the magazine every Muslimah should read!
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Saima Chowdhury Bengali YouTuber & Photographer
Little Pink Dress
Friendships... Maintaining Them While Growing In Deen
live from
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435 issue #14
30 tips for
eating
HALAL Remember
Allah
JEDDAH
B A N G LA D E S H
contents 2 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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22 36 42 44 48 50
welcome!
interview: saima chowdhury
others advice: maintaining your friendships... fun stuff: hijabi youtubers
poetry: to bangladesh... duaa
interview: a girl from bangladesh
interview: ummah nasheeds
recipe: bengali mustard fish curry true story: begum rokeya
fiction: sorry
reviews
express yourself
6 12
stars
new year resolutions live from jeddah
fun stuff
8 14 46 61 60 62 64 65
faith
18 54
remember allah
illusions of the dunya
beauty
20
little pink dress
health
56
30
eating halal
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8 46 20 www.muslimahgirl.com
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সাদর অভ্যর্থ ন া welcome 4 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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MuslimahGirl
February/Rabie’ Thanee 2014/1435 issue #14
issue's writers: Aamenah El-Sherif Areej Ahmed Asma Rahimyar Ayah Rahman Baraa Arar Farah Anany Fida Islaih Jillian Pikora Mariam Syed Menna Fateen Najah Syed Nitasha Siddique Rana Diab Romaisa Sebaihia Shaira Hafsa Ujala Shujat Uswah Alade
editor in chief:
Menna Fateen
assistant editor in chief: Romaisa Sebaihia
design & layout: Menna Fateen
cover girl:
Saima Chowdhury
Any comments, suggestions or questions? Email info@muslimahgirl.com Tweet us @muslimahgirlmag Post on our facebook wall Contact us via tumblr
flo&
editor’s note
Assalamu Alikum ladies, How are you all? I hope you’re in best health and in increased Iman! This issue of MGM tours Bangladesh, the 3rd largest Muslim nation in the world which is located east of India. We hope you like it! If there’s a certain country you would like to learn about next issue tell us! You can tweet us, write it on our facebook wall, ask us on tumblr or email us. We’re currently looking for a volunteer to design the magazine. Email us at info@muslimahgirl.com if you think you can do it inshallah! Enjoy the issue! :)
Menna Fateen Editor-in-chief
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NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
express yourself
by: Asma Rahimyar
6 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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express yourself The best way to improve upon oneself is through reflection. Once you think deeply and evaluate yourself, then you are able to revise your imperfections and build up your character. While reflectional thinking is extremely important, I can say from my own experience that true bursts of deep thinking, really deep thinking, are way too rare. This makes events such as Eid and Ramadan perfect for self evaluation and improvement. Although the dawn of the new year isn't an Islamic holiday, we can make the best of it by setting goals for ourselves and finding ways to be better people, particularly better Muslimahs. This takes on different meanings for different people. It could mean deciding to wear hijab full time, finally trying out for the soccer team, or tackling that novel you've been meaning to read for the past three years. Whatever your goal may be, the start of a new year means new opportunities and a fresh start, the perfect opportunity to achieve them. Every year I spend time thinking about how the year went and if I accomplished the goals that I set for myself in January. Then I set new goals and figure out a way to achieve them. This year, I have several goals I want to achieve (you can have as many as you want as long as they don't overwhelm you!). They include finishing the novel I've been writing for the past four years, perfecting my peanut butter cookie recipe, and learning how to knit. But I think that the most important goal I've set for myself this year is working towards being a kinder, more tolerant person. It seems as though today, the world is in desperate need of kindness and tolerance. It's become a cold, desolate place where the value of life is lost. Wars are waged frequently and many lives are snatched simply due to the fact that people can't seem to tolerate one another. Ideas differ between continent to continent, country to country, individual to individual. It's only natural that way- the dictionary definition of idea is “a personal opinion or belief ”, implying that ideas are supposed to differ. While it is true that our ideals as Muslimahs might differ from our non-Muslim peers, it definitely doesn't give us the excuse to be intolerant or rude. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him,faced intolerance on measures we could never imagine. The Prophet peace be upon him was once neighbors with a Jewish man who despised him. Every day, when the Prophet p.b.u.h would walk past the man's house, he would throw trash on him from
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
his window. The man would do this everyday, but Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h didn't even question him once. One day, the Prophet p.b.u.h noticed that the man didn't show up. He asked about him, and was informed that the man was sick. Upon hearing this, he visited the Jewish man and inquired about his health with kindness, never bringing up the fact the man threw trash on him everyday. The Jewish man was so amazed by the Prophet p.b.u.h's kindness that he immediately embraced Islam. This is just one small example of how tolerant and compassionate our Prophet p.b.u.h was. As Muslimahs, we are obliged to follow his great example.
" Whether we
realize it or not, we are all contributing to a certain image of Islam
"
For some people, you might be the only Muslim they know. If you wear hijab, you are basically walking daw'ah! Whether we realize it or not, we are all contributing to a certain image of Islam and spreading it throughout the non-Muslim world. We're all familiar with the dirty propaganda of the media against Islam and it's beautiful message. The media fogs the eyesight of it's partially blind civilians to blind them forever, making them unable to see the truth. It is our job as the new generation of Muslimahs to save others from suffering this terrible fate, and maybe even cure the ones who have become blind. The world has become an empty, dark place. But I have hope. By being kind and compassionate, tolerant and steadfast, we can plant the seeds of Islam across the world. With enough patience, we can all tend to these seeds. I know that one day, the beautiful, fragrant blossoms of Islam will bloom around the world and make it vibrant, restoring it to the way it once was, the way it's supposed to be. Whatever your New Year's resolutions are, work towards achieving them and make sure to do tons of du'a along the way. Inshallah, with enough hard work and faith in Allah subhana wa ta'ala, there's no limits to what you can achieve!
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advice
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advice
maintaining your
friendships while growing in
deen By: Jillian Pikora
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advice
As Muslimahs, our friendships fall into two categories: Muslims and non-Muslims. This does not necessarily mean that our Muslim friends are superior to our non-Muslim friends, sometimes it is our nonMuslim friends that increase our iman. Here are five fabulous ways to maintain all your friendships while growing in your deen.
You'll increase your iman more by having an open dialogue rather than dominating the convo with your own opinions.
