November/Muharram 2013/1435 issue #13 of MuslimahGirl Magazine

the magazine every Muslimah should read!

November/Muharram 2013/1435 issue #13

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a i r y S r o f P r ay l o b m y S A N ew

NabiilaBee

YouTube Fashion Guru

Diary of A Revolutionary Girl

Asmaa El-Beltagy The 17 year-old Egyptian martyr’s story

A L G E R I A

conte welcome

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INTERVIEW

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..to algeria!

ASMAA EL-BELTAGY

All about algeria

EYE WITNESS

traditional algerian bourek

letay

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djamila bouhried

16 cover girl

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winter 2013 colors

hadith

NAbiilabee

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POETRY

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fashion

TIME TO EVOLVE

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ents 38 62 88 97

others

106 108 110 EXPRESS YOURSELF 115 114 112 104

the media

school bag

ADVICE

BOOK REVIEW

FUN STUFF

DIARY OF A REVOLUTIONARY GIRL

STARS

DEATH

WAR

DUAA

THOSE WHO LISTEN

FEATURE

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PRAY FOR SYRIA

#syria the birth of a new symbol

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1, 2, 3, Viva L'Algerie!

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MuslimahGirl

November/Muharram 2013/1435 issue #13

issue's writers:

editor in chief:

Menna Fateen

Aamenah ElSherif Asmaa Ehab Barakah Iqbal Chezliah Osman Mariam Ashraf Mariam Syed Maryam Shalaby Menna Fateen Nitasha Siddique Romaisa Sebaihia Taahirah Desai Ujala Shujat Uswah Alade

assistant editor in chief: Romaisa Sebaihia

design & layout: Menna Fateen

cover girl: NabiilaBee

Any comments, suggestions or questions?

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

flo& I would like to dedicate this issue for my beautiful and inspiring teacher, Asmaa Sakr, who was killed in the Rabaa massacre in Egypt on August 14, 2013. May Allah accept you among his martyrs and may we meet in Paradise inshallah.

Editor-in-chief, Menna Fateen

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“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said,"When is the help of Allah ?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.”

-Holy Qur’an, 2:214

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a wake-up call

editor’s note

This issue isn’t by any means discussing ‘politics’. This issue is for humane people, who will stand with the oppressed. This issue is essential because it would be very ignorant of us to decide to only talk about fashion, beauty or faith while our brothers and sisters around the world are being killed. This issue is dedicated to the martyrs in Egypt and Syria.

Here are some of my tips for a serious 180 degrees change: • Are your friends helping you become closer to Allah? Are they role models to you? If your friends are not helping you become better and are actually doing the opposite then it’s time to find new friends.

On the Day of Judgement we’re going to regret havMaybe if your favorite teacher got killed, you saw huning negative friends. “Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not dreds if not thousands of beautiful souls one day and the taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the next they were killed and burned, maybe if you experiremembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, enced a situation where your only thought was “‘I’m not to man, a deserter.” (Quran 25:28-29) Try to attend getting out of here alive” you’d wake up. halaqas at a near mosque and meet new girls.

• Make duaa. Duaa is a Muslimah’s weapon as the I’ve never been more grateful for living in Egypt, like I Prophet PBUH said. Here are some duaa’s from the have been this summer. You might ask why. Well, basiQuran. “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the cally as I mentioned above, I realized that death was so truth) after You have guided us, but grant us mercy from close, closer than we imagine. And are we ready? Are You. You are the Grantor of bounties without measure” we really ready to meet Allah? What are we gonna say (Quran, 3:8) “I do hope that my Lord will show me about the prayers we didn’t pray, the hours we wasted the smooth and straight Path” Here’s a duaa prophet doing useless things, the things we said? What will our Mohammed used to say: “O Allah, I supplicate you to excuses be? grant me your Love and the Love of those who Love You Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) says: “The two feet of the son and the action that would lead me to win Your Love of Adam will not move from near his Lord on the Day of and make my love for You more dear to me than myself, Judgement until he is asked about five (matters) concernmy family, and cold refreshing water” ing his life - how he spent it; about his youth - how he took • Read about the companions of the Prophet and the care of it; about his wealth - how he earned it; and where ones who came after them. Reading about great he spent it; and about that which he acted upon from the people and their sacrifices is an important step toknowledge he acquired.” wards change.

We are going to be judged. And it’s not going to be easy. • What exactly do you want to change? For example, Allah is The Most Merciful but He is Just as well. What say you want to start praying the sunnahs. Make have we done to earn paradise? Prayed without full conyourself a schedule where you tick if you prayed and centration, made some thikr and attended halaqas? We see your overall performance. Punish yourself if you certainly do not deserve paradise at all. don’t pray by not buying any junk food. Or treat I’m not writing this to depress you or make you feel bad. yourself if you pray all the sunnahs for a whole week.

This is a wake-up call. We all need to wake up and make I’m going to wrap this note up with an ayah, “Indeed, a change. We need to work harder and be better. Take Allah will not change the condition of a people until they the first step towards change and Allah will help you change what is in themselves...” (Quran 13:11) throughout the path inshallah.

Allah says in the hadith qudsi: “Take one step towards me, I will take ten steps towards you. Walk towards me, I will run towards you.”

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Welcome to

algeria

Hot sunny days, saltwater fish on the grill, the Mediterranean Sea just around the corner, exotic aromas in the air, this is Algeria.

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Mediterranean Algeria has a long Mediterranean coastline, most of which is more properly termed the Alboran Sea.

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sahara Over 80% of Algeria’s land is occupied by the Sahara Desert. About one-quarter of the Algerian Sahara is occupied by sand dunes.

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Traditional Clothes

Any fashion that is lucky enough to fall under the influence of three civilizations are certain to be an extraordinary blend of style and chic.

Algeria sits at the crossroads of three worlds, Arab, Mediterranean and African, and Algerian fashion has long been influenced by the fact that its unique location has been a place of historic meetings and exchanges.

and silver thread. The sleeves can be made of lace. However, it is at wedding and other special occasions that these traditional dresses do justice to the affair.

As proof of innovation, many designers and dressThe Karakou: a typical traditional dress and incorpo- makers have succeeded in modernizing the traditionrates a velvet jacket embroidered in gold and silver al dresses of Algeria and adapting them to modern worn with the traditional saroual (Arab pants) and practical and functional clothes. comes from Algiers, the capital of Algeria.

The fact that these forms of traditional dresses are still The Blousa: this piece of clothing comes from Tlem- used is a tribute to its comfort and suitability for the cen, West Algeria and is a full-length, straight-cut climate. It also points to the pride that Algerians take dress made entirely from lace and sequined chest. in the tradition of their ancestors and their identity in the modern world.

