iHeartHijab: 5 Reasons Why

Muslim Village Cartoon

First, my Top 5 Reasons I love hijab:

1) I will never have to see muffin tops, jelly rolls, cottage cheese or deadly "crack".

2) I really *can* live without knowing the exact color *and* fabric of your played-out-nobody-told-you-no-one-really-wears-those-anymore thong underwear.

3) The self-esteem of women and girls stays intact and is even boosted because we're not constantly comparing figures and shapes.

4) Men and women alike have no choice but to respect my mind for what it is, not what it's attached to. Ever hear the phrase "Hello, I'm up here?" from a busty girl whose words are barely rivaling her ample breasts for attention and floor space?

5) Because without it, I would truly be naked.

Dermologica

This list was inspired by the reply below that I orginally wrote to a guy commenting on the web who had nasty things to say about hijabis and who clearly had zero understanding of why we don our "protective gear":

'Actually it's a symbol of choice and free will. To us it means freedom from the oppression of being a sex symbol every day on the streets. We value every beautiful and seductive part of our bodies more than any diamond in the world and we protect them as such, or even more so, by proudly wearing our scarves and non-revealing clothes. When you're out in public, do you put your expensive jewelry or wads of money on display for everyone to see, touch,ogle, desire? We are worth so much more than that, and THAT is why we protect ourselves by refusing to be on display.

It's thoroughly degrading that you would assume we have no minds and are allowing ourselves to be subjected to something oppressive, like we're dumb and know no better when exactly the opposite is true. THAT, my friend, is oppressive.'

"A Different Perspective" (Aug 21st) Blog Post, Relive HipHop

What Does Your Future Look Like?

I was listening to a discussion on the Dave Ryan Show this morning about a lot of people's apparent discomfort watching Dick Clark on TV last year at New Year's following a stroke and it got me to thinkin'.

Why do we treat the elderly and/or disabled the way we do in this country? It doesn't seem to be this way  elsewhere around the world. Instead of being uncomfortable, we should be supportive & root for them. Maybe that's what keeping him/most of them alive- the audacity to keep going, to keep trying, even though the world seems to be against them. A world that is always encouraging them to just give up, to quit doing what they love to do and abandon what makes them happy. Would that not leave you frustrated and dissatisfied?

I say, Who are we? It's really not our place to judge. They are human just like we are, have goals and aspirations just like we do, have feelings, AND if we're lucky enough to get that far in life, the elderly most definitely represent our future. Having said that, we'd better hope our collective youth are not so hostile toward us when/IF we finally reach old age. As a society, we should be consciously teaching them to value their elders right now. From what I've seen, a strong example has been one of the best teachers- next to experience, of course.

Happy Thanksgiving?

Twitter was ablaze yesterday w/people commenting on the truth surrounding the mass genocide of Native Americans that the holiday Thanksgiving was meant to celebrate and make appear harmless. It renewed my faith in humanity that so many in the US and worldwide were willing to admit to and denounce the origins of and the subsequent annual holiday that resulted from this evil event in our country's history.  http://www.manataka.org/page269.html We owe it to our fellow human beings (ie Native Americans) to remember how this all began and distance ourselves from celebrating something so morally gruesome in the name of being "thankful". Aren't we thankful everyday? What makes this day so suddenly special when gratefulness should not have a stop and a start date? If you are holding out for this one particular day to be especially thankful then perhaps you haven't looked hard enough at your blessings. Try starting with the miracle of waking up everyday with a sound heartbeat and lungs that work tirelessly and neither ever gives out. Then, of course, there's our family, friends, children, comforts, the list goes on, All Praise and Thanks be to God Alone.  How would the Jews feel if we declared a day to give thanks and celebrate grandly on the anniversary of the start of the Holocaust or, as African Americans, if the whole country joined in celebration of the start of slavery and its pleasing, undeniably beneficial results to the establishment of our country? Would this day, regardless of what we claimed to be celebrating so many years removed seem so innocuous then? Perhaps it's time to change our traditions and look at them in the light of truth instead of just as a feel-good time for all. Give thanks every day and when you do, let it never be at the expense of our massacred natives, who had families, loved each other, and experienced loss in the very same way that we do. 

Keeping US Dollars in the US Economy

We obviously don't celebrate Christmas but the message in the email I received below is still relevant in terms of the economy & general gift-giving. Also keep in mind the "Chinese" factories that have been established in China are run by All-American companies and CEOs, a fact the media often leaves out to likely unjustly vilify the Chinese and preserve the blameless image of Corporate America. In the end, it all comes down to greed, not race, ethnicity or nationality and this is not the fault of the Chinese, they are merely benefactors. 


Click here to read the CNN Money Article on Companies in China

"Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people.

Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.  Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.  

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.  

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.  THIS is the new American Christmas tradition."  

Do you think something like this would work to help improve the economy? What better time to test it out than during the busiest shopping holiday of the year?