1. Allah
God comes first in all of your friendships. Whether you are chilling at a coffee shop or at a friend's house, it is essential to take time to give salah. If you are with Muslim friends invite them to join you. If you are with non-Muslim friends just say you need to pray, you can explain more if they ask you. To ensure you pray on-time; write the prayer times in your planner and schedule you hangouts around them, you can put a azan app on your smart-phone or tablet (alternatively you can set an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray), finally bring travel prayer mat and compass with you.
2. enjoy Enjoy and appreciation each other's faiths. When spending time with Muslims who are from a different sect or a different culture than your own, let them share with you. This is a great opportunity to learn, celebrate, and appreciate the beauty of our diversity of our ummah. When non-Muslim friends ask about your faith, answer questions, but do not push your beliefs on them. It is also interesting to learn about their beliefs, but don't get sucked into religious debate, because it is not constructive and can only hurt your friendship. If someone is curious and is considering converting they will come to the faith in their own time. Pushing your beliefs on others can be a turn-off. You'll increase your iman and grow in you deen more by having an open dialogue rather than dominating the conversation with your own opinions.
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advice
3. Encourage Encourage outings that are faith-based. Inter-faith events and religions forums at local faith centers and universities, can open you up to have a deeper understanding of your beliefs. Nasheed concerts are a great way to keep music sunnah and honor God. Poetry readings are be a fun way to see local talents and express yourself. Thinking of a night at the movies? Local colleges usually offer cheap or free tickets to international films and documentaries, this is an opportunity to learn about cultures different than your own and reminds us of all the beautiful people God created. Look for art exhibits that do not go against the sunnah and broaden our point of view, like abstracts, artifacts, still-life, and landscapes. If it is a great day out, go on a walk or nature hike. This helps you appreciate the splendor of all God's creations.
4. join
Join faith-based clubs or study groups. This can mean starting a Islamic film club, Arabic club, or Halaqa group. You could have these at your home, masjid, or school. Encourage your friends to join.
5. stay
Stay in-touch with friends. We live in the digital age, so there is no excuse not to send a Facebook message, a tweet, or an email. Why not send a snail-mail card or letter? Whether your friend is down the street or around the world, it is always nice to know you are missed or being thought of. Try some of these ideas to enrich your friendships and enhance your deen.
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express yourself
live from Jeddah From An American’s Perspective
by:
Mariam Syed 12 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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express yourself This past week, Alhamdulillah, I was lucky enough to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. In fact, I was fortunate to spend several days in Medina and Jeddah – even as I write this, I sit in the air conditioned room of a friend in Jeddah. Coming from California, Saudi Arabia is completely opposite. Literally, it’s the other side of the globe for me. It’s different from what I’m used to: the society, the people, the food, the way of life. Some things are more obvious, like the adhan that calls from all the masjids five times day. Others are more subtle, like the societal differences you can only see when you travel off the well-worn path of those who go for Umrah or Hajj. One of the main differences I noticed right away was the distinct separation between men and women. In every food court, restaurant, or fast food joint, there is a men’s line and a women’s line. There is a family section for women and families, and a singles section for lone men. It’s even seen in the homes; there is a separate area for men and a separate area for women. It took a lot of explaining to my brother for him to understand why I couldn’t just walk in the room and grab some food. As a Muslim, I understand why there is a separation, but this took it to a whole new level. You can see it in the younger kids as well: My parents and my grandparents and I were sitting in a room talking, and the six year old daughter of the people we were staying with ran in and asked, “Why are the men and women mixing?” Living in a Muslim society definitely rubs off on you as well. When the adhan calls for prayers, all the shops and restaurants close. People who normally wouldn’t pray not only pray all five of them, but pray in a masjid. You can see Islam in everything, down to the shopkeepers persuading you to say “bismillah” before buying something from them. Before I left, a lot of my American friends asked about the rules in Saudi, as they heard that they were very strict. My teacher even asked about the “male escorts,” and some of my other teachers told me to “stay safe.” It seemed like most people I talked to envisioned women draped in black escorted by men in white with red checkered “turbans.” It’s not like that at all.
how women aren’t allowed to drive and leave it at that. But what most people don’t hear of is how the cars stop in the middle of the roads specifically for women to cross the streets. Or how the women never push shopping carts or carry bags. Or how even though it is a male dominant society, it’s a family society with respect geared towards children. It’s a society that teaches respect for women and elders. Sure, I miss home. I miss the orderliness, the people, our slightly-strange-but-welcoming customs. I still have a few days left here in Saudi, but I have a feeling that when I do go home, I’ll miss here even more. I’ll miss the adhan waking me up every morning, I’ll miss the smoke and incense filled bazaars, I’ll miss the haggling in the markets, the honking of the taxis, the niqabi covered sisters, and the feeling of being surrounded by other Muslims.
“
When the adhan calls for prayers, all the shops and restaurants close.
”
It is a different society with different rules and customs, I’ll give them that. Most people hear about
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fun stuff
H I JA B I
YO U T U B E R S B Y: A R E E J AHMED Looking for something to do in your spare time, why not watch some hijabi youtubers? Their videos can help you wrap and style your hijab, give you great outfit ideas and provide you with loads of tips and tricks on beauty, lifestyle and fashion.
BA B Y L A I L A L O V SA I M AS M I L E S LIKE
YOUTUBE.COM/ BABYLAILALOV
If you’re a beauty junkie and love makeup you’re sure to love Nura a.k.a Babilailalov. On her channel she has makeup tutorials, get ready Looking for a good laugh then you with me, makeup product reviews, should definitely watch Saimas- hijab tutorial and vlogs. mileslike. She is a Bengali-British girl on YouTube and her channel has tons of funny videos, vlogs, challenge videos and more that are sure to keep you entertained. YOUTUBE.COM/ SAIMASMILESLIKE
H I JA B H I L L S YOUTUBE.COM/HIJABHILLS This 19 year old Dutch youtuber, Ruba, is also known as Hijabhills. She is a bit new to YouTube but has many amazing videos including some hijab tutorials, outfit ideas and makeup tutorials.
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A M E NA K I N YOUTUBE.COM/AMENAKIN Need help with your hijab look no further than Amenakin. Her channel has many videos that can help you learn how to wear and style your hijab. She also runs a website called pearl-daisy.com which has modest clothing, hijabs, hoojabs, hijab pins, under scarfs etc.