The Djeba Fergani: the traditional dress from Constantine in the eastern side of the country. This dress source: http://www.algerianembassy.org.my/ is always made with velvet and embroidered by gold fashion.htm

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Makam El-Chahid This memorial, located in Algiers, is dedicated to the 1.5 million martyrs who were killed in the war of Algeria’s independence. This is why Algeria is also called: “The Country of A Million Martyrs”

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did you know?

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A

ll bout lgeria

did you know?

The name Algeria originates from the country’s oldest and continuous settlement and modern capital Algiers. Most of the population of the country is in the north while the majority of the population are Arabs or mixed Arabs and Berber with the Algerian culture, while in the more isolated southern regions are more of the Berber culture.

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fun facts The flag is green and white, with a red star and crescent. The star, crescent, and the color green are all symbolic of Islam.

Algeria is situated in North Africa and borders Tunisia and Libya to the east, Niger, Mali and Mauritania to the south, Morocco and Western Sahara to the West and the Mediterranean Sea to the North.

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The Sahara Desert covers 80% of Algeria.

The top three languages spoken in Algeria are Arabic, French and Berber.

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Taahirah Desai & Mariam Syed

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Algeria is the second largest country in Africa.

The national dish of Algeria is couscous.

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Algeria gained independence from France in the 1900s.

The original language of Algeria was Berber, Arabic came to its country early in it's history along with Arabs and Islam.

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The estimated population is 31,193,917 as of the year 2000.

Algerian cuisine The national dish of Algeria is couscous steamed semolina wheat served with lamb or chicken, cooked vegetables and gravy. The common flavorings are turnips, onions, raisins, chickpeas, red peppers and the usual salt and pepper.

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recipe

Traditional Algerian Bourek by: romaisa s In Ramadan, an Algerian table set for Iftar is not complete without these treats on the side – and, although, it currently isn’t Ramadan, bourek can still occasionally be made as an appetizer during the rest of the year.

In case you don’t know what ‘bourek’ is, it’s basically like a samosa or a Chinese spring roll, except with a different filling, and more... Algerian. It can also either be made in a triangularshape or rolled into a spring roll-like shape.

What you will need: • • • • • • • • •

Spring roll wrappers (or phyllo dough) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 250g ground beef 1 egg Black pepper Cinnamon (optional) Salt Oil (to fry in) Napkin (to soak up oil)

Method: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Add oil to a pan and start browning the onions Add minced meat Crack an egg into the mixture/filling, and stir well Add a pinch of black pepper, cinnamon, and salt Carry on stirring Leave to cook on a low fire Once the filling has cooked, leave to cool (this is important as the bourek may break apart if the filling has not cooled yet) 8. Get the spring roll wrappers and place two tablespoons of the (now cool) filling at the bottom of the sheet 9. Fold over the sides of the wrapper into the middle and, from the bottom, start to roll it up (tightly), in the shape of a spring roll 10. Fry in oil until golden brown 11. Place onto a plate, on top of a napkin to soak up excess oil

Enjoy!

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recipe

photo by: Bradley Hawks

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recipe

letay by: romaisa s

What you will need: • Boiling water • Mint tea leaves • Sugar

Method: 1. Boil water 2. Rinse mint tea leaves and place in a glass 3. Once water has finished boiling, pour it into the glass, and stir 4. Add a few teaspoons of sugar and stir again 5. Enjoy!

(Optional) Serve with nuts

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true story

Djamila Bouhired

Djamila Bouhired was an Algerian heroine born in 1935. She was raised in a middle-class family and attended a French school. But why was she going to a French school in Algeria? In that time, the French colonized Algeria. While being in school, she was the only one that shouted “Algeria is our mother!” while everybody shouted “France is our mother!”. Of course she would be punished. Since then Djamila was drawn in the revolutionary cause. Her brothers already were working as an underground nationalist struggle, Djamila quickly joined. She worked as a liaison agent for the commander Saadi Yacef. In June 1957, she was captured by the French. In July of that year, she was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death

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by the guillotine. Her brothers were captured as well.

A French lawyer by the name of Jacques Verges had sympathy for the Algerians in capture. He decided to be on the side of Djamila. Djamila was soon freed and Jacques Verges was a new target. They had many failed assassination attempts. Some of which he said were, putting a bomb in his apartment or car.

Djamila Bouhreid was a heroine because of her efforts of freeing Algeria from the French.

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poetry

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Time to Evolve

poetry

By: Ujala Shujat

I am the black swan In the cluster of white birds I was scared to fly, kinda bit of shy He kept callin' me, the signs passed by When He kept calling me, and the signs passed by I kept asking Him, that confused little cry I exactly know when it was When I found my, my very own cause I found what I liked to do, I found why I was made Its a little journey, a journey every being should take.

It started with a question, a question by a mate What was it that you loved and what is that you hate?

I pondered and pondered but could not solve the matter Because it was materialistic, everything I ran after My purpose of life, I never realised.

It made me uneasy, I wanted to be the wise.

But the illusions, hypocrisy, and propaganda Since birth, I was programmed, I was part of an agenda Some say it was a research project, marketing strategy, or preparation for someone's arrival I say someone's faith was weak, everything else is trivial

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Movies, advertisements and news are either planned or fantasies Speak to real people, discover some real stories.

They say you only live once, We believe, we live twice When you mute your desires, you hear your soul's voice It doesn't get peace in a big house, with a husband or a wife Because that is not the sole purpose of your beautiful life Peace is in making a difference which makes a stranger's heart smile It is in expressing your individuality, and respecting others' style Every being is a legend, no life is for sale.

Behind every bizarre behaviour, is his very own tale.

Every popular one is that way, because he recognised his path Get off the conveyor belt, or you'll face the aftermath You need money only to feed and clothe yourself Ask yourself, how do you want to leave your mark?

Experience matters, and your parents have it more Family comes first, and they understand you the most Look back, evaluate and resolve 'Cause, Hey, white bird, its time to evolve

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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://www.muslimahgirl.com/contribute/

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recipe

t r a e H k n i P Waffles by: NabiilaBee

Salam/Hi beauts! I posted a few pictures of heart shaped waffles that me and my mum always make. I got so many messages and comments for the recipe so i thought why not do a post on howto make them.

It's my mums own recipe and its really simple. So i'm going to get straight into it!

Then it's optional to either add jam or whatever it is you fancy.

We used pink icing sugar; just mixing icing sugar, water and pink food colouring.

On the other half we put toffee syrup that is usually used for cake decorations.

You'll need: • • • • • • •

250g butter (leave it out for a few hours so it’s soft) 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda Lemon juice from 1 lemon 2 cups sugar 6 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 5 1/2 cups plain flour

Then just mix all the ingredients together using a mixer till its all mixed up, should be soft but not too runny.

