation. d. This is due to month uterus causes th nce the 3-7 days during your perio rie or d/ pe an ex u re yo fo be in your body. ent a few days are taking place at th s ge an ch al hormon

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40 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

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Health r to use the e products d may be in orde rio pe ur yo – ht Usage of feminin lig ral different kinds e how heavy or

are seve you recogniz use pads. There rls gi t It is important that os better for sports M u. yo r works fo t-time use, ones at gh th ni t r uc fo od es pr t on ec e, corr time us es, ones for dayfor you. d see what works thick ones, thin on an s nd ki nt re ffe Try di and activities etc. g the first s (especially durin ur ho 4 y er ev t as le rlies but it is ss this enough gi ur pad/tampon at re yo st ge ot an nn ch ca u I . yo r) ie Make sure would be heav your health. hen your period w ys da of le giene as well as up hy r co tte be r fo is at you do th very important th etter. Get-

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r your period b fo re a p re p d n a way of havmanage u e o th y in s t lp e e g h it is t th le t e o I hop ral process. Do n tu a n a is d rio e p ting your ing fun! uslimahgirl.com m @ k s a : s n tio s e u any q Feel free to ask

Diary of A Depressed Student by: Mariam Ashraf

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

If this is supposed to be a vacation, since I go to school on Saturday, then why did I wake up at 6.30 in the morning, get out of my sweet warm bed, change into my absurd school uniform and go out into the freezing morning fog to listen to two teachers, who enjoy nothing in life more than shouting? I have to tell you, I am expecting them to walk into the class with two frying pans and bang them above my drowsy head. But I am still hoping that one day they will abandon teaching and work as prison wardens in the near future.

“OH YEAH! Finally the weekend is here.” That’s probably what you were expecting diary but this is the diary of a depressed student not a happy delightful one. Yes of course I am happy it is the weekend but today wasn’t exactly the best day in my life. My alarm clock didn’t ring and my cat practically sat on my face to wake me up. Word of advice, fur is not a pleasant thing to wake up to.

By the time my heavy eye lids opened from their sleep I had exactly ten minutes to be in the car. I got laughed at of course for having the messiest uniform and a hijab that billowed around my head.

At least my mum saved the lecture about sleeping early till I got back from school. Happy weekend, I guess.

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

www.muslimahgirl.com 41

D.I.Y.

How to make

IZNIK TILES By: Romaisa Sebaihia

In the late 15th century in Iznik, Turkey, Iznik potters started to make blue and white patterned pottery and tiles – these patterns were influenced by Ottoman’s court in Istanbul and also influenced

by Chinese porcelain which shows the similarities between these Iznik patterns and ceramics – the only difference between the Chinese and Turkish designs were that on Turkish patterns they had Arabic words on them.

The earliest surviving Iznik ceramic was found on a few vessels with blue and white patterns on it – these vessels and patterns dated back to around 1480.

So if you want to make these Iznik patterns keep reading to find out how to make your own Iznik tile (using paper or a tile) and transport yourself back in time to the Ottoman empire period!

the f o n o i s r e v r e p For the pa d: e e n l l i w u o y Iznik ‘tile E OF PAPER PERS A PLAIN PIEC COLOURED PA E U L B , IN A L A FEW P SCISSORS

• • •

Instructions:

1

First get a plain piece of paper and fold it in half and half again Then open back up your piece of paper, get your scissors and cut out one of the squares you made

42 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

2

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D.I.Y.

3

Set the rest of the paper aside and you should have one of the four squares you folded in front of you

Get your blue coloured paper and draw out a beautiful, big and detailed floral design on it- then cut it out carefully and stick it on your white square.

5

Add any other detailing by using glitter or other coloured pens or if you want to add another layer on your floral design then use green, red and yellow because they are used in typical Iznik tiles and pottery

For the tile version of th e • • •

A WHITE TILE SOME BLUE PAINT A PAINTBRUSH

1 3

4

Iznik ‘tile you will need :

Get your tile, blue paint and paintbrush and start painting a floral design on the tile Make it detailed and let it fill up most of the tile (but not all)!

