February/Rabie'Awal 2013/1434 issue #11 of Muslimah Girl Magazine

the magazine every Muslimah should read!

February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434 issue #11

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G N I T I C EX ! e d i s n s i new Make Your Own Scarf Hanger!

Immune to News

PA L E S T I N E February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

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conte fashion

interview

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Woroud sawalha with mosaic

a girl from palestine

did you know?

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40 60 72

Palestinian thobe oh-so-elegant!

the casual/bridal you

health

Get your palestinian facts straight

fun facts about masjid al-aqsa

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know your mahrams

recipe

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Sunnah sports

60 d.i.y

Kenafa Nabulsih

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hijab hanger

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ents poetry

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we are palestine A Blind boy/life

express yourself

reviews

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Pearl daisy review book review

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faith guarding the tongue

science corner

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the astrolabe

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others

quote hadith

Immune to news

du’aa

you start

diary of an optimistic student

fun stuff

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advice

Winter Blues develop yourself

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Welcome to Palestine, where West meets East and North meets South, the holy land where religions took form, the cradle of civilizations, the beautiful country with rich culture and extremely deep history.

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Bekom Be Falasteen.

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MuslimahGirl

February/Rabie’ Awal 2013/1434 issue #11

issue's writers: Asmaa Ehab Fida Islaih Humaira Ashraf Mariam Ashraf Mariam El Gamal Mariam Ghanem Mariam Syed Menna Fateen Nonni Soraya Nouran Amin Rahma Fateen Romaisa Sebaihia Shaira Hafsa Sumaira Reyaz The Traveler Ujala Shujat Uswah Walde

editor in chief: Menna Fateen

assistant editor in chief: Romaisa Sebaihia

editor: Asmaa Ehab

design & layout: Menna Fateen

cover girl: Fayha Ahmed

flo& Any comments, suggestions or questions?

Email info@muslimahgirl.com Tweet us @muslimahgirlmag Post on our facebook wall Contact us via tumblr

editor’s note

Assalamu Alikum ladies, Keef el hal? (That means ‘how are you?’ in Palestinian Arabic dialect!)

I hope you’re all fine and lively and enjoying your life while remembering to work for the Day of Judgement. :) This issue is literally full with information about Palestine and other fun stuff from making your own scarf hanger to elegant fashion spreads and how to guard your tongue. We really hope you enjoy this issue!

For the exciting news mentioned on the cover, flip to page 58!

menna fateen

Menna Fateen Editor-in-chief

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A Ray Of

Hope...

By: Ujala Shujat

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Have you ever dreamt of that perfect world where everyone is receiving high quality education? I have. But knowing that about 67 million children worldwide are out of school, this dream seems almost impossible to fulfill. The question does not only revolve about how we will be able to pay their fees, but how to convince some parents to send their children to school and more importantly how to spark the passion for education in the children who might never have even thought about picking up a book.

Yes, it might come as a surprise, but there are a lot of reluctant parents and children. Infact, our world is in a state of 'educational emergency'. Children of schoolgoing age are involved in child labor to support the family. Women’s education is especially neglected, as parents just don’t think it to be important enough (because according to them the only reason a girl is born is to raise a family). Even if the parents with low-income try to enroll their kids into schools, most of the time they have to compromise on the quality of education, which has lead to 50% of the school children of Pakistan not being able to even read a sentence. This data can disturb any sane mind. But on the bright side, all the people reading this article are literate and if they join hands together the number stated above can certainly be brought down. For this purpose, my university mates and I have started a school in Pakistan called Sehar Foundation.

Sehar is an Urdu word which means “dawn” in English, and this school will serve the same purpose, that is to bring a ray of hope of high quality education to the young buds of Pakistan, so that no child could ever be deprived of his fundamental right to education. Apart from that, Sehar foundation will also work on career counseling and talent building, which is something that many schools tend to ignore.

Education is important. It is not only important to get jobs, but it brings discipline in a society and takes a society towards success. Even our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) emphasized considerably on this matter. So play your part in giving the society what it needs the most. Teach a child who otherwise would never be able to read a book in his life. Either volunteer or donate for an NGO (Non-governmental Organizations) or teach a child individually. I would also really appreciate if you support Sehar Foundation and like it on Facebook. Remember, all acts of charity will come back to the donor manifold and no joy is better than to see a person smiling and knowing that the reason behind that smile is YOU! :)

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Like the Sehar Foundation on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/sehar.foundation

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Dome of The Rock

Al-Quds, (Jerusalem) Palestine

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Palestine February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

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Al-Aqsa

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The Holy mosque of Al-Aqsa is located in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Palestine. Its significance to the Muslims is that: 1. It is the third most sacred mosque after the Kaa’ba and the mosque of the Prophet (PBUH) 2. It is the place from where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the sky for mi’raj.

3. It was the first Qibla for the Muslims February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

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Dabke (Arabic: ‫ ;دبكة‬also transliterated dabka,dabki and dabkeh) is an Arab folk dance native to the Levant. It is popular in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria and Iraq. A line dance, it is widely performed at weddings and joyous occasions. The leader of the dabke heads the line, alternating between facing the audience and the other dancers.

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Dabkeh

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did you know?

Get Your Palestinian Issue Facts

Straight

MYTH

Arabs willingy left their homes or at the directive of their leaders so Israel taking their homes was morally okay.

“It was not a haphazard fight in which the Palestinians fled their home at the directive of their leaders but it had been an unprovoked systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing by the Jewish militia involving massacres, terrorism and the wholesale looting of an entire nation” -Miko Peled from ‘The General’s Son’

MYTH

Palestinians (Hamas in particular) are terrorists.

When a Palestinian blows up an Israeli tank he is labeled as a terrorist but when an Israel soldier shoots a Palestinian child in the eye he is just defending himself. When Palestinians die, it doesn’t make the news but when one Israeli does it’s all over the news.

MYTH

FACT

FACT

Palestinians sold their houses to the Israeli settlers.

When the Israelis offered the Jewish people a house, the coffee inside was still warm meaning that the family was just forced out.

FACT

Educate Yourself: http://smpalestine.com http://electronicintifada.net/ log http://electronicintifada.net/b press.com/about/ http://occupiedpalestine.word

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did you know?

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Fun Facts About Masjid Al-Aqsa

Masjid Al Aqsa was the second Masjid on earth.

Ibrahim [as] rebuilt the Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem as he and Ismail [as] rebuilt the Ka’ba in Makkah.

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Masjid Al Aqsa built by Sulayman [as] was destroyed in 587 BC by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon.

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The Jews re-built their Temple on the same site in 167 BC but was destroyed in 70 AD and Jews banished from Jerusalem.

That, the al Buraq wall or Western Wall where Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] tied his animal the Buraq on the night journey of al Israa is what the Jews call the wailing wall.

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Most scholars are of the opinion that Masjid Al Aqsa was first built by Prophet Adam [as].