Then add about a large tablespoon of mixer onto the waffle maker. Close, wait a few minutes and its ready!

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hadith

“Humbleness increases the rank of that person, so humble yourselves and Allah will raise you.”

— Prophet Muhammad

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cover girl

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cover girl

NabiilaBee NabiilaBee is an Algerian/Russian 19 year old fashion YouTuber based in England. (also a model and blogger) Her sweet personality and unique modest style attracted lots of viewers. Check out her channel!

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cover girl

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cover girl

MGM: Tell us a little about yourself.

Nabila: “I'm 20 years old and currently in my second year of university doing fashion design. I'm half Algerian half Russian, and I lived all over Russia for the first 6 years of my life.”

MGM: When did you first start your your youtube channel?

Nabila: “In February 2011 and Alhamdulillah it’s been an amazing journey.”

MGM: What’s your favorite and worst part of being a youtuber?

Nabila: “I get to inspire so many young girls and women and when I get feedback stories its amazing.

Subhanallah, I wake up to amazing stories of how I’ve inspired women and girls to dress modest and wear hijab it really is amazing to know I am making a good difference. The worst part is probably that I would love to put 100% into it but I’m juggling so much at the moment and being a full-time creative student in uni is very difficult! I just can’t wait to do all this on a bigger scale and full time! ”

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cover girl

MGM: What’s your current favorite fashion trend?

Nabila: “Fur! I love fur and coats!”

MGM: Why do you think modesty is important?

Nabila: “Its part of my religion and I’ve always been into fashion but I never wanted to sacrifice that to be fashionable. And to be able to do both is amazing as I’m following my dreams and passions as well and still practicing my deen.”

MGM: What are you most proud of as an Algerian/Russian girl?

Nabila: “That I have two extremely rich cultures from both sides. I’m inspired a lot by both my cultures especially in my work. Oh and I love food and both sides make amazing food! Hahaa”

MGM: What message would you like to give the MGM readers?

Nabila: “Do what you love and work hard for it, but at the same time look at why your doing it. Never feel like you can’t do something because everything is possible. Wake up on a positive approach to life and give thanks to Allah. Always. ”

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cover girl

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cover girl

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cover girl

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cover girl

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Check out Nabila’s videos on Youtube!

cover girl

OOTD: Candy Stripes

LittleBig ME Collection Haul Featuring AmiinaBee November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

and much more!

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express yourself

Diary of a Revolutionary Girl by: Mariam Ashraf I understand that I have changed the adjective of the student before and now I changed the entire being writing the diary. I feel the need to tell you that all three are blended into me along with many other characteristics we may or may not explore later on.

This specific section of MGM has kept an air of silliness even when the rest of the issue may discuss serious matters.

However, I have chosen that this time it be changed. I will not amuse you with vain topics while my brothers and sisters are being murdered everywhere.

I write this in the name of the Martyrs.

I do not need your sympathy, sir. I don’t do this for my benefit. I bring you the truth as I’ve seen it, not so you can sympathize with my death, but to know the truth.

I’m but a child by your standards of age, but I have seen more than you can in your lifetime and 1st world country and I’m still standing. I’ve seen death more than a soldier should and I’m still standing.

I will not lie to you; I fear death. I’ve trembled and shook in fear, ran in the streets with my back bowed, raised my arms to my head, had my loved ones bleed before me, yet somehow, I still wake up that day, put on those worn-out shoes, the same old outfit, got all the pins on my t-shirt and head out to the same place; where I know they’ll find me; where I know they’ll shoot at me; where I know I will die.

Somehow, I find it in my heart to forget the blood and think that this time, this day, this final hour, we will win. We will

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be free. Somehow, I forget that I was sobbing of pain just the night before. Somehow, I forget the screams and shouts. To fight again, to win again.

My hands are stained with the blood of those I carried; my ears are filled with the agonized screams; my eyes are filled with the tears of a family and a friend. Every second is a new vow to those that I will not let their pain go with no justice.

I do not care wither my story touches your heart, wither you’ll feel sorry and twist your face for an instant then carry on. I do not care if you help me or oppose me, but I’ve seen those fancy suits sit behind a desk and rewrite history so fit their liking and I will not let them do that about my story. They have stripped me of my voice but I still shout in their heads as they try to fall asleep in their fearful nights.

I’m here to tell you the truth. To tell you that there is another Genocide bleeding into History’s pages. To tell you that another tyrant has decided to repeat the past.

I know how clichéd that sounds, sir; how you must have heard it before. Let me assure you that even now, you don’t know what it means. You will never understand until you’ve heard the gunshots and found nowhere to go, until you’ve felt a body you were carrying go limp, until you suddenly start crying as the memories flood back, until you’ve lost friends because they will dance over you dead body or they’ve been buried.

Even when you’re miles away from them, you stand in a protest and feel their voices gathering in your throat, mixing with your own until you let out a shout that

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express yourself

will make every murderer tremble in apprehension of the victims that have come back to haunt him.

Take great care of my words, for they will be carved into History like all the great men, for I will, too, die like all great men.

With a bullet to my head.

“

You will never understand until you’ve heard the gunshots and found nowhere to go.

”

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feature

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feature

photo by: Osama Syria

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feature

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More than 100,000 Syrians have been killed since the revolution first started. #PrayForSyria November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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which means 5 Syrians are killed every hour on average.

If you read the names of every Syrian killed so far, you would read the names non-stop for three and a half days.

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feature

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More than 8,400 children have been killed.

#PrayForSyria 46 November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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feature

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feature

photo by: Nish Nalbandian

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More than 8,700 women have been killed. #PrayForSyria

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The war has forced more than 7 million Syrians to leave their homes. This means one out of three Syrians is displaced.

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feature

#PrayForSyria

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feature

photo by: Frederic Jacobs

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Pray for Syria

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interview

a a m s A El-Beltagy 54 November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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interview

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interview

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interview

On August 14, 2013 Asmaa El Beltagy, a 17 year old senior high school student was shot by a sniper in Rabaa square. She was only 17 but her attitude and dreams reflected maturity.

The last thing she wrote on her Facebook page was: “They killed us over night while in our prayers while they are the humiliated and fewer in number. So call God’s servants to come in numbers as the sea waves to support us.”

Her diary includes words that reflect her personality.

She wrote: “Lord, let me be one of those who grant smiles to people, who weave threads of hope, be kind to the weak and supportive of orphans, who light candles in desolated roads, who ponder cosmic horizons and grow certainty, revolt in the face of injustice, whose hearts are always hopeful of your kindness.”

