Growing up Muslim post 9/11: More open with my Identity
Al-Talib interviews Shahid Chohan, a first year Computer Science major at UCLA, about his experience living in post 9/11 America and where he thinks Muslim Americans are headed.
Growing up Muslim post 9/11: “Randomly” Searched
A cartoon depicting the sometimes ridiculous extra security screenings at airports.
Growing up Muslim post 9/11: A letter to my elementary school principal
Uzair Akbar was harassed by his peers after 9/11 for being Muslim. Akbar writes this letter to his elementary school principal to thank him for his support during this hard time.
Growing up Muslim post 9/11: Forging an Identity
When the two towers fell and America, for one moment collectively stood still in silent, rapt horror, Muslims across the West were forced to look long and hard at themselves in a mirror forged by the fires of those passenger jets.
Growing up Muslim post 9/11: Standing out in North Dakota
Alaa Koleilat, a 3rd year Neuroscience major at UCLA, was living in North Dakota when the attacks happened. She shares her experience as one of the few Muslims that live in this state.
Part 2, Ramadan: Casablanca, Morocco
The taxi driver looked at me in a panicked state and exclaimed, “Quran! Quran!” Frantically attempting to communicate with me in Arabic, he hoped that we would at least understand each other through a commonality of faith. I nodded in agreement and felt a sense of relief.
Part, 1 Ramadan: Casablanca, Morocco
Somehow the stars seemed to be aligned just right, because my fortune could not have been better. I embarked on my dream to live in Muslim countries during the month of Ramadan this year.
How to NOT host extravagant Ramadan feasts
As a member of the South Asian community, I have attended numerous iftars that seem more like parties than iftar gatherings. If you’re a Muslim you’re probably thinking, “Iftar ‘parties’ and ‘gatherings’ are the same thing, dummy!” Sadly, our community has failed to distinguish between the kind of parties we host during most of the…
Success: A Test of Gratitude and Humility
Try to recall the last time you achieved something big, commendable, note-worthy. Straight A’s? A promotion? Election into a high position? Admission into a competitive university? Most of us have experienced the sweetness of success. Some of us view it as a blessing. Fewer of us recognize the Source of it and remember to thank…
HOW TO stay physically fit in Ramadan
The month of Ramadan can often become an excuse to not exercise and to overindulge in food. But this month is not meant to be used as a crutch for laziness or a reason to eat whatever we want. We forget that keeping our bodies healthy can be an act of worship and in turn,…