It was Prophet Sulayman [as] who finally completed the building of Masjid Al Aqsa.

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The Jews call this same Masjid Al Aqsa built by Sulayman [as] as their Temple.

The site of Masjid Al Aqsa remained barren and was used as a rubbish tip for nearly 600 years until the Great Khalifah Umar bin Khattab liberated Jerusalem in 637/8 AD and began its foundation again.

Israel occupied Masjid Al Aqsa in 1967 and the fundamentalist Jews have made 100s of attempts to destroy Al Aqsa since 1967 when they occupied it. A fire in 1967 started by their help destroyed the 900 year old Mimbar installed by Salahudeen Ayubi, the Great Muslim Hero. www.muslimahgirl.com

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poetry

We Are Palestine We are not just zataar and zaytoon olives and oranges watermelon and cheese homemade bread and mint tea on the balcony

by: FIda islaih

We are not trashed streets hot weather and water loss and bombed buildings We are not just blood We are a waving flag of roses red like blood, of grass green like justice, of doves and jasmine white like peace on a night sky We are olive trees uprooted from our homes leaving our roots high waiting for our leaves to be seen and heard waiting to plant ourselves back at home.

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poetry

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interview

Woroud sawalha 18 February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

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interview

her interview with Mosaic February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

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interview

Woroud sawalha is a 20 year old runner and a sports major at Najah National University in Palestine. She is from Aseera Al Shamalia which is right outside of Nablus in the West Bank. She caught everyone’s attention during the Olympics when she competed in her hijab for Palestine. Although Woroud didn’t win, she won worldwide respect and made Palestinians and Muslim women very proud. ‘Mosaic of Muslim Women’ (read more about Mosaic on page 25) interviews her about the Olympics and her future goals.

Mosaic: When did you start competing/ running professionally?

Woroud: ‘I first started out when I was about 13 years old and I used to compete in nationwide competitions through my school. I used to run long distances like the 3k and 5k. When I graduated from high school, I had an average of 93% and I chose to major in sports in university. I joined the track team at my university and used to compete with them with the ultimate goal of competing internationally. After successfully winning many of the local and national track competitions, it was announced that I will be competing in the Olympics for Palestine.”

Mosaic: What was your training like in Palestine? What obstacles did you endure?

Woroud: “There was no place for me to train and no one to train me on the 800 meters, which was a new distance for me. I tried at first to train with my university team but it was on different distances and there was no one to focus on training me on my own. So after I train with the team, I used to go out to my father’s land out in the village and train hard to improve my running times. Every week I used to go to the Olympic committee and ask them to help me with my situation and provide me with a trainer for my specific distance. Time was passing by so quickly and my situation was not changing. Until April came along and I was told that there would be a 3 month training camp in Qatar which I attended along with Bahaa Al Fara-the other Palestinian runner who is from Gaza- and

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his trainer Majed Abu Marahel. However, I was very surprised when I got to Qatar that there was still no trainer assigned to me. So I started to train with Majed Abu Marahel as well. I used to train twice a day, in the mornings and evenings, in Qatar in order to take advantage of resources that I did not have available to me in Palestine.”

Mosaic: How did your training change when you got to London?

Woroud: “In London I got to train on a track that was similar to the one that I would compete in and that was the best training I had. My best time when I was in Palestine was 3.54 min. I was also able to train in Turkey for a short while (while I was there for a competetion in Istanbul) where my time improved to 2.51 min. With the training in Qatar my best time became 2.42 min. By the time I started training in London, I was able to take off another 13 seconds of my best time. I felt that that was when my journey really began to take off.”

Mosaic: How did it feel to get chosen for the Olympics?

Woroud: “Even though this was a huge dream of mine, I honestly didn’t expect for it to actually happen. I was a bit anxious because I felt the heavy responsibility that was on my shoulders to represent my country.”

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interview

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it was announced that I will be competing in the Olympics for Palestine

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interview Mosaic: You have so many factors that someone might use against you, like the fact that your are Palestinian and you run with your hijab. How do you keep up your motivation?

Woroud: “When I started running years ago, I was not wearing hijab. However, when I did start wearing hijab, I continued to compete. I did face some difficulties in the beginning but Alhamdulah I am now more attached to it than I ever was. There was a time when I felt weakened by people’s negative comments but when I was chosen for the Olympics I proved to everyone that a woman in hijab has the ability to reach the highest limits!”

Mosaic: What was your number one goal this Olympic games?

Woroud: “My goal for this Olympic games was achieved and it was for the new number from Palestine to carry my name. That was my goal for these games purely because this is only the beginning and I hope to use that number to compete in the next Olympics Inshallah. I will be working hard to improve myself so that I can compete against the best and win. Then it will be the Palestinian national anthem that the world will hear and the Palestinian flag will be raised above others.”

Mosaic: What was it like when you arrived in London? Did anyone from your family go with you?

Woroud: “When I first saw London from the airplane, my eyes welled up with tears because I never imagined that one of these days I would get this opportunity. No one from my family was able to accompany me because it was not financially feasible for them. However, I have an uncle who lives in Canada that I haven’t seen for four years who, upon hearing that I will be in the Olympics, booked his flight to London to cheer and support me. He also was in the audience during my competition.”

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interview Mosaic: What was your schedule like in London? Was it all training or did you get to do some sightseeing?

Woroud: “I pretty much stayed in the Olympic village and the training facilities the whole time until the day of my competition on August 8. After my competition, I had about four days to see the city. My uncle and I went to the London Bridge, London eye, and walked around the city. I also went with the rest of the Palestinian team to the Madame Tussauds wax museum.”

Mosaic: Tell us about the opening ceremony. Where were you waiting and how did it feel to walk into the stadium?

Woroud: “It was a very very great day! Before we went out we were all waiting backstage in the stadium. We really enjoyed it and loved walking behind our flag, which was held by the judo fighter, Maher Abu Ramela. We got to see the torch being lit and raised.”

Mosaic: Tell us about the day of your competition.

Woroud: “I went to the stadium and they started calling out for our group. My heart was beating so fast but I was able to calm myself down. We walked and were taken to the first room, which was a security search room. Then we were taken to another room to double check our names and other things like our numbers. Then they lined us up behind each other and we walked out of the stadium to the deafening roar of the large crowd.”

Mosaic: What is the greatest memory you have of your time at the Olympics?

Woroud: “The greatest memory I have was during the closing ceremony when I got to carry the Palestinian flag and lead our group. I also really liked the pictures.”

Mosaic: When did you meet the rest of the Palestinian team?

Woroud: “Unfortunately we are all from different areas and there were so many factors that made it difficult for us to meet, most specifically the Israeli occupation.”

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Mosaic: Were you all together all the time?

Woroud: “We used to go to most places together except for training and we all had different training schedules. We all watched each other’s competitions. However, unfortunately at the time of my race, most of the team that was from Gaza had already gone home due to their fear that the bridge would be closed and they wouldn’t be able to get back home.”

