On May 1st, 2024, the UCLA Palestine Solidarity Encampment–consisting of nonviolent protests with participants from across numerous racial and religious backgrounds–was attacked. Masked outsiders set off fireworks, toxic sprays, and attacked students with weapons. Less than 48 hours later, UCLA leadership dismantled the encampment and over 200 students and staff members were arrested. In response…
When I interviewed Paul Wolff, a Holocaust survivor who has dedicated his life to spreading a message of peace and empathy, I felt the profound weight of the history he carries and the lessons he has to offer. Born in 1929 in Hamburg, Germany, Paul grew up in a world that quickly spiraled into darkness…
In shadows deep, where sorrow tends to dwell, Her heart found refuge in a sacred peace. Through whispered prayers and softly spoken verses, Islam’s gentle balm to her spirit clung. In moments still, the call to prayer would rise, A soothing echo ‘neath the star-lit skies. Its melody, a healing, tender grace, Restoring peace within a weary…
“It’s difficult to feel represented when the choices seem to overlook our communities, but our voices still need to be heard.” With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, many Muslim students find themselves grappling with complex emotions and difficult choices. For some, the election presents a moral dilemma, while for others, it’s a…
The room feels suffocating, so you rush to the balcony The view is dark, hazed with fog and low visibility What lies ahead is uncertain Your heart beats fast against your chest as the anxiety seeps into your mind In a moment of guidance and faith, you must remind yourself “Upon Him I rely, and…
so the time has come, spring turning into summer the crystal rivers dry upon the heat of the weather and so it is the end of an era, a goodbye to the sisterhood a laugh to the scandals and mishaps a cheers to the smiles and successes a hug for the pain and lost potential …
Time left until execution: 00 days, 00 hours, 00 minutes and 00 seconds devious smiles nervous grins political sins legal flips and spins fingers begin to bend to form a fist then – handshakes weakened cordiality and decorum ends constitution blowing in the wind panel dismantled according to whims governor’s patience wearing thin “been going…
Starting university is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for a new Muslim student at UCLA. Thankfully, there are amazing resources and helpful tips that will make your journey smoother and more fulfilling. If you’re looking to strengthen your connection to your faith and find a community that shares your passions,…
“There’s no possible way to get to class… ” is the circulating remark. While the Spring 2024 encampments were enacted in Royce Quad, misinformation has plagued opinions both within UCLA and outside of its walls and has unfortunately become a substitute for the truth. The convolutions run so deep that the truth is now buried…
For nine months, I had the invaluable opportunity to investigate the Yemeni civil conflict and humanitarian crisis in greater detail with the U.S. Agency for International Development — particularly within the lens of foreign diplomatic involvement on part of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Below is a summarized excerpt of those findings that I wished to…