Done!

February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

2

As you can see these are so easy to make especially the last one when you have the right resources.

Have fun!

www.muslimahgirl.com 43

Advice

“But everyone does it!”

By: Yasmeen A.

H

aha, the things we use to (or still) say! Have you ever used this excuse? Well, this was the excuse I use to tell my mom a lot when I was around elementary/middle school age. I would see Muslim kids celebrating Halloween or Christmas, dating, dancing, or just doing something I know as a Muslim is haaram and I would feel so lonely and upset because my parents wouldn't let me do those things. I would always tell them "but all the Muslims at school do it." Now as I have gotten older, I have realized that just because all the Muslims at school--or wherever you are-- do it, doesn't make it right. Like they say 2 wrongs don't make a right.

Just because your friend jumps off a bridge, does that mean you are going to do it too? Hopefully, not!

Even let's say all the Muslims in the world were to celebrate Halloween and Christmas (which I highly doubt) that still doesn't make it right! We have to go back to our resources (the Quran and the Authentic Hadith) and see what's halal (allowed in Islam) and what is haaram (not allowed in Islam). Islam isn't about opinions or theories, Islam is the truth and can be backed up with evidence.

Like Nouman Ali Khan said we shouldn't be ashamed to not do something that is haaram.

For instance, some Muslim girls might look at some girl wearing a beautiful yet low cut prom dress wishing they could wear one, but they can't because they know it's haaram.

We shouldn't be disappointed because of this. Instead we should be like I feel bad for this girl who's displaying herself like an object...an item rather than a human and is just trying to gain bad attention especially from men.

Just because your friend jumps off a bridge, does Never be ashamed of what you in because there are that mean you believe people who aren't ashamed show their religion, so why are going to toshould we? There are some who are atheists who go do it too? people around unclothed in public and

44 February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

they aren't ashamed. So why should we be ashamed for standing up in what we believe and that which is good? Instead we should feel ashamed to commit and think bad, not be ashamed to do what is good in our religion.

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Advice y beautiful sisters in Islam, we must be careful when it comes to fashion. I know we see the latest fashion magazines and on tv, but why are we looking up to them as role models? I see a lot of my Muslim sisters out there who look as though they’re muslim super models. Sisters, this life isn’t a beauty pageant! We shouldn’t be all fashionista and seeking attention.

M

The most popular fashion statements I see among Muslimahs nowadays are high heels and turbans. I must say I do love both, but I now know as a Muslimah, they are haaram.

Firstly, the high heels. It says in the Quran: “… they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments.”

(24:31) High heels draw attention to people as they make a lot of noise, so we shouldn’t be drawing attention to ourselves. Plus, high heels are proven to be bad for the body causing back and foot problems.

Secondly, the turbans. As women, we are not

Miss Superby:Model Yasmeen A. to copy off of the style of men. Men have their own style and women have their own style.

We cannot have women wear suits and men wear dresses. It just doesn’t work that way.

Not to mention, it’s also a bit strange. Therefore, since turbans are a man’s piece of clothing, we cannot take that as a style for women.

Also, Abu Dawood relates a narration from Umm Salamah (RAA) which shows that the Prophet (SAAWS) forbade women to bundle their Khumoor on their heads in such a way as to resemble the turban of a man.

Also, we shouldn’t even be copying the style/ fashion of the disbelievers as stated in the Hadiths. As Muslims, we have our own style `Abdullah ibn `Umar (RAA) said he heard and we should be proud of that!

Allah’s Messenger (SAAWS) say: The man If you have any questions or would like to who resembles a woman and the woman who get to know more about me, feel free to visit resembles a man is not of us (i.e., not of the my Islamic blog: http://apeacefulmuslimah. believers). [Ahmad and At-Tabarani-Saheeh] blogspot.com/ February/Rabie’ Awal 2012/1433

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MuslimahGirl

! w o n e b i r c s Sub m o c . l r i g .muslimah

www

e n i l n o , e e r f It’s a ! e n i z a mag

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