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they lined us up behind each other and we walked out of the stadium to the deafening roar of the large crowd.

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Mosaic: Obviously your parents were very proud of you. How often did you talk to them while you were in London?

What was the greatest piece of advice they gave you?

Woroud: “Before I had to give up my phone to security the day of my race, my dad called me and told me, “My dear, don’t be afraid and be confident in yourself. We have the whole village in our living room watching you and cheering you on.”

They always advise me to give my all and try my best to get results.”

Mosaic: When you got back to Palestine, how was your reception?

Woroud: “I came home to open arms and hugs.

My mother lifted me and twirled. All the neighbors were out on the streets to greet me. There were some people that had a hard time accepting the fact that I didn’t win as they have been watching me win again and again in Palestine. But I do not blame them for they had no idea what I was competing against in terms of the other runners.”

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interview Mosaic: What are your future plans?

Woroud: “I have a dream that I will reach my goal of winning gold.”

Mosaic: This Olympics games took place during Ramadan. What was it like fasting while training?

Woroud: “The days that I could fast in, I did fast. And the days that my training took all morning I use to eat. And on the morning of my race, I had some honey with dates.”

Mosaic: When people think of Woroud Sawalha, what do you want people to remember the most?

Woroud: “Of course when I run, I am not running for myself because I represent my country and I want Allah to be pleased with me first and then other people second.”

Mosaic: This is obviously a life changing opportunity. Did you feel that you changed? What was the greatest thing that you learned?

Woroud: “What changed the most was that people started to know who I was. This opportunity made me want to change the lives of girls who wear hijab and encourage them to take part in competitive sports. And I learned that impossible is not so hard to overcome afterall.”

Mosaic: Is there anything you would like to add?

Woroud: “I hope that I will still have access to the training camps for the next four years so that I can better compete for the gold and place Palestine on the Olympic map. And I am extremely happy and grateful when I hear that I have supporters all over the world.”

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interview

Mosaic (http://mosaicofmuslimwomen.wordpress.com/) is a colorful artwork of Muslim women from all over the world who have extraordinary acheivements. It is a platform in which to recognize the unrecognized, celebrate the accomplished, and bring together a wide diversity of women who exemplify the image of a Muslimah.

Our Mosaic would not be complete without the Muslim women of the past, starting from the time of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and working through over 1400 years of Islam in order to show the empowerment and freedom Islam has brought to women. For 1400 years, Islam has enabled women to vote, inherit, keep their own last names, have careers and be equal to men. The situation of women in certain countries are the result of culture and government and not at all consequences of Islam, although some people might wrongly use the name of the religion to justify their actions.

Every week, we will feature a woman from the past and a woman from the present in order to paint a true picture in your mind about Muslim women.

You can contact me at Mosaic.REMW@gmail.com

Mosaic celebrates their one-year anniversary

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Imagine If London Was Occupied by

How can we help our brothers and sisters in Palestine? What is our role towards them? Follow our blog (muslimahgirlmag. tumblr.com) to stay updated with our upcoming posts!

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interview

So when I first realized that I had to write an article about Palestine, I literally had a hurricane of emotions. I didn’t know where to start, or what to say. The thing is, just the word Palestine can bring on so much emotion in many people. I mean, say the word “Palestine” or “Israel” at school, and I automatically become part of your conversation.

So while I sat at my laptop, hoping for an inspiration while listening to Maher Zain’s Palestine Will Be Free (which is a really good song you can buy iTunes. I highly recommend), my phone buzzed. Still lost in thought I glanced at its screen with a text from one of my best friends, Adan. I should also mention here that Adan is a Palestinian teenager living with close family friends as part of an exchange program. :) So anyways, I decided to interview Adan, or rather, ask her a few questions. A quick background synopsis: Adan came here (Southern California) in the end of the summer from Palestine. Her host family happened to be one of my family’s close friends. She is here until the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

A Girl From Palestine Interviewed by: Mariam Syed

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magine coming from a country completely different than from what you’re used to. And then on top of that, living with a family you have never met, not being able to speak your first language, and attend normal high school. Adan is an amazing person and friend, and I’m so lucky to have met her.

MGM: What foreign student exchange student program are you part of?

Adan: “I'm an exchange student on PAX & YES (Youth exchange study) programs.”

MGM: What made you decide to attend this program and choose the USA? Adan: “I saw a great future and good advantages to my university application and jobs by doing this year of study in the U.S.A because Israel and U.S.A have a really good relationship.”

MGM: Where in Palestine do you live? Like what town, village, region, etc.?

Adan: “I live in a region calls “Jalil” in the north, in a village called Nahif.”

MGM: Could you describe your hometown?

Adan: “My village is about 20,000 people. It’s a modern Arab Muslim village, a really old village that existed even during the Ottoman Era. People from Nahif are known for their intelligence and it has a conservative society.”

MGM: How different is your hometown from the US? Adan: “It is different with the number of people: my village has about 20,000 people; here (in the town I currently live in) it's about 45,000 people. My village is a conservative village which affects everything like clothes, relationships and so on. Here (in the US), it’s a free

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interview country. In my village, it's only Arabs and Muslims living there. Here, it’s a variety of religions and races, etc.”

MGM: What about the school you attend at home? What is it like? How is it different from the school you attend here?

Adan: “My school back home has about 700 pupils. The students stay in one class, and we are divided by grades and age so the people in your class are your age only. My school is all science classes and starts at 8:15 and finishes at 12:30 or 1 pm, but sometimes we stay until 3 pm. We don't have that much of homework but I can say it's 4-5 times harder.”

MGM: What is your view/opinion of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict?

Adan: “I prefer to say that it has been so long that it makes me feel that it really needs a solution, but it is so hard to make the right one since the conflict has been there for so, so, so long. I totally agree with peace between people without mentioning who they are or how they define themselves. But on the other side, I would love that each side get their rights or give the rights of other people back to them. I know that it is hard to understand and I have been asked a lot about it, and I officially say that Arabs are not going to simply get out of their lands, and neither are the Jews, so the best temporarily solution for us is to live together and start thinking about our present life by making our past our motive and the guide to keep us from falling in the same situation again.”

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interview MGM: Do you consider yourself an Israeli or Palestinian, since you are legally documented as an Israeli citizen?

Adan: “I am simply a Palestinian who lives in Israel, which is supposed to be called “Palestine”.”

MGM: Do you have anything else you want to tell our readers?

Adan: “I would love to say that being a Muslim is the best thing that ever happened to me, and so be proud of being Muslim. I believe that if you looked at our conflict as a Muslim, you’ll see the solutions that are the right thing to do and what decisions to make.”

MGM: What are some typical views/ stereotypes that are held by your classmates that you have helped diminish?