NA B I I L A B E E
D I N AT O K I O
YOUTUBE.COM/NABIILABEE
YOUTUBE.COM/DINATOKIO
20 year old Algerian/Russian youtuber NabiilaBee is another great hijabi to watch. She has a great personality that reflects in her YouTube videos about modest fashion and hijab.
Egyptian- English youtuber Dinatokio has a fun loving personality and a great channel with videos you’ll love. Her channel is known for videos on her amazing fashion style and makeup tutorials. She also has her own online store called lazydoll.com which sells modest clothing and hijabs.
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Vol ne for more information email: info@muslimahgirl.com
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VOLUNTEER lunteer N E E D E D eeded! for designing MuslimahGirl
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faith
photo by: Feliciana Natali
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faith
Remember Allah The alarm blasts in her ear as she struggles to get up and not miss Fajr prayer. “Oh Allah why does this prayer have to be so early in the morning” she thinks to herself as she drags her feet to the bathroom. At that moment, the Muslimah is barely thinking of anything but to pray and go back to bed, but in reality, there is so much more. There is devotion to the Lord, for waking up, although still painful, has become a ritual: a beautiful one. When her second alarm wakes her up a few hours later, she drags herself to the bus and to school. The school is somehow a foreign place for her; she does not find peace except in a few admirable classes, but certainly not in the break times when human aliens wander the hallways. This girl was never the kind to fit in, at least not completely. The thoughts that swam around in her head from day to day were things like “Why aren’t I like them?” “Why do I have to wear hijab? Why cant I just wear it later?” Things like “They are not very close to God yet they always succeed, so why cant I? “ But these thoughts, my friend, are exactly the devil playing with her head. God puts you in places, situations, lifestyles, and areas out of your comfort zone. But Allah would not place you anywhere unless he is testing you, or knows that you can handle it. If you are different between many of the same that makes you unique, especially in Islam. Becoming a better Muslimah, getting closer to God, memorizing Quran (or even just reading some everyday), praying, those are the things that are your key to success. When you become closer to God, God will help you in every step you take, in every move you make, Allah will be there. So don’t go around saying, “Why am I so different?” because being different (even if its not others perfect idea of “different”) is what makes you special, what makes you a great Muslimah in between all others. But don’t think that you are better than all of these people, always strive for more, become better, until you are so close to Allah that you can feel His presence and know that you are safe. Remember to always remember Allah, always make time in your life for prayers and Quran, do not forget yourself in the middle of a school tornado. This girl, she is different because she is closer to God, and however fictional she may be, this girl was all of us at one point in our lives. Remember Allah, for He is your key to success.
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
by: Aamenah El-Sherif
would “notAllah place you anywhere unless he is testing you
”
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beauty
little pink dress by: Najah Syed
20 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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beauty
U
nlike many girls, I have never been much of a shopper. Nothing about the experience appeals to me: not the glitzy fashion, not the variety of high heels—not even, dare I say, the sales. Because of this moderate dislike for the world of fashion, anyone can imagine my surprise when I found, and began obsessing over, a dress. Standing in the dressing room of Kohl’s department store, I focused only on hurrying my shopaholic sisters along. In an attempt to find a source of entertainment among the girlish squeals that indicated a perfect fit, I turned my head and noticed the “leftover” cart. Filled to the top with blouses and skirts that previous shoppers deemed unfit, the cart and its contents were mostly unappealing. Then I saw it. It was a cute, pink and white tea party-style dress, and I picked it out of the pile. After asking my mother if I could “just try it on,” I darted into a dressing room and pulled it over my head. I never expected to make a girlish squeal of my own—unless I had just bought a new Harry Potter book—but that dress did it for me. Oh, did I mention that it was sleeveless and its length only touched my knees? I knew that I could never buy it, but I had tried it on anyway. Isn’t this exactly what they discourage on Say Yes to the Dress? I thought to myself. After admiring it for five more minutes, I sullenly changed back into my shalwar kameez and placed the dress back into the cart. To this day, that dress randomly enters my mind, and the desire to buy it persists. It seems silly, but I have realized that the dress itself has never been my concern—my concern is my appearance. Like most other individuals, I desire clothing that will make me look attractive. “Cute,” “pretty,” “beautiful,” and “gorgeous” are only a few of the words that we use to comment on each other’s appearances, and they are just what many girls strive to feel. We wear makeup, style our hair, sometimes even fashion our hijabs in a way that makes us feel and—in our opinions—look more desirable. Wanting to "look nice" is definitely not a sin, but how far is too far?
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the dress itself has never been my concern The Qur’an 24:30 states, “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and todisplay of their adornment only that which is apparent…” To “display…only that which is apparent” means to me that believing women should not go out of their way to show off our bodies. Every Muslim woman can interpret this verse in her own way, and I use it to remind myself that that dress was not for me. However we choose to interpret the Qur’an, we must remember that Allah (SWT) has already told us of the fashion that makes us the most desirable. The Qur’an 7:26 states, “O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and of adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best.” Humans naturally want to enhance their appearances, without realizing that their true beauty stems from their piety. Indulging in fashion can indeed be enjoyable and is not something to be ashamed of, but we must not sacrifice our relationship with the Creator in favor of positive affirmations from His creation. Ultimately, devotion only to Allah (SWT) and His opinion of us will give us everlasting beauty and success. As for me, all I can do is trust in Allah (SWT), try my hardest to please Him, and keep faith in the hope that He has bacon, Lucky Charms cereal, and that dress waiting for me in Heaven.
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world tour
ban
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world tour
Welcome to
ngladesh
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world tour
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Capital:
Dhaka February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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world tour
population:
144,233,000 26 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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world tour
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world's 3 largest Muslim nation
rd
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world tour
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home to many bengal tigers February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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world tour
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world tour
tara mosque by: Ayah Rahman
This beautiful masjid was originally built in the 18th century by a man named Mirza Ghulam. At first is was just a simple rectangle, but it was renovated into a beautiful Islamic architectural mosque by a local businessman named Ali Jan Bepari in the early 20th century. It is located in the capital city of Dhaka, which has a population of more than 15 million people. On the mosque, there are 5 domes and 4 minarets. The Tara masjid is also known as the Star mosque. The whole mosque is covered with mosaics and blue stars. This mosque is also a big tourist attraction.