Ethar Yousef, Asmaa’s best friend describes the last hours before Asmaa’s assassination and says: “She called me at the time of the dawn prayer to wake me up to perform the prayer. I asked her to return home and she told me she cannot miss the moment the army disperse the protestors so leave the matter to God.” Asmaa had angelic features. She had simple features or “French quiet” features as her friends had always told her. Her heart and mind were a hundred percent Egyptian. She showed revolutionary, intellectual maturity in spite of her young age. She participated in all demonstrations since the revolution of January 2011.

Witnesses say that Dr. El Beltagy, Asmaa’s father, told his wife that his dream came true and that “a night before she was murdered he saw Asmaa in a wedding dress and asked her: Is your wedding today? And she answered: Yes, in the afternoon”.

Asmaa who dreamed to study at the medical school and join the activities of the Global Relief, had encouraged her father to join the Freedom Flotilla journey on the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship which was attacked by Israel in the Mediterranean. Her friends say she hoped to accompany her father in the trip, despite her young age.

In spite of the strong connection between Asmaa and

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“

Lord, let me be one of those who grant smiles to people...

”

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interview her father, he was unable to attend her last farewell where her funeral was performed from As Salam Mosque in Nasr City, Cairo, amid hundreds who joined the funeral and bid her farewell. Her brother Ammar Al-Beltaji led her funeral prayer while her mother chanted in a severe state of fatigue, “Free revolutionaries we shall continue the journey.” She called everyone to resist.

At the same time a number of activists and friends of Asmaa launched pages through social media websites to commemorate her while others revealed their intention to perform Umrah on behalf of Asmaa. A group of Palestinians performed the funeral prayer in Absentia in Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

Article from: http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/ news/africa/7010-how-asma-was-killed#sthash.EDFpG6ez.dpuf Asmaa’s mother and brother were interviewed by Anadolu Agency Asmaa’s mother: “After I lost her, I felt like she was my mother, not the opposite, she was the one giving me care and warmth. I would feel safe beside her.

Her brother Amaar: “She was the entertainter of our family. Everybody loved to joke around and play with her. Asmaa was loved by everyone.

“Asmaa was a quiet bookworm. She had her own library and used to love staying up at night to read and so did I. Sometimes we’d stay up all night and read together. We would escape from studying and read stuff that had nothing to do with what we were learning.”

“She had wonderful taste in her choices. Her handwriting was very beautiful. She studied Arabic calligraphy 6 months ago. Asmaa was so insistent on writing beautifully that when she would practice writing she could spend 10 minutes writing one word. She had a wonderful sense of art and beauty. “ “Studying was also one of her priorities. She excelled in her studies and was the top student at school at all levels, elementary, middle and high school.”

Asmaa’s mother: “I never could have expected it. I mean Asmaa is my only girl, I would always be worried about the boys, her brother and her dad. But I felt safe and comfortable about Asmaa because she was always next to me. But Subhan Allah (Glory to Allah) He wanted to teach to me a lesson, that me caring or

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looking after her meant nothing.”

Ammar: “On a social level, she would always make it a priority to call her relatives and ask how they were.

She would visit her grandparents and call them, especially my grandfather, she’d spend hours talking to him and sitting by his side since he’s ill.: Asmaa’s mother: “We weren’t expecting such a violent attack, we were expecting that they would try to break up the sit-in protest any day and that there would be some martyrs but they treated us extremely violently.

No one could have ever imagined this.”

“When the attack started, Asmaa insisted on making wudu (ablution). Obviously, at that moment, the situation wasn’t easy, we couldn’t just move from our place and go make wudu. So I asked her, “HOW are we gonna go and how are you gonna make wudu?” But she insisted and then took out a small bottle of water from her bag and asked me to pour it slowly for her so she could make wudu. Then she kissed my cheek and disappeared. I looked for her everywhere but I couldn’t find her.”

“After around 10 minutes, her brother came up to me and told me Asmaa got injured but Alhamdulilah it was only a rubber bullet. We didn’t know at that time that she was actually shot with a live bullet.”

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interview

When the attack started, Asmaa insisted on making wudu

”

“When I went to the field hospital, I encountered martyrs and people with heavy injuries. I went beside Asmaa, and saw her calm and resilient,” she said.

“I was wiping her face and telling her to be patient, while she was telling me she was alright. She wanted to comfort me. She was repetidly saying, “Oh Allah, my Lord.” She also said words in such a quiet and shallow voice that I could not make out. So I wiped her face and told her, “It’s ok Asmaa, be patient.”

But the doctor who was treating her looked at me and asked: “But who are you asking to be patient?

She’s saying words I would never be able to say if I were in her shoes! How can such a young girl be this patient and say what she’s saying?!”

All she was saying was: “Oh God, Oh Lord, Oh Allah.” She had this special way of saying ‘Oh Allah’, she would like stretch the word “Allah”.

I left her in the operating room and went out. A few minutes later, I received news of her passing.”

Ammar: “When I got to the hospital she had already

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interview Allah’s sake and begged them to take her due to their medical duty or because she was a dead child but they wouldn’t take her. They told us that they have been given specific instructions not to take or treat anyone from Rabaa square.

Asmaa’s mother protesting with her daughter’s picture behind

Asmaa’s mother: “I feel safe for Asmaa now, Alhamdulilah, she’s in a much better place. Allah had mercy on my little girl from this world full of filth, He had mercy on you, Asmaa as you didn’t have to see the scenes we had to endure that day as it would have been very hard for you to tolerate. He had mercy on You as you didn’t have to see the burning of the injured and the dead or the burning of the mosques. The scenes from that day onwards were too horrific for anybody to tolerate.

died. So we took her and went out but while we were trying to leave we were fired at so she got dropped and then we had to hide for a while before being able to escape under constant shooting. I carried her on my Ammar: “And the wrongdoers will soon know to which shoulder since the carrier we were using got damaged. place they are going to return” And when we finally got in the car, we started looking for a hospital to take her. We went to 8 different hospitals and they all refused to take her. I pleaded for Asmaa in a class

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interview

Asmaa’s Last Moments A Letter to Asmaa Turkish Song Dedicated to Asmaa

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Death Deat

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express yourself

inspired by the rabaa massacre by: maryam shalaby

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express yourself

With all that's been currently going on, all those people dying, the fact that the number of deaths now matters more than the fact that a soul has been lost, the fact that people who don't care, who don't mind who approve of it, actually exist, blinded by hate towards an idea, a belief, I find no word of it either than racism which I distinctly remember Islam disapproving of and forbidding.

Blood on pavement floors is now more like water sprayed on a hot sunny day, something you don't get shocked to see. It seems like people now have forgotten what death actually means, how that the sum of human kind decreased by one even for a millisecond, that person now ceases to exist, how his life has been taken away, any chance of an extra year or two, and extra day or even a second has been taken away, any chance of graduating, getting married, having kids, seeing them grow, being proud of them, making a change in this world, slightly making it better, any chance of a last glimpse of a loved one, of correcting a mistake, of an extra good deed that could tilt the balance be the reason of the greatest wish of all times, Paradise, is gone, taken away. How that person's times is up.

