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…
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…
SPOILER: it’s probably not you
Sally: Hey Zaynab, want to go grab lunch with me after class today? Zaynub: Sorry, I can’t today. It is the first day of Ramadan. Sally: So this may sound stupid, but can I ask you something? Zaynub: Sure. Sally: Do you fast all day long? Zaynub: No. I fast from sunrise to sundown. Sally:…
“Moooom,” you say with an annoyance in your voice. You run up the stairs and close the bedroom door on your mother’s efforts to reason with you and go about the day. We’ve all seen or done this at some point in our lives. Cinema and television shows that depict the struggles of teen life…