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.
A Tribute to Powell Cat By Zachary Abbas Graphics: Anne-Fatima Syed We students at UCLA recently lost an icon on campus, a friend to all who, for many students, was a bright spot in their long days of studying and working hard. Considered by many to be our school’s unofficial mascot, Powell Cat, as they…
The headlines are gone; the pain remains,The light of dawn merely reveals our ruined gains.The cameras are gone, but they didn’t leave with the rubble,The media moved on, but left behind is the future trouble.Suffering only began when the ground stopped to shake,Because the loss of everything was the real quake.We lost possessions and homes…
Hijab Hypocrisy: A Women’s Rights Issue By Ayra Sultan, Sayyida Hasani, and Safiya Younas Graphics: Mateen Bahai The currency in Iran is the Iranian Rial, Switzerland uses Swiss Francs, France uses Euros, and India uses Rupees. However, a long sought-after societal currency is currently in high demand: the dual-sided coin of a woman’s right to…
The Children of Isaac and Isma’il Written by: Zachary Abbas Graphics by: Mateen Bahai – “Know that people are of two types: they are either your brothers in religion or your equals in creation.” – Excerpt from Ali’s (as) letter to Malik al-Ashtar (ra) upon appointing him as Governor of Egypt. Hate speech is never…
Smokescreen: American Hypocrisy in the Middle East Opinion Piece By: S.A. Graphics: Sumaiya Kaiser Let me be clear on one thing. I wholeheartedly stand behind transparency within governments and exposing human rights atrocities. The Iranian regime has a lengthy record of arresting journalists who criticize the government, executions, discrimination, religious and ethnic persecution, and more.…
Dear person on the treadmill, I noticed your head perk up several times when we walked in hoards through the doors, your eyes going back and forth amongst us to discern why a mass of students not clad in activewear was making their way into a fitness center. When you spotted us making our way…
A Tribute to Powell Cat By Zachary Abbas Graphics: Anne-Fatima Syed We students at UCLA recently lost an icon on campus, a friend to all who, for many students, was a bright spot in their long days of studying and working hard. Considered by many to be our school’s unofficial mascot, Powell Cat, as they…
The Rise of a Digital World: Technology Through the Lens of Islam Written By: Konmal Ali Graphic By: Syaal Sharifzad Technology continues to reshape the lifestyles of individuals across the globe. It has created opportunities for adequate access to information and bridging community gaps. The rise of a digitized world with almost everything accessible with…
A few days ago, I sat down with next year’s elected Muslim Student Association president, Sakeena Siddiq. She is currently a third year Human Biology and Society Major. She shared a little about her motivations for running and her visions for the MSA next year. Here’s what she had to say. Hi Sakeena! What made…
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…
A Tribute to Powell Cat By Zachary Abbas Graphics: Anne-Fatima Syed We students at UCLA recently lost an icon on campus, a friend to all who, for many students, was a bright spot in their long days of studying and working hard. Considered by many to be our school’s unofficial mascot, Powell Cat, as they…
Hijab Hypocrisy: A Women’s Rights Issue By Ayra Sultan, Sayyida Hasani, and Safiya Younas Graphics: Mateen Bahai The currency in Iran is the Iranian Rial, Switzerland uses Swiss Francs, France uses Euros, and India uses Rupees. However, a long sought-after societal currency is currently in high demand: the dual-sided coin of a woman’s right to…
The Rise of a Digital World: Technology Through the Lens of Islam Written By: Konmal Ali Graphic By: Syaal Sharifzad Technology continues to reshape the lifestyles of individuals across the globe. It has created opportunities for adequate access to information and bridging community gaps. The rise of a digitized world with almost everything accessible with…
Here We Are, Here We Stand Rather with duty than choice To build an identity To which others may not conform Through a sacrifice In search of our paradise With a small hope That our actions will suffice At the end of the day We are all criminals In a world full of crime Slicing…
The young Palestinian girl begging Israeli soldiers to spare her life. A teenage boy sitting by the hospital bed saying goodbye to a loved one lost to COVID. The college student pushing herself through each day as she combats academic and financial stress, only to live each day with lifelessness and repetition. As the atmosphere…
Ummi listen I want to go to therapy Are you crazy? No Are you mental? No Only the crazy the mental go to— therapy Ummi Please— Listen I need therapy What will the community think if you go to —therapy I don’t care what others think I- I am depressed, Ummi. It’s because you’re…