Adan: “I was surprised to know that some people who are my class mates don’t even know Israel or Palestine or about our conflict! I had to answer silly questions like “Is Israel hot?” Do you have war every day?” “Do you speak Israelian (which is a language I have never heard before!)?” And some series questions from very few people who knew about the conflict like: “Do you support the conflict?” “Do you have any jobs that you can’t work in?” “Do you face racism?” and etc. From what I have been asked, I had to tell my classmates about my country first, and say that these Arabs/Palestinians existed in it first, and to let them know that it’s the only and first Jewish country in the world, and it’s in the Middle East. The official languages are Arabic and Hebrew (some thought it’s only Hebrew).”

MGM: Do you want to clarify any misconceptions our readers may have about Palestine and/or Israel?

Adan: “Yes, I want you to know that not all Jews are bad, but what we call sohyon (Zionists) are bad. It is only a category of them that are bad and that you can find that in each and every place in the world. I strongly ask you to please read more about the conflict and never ask questions just to make fun of others, because it may be just a conflict for you, but it is our life for us!”

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quote

“Sit with those who constantly repent for they have the softest hearts” -Omar Ibn ElKhattab

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recipe

INGREDIENTS: • 6-8 chicken pieces (or as much needed).

• Cauliflower (as desired).

• 3-4 rice cups.

• Spices (cinnamon sticks+ cardamom+ ginger +ground cinnamon+ ground ginger+ mixed spices+ ground turmeric+ salt) • 1 chopped onion.

DIRECTIONS: 1.

Wash the chicken pieces and peel their skin.

2.

Place the chicken pieces in a large pot of boiling water and add cinnamon sticks+ cardamom+ ½ tsp ginger+ 1 chopped onion; then cover it for 30 minutes.

3.

During the 30 minutes, cut the cauliflower into pieces (size of a hand fist) and fry them till golden brown, then let them drain their oil on kitchen paper towels.

4.

Afterwards, wash the rice and add all the spices you devour ; such as: ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground mixed spices, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp salt…etc.

5.

Add the same spices above to the boiled broth and salt it to taste.

6.

In the broth pot, arrange the chicken at the bottom first, then place the pieces of fried cauliflower neatly on top of them and allow to boil in the broth for 5-10 minutes.

7.

Subsequently, add rice carefully to keep the layers in order that the broth covers the rice (about 2 fingers above it).

8.

Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, then at low heat for 10-15 minutes.

9.

After turning the heat off, leave the pot covered for 10 minutes to cool down a bit.

10.

Serve upside down in a sizable tray.

photo credit: http://zaatarahsrecipes.blogspot.com/

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recipe

Makloubeh By: Mariam ElGamal

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recipe

H I S L U B A N A F A N E K amal

By: Mariam ElG

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups Akkawi cheese.

• ½ cup hot margarine.

• ½ tsp red food colouring.

• ½ kilo fresh kenafa dough.

• 1½ cup sherbet (sugar syrup).

• Soft ground pistachio for garnish.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Grate Akkawi cheese and place in warm water for 30 minutes to get rid of excess salt, then drain well with pressure to get rid of excess water, too.

2. Hot margarine is divided into 3 equal parts.

3. Mix the red food colouring with the first part of margarine and stir until completely dissolved.

4. Place the kenafa dough in a deep bowl and disintegrate its tufts.

5. Sprinkle the red margarine mixture on the kenafa dough and rub until converged well.

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6. Pour the second part of margarine into a circular tray on low heat, and spread the kenafa dough while applying pressure so as to cover and bond at the bottom of the tray (1 cm thick).

7. Add the remaining quantity of margarine on the surface of the kenafa and its sides.

8. Cook the kenafa try over medium heat, while moving the tray in circular motions on the stove, for 10 minutes until brown and cohere.

9. Spread the Akkawi cheese evenly over the kenafa to cover it, but make sure that cheese isn't in contact with the tray's sides so it won't burn.

10. Cover the kenafa tray with a smaller one and simmer for a while until the cheese melts.

11. Turn the tray upside down, so that the smaller tray would have the Akkawi cheese at the bottom, covered with the kenafa.

12. Sprinkle the kenafa with some warm sherbet (sugar syrup), and garnish with ground pistachio.

Cut and served warm; more sherbet can be added as desired.

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#SORRY

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fashion

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fashion

Palestinian thobe February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

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fashion

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fashion

Fayha Ahmed (aka CoveredGirlFayha) the youtube vlogger is wearing a Palestinian thobe. Thobe is the traditional Palestinian clothing for women.

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fashion

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fashion

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poetry I met a boy once who said that he knew everything, that he was always right.

Couldn’t see that he had so much to learn till he lost his sight.

He used to say that love wasn’t real He used to say that it was all about that physical appeal He roamed the streets thinking he had nothing to lose.

Believed in no one and took in plenty of hearts to abuse.

He thought the world was his playground and he set the rules.

But he is not the Greatest or Most Gracious, he is just the king of all fools And on this very playground I watched him stumble and fall.

I watched as his life flashed before him, I watched as he knew nothing at all.

A moment of silence for all the tired souls.

A moment of silence for this boys loss of words.

A moment of silence for the blindness of his heart.

A moment of silence for those of us who don’t know where to start.

I lost a foe that day with tears in my eyes For I could not see past his friendship’s disguise.

I have faith in something greater than a boy with beautiful eyes.

I have faith in something stronger than a world at its demise.

A BLIND BOY By: Mariam Ghanem 46 February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

I refuse to hold on to something so unreal.

I refuse to sit back and watch my faith disappear.

They’ll tell you many times that this world is temporary.

But you’ll never quite understand it till your heart grows weary.

I met a boy once who said he knew everything, that he was always right.

Couldn’t see that he had so much to learn till he lost his sight.

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poetry

LIFE

By: Ujala Shujat

Life is not a fairytale, and I am no princess No prince charming will come for me and I am no one’s mistress This struck to me on a cold day while I was sipping coffee and cream It’s rare that someone gets everything they dream A good life is not complete without compromises and pain Sunshine never lasts, nor does rain Many of your efforts can end in vain, When life gives you a tough time, just smile and fool your brain This will at least lower your stress hormones, Don’t forget to socialize and answer your phones Take it easy but always work hard When life tries to drag you, show a “NO” card Finding balance is the toughest part in life, Master that and you will fly like a kite! :) Notes from the author: One cannot start working on self-development until they embrace the reality of life. Allah did not design life to be all rainbows and sunshineleave Paradise for that. To live a successful life, one must stay positive and ready at all times & work to attain a balance between “Deen” and “Dunya”.

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47

review

w e i v e r y s i a D l r Pea ira Ashraf by: Huma

Assalamu Alaikum Ladies, I’ve decided to do a review on one of my upmost favourite hijab-Gurus! This is a Pearl Daisy review aka Amenakin! Amena is a vlogger, blogger, and columnist and also runs her own clothing brand. She has recently launched a beautiful lil’ boutique up in Leicester, so I went online and had a look…!