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world tour
salwar kameez 34 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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AN AMERICAN ESHOP TAKES A 1st STEP TOWARDS ENDING SLAVE-LABOR WITH MODEST STYLE
AN AMERICAN E-SHOP TAKES A 1st STEP TOWARDS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ENDING SLAVE-LABOR WITH MODEST STYLE
[February 11, 2014—New York] The fashion industry has been developing a larger conscious lately. One thing is to see the news of The fashion industry haspeople been developing a larger abusing the workers. Thebuildings proof is in news;is to actually burning fabric warehouses and see being brought out fromcally the rubble of collapsing fabric andthe another The Telegraph recently reported that a year after of eCommerce conscious lately. One thing is to see the news of take a step towards changing that condition. So, what’s waking up the fashion world and making shops like the newly fabric see steps people being awareness the deadly Bangladesh factory collapses, launched burning The Modest Shopwarehouses start taking and realistic of bringing towards ending inhumane treatment workers and unfair paid labor brought out from rubble of collapsing fabricShop, arewho stillisbeing abused, intimidated and sadly using modest style in the garment industry? One the word; Religion. For The Modest a Muslim based eboutique bringing together buildings and another is to actually take a step tochild labor. Adding more hardcore facts, according brands that put care in the making of their products under one shopping platform believe that they should be in the front line making wards changing that condition. waking theofInternational Labour "11.7 changes and setting the example because it isSo, partwhat’s of their belief andtoway life, but alike the rest ofOrganization, the world has been dormant.
up the fashion world and making shops like the
million (56 per cent) of the global total, followed
towards ending inhumane treatment and unfair
people forced into labor"
been dormant.
but growing! They also know that due to the pene-
“This cannewly no longer go on, we as MuslimsThe and people of all faiths by have to really wake up and(18 put to whatand our Latin religion teaches us eCommerce launched Modest Shop Africa at 3.7 million perusecent) about thestart responsibility we have steps over ourselves and importantly others.”with - M.1.8 Sadeel Allam, Owner(9 per cent) are taking realistic of bringing awareness over America million victims Sadeel Allam of anyindustry? faith know better that they arenew accountable for everything they February do or havewith knowledge about paid believes labor inthat thepeople garment One word; The eboutique launched this but decisively choose to ignore. ‘Slave-labor’ is the term she rather use due to its more impacting meaning to the real situation in the Religion. For The Modest Shop, who is a Muslim their ‘1st Step Initiative’ which is to bringing you garment based industryeboutique which canbringing take in many forms of the before/after clothes-making process. It can start by adult together modest style conscious modest style clothing and accessoriesand children trafficking, in thethat fields picked of bytheir underpaying, environment, lack to provide brands putwhere care cotton in the ismaking prod- denying that area safe reduced in 'Slave-Labor'! The benefits, Modest verbally and physicallyucts abusing the workers. The proof is in the news; The Telegraph recently reported that a year after of the deadly Bangladesh under one shopping platform believe that they Shop’s ‘1st Step Initiative’ translates to bringing factory collapses, workers are still being abused, intimidated and sadly using child labor. Adding more hardcore facts, according to the should be in the front line making changes and awareness of the slave-labor through the garment International Labour Organization, "11.7 (56their per cent) global total,and followed by Africa 3.7 millionpow(18 per cent) and setting the example because it million is part of beliefof the construction customer direct atpurchasing Latin America with 1.8 million victims (9 per cent) are people forced into labor" and way of life, but alike the rest of the world has er. They understand the awareness is at its infancy, The new eboutique launched this February with their ‘1st Step Initiative’ which is to bringing you conscious modest style clothing and “This can no longer go on, we as Muslims and people trated and widely inhumane exploitation acts that accessories that are reduced in 'Slave-Labor'! The Modest Shop’s ‘1st Step Initiative’ translates to bringing awareness of the slaveof all faiths have to really wake up and put to use have been happening for years and years, it is hard labor through the garment construction and customer direct purchasing power. They understand the awareness is at its infancy, but what our religion teaches us about the responsibility to actually get an item that is completely 'Slavegrowing! They also know that due to the penetrated and widely inhumane exploitation acts that have been happening for years and we have over ourselves and importantly over others.” Free Labor', 'Chemical-Free', Animal-Cruelty years, it is hard to actually get an item that is completely 'Slave-Free Labor', 'Chemical-Free', Animal-Cruelty Free' and any other type - M. Sadeel Allam, Owner Free' and any other type of abuse-free unless you of abuse-free unless you own your own cotton field and make your own clothes. The Modest Shop offers marked items that are SlaveSadeel Allam believes that people of any faith own your own cotton field and make your own Free Labor reduced from the garment construction point, but it doesn't mean there could be corruption in other areas of the clothing know better that they are accountable for every- clothes. The Modest Shop offers marked items and accessories making process. “Change needs to start with those in power; the customer.” – M. Sadeel Allam
thing they do or have knowledge about but de- that are Slave-Free Labor reduced from the garcisively choose to ignore.please ‘Slave-labor’ is the term construction point, but it doesn't mean there If you would like more information, contact M. Sadeel Allamment at info@themodestshop.com she rather use due to its more impacting mean- could be corruption in other areas of the clothing ing to the real situation in the garment industry xxx and accessories making process. “Change needs to which can take in many forms of the before/after start with those in power; the customer.” – M. Sadeel clothes-making process. It can start by adult and Allam children trafficking, in the fields where cotton is If you would like more information, please contact M. picked by underpaying, denying a safe environ- Sadeel Allam at info@themodestshop.com ment, lack to provide benefits, verbally and physi-
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interview
SA I M A
CHOWDHURY INTERVIEWED BY: MENNA FATEEN
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interview MGM: When did you first discover your passion for fashion and photography? Saima: I discovered my love for them both when I was in secondary school. My art classes opened my mind to other art forms and my textiles classes got me interested in fashion.
MGM: Why did you first start your YouTube channel? Saima: I used to watch a lot of youtubers when I was younger and I loved how they could make us laugh within minutes. It was fun and creative and I wanted to try it out :)
MGM: What’s your favorite part about being a photographer and a youtuber? And what do you most hate about it? Saima: My favourite part is probably the planning and filming, ideas on a page that come to life! Erm the editing can be stressful but I don’t hate it :)
MGM: What message do you want young girls to get out of your videos? Saima: That you can be whoever you want to be!
