Al-Talib provides an independent perspective on issues important to Muslim communities. Targeting a college-age audience at UCLA, we seek to create an outlet for activism and creativity on and off campus, a platform for representation of all facets of the Muslim-American communities and a safe space for sensitive topics. We believe that this sort of dialogue, no matter how uncomfortable it may be at times, is necessary in order for our community to appreciate and celebrate its diversity.
Growing up in a South Asian household meant having a constant supply of delicious food: rotis, parathas, mithais (sweets), mouth-watering curries, and deep-fried goodness during Ramadan, the month of fasting and reflection. But it also meant hearing older relatives talk about their diabetes and blood pressure and discussing the mountain of medications they had to…
Since October 2023, students across the nation have spoken out in protest of the U.S. government’s funding and equipping of Israel to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In addition, this past spring saw a rise in the establishment of encampments to demand that their universities divest funds from pro-Israel groups. However, U.S. university administrations…
sThe morning of January 7th at UCLA began with a notable shift in the weather. From days of warmth and dryness emerged gusts of wind that may at first have seemed pleasant, until the first sights of smoke appeared. What would become known as the Palisades Fire was first reported around 10 AM near the…
As we fight for the rights of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, we must not forget about our fellow Muslims across the world who have also gone through years of oppression. Such is the story of the Rohingya. There are about 3.5 million Rohingya worldwide, and before August 2017, many of the one million Rohingya…
الحمد لله Alhamdullilah: I heard it as they gazed upon the sea of martyrs draped in white shrouds around them. Alhmadullilah: I heard it through tears amidst never-ending rubble and cries. Alhamdullilah: I heard it as they gathered scraps of food from the near-empty markets, or managed to fill their jugs with water. Alhamdulillah, “Praise…
Trigger Warning: Mentions of violence on the Palestine Solidarity Encampment at UCLA. I attended the Palestine Solidarity Encampment with the idea that this is the best I could do for the people of Palestine. To physically show up would be my best shot at being an ally and an activist for the Palestinian struggle. And…
“I would say there are prominent communities that exist in the MSA, and mine isn’t one of them.” We have come a long way in developing and creating safe spaces on campus for our social identities, whether rooted in race, religion, or major. But at what point does creating a safe space for oneself start…
Editor’s Note: the author of this work has requested that their identity be concealed for the purpose of openly sharing their first-hand accounts of the police’s brutalization of pro-Palestinian protesters. The author does not wish for their accounts to be retroactively traced back to their identity and misconstrued with other activities that did not involve…
An ode to those who stayed. An ode to those who suffered. An ode to those who slept. An ode to those who prayed. An ode to those who stood. To the youth, the students, the alumni, the faculty. To the refugees, the immigrants, the eyewitnesses, and the delegators. To those who resided in peace…
What happened last night was nothing short of a travesty. Last night, a group of pro-Israeli agitators arrived on UCLA campus and violently attacked student protestors demonstrating at the Dickson Court Solidarity Encampment spearheaded by Students for Justice in Palestine. The assailants were seen covering their faces with white masks to conceal their identities as…
Islam is a faith deeply rooted in balance and moderation. It guides us to navigate life with a sense of equilibrium, ensuring that we neither indulge in excess nor fall into neglect. This principle, known as wasatiyyah (moderation) in the Islamic context, is a central theme of Islamic teachings. It serves as a reminder that…
الحمد لله Alhamdullilah: I heard it as they gazed upon the sea of martyrs draped in white shrouds around them. Alhmadullilah: I heard it through tears amidst never-ending rubble and cries. Alhamdullilah: I heard it as they gathered scraps of food from the near-empty markets, or managed to fill their jugs with water. Alhamdulillah, “Praise…
Throughout the Quran, Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) refers to His words as a guidance and mercy for all people. This divine message is described as Tanzil (تنزيل), “sent down,” a term that may appear simple yet holds profound meaning. The Quran was composed in the heavens and is revealed to humankind in spoken form. It…
Bismillah In the depths of her mind, across the valleys and over the mountain tops, a storm rages on. The water trickles through her hands, into and out of her mouth. Washing away the debris and sediments. Washing away the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Washing away the tethers of the dunya. The water flows…
In shadows deep, where sorrow tends to dwell, Her heart found refuge in a sacred peace. Through whispered prayers and softly spoken verses, Islam’s gentle balm to her spirit clung. In moments still, the call to prayer would rise, A soothing echo ‘neath the star-lit skies. Its melody, a healing, tender grace, Restoring peace within a weary…
The room feels suffocating, so you rush to the balcony The view is dark, hazed with fog and low visibility What lies ahead is uncertain Your heart beats fast against your chest as the anxiety seeps into your mind In a moment of guidance and faith, you must remind yourself “Upon Him I rely, and…