Many of you may have seen her tutorials of the ‘hoojabs’ which she has designed herself; a hijab with a hood; how convenient, hey? They look so comfy so I bought a cream coloured Hoojab which is a beautiful natural colour and is great for all kinds of folding, pleating, coverage – you

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name it! The colour and quality was perfect, I was really impressed. Everything is done so professionally – unblemished hemming, great size, pretty packaging and quick arrival!

Secondly, I bought the denim Alibaba’s which were such a great buy! I literally wear them every weekend, lounging round the house.

They’re super comfy, modest and brilliant for all weathers.

So, overall, apart from two lose buttons on the Alibaba’s, products from Pearl Daisy really are a good investment. Good price, good quality and quick delivery - what more could you ask for?

Get your own pearl daisy products here: http://pearl-daisy.com/

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did you know?

Father Grandfathers Foster Father And Great Grandfathers!

Sons Grandsons And Great Grandsons!

WHO ARE MY MAHRAMS? Stepsons Stepfather

Father in law Son in law

Brothers Half Brothers Foster Brothers Nephews Foster Nephews Paternal Uncle Maternal Uncle Foster Uncle

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. "(24:31)

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advice

Winter Blues By: Nouran Amin

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advice

It

’s been winter for a while now and the days keep on getting shorter and shorter. The weather (depending on where you live) can be unpleasant and in some cases disastrous. We suddenly spend most of our days indoors either on the computer or either well on the computer.

Things seem to get old and we find ourselves descending on the ladder of boredom. This is what I like to call “The Winter Blues”.

The Winter Blues is known to psychologists as

1

Fast!

That’s right: fasting! The days in winter are shorter and you could make up for the days you missed in Ramadan you know for our “girly reasons”. Just remember to renew your intentions and fast first and foremost for the sake of Allah (SWT) otherwise, it will be invalid.

Bake!

3

Some of the best recipes can only be done in the winter. So get in the kitchen and give your Mom a hand and bake something. Baking is a great mood lifter and an easy way to earn good deeds!

“seasonal affective disorder” (because psychologists just want to make everything complicated) but for me, I like to describe it as a short period of low mood where everything and anything is boring. The Winter Blues is basically caused by lack of productivity due to that “depressed feeling” winter brings. However, if you make use of how beautiful winter can be there is no reason to feel blue after all!

Here are some of my “anti-Winter Blues”:

2

Organize!

Instead of stalking people's Facebook profiles and scrolling on Tumblr, get m and up and moving. Go organize your roo closet r change it up a bit. Also, organize you you’re and make a pile of clothes you know e it to not going to wear and then either giv ke sure the your little sister or go donate it. (ma on!). clothes are clean and in good conditi

Family Time!

Family is one of the greatest blessings Allah (SWT) can ever give to you.

So, take advantage of that and start spending more time with family this winter. You can play a game with your siblings or start a movie marathon with the whole family.

4

What I listed above is just some of the many ways you could do to make your winter happy, healthy, and productive. Whatever it is you do, make sure its not Haram and make sure you have fun doing it!

Overall, if you have a low mood and the winter blues are really starting to get to you, then I would advise you to take a deep breath and pray with sincerity and try to memorize a surah in the Quran. This will personally be one of the best and greatest mood lifters ever.

Have a happy winter and choose your time wisely!

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health

Sunnah 52 February/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

By: Romaisa Sebaihia

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health

As

Muslims, we are told to be strong, productive and active in our daily ongoing in life, and, with our intentions in the right place, we can even earn reward for simply jogging or going to the gym and keeping healthy and active. Some other and common ways, in Islam, of being active, which you may not even have realised, is through things like performing Hajj, visiting the sick, and even Salah – these all consist of many actions being done for the sake of Allah (SWT).

“Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding” - Omar Ibn ElKhattab* Along with the previous rituals, we are also recommended to take part in sports for a healthy, active and productive lifestyle. Earning reward through your intentions and learning self-development, what better way to get yourself involved and productive than to practise these sports? And what makes it even better is that these aren’t just any sports, but the ones in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s best friend recommended us to learn!

In addition, it is reported that the Prophet PBUH ran: “the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) raced Aisha...” and also wrestled with a number of men too. His companions also used to take part in sports from stone tossing to weightlifting. Nowadays we also hear of iconic Muslim sportspeople such as Muhammad Ali, Mo Farah, Sarah Attar, Woroud Sawalha and many more.

Now it’s time for you to head down to your local gym or sports centre and try find some of the sports mentioned or any others.

And remember: before you start your sports session, make sure to say Bismillah – you’ll get reward Insha’Allah, for having fun!

*It is a very common misconception that the Prophet PBUH said that quote but if you look for it in trusted hadith sites or books you will not find it. It was said by his companion Omar.

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53

express yourself

Immune to news If

I were to count the number of horrific headlines and pictures I see every day, it would add up to way too many. There are billboards, the radio in the car, news updates on my phone and laptop, the newspaper on the desk – and I’ve only just got into school! What with all the 21st century’s technological advancements, we should be thankful that we can receive valuable information within a click of a button…

Or should we?

How many times have you scrolled down a news site and not even stopped to look at a picture of an African baby starving to death?

How many times have you glanced at the front page of a newspaper and not even paused to think about the woman covered in blood from a bomb blast in Syria? How many times have you seen a campaign poster showing grieving parents over dead bodies of children in Palestine, and you haven’t stopped to think? I am indeed also a culprit of this inhumane behaviour and not many people have questioned why.

I think we may be becoming immune to inhumanity.

Whilst we sit here at home or in the office, we often forget where and how we are being fed reels of these pictures. Have you ever sat and wondered that there must have been a photographer standing opposite that saddening scene, on the other side of the camera, peering through the lens, unable to contribute to the desperate situation and instead snapping shots of it? Alhamdulillah, as a photographer/blogger I have not got to the stage where I have had to witness a horrid scene in order to take pictures and present it to the world. But this job is important - and somebody has to do it. In relevance to this, during the recent Israel-Palestine conflict, numer-

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ous photojournalists have been harmed in the brutal attacks. After sitting quietly for more than sixty years, it is their right to risk their lives in order to prove to the rest of the world the desperateness of their situation in an attempt to for us to pray, donate and help the people of Palestine.

However, there surely has to be a limit?

Some schools of thought may argue that images altogether are forbidden by Allah (swt), however - for educational purposes and in order to encourage the Ummah to help their other brothers and sisters in need - photographs are often a necessary tool to engage with the public – especially with the younger generation. What many people fear, however, if whether bombarding humans with so much horrific material will cause us to lose are senses altogether. We see so much blood shed in video games, action movies and on the news that a lot of children cannot differentiate between them – is this the type of society we want to live in?

The solution is simple. It is important to understand that as humans (and first and foremost – Muslims) we must lead a balanced life.