MGM: What’s your favourite current trend? Saima: Metal and metallics! I’m on the hunt for a metallic biker jacket!
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interview
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interview
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interview MGM: Where do you get ideas and inspiration for new videos? Saima: Usually from my daily life :)
MGM: What’s the best thing about being a 19 year old married girl? Saima: This will be different for everyone, but for me the best thing is that I have someone that I can share my life with, someone more than a best friend :)
MGM: Why do you think modesty is important? Saima: To me modesty is about feeling comfortable and I think that’s one of the most important things in life because if you don’t feel comfortable it stops you from being who you want to be.
MGM: What are your dreams for the future? Saima: I’d like to become a well-known fashion photographer for magazines like Vogue and I’d also like to have my own clothing company.
Try everything! Never let an idea go because you think its “too crazy” just go for it, enjoy it and be yourself!
MGM: What are you most proud of as a Bengali girl? Saima: That I know how to cook fish! Haha :)
MGM: What advice would you like to give to girls who are interested in photography/ MGM: And lastly, what message would you YouTube? like to give our readers? Saima: My advice to them would be to try everything! Saima: BE YOU AND BE FABULOUS ! Never let an idea go because you think its “too crazy” just go for it, enjoy it and be yourself !
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41
poetry
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poetry
To Bangladesh, from Pakistan Children of the same parents: You and Me Played in the same ground: Morning and Eve I knew what you liked, you knew what I loved But to give all that, not our capacity Our struggles were similar, our aims were same But we parted, feels insanity I miss you O' sister! You were once my part We are so similar, none can tell us apart Lets forget the past, and be one mass Lets join hands together, lets be a strong community
By: Ujala Shujat
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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43
interview
“
being overweight is a lot of how the wealthy flaunt their money.
Fida Islaih: Have you ever been to Bangladesh?
Fariha Hossain: I've been, 4 times in my life: as a toddler, in 5th grade, 10th grade, and 12th grade.
FI: So what is life like there?
Fariha: Each time I go, I realize more about life there, partially because I mature and partially because it truly gets worse that fast.
”
Life there isn't easy. There are the poor, with the largest in number, the middle class (who, to be honest, are also rich), and the wealthy, who are comparable to the top 1% in America. That's the socioeconomic breakdown. The price of food is the most expensive thing in the country, so everywhere you go, people are malnourished. Only in Bangladesh, I feel, is it a sign of wealth to be overweight. And so eating a lot of food/being overweight is a lot of how the wealthy flaunt their money. There are a lot of people. Last time I went I was astounded by the sheer number of humans I saw, it reminded me of an ant hill where all the ants are crawling on top of each other to get out. Because of that, it can take even 2 hours just to travel 2-5 miles. For a country that's the size of Illinois, there are way too many people. People don't seem to care about making it better, par-
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m o r F l r A Gi
interview
Bangladesh interviewed by: Fida Islaih
tially because that's not the mindset and culture, but also because 1) there's so much wrong, people try to ignore it and 2) it's so much easier worrying about yourself.
my grandfather) "if we run from this building, we have nowhere else to go." And that's because all the land is covered with multistory buildings, if any collapse, there's really no escape.
Without the government crisis happening right now, there tends to be multiple lockdowns a month where the government orders no cars/rickshaws/vehicles travel, usually for one party to prove a point to another. I don't understand how that works, but it really messes with the economy.
Plus economically and educationally they're not getting better, with all the lockdowns and shutting down schools because of fighting. It's hurting the current and future generations. Side note: traffic, people, lockdowns, etc. Are all a problem of the city.
For one day each time we go, we leave the city, and Basically, it's on the brink of disaster, to be honest. you see how the country used to be. The rural areas are The way the nation's infrastructure is, there are earth- quiet, calm, beautiful, families live together and work quakes on a normal basis, but the thing is (quote from together, and the youth that work hard in school manage to leave the cycle of farmer fathers having farmer sons and gain wealth for their families. Truly, the time in the villages are some of the most memorable and good times of my life, just because even though their quality of life is low, it's due to the fact that electricity and plumbing and heating hasn't come in yet, not due to the fact that the government is selfish and it's overpopulated.
“
the rurael areas ar m l a c , t e i qu and beautiful
�
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FI: Do you want to go back? FH: Do I want to go back? Ahhh, I wrestle with that question all the time. Maybe. I want to see my family and I don't want to leave them there. But I don't want to deal with the misery of that country, at least not as a visitor or a tourist. I want to visit the village. I might, depending on how the politics turn out/ calm down and if my family needs me. But at the moment, if someone told me to go just to go...I probably wouldn't.
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45
du’aa
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du’aa
Ibn `Abbas reported from Juwayriyah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) came out early when he offered the Fajr [Morning] Salah while she was in her praying place. Then he returned after the forenoon while she was sitting. Thereupon, he said: "Are you still in the same position as I left you. I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon, the Prophet said: I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are:
ومداد كلامته، وزنة عرشه، ورضا نفسه، عدد خلقه،سبحان الله وبحمده Subhan-Allahi Wa Bihamdihi, `Adada Khalqihi, Wa Rida Nafsihi, Wa Zinatah `Arshihi, Wa Midada Kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)]." [Reported by Muslim in the book of Dhikr, invocation, repentance, and asking for Allah's forgiveness, chapter on glorifications at the beginning of the day and when going to sleep 8/83].
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47
recipe
48 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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recipe
Bengali Mustard Fish Curry
by: chilliandmint.com
Ingredients:
• Serves 3 (if serving for 4 add one more fish and an extra chilli or two!) • 3 sea bream/mackerel/tilapia/salmon/trout, head removed but kept whole • 3 tbsp mustard oil • 1 tsp nigella seeds
Method: 1. In a pan/wok/kadai heat up the mustard oil. When it is hot carefully add the nigella seeds, chilli powder and turmeric. Stir for a few seconds before adding both mustards. Stir well.
2. Add the chilli and then place in the fish using a spoon to cover the fish in the mustard juices. Add a pinch of salt and some water and place a lid on the • 1/2 tsp turmeric pan so that the fish can steam. Keep the heat low so as not the burn the bottom of the pan. If it is drying • 3 green chillies, halved (more if you prefer it hot out add a little more water or oil if need be. Spoon hot) the juices over the fish from time to time. • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp wholegrain mustard • pinch of salt • 8 tbsp water
3. The fish will be cooked within 10 minutes. Leave to rest. Scatter with chopped coriander before serving. To reheat, simply add a sprinkling of water and warm the pan. Serve with rice.