And the people that loss affects, a wife who is now flooded with grief, quivering with fear and pondering upon the thought of being alone in this world, the loss of her other half, a dim future for her children.

A child who would no more ride on daddy's back, sing along a happy song, ask daddy about something he doesn't know how to solve in maths, feel daddy's hug and love, feel his goodnight kiss and his soothing voice when having a nightmare, no more of that protective presence. A friend who would no longer be

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able to seek that persons advice, no more of that crazy guy who is so much fun to hang out with, no more of that true friend who was around no matter what, no more of that joyous laugh or stupid teasing , no more sharing in reading quran, no more of him. A part of their life is gone, a hole that cannot be repaired. And those are just a few of many many others and you think: “If that person lived, what would he do? What difference would it make?” And then you realize it affects people who he may not have even known yet.

It's like the whole thing is a chain, one link is lost and it all falls apart, a life that will not happen. You see the loss of one soul, one life affects many others, and you can now really get the meaning of : ‫“من قتل نفسا بغير نفس أو فساد في الأرض فكأنما قتل الناس جميعا ومن أحياها‬ ”.‫فكأنما أحيا الناس جميعا‬ “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Quran 5:32) But in the end one thing reassures you, that those people have gone to a better place now, that they no longer have to carry the burden of life and what’s after on their shoulders, that Allah is always there and that every single thing happens for a reason and no soul is lost without a purpose.

So before you judge whether that person deserved to die or not I want you to imagine what it's like to die, for all of this to end. Imagine having that hole in your life, because a person's death is a BIG HUGE FAT deal! And no one should ever die for colour, belief or religion. You most certainly don't get to judge, Allah does and one day He will judge you for idly standing by while those people were getting killed by your silence.

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#prayforSyria

#Syria #chemicalmassacre On August 21, Assad’s regime commited yet another massacre in Ghouta, Syria.

Estimates of the death toll range from 281 to 1,729 fatalities. When will this stop? #PrayForSyria 66 November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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Syria: Summarized

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The Birth of a New Symbol R4BIA...was just a square in Egypt. Only on August 14 2013, after months of protests, it turned into the new symbol of resistance, freedom and dignity. On August 14 2013, the military coup committed the worst massacre in Egypt's modern history on the peaceful protesters at the Rabaa sit-in with at least 1000 killed and 15000 injured.

Rabaa, where the worst massacre in 2013 took place means ‘fourth’ in Arabic which is why four fingers are raised in the symbol. Show soliditary with Rabaa and raise four fingers.

photo by: Mosaab ElShamy

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A Symbol of Resistance

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A Symbol of Freedom

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A Symbol Sacrifice of

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express yourself

war by: Mariam Ashraf

photo by: Mosaab ElShamy

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express yourself War. Nothing glorious. Nothing honourable. It’s just plain death. The current streets of Egypt, with their protests and constant attacks, are a battlefield. Not necessarily a true battlefield with two forces fighting each other and killing each other, but the scenes, smell and emotions.

I’m going to have to admit this sooner or later, so here goes. When I was at the march getting shot at, I kept looking around, waiting to see someone fall, to see blood splatter or a brain explode. I’m not sure if I wanted to see that or if I was so frightened for everyone around me, scared that I too will be scarred by the last dying moments of a protester. I know I’m sick, as in sick, and possibly heartless and prideful. Perhaps, I wanted to see someone die. Perhaps, I just wanted another story to tell the world, to be one of those who go home every day and tell you about their adventures and the lives they saved or didn’t save. Is my heart so corrupt?

That’s for another time though, the point here is the battlefield. The dying bodies, the sound of gunshots being fired; in the wide expanse, you cannot tell where the shooters are. You want to hide behind anything to shield yourself but you don’t know where you can hide. The constant sound is ominous, forever replaying in your mind. Any loud noise in the street, after that, is always a gunshot to you, a person dying, another getting injured, round rubies smashing into the ground in a halo before being followed by the thud of a dead body.

The morgues filled with bodies, lined on the floor in neat rows of white and red. Always, someone has to show the signs of immorality, burning bodies, mutilating others, stopping burials, destroying sanctity of certain places. Even if the other side, the protesters, does not pick up weapons, this is war. This is what war looks like, from what I’ve heard from soldiers, what I understood from History.

Basically, any nation at war shouldn’t be proud, even if it’s winning against tyrants. Firstly, they should be ashamed they couldn’t resolve the matter without resorting to this horrid bloody battle. I understand that things have to turn out like this sometimes without having a real choice because the other one isn’t trying at all, still, you should be ashamed. Head held low and shoulders sagging as you address a nation to tell it it’s going to war.

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"

The dying bodies, the sound of gunshots being fi red; in the wide expanse, you cannot tell where the shooters are. You want to hide behind anything to shield yourself but you dont know where you can hide. The constant sound is ominous, forever replaying in your mind.

"

Secondly, soldiers aren’t respected for bravery. Being in the military is a job, it the horrid job no one wants yet in the end someone, anyone, has to sacrifice, volunteer, and take it. They’re not necessarily brave or fearless, they are selfless. The foundation of their pedestal is based on that fact that they’re doing something no one else wants to do. Something they don’t want to do. However, they do because someone has to eventually.

Thirdly, war isn’t about wiping out the opponent and everyone affiliated with them. It’s simply about weakening them to a point of defeat, not murdering them to it, keeping loses to a minimum on both sides. I’ve never heard of a war that didn’t involve mass genocide. Plus, war is between Governments, in most cases, not the people. Stop making two massive populations hate each other. Not everyone even voted for the current President, even amongst the ones who voted

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express yourself

"

He is about to say that some leader, I use that term loosely, out there has decided that his power is more important than a lot of lives.

And another has deemed it his responsibility to stop the madness.

"

won’t. When you’re at war, even if winning, they’re watching their comrades die; they’re hearing sounds no human should know exists, the sights and the constant smell of blood. When you go to war, you’re sending thousands of people to be psychologically traumatized for the rest of their lives from the horrors they see there, that, of course, if they don’t get mental illnesses or physical scars or amputations, losing limbs, eyes or other things.

War isn’t easy. It should be hated a lot more than that.

