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.
Dear fellow reader, My name is Sami Siddiqui. I am a proud Muslim. I’m also a concerned, appalled, disappointed, and “every-synonym-in-between” Muslim. Whether you’re a fellow brother or sister, I’m certain you will feel the same way two paragraphs from now. At this point, you may be wondering what’s been troubling me lately. Am I…
In the wake of violent settler colonialism in Palestine, international support has become evermore essential in protecting Palestinian families from further encroachment upon basic human rights. However, with polarized politics and religious zeal involved, a considerable number of people — even progressively-minded individuals — have attempted to make unifying remarks to acknowledge the atrocities while…
(AL DIA News; Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) Closing the chapter on our longest war yet, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. plans on withdrawing all American troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. There are about 2,500 American troops in Afghanistan, as well as an additional 7,000 foreign forces (the majority of which…
To say that 2020 was a monumental year for social justice would simply be an understatement. As movements like Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate arose to combat hate crimes, a greater spirit of social equity emerged, and we looked optimistically to a better future for us and for generations to come. However, fast…
“I put my trust in Allah and not in criminal pharmaceutical companies, or lying governments.” “I rest surely with Allah therefore my heart says I don’t need the vaccine.” “We never have and never should take unnecessary medicine in any form when we are healthy– period!” These are just some of the overwhelmingly negative comments…
I wake up five minutes before class,no need to look nice,no one turns on their camera anyway,which is fine,because I went to collegeto have the same exact life from high school. same exact friendssame exact interestssame exact responsibilitiessame. exact. routine. I went to club meetingsbut I guess the lack of motivation is widespreadbecause there were…
70 years ago, during the Civil Rights Movement, Blacks mobilized to fight the violence and prejudice they endured generation after generation. The suffering of the Black community is wrong on all accounts, so it should have ended then. The struggle for justice and equality should have been resolved then. The riots and rebellions should have…
Since the beginning of Fall quarter, many students of the MSA at UCLA looked forward to the numerous events held during the Spring quarter. Some of these events included Ramadan, Islam Awareness Week, Spring Forward, College Day, and the End of the Year Banquet. Despite fundraising for months and holding numerous preparation meetings, all of…
I remember walking inside the empty Pauley Pavilion for the first time. Visualizing the arena’s aesthetics, the baby blue Pac 12 logo inside the three-point line on either side, the famous UCLA logo on center court and all the retired jerseys that hanged above the arena’s seating. There was one jersey that stood out to…
As the end of the quarter creeps closer and closer, the pressure to do well and finish the quarter strong increases. We all may have different motives that encourage us to do the best we possibly can on our upcoming exams, but a common one within our community is the pressure from our beloved parents.…
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused mosques to be shut down, iftars to be canceled, and Friday prayers to be streamed via Youtube. Muslims worldwide were forced to navigate a Ramadan that was vastly different from the traditions we had looked forward to every year. Now, over a year into quarantine, Muslims have participated in…
As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr. It is an important celebration in Islam that takes place after the holy month of Ramadan and an occasion many Muslims look forward to every year. The day is full of gifts, food, good company, and memories. Everyone wakes up…
As a fellow Muslim and diehard NBA fan, I need to make myself clear when I say this: Leave. Kyrie. Alone. Never in my eight years of tuning into primetime basketball have I been this disappointed in the NBA community for its sheer display of ignorance. For those of you who haven’t heard by now,…
“I put my trust in Allah and not in criminal pharmaceutical companies, or lying governments.” “I rest surely with Allah therefore my heart says I don’t need the vaccine.” “We never have and never should take unnecessary medicine in any form when we are healthy– period!” These are just some of the overwhelmingly negative comments…
I had an epiphany recently. This spring break, I had a chance to shoot hoops at my local park for the first time in two months. As I heaved shot after shot and fumbled my dribble every five seconds, I thought to myself, Man, I really suck at basketball right now… …and, more importantly, at…
Islamic schools take on a significant role in shaping and constructing the identity of Muslims, especially in places like the U.S. Parents, educators, and others involved in the Islamic education system use these schools to (re)Islamize Muslim youth. In addition to class add-ons like Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic studies, most Islamic schools incorporate religious activities…