Enjoy! February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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49
true story
Begu
50 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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true story
um
Rokeya
{
}
Bangladesh’s Champion for Women’s Rights
In light of this past year being one of historic victories for women’s rights, (mass anti-rape protests in India leading to changes in rape prosecution; Malala Yousafzai’s inspirational fight for education, etc) it is a keen pleasure to look back at history and take pride in other women’s rights activists who have shaped the world in some form. A well-loved and respected name in the hearts of Bangladeshi women is Roquia Sakhawat Hussain, also known as Begum Rokeya. One of Bangladesh’s first Muslim feminists, Begum Rokeya raised the standards of women’s education and fought for gender equality in the 1900s. Begum Rokeya was born in 1880 in British colonial Bangladesh. Growing up she was kept from pursuing higher education by her father, who believed in secluding women from society and matters beyond the home. However, Begum Rokeya had a strong bond with her oldest brother Abul Asad Ibrahim Saber who, influenced by Western education and finding great promise in his sister, secretly educated her in subjects such as English and Bengali. Through his support, Begum Rokeya was able to reinforce her natural intelligence and as she grew older she sought to give women the opportunity to learn without restraints or secrecy as she did. Begum Rokeya was married at age 16 to Syed Sakhawat Hossain, who was a district magistrate in the Bihar region of Bengal Presidency. Her husband was extremely encouraging of Begun Rokeya’s talents, for he believed that educated women were the cure needed to eradicate the ills of society.
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
by: Nitasha Siddique
While married to Syed, Begum Rokeya wrote her famous novel Sultana’s Dream which turned purdah, the concept of confining women to life indoors, on its head by describing a utopian world where women were the dominant gender while men were kept at home, and the great peace and prosperity that results from power being in the hands of women. One of the first feminist science fiction pieces, Sultana’s Dream is acclaimed as one of the greatest literary works in Bangladeshi history. Begum Rokeya was a prolific writer and aside from Sultana’s Dream she published many books in Bengali about women’s rights both in society and in Islam. Some books include Oborodhbashini (The woman in captivity), Paddorag (Essence of the Lotus), Nurse Nelly, and Nari-Sristi (Creation of Women). Her essay Narir Adhikar (The Rights of Women) remains incomplete since she passed away before finishing it. Her poetry and other pieces could also be found in newspapers and magazines.
}
Sultana’s Dream is acclaimed as one of the greatest literary works in Bangladeshi history
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true story In congruence with Begum Rokeya’s aspirations to educate women in Bangladesh, Syed set aside money for opening a school for Muslim women and after his death in 1909, Begum Rokeya established a high school at Bhagalpur and named it “Sakhawat Memorial Girls' High School”, which still exists today. She started her school only five students yet today Sakhawat Memorial Girls' High School is a renowned and popular school for girls in Bangladesh. Begum Rokeya was able to actively promote women’s education through her school but her goals reached beyond the school as she founded the Anjuman-eKhawatin-e-Islam, Bangla (Bengali Muslim Women’s Association) in 1916. The organization focused on the continued battle for women’s education and employment. In 1926, Rokeya presided over the Bengal Women’s Education Conference which was the first of its kind in that the conference unified women under a movement for improving the status of women in Bangladesh. Begum Rokeya incorporated Islam into her arguments for women’s rights, as she felt that society had corrupted the true distinctions between man and woman made in Islam and were unjustly restricting women in the name of religion. Shortly after presiding over a session during the Indian Women’s Conference, Begum Rokeya passed away on December 9, 1932. In recognition of all of Begum Rokeya’s accomplishments during her life, December 9th is celebrated as “Rokeya Day” in Bangladesh. She is hailed for her perseverance in opposing the concept of purdah and rising above the limitations put on women to go on to become an influential writer and highly respected speaker. , Her impact in Bangladesh was so great that she holds the prestigious and endearing title of “begum”. Begum Rokeya, with her pioneering activism as a Muslim feminist and educationalist, continues to be one of the greatest role models for Bangladeshi women, and one of the most influential women in history.
{
Her impact in Bangladesh was so great that she holds the prestigious and endearing title of “begum”.
}
Sources: http://postcolonialstudies.emory.edu/rokeya-sakhawathossain/ http://bangladeshcontinual.blogspot.com/2011/10/ roquia-sakhawat-hussain.html http://www.sewallbelmont.org/womenwecelebrate/begum-rokeya-sakhawat-hossain/ http://books.google.com/books/about/Sultana_s_Dream_ and_Selections_from_The.html?id=OcSjQgAACAAJ
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"And speak to people kindly." (Quran 2:83)
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53
faith
Illusions
of the
Dunya by: Uswah Alade 54 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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faith Have you ever seen your mum, dad or any older relatives’ pictures when they were younger? How beautiful or handsome did they look? How long did you stare at the picture saying “….really, this was you?” Illusion would be thinking they would stay like that forever or you and me thinking we would be like this forever. Illusion is the state of being deceived by a false perception or belief and this world is full of illusions and temptations. My halaqa teacher always says "This world is like a gas station. It is a place where we just pass through in order to get to our destination. No one goes to a gas station and starts to build their home there or gets too cozy or comfortable". This means that our life here is temporary – so, we shouldn't indulge ourselves too much in this world and get carried away with the glitters and the latest fad. Akhirah should always be our goal. Too many people get carried with the now, with false hopes - By all means make the best of each moment and be happy as long as we are aware of the distractions and traps laid out by Shaytan. When Allah created Jannah, He asked Angel Jibreel to go and take a look at it. So he went and looked at the Paradise and at all that Allah had prepared for its inhabitants. Then he said: "O My Lord! By Your Honor, No one who hears about this place would stay away from it." Then Allah surrounded the Paradise by difficulties and hardships and asked Jibreel again to go and take another look. Jibreel went again and after looking at it came back and said: "O My Lord! By Your Honor, I am afraid now that no one will be able to enter it." Then after Allah created the Hell, He asked Jibreel to go and take a look. When Jibreel came back he said: "O My Lord! By Your Honor, no one who hears about it will ever enter it." Then Allah surrounded the Hell by all kinds of lusts and desires and asked Jibreel to take another look. This time after looking at it Jibreel said: "O My Lord! By Your Honor, I am afraid that no one will be able to avoid it". Remember, Shaytan would not go for the drinkers and night clubbers. Those people have already been led astray. His aim is to trick the people who are trying their best so that they can enter Jannah. The Prophet (SAW) said; “Ashaytan has lost all hopes in leading you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things” Shaytan said: "O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. "Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them" (Surah Al-Hijr: 39 – 40).