Once it happens due to unforeseen circumstances, the entire world is meant to stop functioning and stop in utter horrific silence in mourning of the humanity being put aside till this is over. I want a new reporter to just stand there, with the biggest shock on his face, as he takes a few minutes of reconsideration before delaying the news to the world. He doesn’t even need to deliver them anymore; the world knows what he’s about to say. He’s about to say that some leader, I use that term loosely, out there has decided that his power is more important than a lot of lives. And another has deemed it his responsibility to stop the madness. He’s about to say that for the next few months, if not years, he will tell you a death toll above one hundred, he will tell you of explosions, of burnt buildings, of dead civilians, because some people cannot control their murderous instincts, of rape, of torture, of children, of refugees, of donations, of pity and fear, of schools, of blood on a ‘press’ jacket’, of speculations and allegations, of collaterals, of damage, of suicide, of depression, of the unknown faces of soldiers. The world will stop seeing countries as cultures, museums, streets, buildings or even people. The names of two countries will instantaneously mean fire, odd sounds, muffled screams and dead.

for him, there is bound to be people who disagree at least with one of his decisions War isn’t glorious. War isn’t wanted. War shouldn’t exist. The single thought that it’s right here now in the Stop with the delusion that people should love their world means something is terribly awfully wrong. It leader and salute their every step. This builds the use- means there is someone out there with the smell of less idea that being president means having power. blood hung in their nose, another bleeding out, anWhen in fact, being president is meant to be the only other thinking that he’s next, another mourning, anjob to have more stress levels than being a high-school other orphaned, another widowed, and God be with student. the ones losing their children because that is so wrong it doesn’t even have a name. To the ones holding picAnother point, war is not only the final step after all tures to their chests and crying and the ones who don’t else fails. It’s the beyond the dark realms after the final even have a picture so they just clamp their palms to step. It’s not even a step. It’s sudden, it’s unwanted, their chest to keep their heart from clenching this and it’s there just so civilians don’t die en masse. But much within them. You may think this is doesn’t relet’s not forget the soldiers are civilians too. They used ally happen, but believe me it does. to be anyway. Their putting on the military uniform means they’re making the taking of their lives cost much less than yours. They are meant to die so you

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interview

EYEWITNESS

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interview Amena Yaser and Sagdah AbdelNaser, are two young girls who attended the Rabaa massacre. Sagdah’s father was killed in the massacre and so were lots of Amena’s friends. MGM got the opportunity to interview them and ask them about the day.

MGM: What were you doing when they first attacked the square and started the dispersal?

Amena: “Exactly 15 minutes before the dispersal, a group of people passed by telling us to head straight to the platform and abandon the tents. I found a friend of mine, Hend, who took me and her sister, Nour, “Come with me to the field hospital; they need help cataloguing the injured.” I left my bag and shoes behind thinking I was coming back. We headed to the hospital, wore the crocs and the phosphoric jackets then received a paper for the reporting. The Doctor said the gas injuries to the left and bullets to the Sagdah and her sister Fajr in the square right.”

Sagdah: “When they first attacked the square, I was with my sister, Fajr, and the toxic gas started dispers- MGM: How many people do you think were killed? ing the people. It burned horridly. We almost went blind but there was no place to hide or anywhere the Amena: “In only 10 minutes, my part of the hospital gas hasn’t gotten to. We ended up standing where we received 10 Martyrs. So, in total, I suppose they would were.” be around 5000.”

MGM: How did you feel during the dispersal?

Were you scared? Would you have left if you could?

Sagdah: “Very large number. I cannot fathom a certain figure when every second you see a martyr and an injured one between life and death. Imagine if that went Amena: “My feelings during the dispersal were very on for 13 continuous hours.” difficult. I was not afraid till towards the end. I was not afraid of death itself, but of dying with many sins and the overwhelming emotion of no escape and that we were all going to die here. I was not going to leave because I wanted to help in every way I could till the very last second.”

Sagdah: “My emotions were in denial. I didn’t want to believe that this was “The Dispersal;” I kept trying to convince myself they were just throwing gas bombs then leaving. However, at Duhur or after, I was certain they’re not going anywhere except on our corpses. I was followed by the everlasting impression that my father would not leave with me that day, one that felt endless; I knew he was heading to martyrdom. Alhamdulilah. There was no exit or other way out. Even if there was any, I was not going to leave. I never felt fear, even for one second. Instead, peace and calm filled me the entire time.”

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L O F S A “I W E H T Y B D LO W E G N I T S A L R E EV N O I S S E R P IM D A D Y M T THA T O N D L U WO H T I W E V A E L ME” www.muslimahgirl.com

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Amena holding a baby in the field hospital MGM: What’s one scene you’ll never forget?

Amena: “There were two scenes. When a woman came in and gave me her daughter. She said, “Save her because she’s dying. I will go back out but she is an Amanaa in your hands.” Thank Allah, the woman came back to her daughter.

The second was at the end when we were leaving and a girl got sniped beside me. It was a really unbelievable situation since I was really close to her and I couldn’t even return to aid her.”

Sagdah: “The one scene I will never forget is the girl crying over her brother, Hoziyfa, and the video is available on youtube.”

“A G I R L G O T SNIPED BESIDE ME” 94 November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

MGM (to Sagdah): When and how did you find out your dad was shot? What was the family’s reaction to your dad’s murder?

Sagdah: “I knew from Facebook. His picture was posted when I was home at around 8 at night. My father was martyred at 5 in the afternoon but I only received news about him at 8. A young man who carried him informed us later of his time of death.”

We were not overly shocked by the news since my father had always spoken of Martyrdom and teaches us of its high regard in Islam. We were all so certain of my father’s Martyrdom even before hearing the news.”

MGM: Who was you with during the day?

Amena: “My mother, father, brother and sister were there but we were all separated in the beginning.

Eventually, we were united. However, my father had gotten injured but I didn’t know until very late at night and I didn’t see him during the dispersal.”

Sagdah: “Only me, my father and my sister, Fajr, were in the square at the time of the dispersal”

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interview MGM (to Amena): Do you personally know anybody who got killed in the massacre?

What was your reaction when you found out?

Amena: “Yes, the ones really close to me and I had worked with were my very dear friend Asmaa AlBeltagy, Asmaa Sakr, , Ahmed Ammar and Islam AlMintawy. The ones from the school were Ahmed Diaa and Mohammed AbdelBasset.”

When I first heard the news of their Martyrdom, I was shocked that I will never see them again, laugh with them, joke with them; especially Asmma because she was a close friend and of my age. I saw Asmaa in Rabia and Ahmed Diaa in the fridge. It was indescribable.”

MGM: How did you get out of the square?

Amena: “I ran with Farida and 7 other girls next to the tanks and raised our hands above our heads. We passed and entered the passage unable to see anything from the gas. All people were crying in hysterias. We found a friend of my brother’s and he called to us and helped us into a building quickly. We sang revolutionary songs to strengthen ourselves; the injured and Martyrs everywhere around us. Suddenly, the building started falling on our heads and everyone ran out. We found bullets everywhere and gas in suffocating amounts. All the men told us to raise our hands up and run quickly. We kept praying Allah to take out vengeance as we ran but then the dogs sniped the girl running in the back. She was wearing a dark blue skirt. We kept walking until we were in a safer area, everyone an absolute wreck. We waited until news came of the building being set on fire. We left to Rahma mosque after we were certain the other got surrounded.”