Give and take, not one extreme or the other, take the middle road. And, Insha’Allah, with this mind set we can contain our emotions, but engage our hearts and still manage to educate, inspire and help the future of this Ummah to progress for the greater good.

Next time you open the newspaper, think twice: analyse the headline, absorb the picture, make a dua, pop a penny in the charity box and remember that at the end of the day, only Allah knows best, Allah Aalam.

by: Humaira Ashraf www.muslimahgirl.com

express yourself

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express yourself

YOU S TA R T By: Rahma Fateen

‫ " َمث َُل الْ ُم ْؤ ِم ِن َني يِف ت َ َوا ِّد ِه ْم َوتَ َرا ُح ِم ِه ْم‬:‫قال رسول الله صىل الله عليه وسلم‬ ‫ِالس َه ِر‬ َّ ‫َوت َ َعاطُ ِف ِه ْم َمث َُل الْ َج َس ِد؛ إِذَا اشْ تَ ىَك ِم ْن ُه عُضْ ٌو تَدَا َعى لَ ُه َسائِ ُر الْ َج َس ِد ب‬ ) ‫" (رواه البخاري‬.‫َوالْ ُح َّمى‬ The prophet PBUH said, "The Believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion are like one body; if one organ complained, the rest of the body develops a fever."

Indeed, that is how Muslims ought to be. Caring, showing peace and spreading love.

Don't think right now, oh, Muslims are not like that, how bad. Rather ask yourself, am I like what I'm supposed to be or not? Am I doing my role towards this Ummah or not? Am I of any use or am I just like everyone else?

All Muslims know how Islam tells us to be united and that it is a peaceful religion, but what are we showing people around the world? That we are terrorists.

With the killing of Muslims in Burma, Pakistan, Palestine, and many other places, and the rest of the Muslims doing nothing about it, is that how we show the world that we are like one body? Pakistan has been complaining for months now, how many of us even know about it? What a bad fever

we have, celebrating New Years Eve and Muslims are being bombed. It's even got to do with humanity, apart from what our religion says, of course.

Imagine the Prophet PBUH among us today. Just imagine the natural reaction. He won’t be pleased, right?

Now what to do? I won’t keep saying that we should care for everyone and that we should be reunited again and that we have to show the world who we really are and stuff. We all heard these rants gazillion times before, and we can't even do anything about it.

I'll just tell you one thing, the body will not recover, if the area of complaint has not been fixed or mended. You are the area of complaint. Tell yourself that. Convince yourself that you're the reason behind this and you'll find yourself starting to move.

Get some white blood cells moving and start with yourself. Know your Deen (religion) right. Preach it. Spread it in a peaceful way. And above all, know that everything will change to better in the future. Believe it from deep down your heart.

And that change, has to start with you.

“Imagine the Prophet PBUH among us today”

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hadith

"You should not undertake a special journey to visit any place other than the following three Masjids with the expectations of getting greater reward: the Sacred Masjid of Makkah (Ka'bah), this Masjid of mine (the Prophet's Masjid in Madinah), and Masjid Al-Aqsa (of Jerusalem)" - Prophet Muhammed PBUH In another narration the words are, "For three Masjids a special journey may be undertaken: The Sacred Masjid (Ka'bah), my Masjid and Masjid of Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa). (Muslim, Bukhari, Abu Dawud)

‫ ( التشد الرحال إال إىل ثالثة‬: ‫ قال رسول الله صىل الله عليه وسلم‬: ‫عن أيب سعيد الخدري ريض الله عنه قال‬ ‫ متفق عليه‬. ) ‫ املسجد الحرام ومسجدي هذا واملسجد األقىص‬: ‫مساجد‬

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fashion

OH-SOELEGANT! featuring Covered Girl and Zeena

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fashion

DANA scarf Price: $35.00 thecoveredgirl.com

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fashion

SOPHIA scarf Price: $30.00 thecoveredgirl.com

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fashion

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Island Silk Neck Wrap Price: $32.00 simplyzeena.com www.muslimahgirl.com

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fashion Flashback Silk Neck Wrap Price: $26.00 simplyzeena.com

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fashion

RAYAN scarf Price: $40.00 thecoveredgirl.com

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fashion

NOOR scarf Price: $30.00 thecoveredgirl.com

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fashion

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fashion

Relaxed Cotton-T Shirt in mustard Price: $38.00 simplyzeena.com

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fashion

under of o f o c , y n a m A Zeena!

and Ba yan, her sist er!

Classic Tie Cardigan Price: $45.00 simplyzeena.com Lace Embellished Pleated Top Price: $44.00 simplyzeena.com

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fashion

DALYA scarf Price: $35.00 thecoveredgirl.com

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fashion

DEYANA scarf Price: $32.00 thecoveredgirl.com

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fashion

The Casual You By: Sumaira Reyaz

Now that winter is on its zenith and is touching the cool heights be alert dear sisters in your fashion cautioning your health. Another phase of winter says dress at your best, multiple layers, heavy fabrics and adornments to its best.

Your daily winter fashion statement comes this way • Go for a black scarf with no embellishments and no print just outline it with a red beaded border, make sure its just bead linings and is at least an inch broad so that it enhances your abaya and justifies your statement.

• This season go in for layering, multiple layering.

• Also make churidaar sleeve your fave for this season, for one reason, it will save you from the harsh winters and for the other reason promoting yourself.

• Go for velvets and heavy raw silks.

• Going for the printed headscarves, try a combination of the following colours which are “in” this season 1. Emerald, african violets and poppy red, or 2. Lemon zest and tender shoots form a great lively pair, or 3. Nectarine and linen thrown in with emerald, or 4. Grayed jade and african violet.

• If you are opting for prints then go for the same either floral or abstract prints this season.

• Also, go by a green brooch defining your statement this season since green is the colour of this season.

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picture: Zinah from http://www.zinahns.com/

fashion

fashion

The

Bridal You

Your bridal blues this season should not be there on your face dear sister. Just relax, sit back, and act on the undervised opinions and you’ll be the only head turner in your party - let that credit be just yours.

• Go for a flaired silhouette this season, either in panels or in an a-line form, where the more preferred and modernised version would be the panelled silhouette.

• Team up this silhouette with a to-die-for lightly flared sleeve, comfortable enough for you.

• Go for a heavy, full brocade base in a single tone.

• Combine this with shades of african violets or emerald, both of the colours which are “in” this season.

• If you are not ready for the brocades then let strong, flowing and royal velvets define your statement • Let the brocade abaya be as it is with a side-open placket without any embroidery or embellishment since it is already self-embellished • If you are going with the velvet, then try adding sombre swarovski embroidery at the placket and at the hemlines where “broad” should be the key word • And for both types of abaya go with a heavily embellished scarf but make sure that it is elegant embroidery and not the regular one.

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Are you into writing articles for young girls?

