We all aim for success. But what does success really mean? What should it look like? Every community defines success using its own set of criteria. In collectivist cultures as found in Asia, success is often determined based on how organized and harmonious society is as a whole. By contrast, other primarily western cultures like…
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused mosques to be shut down, iftars to be canceled, and Friday prayers to be streamed via Youtube. Muslims worldwide were forced to navigate a Ramadan that was vastly different from the traditions we had looked forward to every year. Now, over a year into quarantine, Muslims have participated in…
As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr. It is an important celebration in Islam that takes place after the holy month of Ramadan and an occasion many Muslims look forward to every year. The day is full of gifts, food, good company, and memories. Everyone wakes up…
As a fellow Muslim and diehard NBA fan, I need to make myself clear when I say this: Leave. Kyrie. Alone. Never in my eight years of tuning into primetime basketball have I been this disappointed in the NBA community for its sheer display of ignorance. For those of you who haven’t heard by now,…
“I put my trust in Allah and not in criminal pharmaceutical companies, or lying governments.” “I rest surely with Allah therefore my heart says I don’t need the vaccine.” “We never have and never should take unnecessary medicine in any form when we are healthy– period!” These are just some of the overwhelmingly negative comments…
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…