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 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.
This year has a lot going on. It’s a leap year, it’s a presidential election year, it’s a Summer Olympics year, and it’s a census year. The United States census is a headcount of everyone living in the country, and it only happens every ten years. The census records demographic data such as age, sex,…
Water is an important resource. It’s used for wudu in Islam, baptism in Christianity, ritual washing in Judaism, and spiritual rebirth in Hinduism. In all world religions, water is essential. It is an entity of cleanliness and purification. However, today, many countries with minority populations lack access to clean water. With water pollution affecting irrigated…
February marks Black History Month. This month is a time to reflect on the prominent Black individuals that made history fighting for justice, such as, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali. While these well known figures are recognized for their work towards civil rights and achieving justice, Black women are not as…
The world is on fire,The smoke snaking in my ears.It met the swirling air within,The antithesis of dripping tears. The contrast flares high,For both require attention.The smudged lens feels cracked,Lacking resolution. Politics shackled my mind,Imprisoning naïve idealism.Communication is the key,Instead of barred skepticism. Yet we can take small steps,Set achievable goals.The world may be large,But…
As we rang in the new year, tension between the United States and Iran gained the attention of media sources internationally after the death of prominent Iranian military general, Qasem Soleimani. The Iranian commander was killed on January 3rd as the result of an American airstrike that hit the Baghdad International airport under the orders…
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.…
Outside of Kerckhoff Hall and near the engineering building, you will see Muslims prostrating at various times of the day. They pray in groups or individually on thick concrete, the sun beating down on them at certain times of the day. The only object between a prostrating Muslim and the concrete is a thin prayer…
During the season of finals, curves and grade deflation become a hot topic. A curve is a type of grading system that professors use in order to make the grade distribution follow a bell curve. A curve has the potential to lower a student’s grade depending on their performance relative to their classmates. For instance,…
Welcome home.
Khawlah bint al-Azwar, fluttering cloth and clinking metal, deep in the heat of the desert; Squares her shoulders, draws a breath. Sends a word heavenwards, Eyes steely behind their shade. No fear must slake her resolve today. The hilt of the blade warms in her grip, the blood thrums under her skin- The spirit is…
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…
SPOILER: it's probably not you
Sally: Hey Zaynab, want to go grab lunch with me after class today? Zaynub: Sorry, I can’t today. It is the first day of Ramadan. Sally: So this may sound stupid, but can I ask you something? Zaynub: Sure. Sally: Do you fast all day long? Zaynub: No. I fast from sunrise to sundown. Sally:…
“Moooom,” you say with an annoyance in your voice. You run up the stairs and close the bedroom door on your mother’s efforts to reason with you and go about the day. We’ve all seen or done this at some point in our lives. Cinema and television shows that depict the struggles of teen life…
Outside of Kerckhoff Hall and near the engineering building, you will see Muslims prostrating at various times of the day. They pray in groups or individually on thick concrete, the sun beating down on them at certain times of the day. The only object between a prostrating Muslim and the concrete is a thin prayer…