Sagdah: “We got out in a miracle. It was a small cramped passage. It was heavily surrounded and bullets were in the air like oxygen. We were forced to raise out hand like war prisoners or else get shot at with live ammunition.”

pictures taken by Sagdah’s sister

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interview MGM: Why do you still protest if it’s this dangerous?

Amena: “We’re still protesting because we do not want to be ruled by SCAF again. We don’t want to live in pain and we will not abandon the Martyrs justice.

Never. Never. As long as we live. We want to live as free people with dignity and pride. We won’t live as slaves any longer. We want to work and think without injustice and ignorance. We want to evolve with our country. I want the real sense of freedom. I want justice for every drop of blood.”

MGM: What message would you like to send?

Sagdah: “I would like to tell the readers that Freedom deserves the pain, blood and sacrifice.”

Amena: “I want to tell the negative people in Egypt: If you do not wish it, we will set you free. We won’t live as slaves for your sake and I hope you wake up and understand what happened because you won’t until you get hurt like us and someone close to you dies.”

pictures of a woman holding her Quran and the platform during the massacre taken by Sagdah’s sister

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express yourself

Those Who

n e t s i L

by: Asmaa Ehab

Salam!

First allow me to give a little illustration of the situation we have at hand: Peaceful protestors are held at gun shot, arrested, tortured, and killed. And in some cases: burnt. This has happened to everyone: children and elderly, men and women. Mosques and schools did not get away, either; they're patrolled and searched. School kids are arrested, and Imams are caged.

Why all this injustice, you may be wondering?

ever be. Where the truth is blurred out, lies are told, and manners are nothing but a myth! Proofs are never given out, so if you are oblivious and ignorant, it would be such bliss! Please never attempt to question what you listen to, because where we are, it is actually a charge that demands arrest!

There is, on the other hand, media that supports and displays the whole truth, for those who listen. Please be one of those who listen.

‫}ﺇ ٓ ﹼﳕﹶﺎ ٓﻳ ﹾ‬ That is what you get when you have had a military {‫ﺴﻤ ﹸﻌﻮ ﹶﻥ‬ ‫ﺴ ﹶﺘ ﹺﺠ ﹸ‬ ‫ﻴﺐ ﺍﻟ ﱠ ﹺﺬﻳ ﹶﻦ ﻳ ﹶ ﹶ‬ ‫ﹺ‬ “Only those who hear will respond.” (Quran, 6:36) coup. (Fun Fact: some people actually call it a "revolution".) The Coup government justifies its actions by just two words: “Fighting Terrorism”.

I sincerely apologise for not mentioning the terrorism before! Let's see if I am any good at spotting terrorism. I would say that what I mentioned above is, in fact, terrorism. However, a more popular belief is that those protestors are actually terrorists.

Why is that belief popular? Why is it a believe in the first place?

Because that's what she said.

I present to you: the Egyptian media, biased as could

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hadith

“Conduct yourself in this world as if you are here to stay forever, prepare for eternity as if you have to die tomorrow” — Prophet Muhammad

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WINTER 2013

COLORS

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Oxblood

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Gold

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du’aa

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du’aa

Best times to make du'aa There are certain times Duaa is more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT) as mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH). Some of these times are as follows:

brother behind his back (in his absence) the Angel commissioned (for carrying dua to his Lord) says: Ameen, and it is for you also.”

1. The Last Third Of The Night The prophet (pbuh) said: “When it is the last third of the night, our Allah (SWT), the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says: ‘Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?”

5. Duaa During the Month of Ramadan The Prophet (pbuh) said: “When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of mercy are opened, and gates of Hell are locked and devils are chained”.

2. An Hour On Friday The Prophet (pbuh) said, “On Friday there is a particular time. If a Muslim happens to be praying and invoking Allah for something good during that time, Allah will surely fulfill his request.: The Prophet (pbuh) pointed out with his hand. We thought that he wanted to illustrate how short that time was. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Seek the time in which hope is placed on Friday from after the afternoon prayer till sunset.”

7. At the time of Athan and between it and the Iqamah The Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said: “A Dua between Athan and the Iqamat is not refused, so make du’a at that time.” [Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibban]

3. The Night of Qadr (Decree) This night in Ramadan is the greatest night of the year. The Almighty Allah (SWT) said about it, :The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months.” (Quraan 97:3) 4. The Dua of a Muslim for his Muslim Brother or Sister The Prophet (pbuh) said: “He who supplicates for his

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6. A Traveler’s and a Parent’s Duaa The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Three duaas are answered: there being no doubt about them; that of a father, that of a traveler and that of one who has been wronged.

The Messenger (Peace and Blessing Be upon Him) said: “Two kinds of du’a are not rejected – or rarely are they rejected – du’a at the time of the call for prayer, and du’a at the time of fighting when the warriors are engaged with each other.” [Abu Dawud] 8. When it is raining The Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said: “Two kinds of du’a are not rejected: du’a at the time of the call for prayer, and du’a during rain.” [Abu Dawud]

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“

advice

They have the power to make

the innocent

guilty

and the guilty

innocent by: aamenah el-sherif 106 November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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advice You watch TV everyday right? Or often at least.

Do you ever wonder what kind of image the shows and channels are portraying to you? Do you ever stop and wonder what if, this show was made to send a particular message, or persuade an audience of a certain idea? To be completely honest, those thoughts rarely ever cross my mind, but the impacts start to show later, when you get used to a certain program. After watching a Disney show, a hijabi might start questioning her hijab. Annoying questions like “Why do I even wear hijab?” “Why cant I just wear shorts and tanks?” pop into her head.

These questions are easily answered, if only thought out thoroughly. Another example could be if you’re watching a talk show that makes fun of a certain group of people. You will eventually find yourself hating these people because their bad actions are immediately converted into hilarious jokes for you to hear. But what should we do? The TV is only one kind of media of the many types that rule the world; radio, social networks, newspapers etc. To be frank, in the event of watching news coverage, you should

never, ever be 100% satisfied with what the reporter is saying. Look through several different sources, ask numerous people, check another channel/newspaper.