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It is a place where we just pass through in order to get to our destination To fight against his pull, do the following: Always think before you act. Just think, if the Prophet (SAW) was standing next to you, would he be happy to see what you are doing? When you are in a difficult situation and you need to make a choice, say "audhu billah mina shaytanir rajeem". And if an evil whisper from Shaytan tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower” (Surah Fussilat: 36). Don't get sucked in by this Dunya, remember it is temporary. Keep good friends that help you to do the right things. If you realize that your friends could be leading you astray, look for better ones. There is a saying "Show me your friend, and I will show you your future". Inshaa Allah we will always make the right decisions! Ameen and we won’t be one of those that Shaytan will address by saying “……. when the matter has been decided: ‘Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me.’” (Surah Ibraheem: 22).
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55
health
56 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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health
eating tips for
Halal Trying to be healthier? Looking for ways to navigate eating with your non-Muslim friends? Check out these do's and don'ts of halal eating!
By: Jillian Pikora
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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health
Wash your hands before you eat! Say 'Bismillah' and Masnoon dua prior to eating
'Bismillah' Eat with three fingers on your right hand Practice moderation Try to eat sunnah foods, such as: honey, nuts and berries, melon, dates, figs, pomegranates, olive oil, barley bread, whole grains (like barley, oats, quinoa, etc), fenugreek, black seed/black seed oil, and greens. Share your meals
Try to eat only halal meat (raised freely and peacefully, throat cut in one swift movement with a sharp blade by Muslim, hung by it's feet to drain the blood, clean properly, and served without blood as soon as possible) Serve and pass dishes to the right
Moderation Pick-up a morsel of food falls on the floor, clean, and eatit (if possible)
When attending a party, bring foods you enjoy eating Keep a halal snack with you; such as halal meat sticks or fruit
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Drink water before, during, and after your meal Leave 1/3 of your tummy empty
Clean your plate
Lick your fingers when you are finished Thank God by saying 'Alhamdulilah' and Masnoon dua when you are finished
'Alhamdulilah'
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health
Ask if the food is halal when the food was provided by another Muslim's Ask the ingredients of every item on the menu Eat with your left hand
Drink in one gulp
Make a big deal out of refusing alcohol
Eat or drink standing up
3 gulps
If you have trouble avoiding excessive eating; avoid buffets
Never Throw Food Away!
Leave bones spread out on the table
Refuse to share
Eat too quickly
Stay Seated! Over share, you do not own anyone an explanation about your religion and the diet that accompanies it.
Lean back/or lean against something while eat Throw food
Leave for uncovered
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59
Sorry fiction
by: rana diab
Our story begins when the dawn is whispering to the sun "it is time to shine" and the rhyming noises of roosters are waking up the flowers as well as the beautiful girl's cheeks to a smile. She hardly manages to open her wide blue eyes, looking like a deep blue ocean but actually lost all their high rise from the tears she shed last night. I wouldn't blame her, losing the warm heart of a mother doesn't seem to be easy to overcome, especially when you’ve barely succeeded to escape from the drowning facts of a destroyed hometown and the number of dead bodies you have had to see on your way, running through the borders from Syria to Lebanon during the past three months of her teenager's life. However, she kicks off her blanket, gently wipes her face and, finally, she smiles to the innocent baby in his trembling bed, holds him in her hands and sings him the morning song, while she is fighting the overwhelming memories of her childhood. These days are not to come back and that kid will have to live his childhood without his caring mother's hands. Anyway, she then puts him down to play with his toys and after brushing her golden silky hair, decorating hair face as a crown, she prepares today's breakfast, that isn't any different from yesterday’s or the day before. Some bread crumbs dipped in warm milk, then calling loudly "Father , we ran out of food " She had to listen to his crying She had no clue how her family were to survive through this tough icing weather outside. Days now have passed since she have had time to write for her Palestinian pen friend, now she has no internet connec-
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tion for neither formal nor for friendly emails to be sent, just her pens and note and the envelope she has kept for so long. So, she decides to handle herself with care and pride, to write an unusual letter, a letter that will hold the shattered pieces of her heart and mind "today, no watchdogs, friend. no one to photo shoot our pains and tears and cries…no one to call or hope for his helping hand to provide" she wrote, "today, I can see the past 15 years of my life with regret and temptation at the same time, the welcoming house of my grandparents, now turned into scrap, the green trees dancing on the musical sound of my violin, the fruits I could gather throughout the year, winter, summer, spring and autumn. It all has turned to past, to memories. I'll gather as I gather the clouds in my mind. Today, friend, we share something more than the love of music and art. We share the cracks in our bodies, friend; we share the wounds that never heal, the pain that never leaves. We share the life we cannot live. We share the death that gashes us sending our pure souls slowly to God" she then burst into tears and ended her letter with a warm goodbye "I don't know if the days 'll give us a chance to meet as we hoped but I need to send you my apologies, dear friend. I, once, was enjoying my life that I forgot you were kilometers far being killed, kidnapped, oppressed and abused by what I called "conquest " but you had to call "the land neighbors" and smile peacefully to the havoc they caused to your life. I am sorry, my friend, and I sincerely apologize."
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y
interview
b
arabic and english
interviewed by: Farah Anany 1. Tell us about yourselves There are 2 members of this nasheed band, Castilo Al-Amir: lead vocals Arabic/English writer producer.. and Khattaab: lead vocals, English spoken poetry/ rap writer producer
2. When and how did the band start? The band started many years ago. We’ve been friends for 20 years and have always wanted to make nasheeds.
3. What is the message that you want to send to your fans through your music? 3/ Our message is positive and peaceful. We want to tell our fans and people that no one is perfect and we strive and make mistakes everyday. As muslims, we want to try to show the muslim youth that in Islam Allah forgives sins and we must always remember Him and ask for forgiveness. We also want to try to help with the will of Allah to steer the muslim youth away from negative rap music and to focus on Islamic songs and positive messages in our songs.