6 Laws You've Broken Without Even Realizing It

This article is a must-read, if for nothing else than for entertainment. Oh, and to know your rights (or lack thereof): 6 Laws You've Broken Without Even Realizing It


"You're ridiculous...no YOU Ahhh!!" This list is beyond silly, or rather, the laws they describe are. They won't let you tote around a permanent marker yet rapists and molesters and child-killers (last name: Anthony!) go free. Here's a tip: put your law-enforcing energy elsewhere, like where it really matters (hint: pick any of the above three crimes to start). What would really be great is if I could drive through downtown Silver Spring (MD) and not have any pedestrians dart out in front of my car at random as if they are toddlers on the loose and not adults instead crossing a busy street against the light when they know better.


FYI to Marylanders, they just passed a law that goes into effect today (Oct 2) or yesterday that you can no longer even READ texts at a red light while stopped- no sending, no reading, no nothing. But it's fine to peck away at and stare down into your lap at your wayward GPS. Typical.

Blissfully Ignorant

Eskimo*: "If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell?"
Priest: "No, not if you did not know."
Eskimo*: "Then why did you tell me?"


*'Inuit' is the proper term as 'Eskimo' is actually considered to be offensive to those it is meant to describe. The example of an Inuit is used because it's meant to signify someone at the farthest edges of the Earth, farthest from "civilization".


I saw a friend's Facebook re-post, probably meant by the original poster to be funny, but it caused me to reflect on how truly this reflects a loooottt of people out here these days. So many people would rather remain in the dark than take responsibility for what they know is morally correct. They'd much rather do whatever they feel with no thought as to whether it's right or how it'll affect other people. 


That's why Islam is the popular 'enemy' today- if they learned the truth about it, they'd become responsible for what they do. Whenever I think about this, I chuckle at the image of a child covering his ears and making silly sounds to block out what other people are telling him so he won't have to hear, because if he doesn't hear, he's exempt from getting in trouble for what he's done. Ignorance is bliss, they say...

Some thoughts: Quiet before the storm

Talk about Quiet Before the Storm. I stepped outside to just be and observe the quiet of the early morning and it sure is peaceful out there (Laila tul Qadr?).  The wind is moving through the trees so softly you can barely hear it but they have a decent sway to them, so much that it's deceiving- you are looking for the noise from all that motion but nothing is there. 


The only thing that'd make the night nicer would be the stars in the sky and the tell-tale close-of-Ramadan moon but the cloud cover from the looming hurricane is too thick to reveal these beauties. I'm bottling up the peace of all this for another time, maybe even as early as this afternoon, when the storm is due to arrive insha'Allah. I could have stayed out there all night. I pray tomorrow is nothing more than a passing storm, that our families and homes are safe from the weather, and most of all, that all the water finds a good place to go. Ameen.


For now, one verse from one of my very favorite recitations of Surah tul Lail sticks with me:
"Salaamun hiyyah hata matala il Fajr", "Peace until the rising of the dawn" ~Qur'anu Rabbi (the Recitation of My Lord) 


Wal Hamdullilah.

1001 Inventions by Muslims Exhibit in NY

I received the following information from a friend via e-mail If you can make it, please comment back to share your experience there. I hear it's coming to DC next year insha'Allah, by the way:

Asalaamu'Alaikum,   Here is information about the exhibit in NYC. http://www.1001inventions.com/NewYork  It will close Insha'Allah on Apr. 24th.   Here is the book to go along with the exhibit: http://www.amazon.com/1001-Inventions-Muslim-Heritage-World/dp/0955242614

Muslimaat Al Nisaa in urgent need of help

Muslimaat Al Nisaa is a battered women's (and children's) shelter located near here in Baltimore, MD- I've been there before to drop off clothing donations and I'm familiar with the sister who runs it.

They need some serious financial help to remain open. If you have anything, even if it's only $1, $5, $10, or even some dua'a, PLEASE take a few minutes to donate/make dua'a now because they really need it. You never know how your circumstances may change and this could be any of us at any time, wa udthu billah from that.

Remember that whatever you donate, Allah will replace it and increase it or protect you from some unseen calamity. I just gave $10 a few seconds ago because this is all I can afford, but it's something. I say this not to boast but to encourage you to also give whatever you can insha'Allah. I've seen it happen before- every little bit helps!! It was a very easy process online Maasha'Allah. 

Please also pass the word along if you can. I'm headed over to my blog, Twitter and Facebook to spread the word insha'Allah.

JazaakumAllahu Khayr,

Kim

======The email I received is below=======

"Today I called Muslimat-Al Nisaa, to see if I could donate some baby clothes and maybe volunteer. The founder of this safe haven for Muslimahs that are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence,  implored me to do anything I could to raise donations to keep their doors open.  

Asma explained because there is always more need than funds available, they have a delinquent water bill of $3000.00 that must be paid this week.  She explained that not only would not paying it mean that their doors could be forced to close: the muslim landlord will be forced to incurr the lien, penalties and possible foreclosure against his property.  Asma asked that we treat her request with extreme urgency and that we donate generously what we can and ask our friends, family and local masjids to send assistance ASAP.

Asma decided  to start the health center  in the 80's after she saw a need for culturally sensitive, affordable healthcare for our sisters. She obtained her degree in nursing, for this goal, and began working in the center. After coming across far too many cases of sister's in distress she decided to open the women's shelter.