Do anything you can to try and validate this piece of news. As for watching talk shows and normal shows, try to look for shows that fit your area of comfort or culture. Unfortunately these days a lot of tv shows are inappropriate, or not Muslim-friendly, but try to pick the best shows and watch them less often than you would normally. This would let you be able to watch your show yet allow space for your community to leave an impact on you too. Media has an extremely strong power over the opinions of people, which is almost always underestimated. Media can help you convert to Islam, media can make you love a person a lot, but media can also make Muslims question their religion, or make you judge someone without researching well enough. We have to be careful of these impacts and try as hard as we can to limit the control of media on us, first, before moving on to others.

and that's power because they

control the minds of masses

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fun stuff

r u o y n i s ' What ? g a B l o o Sch d here’s ound 3 months ago an School has started ar do UR school bag, what O in ve ha us of t os what m YOU have in yours?

1. Quran Always have a copy of the Quran with you to read, learn and get good deeds in your free time!

3. sanitizer Schools are full of germs so in order to make sure you’re safe, use sanitizer!

2. Mints/Gum If gum isn’t allowed at your school, then mint is the perfect alternative for fresh breath all day!

4. lip balm Keep your lips soft and moisturized during the winter. Keep some lip balm in your school bag!

5.pencil case Use a pencil case to organize all your pens and pencils so they don’t get lost inside your bag!

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fun stuff

6. ebook reader Reading was the first order revealed to prophet Mohamed PBUH. So let’s read!

When you have free time, grab your kindle or just a book you borrowed from the library and start learning!

7. extra notebook Keep an extra notebook in your bag just in case there’s any thoughts or notes you would like to save. Notebooks always come in handy!

8. lotion We like to keep a lotion bottle in our bags to make sure our hands are always soft and smooth (and slightly scented).

9. extras Keeping extras of important things such as pads is very important. You never know when emergenices may occur!

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advice

What should my clothes look like? #1 the material must not be so thin that no one can see through it #2 the clothing must hang loose so that the shape of the body is not apparent #3 clothes must not resemble men’s clothing or clothes of non-believers #4 clothes must not consist of bold designs which attract attention #5 clothes must not be worn for the sole purpose of gaining reputation or increasing one’s status in society

Winter Skin Our soft skin can get not so soft during the winter. Here are some tips to ensure your skin doesn’t dry off ! #1 Take less showers and baths #2 Use moisturizer #3 Keep yourself covered #4 Apply lots of lip balm #5 Water is your best friend

l r i G o t l r i G In today's westernized world where skirts have become a great deal shorter and tops have become way tighter if you maybe go to a non muslim school that doesn't really look up to hijab us muslimahs are bound to feel like the odd one out,but don't worry that's just natural everyone has their own insecurities and besides who says you can't wear a hijab stylishly? There are many muslim fashion bloggers out there that show you styles on how to wear hijab. I know how you feel when you’re in the mall and you've just spotted a totally cute dress but realized it is way too short and tight and the only way you'd be able to wear it is only at home I know that feeling sucks,but why not look around the corner most of the shops sell summer dresses that are knee length which are supposed to be worn without a pair of pants but we can wear it with pants we can be fashion outlaws. I myself am not big on fashion or anything girly for that matter but I can give you good fashion sense at least that's what I think anyway.

by: Taahirah Desai

fun facts • • • •

Studies report that tea, especially green tea, may prevent everything from heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

The only food that doesn’t rot is honey.

Chewing gum while peeeling onions will prevent you from crying It would take about 1000 years to watch every video on YouTube

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#GIVE

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My companions are like the STARS; whoever among them you use for guidance, you will be rightly guided. ‫أصحايب كالنجوم‬ ‫فبأيهم اقتديتم اهتديتم‬

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STARS “

A wise man first thinks and then speaks and a fool speaks first and then thinks

”

-Ali Ibn Abi-Talib November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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fun stuff

apps+books App Review: The Innovation of Loneliness -Shimi Cohen

Hijab Hassles -Saimsmileslike

1000 FREE HIJAB GIVEAWAY!!!

To celebrate the grand opening of the online boutique, EzHijab.com, they are giving away 1000 free Hijabs, scarves and cutest hijab pins! They’re going fast! Get yours today!

50% of EzHijab’s net profit goes towards education for Muslimahs in Bangladesh.

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lineplay By: Barakah Iqbal Lineplay is the most fun app I have ever used. In Lineplay, players get to customize their avatar, whether that be human or animal. Many clothes and furniture can be bought with money that can be earned by doing small, fun tasks around your virtual home. Not only is it a fun goal to dress up your cute avatar, but you have the option to make new friends in theAPP friendly chat rooms, where REVIEW: LINEPLAY players can find friends who share similarBy: interests!

I would Barakah Iqbal have to say that this app is five stars!

LINEPLAY is THE most fun app I have ever used. In LINEPLAY, players get to customize their avatar, whether that be human or animal.

Many clothes Follow MG M onand furniture

Instagram (muslimahgirlmag) and visit our website that just got a brand new look!

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book review

Kiki Strike: The Darkness Dwellers By: Kirsten Miller Review by Barakah Iqbal The final book in a thrilling trilogy, ‘The Darkness Dwellers’ is a book that you do not want to miss reading. The Kiki Strike series stars Ananka Fishbein and her friends, a group of girls who happen to be solving the big-

gest crimes they have ever encountered. Kiki Strike, their leader, is trying to settle a royal dispute in Paris.

Betty Bent is travelling in underground Paris, exploring mysteries amongst the catacombs. And Ananka is debating whether she should take part in the most important revolt of her teenage life, or if she should drop it and lose the trust of all of her friends. Even if you have not read the first and second book in the series, ‘The Darkness Dwellers’ is a great stand-alone, and is the most exciting conclusion I have ever read.

The Hijab Boutique sess many items (jewelry...) unlike other women. But

By Michelle Khan Farah soon finds that this assignment helped her to Review by: Uswah Alade discover more about her mother and her reason for When Farah's teacher gave her living a simple life. an "impossible assignment", to This story is short and cute. I really enjoyed it and you bring in something that symwill too! bolizes her mother, she has no idea what to do. Farah thinks her mother is boring due to the fact that she doesn't pos-

Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman Review by: Nitasha Siddique One of the few books that’s left me emotionally clinging to the characters, Skylight Confessions is a raw and hon-

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est portrayal of human nature and our tendencies towards imperfection. Love is never like those fairy tales and destiny isn’t a smooth course. Arlyn Singer learned this the hard way after the death of her father leaves her anxious for her fated new beginning.

And when John Moody pulls up through the fog, she jumps in head first. This book is written so magnificently, it’s no surprise that in 60 pages you think you’ve read an entire novel. Hoffman touches upon spiritual and mystic ideologies in her book, serving to create an aura of magic and intrigue that can draws you in further. A masterpiece of its own like all of Alice Hoffman’s books, Skylight Confessions is at the top of my list of all-time favorite books.

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connect with MGM!

ofl& 116 November/Thul-Hijjah 2013/1434

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