Into writing stories and fantasies? Do you like giving advice or perhaps talking about your personal experiences? Do you like writing poems?

Yes? We need YOU! Yes, you!

Fill in our (fun) application here: http://muslimahgirl.com/?page_id=21

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du’aa

“Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent.” (66:8)

“Rabbana atmim lana noorana waghfir lana innaka AAala kulli shay-in qadeer”

“‫”ربنا أمتم لنا نورنا واغفر لنا إنك عىل كل يشء قدير‬

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advice

DEVELOP YOURSELF

while surfing the internet!

Allah says in the Quran: “...Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” which is why we must always strive to change ourselves to be better Muslimahs.

”‫“إن الله اليغري مابقوم حتى يغريوا ما بأنفسهم‬ Visit these amazing sites (and subscribe to keep up with their newest pieces!): http://productivemuslim.com/ http://www.yasminmogahed.com/ Spare some time to listen to lectures by these inspiring brothers & sisters:

3 Types of Modesty -Abdelrahman Murphy

Do You Want Paradise? - Omar Suleiman

Why Does Evil Exist? Hardships & Struggle on the Path to Allah -Yasmin Mogahed

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77

do it yourself

D.I.Y: Hijab Hanger By: Asmaa Ehab

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do it yourself

What You’ll Need: curtain hooks

a hanger

What You’ll Need To Do:

1

Attach the curtain hooks onto the hanger

Voila! Your scarves are ready to be hung!

You might need more than just one to hang all your scarves, but now you know how to!

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faith

GUARDING

THE TONGUE

BY: THE TRAVELER

“Mona looks weird in her hijab, she wraps it all wrong,” Duaa whispered to her friend.

Sometimes when we talk, we might have no intention to hurt the other person. But Allah (SWT) has a higher expectation from us and he says: “O you, who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is accepting of repentance and Merciful.”

[Quran 49:12].

As we would hate to eat the flesh of dead animals, that is how much we should hate saying things that will make people upset when they find out. Backbiting (noun) according to the dictionary is malicious talk about someone who is not present; gossip is a synonym of backbiting.

To understand how big of an issue this is; The Prophet (SAW) asked his companions, do you know what is backbiting? The companions answered, Allah and his prophet know better.

The prophet replied, mentioning your Muslim brother with what he doesn’t like. Then it was said, even though it is true, then the prophet (SAW) answered, if it is true then it is backbiting, if not then it is slander [Muslim].

An interesting fact to also note is that, the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body and it is the only organ in the body that has muscles that is not attached at both ends. The truth is; our tongue never gets tired and it expresses what is in our hearts. Sins of the tongue are major sins and Shaytaan uses suspicion as a stepping stone to make us fall in to backbiting,

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gossip and spying.

Imam Ahmad (Rahimahullah) mentioned in his Musnad on the authority of Anas (R.A) who relates that the Prophet (SAW) said the eemaan of Allah’s servant will not be upright until his heart is upright and his heart will not be upright until his tongue is upright.

Don’t try to make excuses to backbite Muslims and non-Muslims. Allah says in the beginning of Surah al-Mumineen, “Indeed successful are the Believers, those who in their prayer have Khushoo’ (fear of Allah) and those who refrain from vain talk.”

[Surah Mumineen: 1-3] Refraining from vain talk is a sign of the successful believers. Allah mentions refraining from vain talk after he mentions al-Khushoo’. This is because too much talk makes the heart hard and it makes it impossible to reach the level of Khushoo’ (fear of Allah) unless one refrains from vain talk.

Imam an-Nawawi (Rahimahullah) mentions in Kitaabul-Adhkhaar ; Know it is incumbent upon all to guard their tongues from most speech, except a word that has some benefit in it...

If you find yourself backbiting others, Make sincere repentance to Allah, Ask the person you have wronged for forgiveness, Make dua for them and praise them, Stop hanging out with people who make you fall in to this sin, Increase your nawafil prayers, Make Dhikr, Read good books, watch beneficial videos on YouTube and think before you speak, sometimes it better to keep quiet.

“Dhikr is exercise of the heart; gossip is exercise of the tongue.” (Boonaa Mohammed)

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faith Knowing about a problem is half the battle and here are some possible solutions to backbiting.

1

If you are in a gathering and someone is the object of discussion, the best thing you can do is to defend the person.

If you can’t defend the person, then stop the action.

Tell the people that they are backbiting and explain how serious a sin backbiting is.

2

Get up and leave if you can’t stop them from backbiting as that is the least you can do.

3

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express yourself

shraf

By: Mariam A Dear Diary, There I was out in the rain, panting for breath, drenched to my very bones in freezing water.

However, my resolution didn’t waver with the falling droplets; on the contrary, the continuing current strengthened my will and steeled my nerves. I would not lose, not after all I did to get here, all the deserts I crossed and clashing waves I ventured blindly into.

My enemy was a few feet away, staring into my soul with snake-like eyes. He, too, knew that one of us had to go for the other to survive.

I could see him preparing to attack; a soft glow of red lighted his palms. Meanwhile, I prepared to defend my life and end his. I let a deep gust of wind flow deeply into my lungs, inflating my broad chest and light my senses to awakening.

My bare arms tensed and my palms clasped the sword from its sheath. The attack was coming closer with every step of my enemy, closer and closer my fate approached. It was drawing nearer and nearer, straight to me face. It was…….It was…………. A warm coat of fur?

“Ya ALLAH. gerrof, fatso” I bellowed from beneath my broad cat.

I was in a moment of intensified courage and my freaking cat, dearest fatso, got me out of my dream with a cliff-hanger. A cliff-hanger in my

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“

I prepared to defend my life and end his.

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express yourself

own dream. I was so muscled, strong, brave and certain of my destiny.

I had an awesome beard, too. Well, in my case, being a female that is, having a beard shouldn’t be that exhilarating, but it was so awesome being that knight/dragon rider/ wizard/any fantastic mythical fighter from epic novels. His well-cropped beard was definitely his highlighting feature. His broad shoulders, wide chest, tall built, midnight colored eyes. Everything about him was so mystical and just…………….. Is that cat still sitting on my face?

I sprang off the bed sending my loving cat across the room. Don’t worry though, despite his extra layers of fat, he still lands on his feet like a proper member of the feline family. I put an extra jacket on my doublelayered pajamas and headed to the dining room, falling ungracefully on my face with my first step outside my room. I know I will never belong with cats now.

I heard my little brat of a brother’s laugh echo across the hall, but the true warrior within me got up, dusted off his clothes and continued his path with the long confident stride of a true prince of Persia, a true assassin, a true soldier. Following my boyish train of thoughts, I will never belong with girls either.

Arriving into the dining room, I found the rest of my family –the ones I actually like- sitFebruary/Rabie’Awal 2013/1434

ting together on this lovely Friday morning eating breakfast of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, green peppers and mozzarella cheese. I squeezed between the back of my father’s chair and the wall in a vain less attempt to get to my usual spot and met the floor again with my knees and palms.