 Asma fights for our sister's dignity and rights.  She said was just asking Allah how was she going to be able to manage, when the phone rang. 

At this point I am imploring you to make a donation to Muslimaat Al Nisaa via their website this week, time is of the essence:

http://www.mnisaa.org/Get_Involved/Donate_Now.html?appver3=tYgT1GfNxRUldiimjHMvOZAL0USu1iGctePtnzuSJUXo-7YkZiNiYhc46uwjFenmums9tj3wI7okSf0MyMa8umtOp0c9HfuRvhtL60X5x7Q=&ver=3

Or you may deliver your donations to the Health Center at:

 Muslimat Al Nisaa
5115 Liberty Heights Ave,
Baltimore, MD 21207

Please ladies let's make a difference! Let's Get Movin!

Kishla"

FREE Class Feb 12th at Dar Us Salaam in College Park

My husband and I signed up for the first class in this series held at Dar-Us-Salaam and it was great! I don't expect anything different of this, the second class in the series. I highly recommend you leave the kids at home, but they are certainly welcome to come and there's plenty of space for them to get comfortable. Just bring some quiet toys or activities for them to do so that they are busy while you participate in the class. Last time they had great refreshments for all, by the way.

What I love best: The brother teaching it is impartial, fair and definitely understands and realistically appreciates the wife's perspective. I can't wait to attend this one insha'Allah! As of last count, there are over 70 people registered for this one, so get there early if you also plan to come.

2011 SISTERS Scholarship Available to Area Muslimahs until March 31st

Sisters in Solidarity to Educate, Respond & Serve (SISTERS) is pleased to announce that we are able to offer three scholarships again this year to our Muslim sisters in the DC Metro area.  The 2011 scholarships include one $1000 award for a sister in graduate school, $1000 scholarship for a high school senior and one for a current college student.     SISTERS initiated the scholarship program in 2007 to highlight the academic success of our local sisters.  In order to qualify for our scholarships you must:     Be a Muslimah from the DC Metro area (including DC, VA & MD) Be accepted to or enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college For undergraduate category must be between the ages of 17-25 Have a cumulative grade point average (gpa) of 3.5 or higher Demonstrate an active participation in community service work Submit a transcript Complete a short essay component Submit a letter of recommendation For more information and to download an application, go to www.sistersinsolidarity.com or request an application via email at  sistersinformation@gmail.com.  Deadline is March 31st.    Please pass this information on to sisters you know and encourage them to complete the application as soon as possible

Download Application:  SISTERS Scholarship Application 2011.doc

Community News: PGMA Encouraging Membership- Feb 15th Deadline

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Assalaamo-Alaikum Wa Rahmatulaahi wa Barakatuh

PGMA is encouraging all interested brothers and sisters 

to sign up to become members of PGMA, 

in an effort to support the center 

and its activities. 

Membership allows you to be able to participate in the decision-making process and

to be able to provide important input and feedback during community meetings and activities.

In order to participate in next year's decision making process as per the bylaws,

you must register for new membership by February 15, 2011.

Membership application forms are available online at www.pgmamd.org

or from the PGMA front office.

Please fill out applications and submit with fees to the front office before February 15, 2011.

Persons who cannot afford the fee may fill out the fee waiver section of the form 

to receive a waiver of the fees.

By becoming a member of PGMA, you will assist the administration in its efforts to plan programs and events for the community, InshaAllah.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

16 Things to Do When a Person is Dying

I found this free downloadable book today from Al Mahgrib Institute about the Fiqh of Death, check it out insha'Allah.

In my search, I also remembered to share the following video with you about Muhammad, sallalahu Alayhi wa sallam, it's part of a series and will bring tears to your eyes, masha'Allah.

Special Guest Baba Ali at the Al Huda School Fundraiser

We attended the Dar Us Salaam and Al Huda School on Saturday, December 18 as we try our best to every year, and it was lovely as always. I love the location, as the UMUC Inn and Conference Center gives the event a polished and more formal feel.

The kids were amazed to see special guest Baba Ali on stage, in person telling jokes and making the kids laugh. He did a great rendition of 'Kids Say the Darndest Things' and interviewed a panel of Al Huda Students, varying in age, and it was great to hear those little minds speak, totally unfiltered, Maasha'Allah.

My oldest told me it was nice but strange to see him in person because "I didn't know he was real." I guess she thought he only existed on the computer as part of a show, like Dora or Hello Kitty. If you've never seen any of his videos, check out the sampling below.

Why he accepted Islam

Avoiding the Office Holiday Party

He even has something for the kids!

Baba Ali talked about many things, but one of the things that stuck with me the most is how fortunate he feels that Islamic schools exist, and that we have this community here in College Park. Where he's living, there are no islamic schools and almost NO Muslims, so his wife homeschools their kids. He made light of some of the challenges of being the only Muslims in town, and encouraged us to make good use of what we have because Islamic communities are not always as accessible or successful as one might think.This is just a reminder to Thank Allah for what we have because truly, even in hardships and trials, we have been blessed.