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.
Ah, February. For some, it’s the most romantic time of the year. For some…let’s just say not so much. For all of us, more importantly, this month is dedicated to recognizing some of the most influential civil rights activists in our nation’s history while also shedding an unfiltered light on the African diaspora. In this…
Police stand outside the Capitol after a day of rioting protesters, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez – Associated Press) POV: You’re a typical college student. Today is January 6, 2021. It’s 10 AM. You wake up to the sound of your default alarm blasting from your iPhone perched…
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting a hold on the world, many are desperate for a new breakthrough in science. The highly anticipated vaccine has been talked about for the duration of the pandemic, and the collaboration between the biotechnology company BioNTech and pharmaceutical company Pfizer has shown promising results. They announced that there is a…
During the Holocaust, Jewish people had to wear yellow badges of stars that marked them as Jewish. Their travel was limited through restricted passports. While we can all agree these were horrendous acts, you might be surprised to find parallels in our own country today. During his successive election campaign in 2015, President Donald Trump…
November 9th 2016. I woke up and immediately checked my phone. A wave of nausea washed over me. I held my hand over my mouth, stunned at the news that Donald Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States. How could my president be a man that has said heinous things about…
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…
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…
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…
