In Islamic culture, mosques, mosaics, and folios have served as quintessential exhibitions of artistic expression throughout the Dar-al-Islam. In recent years, however, art historians have uncovered unorthodox artworks that not only transcend traditional archetypes but also shed light on Islamic society from previous centuries. In 2007, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston unveiled a historic…
Winter break is upon us, the air is getting colder, and I can bet a lot of us are getting ready for the extra relaxation after finals week. What better way to relax than with some heart-warming, thought-provoking poetry, right? Though there is no perfect season for poetry, there’s something about…
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…
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…
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…
Time flows by like a channelLeading into a large pond.Some seconds smoothly streamWhile others ripple beyond. Filled with moments held dearAnd those wished to forget,By reflections within and outAnd the people that we’ve met. Sailing in these bodiesAre hardships old and young,Some sunk, some still sturdy,Yet to the blue water clung. To the horizons we…
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…
“A man who stands for nothingWill fall for anything,”1Said El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz,The man known as Malcolm X. He was a minister, activist, leader And so much more than mere roles.He was a passionate person- Fighting for his people’s souls. It’s his vague title heard often:‘A popular figure of the civil rights movement’-Though criticized for controversy,For resolute advocacy…
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…
When I was in middle school, my friends and I loved writing short stories. We would post them on a forum, eager for feedback from other readers. One friend wrote a story where the main character was a Pakistani girl named Iman – “belief” in Arabic. I clearly remember thinking afterwards: “Well, that’s unrealistic. That’s…