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.
It was less that Alex Trebek was famous because of Jeopardy!, and more that the show became what it is because of him. The show we know as Jeopardy! today actually got its start in the sixties when executive producer Merv Griffin pitched it under the name What’s the Question? during development. Art Fleming hosted…
The presidential election dragged on in the beginning of November, with no clear indication of a projected winner. Thankfully, many of us can breathe now, as Biden was declared president at a 273-214 margin after his victory in Pennsylvania. In addition to Pennsylvania, Biden won key battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia.…
It’s no secret that Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a captivating and exciting sport to watch, and this year was no different. People from around the world gathered around their TV to observe one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history. The Muslim community was on edge and ready to see one of their…
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…
Have you already forgotten about the death of innocent Aya?19 years of life ended in cold blood So our ummah donated without having to be nudged Only until her Shia identity was revealed And people’s true colors were no longer concealed Wanting their donations refunded Their minds have been utterly corrupted Believing Shia is not included in our ummah Forgetting our beloved…
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.…
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…
We rose before the sun,Tired eyes, filled mouths,And before the dawn splinteredProstration’s patience began. A day with no food,A day without water,But with the sun’s journeyWas also the soul’s. A physical deprivationBut with spiritual sustenance,As the sounds of recitationFilled the open air. This year was slightly different,Isolated at home,Missing the comforting smiles,The community. Taraweeh at…
About Ramadan, the famous Persian Muslim poet Rumi once wrote: “O moon-faced Beloved, the month of Ramadan has arrived. Cover the table and open the path of praise.” The ninth month of the Hijri calendar holds special significance to Muslims around the world. It was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad (S) received the first…
The black night’s cloak surrounds,Shadows that eat at my thoughtsOn the lonely dirt roadOf that which I call life. The crickets chirp in the creek,Dancing melodies that escapeWhen you search for them,Yet always exist on the side. The sun never really disappears,Even in the darkest winters,Or the cold nightsWhen it hides behind the earth. But…
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