5. Are there going to be any collaborations with any other artists in the future? Inshaa allah. We are speaking with a few known nasheed artists and until then the fans will have to wait and see!
6. Every artist is influenced by a certain genre in music. What kind influenced you?
We like the old traditional type of arabic nasheeds and we are influenced by the harmonies and vocal arrangements of the classic Arabic styles. Our favorite artists are Sami Yusuf , Native Deen, and Muslim Bilal.
7. What do you enjoy the most when you're not working? We like writing songs, studying Islam, listening to lectures, watching films about our prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the sahabaah and seeking knowledge.
4. What do you feel about touring? We’re looking forward to live shows to present our nasheeds, inshaa Allah.
February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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61
review
book by: Khaled Hosseini review by: Baraa Arar
Unveiling Afghan Culture: ‘And the Mountains Echoed’
Khaled Hosseini’s newest novel, And the Mountains Echoed, topped the best seller list for a large portion of 2013, just like his previous novels The Kite Runner and A thousand Splendid Suns, did in their respective years of publication. Hosseini writes novels set primarily in Afghanistan, his birthplace, which explore the lives of Afghan characters and their struggles. He constantly breaks barriers by talking about various issues pertaining to Afghan culture that mainstream media often fail to report. This novel begins with a seemingly irrelevant Afghan folk tale told by Abdullah, the father of the two characters that will later on guide the novel’s plot. In The Kite Runner, the theme of redemption was the most prominent and the characters and their lives’ and actions revolved around it. However, in his current
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novel, childhood, love, and family, take the reins. This novel is by no means a light read as it deals with heavy topics and provides insight on unconventional situations, but his innovative writing style captures the readers and forces them to rip through the book. Written as a series of tales spanning over 60 years, the novel takes place in different parts of the world; from the impoverished small town of Shadbagh in Afghanistan to the bustling metropolitan of San Francisco. Although he simply writes in third person, Hosseini formulates his writing in a manner that the speaker is easily identifiable to the reader even without any specific marking details. He creatively and skillfully crafts voices for each of his characters that soar beyond the limits of the page. The juxtaposition between Afghani lifestyles and western ones is strong as Khaled Hosseini dives into the lives of the characters, each living in different countries from their birthplace; he explores their complex and confusing relationship with their home land. Furthermore, this novel clearly demonstrates the difference between the elite and the poor in Afghanistan and the unfortunate sacrifices the latter must to make just to survive in their own country. He sprinkles his books with socio-political commentary and although the readers rarely know what his personal beliefs are, the author’s opinions on the wars in Afghanistan are transmitted through his compelling characters. No matter what audiences believe the author’s political view to be, and whether or not they agree with it, I strongly believe that Khaled Hosseini succeeds at unraveling Afghani culture and giving the Afghan people a multi-facetted voice. I recommend this book to everyone over 14 because of the sensitive and heavy material that is discussed in the novel.
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review
apps
Daily Hadith from AppDevCorner My Life in Pink and Green By: Lisa Greenwald
Review by: Uswah Alade
Lucy is a twelve year old girl who lives with her mother and grandmother. They own a drug store but business isn't going well these days. Lucy wants to help out the store so that it won't have to close. Things begin to change when a girl comes to her in a mess and Lucy gives her a makeover. After this, she gets a line of costumers who need their make up done. This gives her an idea that can help the store but no one is listening to a seventh grader. I liked this book because it really shows that young adults can help to make a change.
My Name Is Sally Little Song By: Brenda Woods
Review by Ayah Rahman
Sally Little Song is a heartwarming story of a family in slavery at a plantation who escapes to their freedom. During their journey, they experience terrible loss, and narrow escapes from the slave hunters. At the closing of the story, Sally says, "I knew that as long as there was slavery in this place called 'Merica, Pa, Abraham, and I would never really be at ease... neither slave nor free." This story is a very inspiring one and I encourage you to read it!
Fangirl
By: Rainbow Rowell
Review by: Nitasha Siddique
Cath lives and breathes “Simon Snow”, a book series about an orphan who learns that he is a magician and must later battle the Insidious Humdrum to save magical world. (Sound familiar?) She is happiest when she is writing Simon Snow fan-fiction, immersed in the world of magicians and not the world of college and “meeting new people”. Her twin sister Wren is also as big a Simon Snow fan as Cath but longs to get more from life than just Simon Snow, and in her endeavors, leaves Cath completely lost and out of her element. Thus, Cath must learn to get out of her comfort zone and place herself in a world that she molds herself, not one that’s written by someone else. It's no surprise that a 'fangirl' like myself found a kindred spirit in Cath. I thoroughly enjoyed the book's light humor and amazingly honest characters who really bring the story to life for the reader.
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Review by: Nitasha Siddique
Considering how easily life can distract us from our deen, having a reminder every day helps keep Allah SWT present in our minds and hearts. With the Daily Hadith app, I wake up every morning and find a new hadith open on my phone for me to read and reflect on for the day. Not only is the app aesthetically pleasing, with the beautiful background that the hadiths are displayed on, but it will work offline so you won’t need WiFi or mobile data to receive a new hadith each day. The app is also translated into English, Indonesian and Bosnian. You can even share hadiths through Facebook, texting, and email so you can spread the benefits to everyone you know. All in all, it is an app every Muslim should have and it’s a great motivator when it comes to increasing your knowledge of Islam.
QamarDeen
Review by: Romaisa Sebaihia This app is so handy for marking your daily Islamic activities: from your prayers and the way you have prayed them (e.g. jama’a or alone), to the sadaqah you have given (whether it’s a smile or a donation). The easy to use user interface/app design means that with just a quick tap, you can keep track of your other Islamic activities (including Quran recitation, and fasting), and the handy Graph Mode shows your progress over a time period, making it easy to see the ways in which you have improved (or should improve) your Islamic activities. It’s so helpful for increasing your productivity as a Muslim – I highly recommend!
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STARS My companions are like the STARS; whoever among them you use for guidance,
you will be rightly guided. أصحايب كالنجوم فبأيهم اقتديتم اهتديتم
“
Worrying about the dunya (life) is a darkness in the heart, while worrying about the akhira (hereafter) is a light in the heart.
”
-Uthman ibn Affan 64 February/Rabi’ Thanee 2014/1435
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