This time, however, there was not warrior to get me off the ground. I just stayed there grinding my teeth together like an angry kitten.

“Honestly, Mariam, you shouldn’t be reacting this way this early in the morning. Take things a little lightly, you look just fine from that fall.” My mother said so light-heartedly I almost chuckled at her calmness.

“You do not understand the situation I have fallen this deeply into. My own troops have abandoned me after I have shown my inferiority twice in the last five minutes that they decided they shall survive better without their true leader who has guided them across countless battlefields with the sight of victory and victory alone.” I replied with bated breath, collected the end of my robe and stomped lightly out of the room and back under my sheets. Oddly enough, I replied in English during breakfast in Egypt to my mother who had been talking in Arabic. I’ve got to stop watching Anime.

“

I sprang off the bed sending my loving cat across the room.

”

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science corner

The Astrolabe By: Nonni Soraya

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I

t has been a long time since I stepped on this foreign island to further my study. It’s also been years of trying to graduate. Sometimes I wonder if any other women would like to what I am doing now. In fact, finally I found many. They are stronger, more courageous, and patient.

They showed me many things to learn by just being around them. It attracts me to search about the excitement of people to discover science, many times ago, in what’s known as the “Dark Age” when actually was supposed to be “Age of Light”. I was surprised to find Islamic scholars dig science in ways that I have never thought before, and then I came to know this lady, Mariam al-Astrulabi.

Only few people understand the way Islamic scholars shape the science that we acknowledge now. They traveled to many places, saw the stars, named them, and use them to navigate their ships, many times ago before the enemies destroyed these precious findings. In the 10th century Mariam alIjliya al-Astrulabi was born in Syria, a daughter of an astrolabe maker. At that time, Mariam al-Astrulabi was among few female scientists. She was learning to make astrolabe from her father. As the time goes by, she became a highly skilled astrolabe maker pioneered the development of astrolabe and continued to make it throughout her life.

Astrolabe is a tool used by astronomers and navigators to locate and predict the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars and determine local time given local latitude, vice versa. Astrolabes were further developed in the medieval Islamic world, where Muslim astronomers introduced angular scales to the astrolabe, adding circles indicating azimuths on the horizon. It was widely used throughout the Muslim world, chiefly as an aid to navigation and as a way of finding the Qibla, the direction of Mecca.

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This is an astrolabe used in Islamic era.

One of simple usage of astrolabe is to determine a height of a tower. We can demonstrate it easily, and it only needs very simple mathematics. Astrolabe is placed in right position, and then the arrow’s direction is adjusted to the top of tower according to the sight of observer.

By knowing the angle and distance of the tower to astrolabe, we can estimate the height of tower in tangential relation.

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science corner The first person credited in building astrolabe in Islamic world is Muhammad alFazari, a mathematician, around 8th century. Muslim astronomer Muhammad ibn Jabir al-Harrani al-Battani was developing the mechanical background of astrolabe which is recorded in Kitab az-Zij (920 AD).

In the Islamic world, astrolabe was used to find times of sunrise and the rising of fixed stars, to help schedule morning prayers. The spherical astrolabe was invented during the Middle Ages by Islamic scholars. The earliest description of the spherical astrolabe dates back to Al-Nayrizi (892-902). In the 12th century, Sharaf al-Din al-Tusi invented the linear astrolabe, sometimes called the “staff of al-Tusi”, which was a simple wooden rod with graduated markings but without sights.

The first geared mechanical astrolabe was later invented by Abi Bakr of Isfahan in 1235.

A simple tool was built and developed by courageous people through many processes, and transformed it into a fine masterpiece.

By recognizing the development of an astrolabe, we are surprised by the dedication and work implemented in building a scientific tool. Islamic scholars were thriving to observe the creations of Allah SWT. In the verse (88:17) of chapter (88) Surat I-ghashiyah (The Overwhelming):

love to Allah SWT. Especially when we are young, we have power and curiosity to learn about many things. It is the time to study, to master a technique, to help each other, and find ourselves as productive Muslims. http://www.rmg.co.uk/server/show/conMediaFile.3139 (astrolabe picture)

Sahih International: Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created?

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female)." (Hadith) We are encouraged by Allah SWT to study, and reveal the science behind His creations to increase our love and strengthen our hearts in worshipping Him. The golden era of Islamic scholars teaches us to walk on earth with curiosity and faith.

The path will not be easy, but it trains our hearts, if it is done solely based on our

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poetry

Sitting with a friend after I graduated she asked The question how did you change the most these past years in high school At first I thought I don't know but she helped jog my memory that years past I didn't trust myself I'm more self assured and confident now I agree and I mention my faith years past when I was in a low I'd be depressed that I wasn't praying or reading Quran may Allah forgive me But now I'm more accepting of being in a low and actually act upon it, trying to not make it feel or look too bad Alhamdulillah And also I'm more accepting of my flaws I see it more of being part of my beauty Alhamdulillah, inshaAllah we grow to see that.

By: Fida Islaih

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fun stuff

recommended videos

10 Study Tips -CoveredGirlFayha

My Mean Mother -MZeyara2

jokes -Nasruddin was determined to be decisive and efficient. One day he told his wife he would plow his largest field on the far side of the river and be back for a big dinner. She urged him to say, "If Allah is willing."

He told her whether Allah was willing or not, that was his plan. The frightened wife looked up to Allah and asked forgiveness.Nasruddin loaded his wooden plow, hitched up the oxen to the wagon, climbed on his donkey, and set off. But within the short span of a day the river flooded from a cloudburst and washed his donkey downstream, and one of the oxen broke a leg in the mud, leaving Nasruddin to hitch himself in its place to plow the field. Having finished only half the field, at the sunset he set out for home exhausted and soaking wet. The river was still high so he had to wait until long past dark to cross over. After midnight a very wet but much wiser Nasruddin knocked at his door. Who is there Asked his wife. I think it is me, Nasruddin, he replied, if Allah is willing!

When I was in the desert," said Nasruddin one day, "I caused an entire tribe of horrible and bloodthirsty bedouins to run."

"However did you do it?" asked a person.

"Easy. I just ran, and they ran after me."

Kuffiyeh Tutorial (Hijab Tutorial Parody) -Subeetube

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book review

Avalon High By: Meg Cabot

Review by: Uswah Walde

Ellie starts as a new student at Avalon High School which seems like a typical school. That is until a series of unusual events occur that leads into a really bad situation...

The Clique By: Lisi Harrison

Review by: Uswah Walde

Claire and her family move from Florida to Westchester, NY. She wants to fit in and have some friends but she lives in the leader of The Pretty Committee Massie Block’s guest house. She’s not sure why Massie hates her so much. Will she be able to survive all of it?

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connect with MGM!

olf & OR email info@muslimahgirl.com

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