tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18362511974369037302024-03-13T05:47:58.145+02:00Muslim Women ExposedIn Tribute to Amazing Muslim Women... And ordinary experiences of normal Muslim womenZarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-87306807074233987962020-03-19T23:28:00.000+02:002020-03-19T23:28:53.606+02:00Its been too longI haven't blogged in almost three years and I have to admit that I actually really miss it. I miss the interaction and the platform to share thoughts and ideas and frankly I think I have way too many excuses as to why I stopped.<br />
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Writing has been a part of me since I can remember. Sometimes I feel like I think in writing mode, or that I am forever lost in a world that everyone else can not relate to, (I'm sure fellow writers can relate though), but time is flying past and my thoughts are not always captured, which is quite sad if you think about it.<br />
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So much has happened since I last wrote anything here. The world has changed in so many ways and it seems that as much as we think we are going forwards, we keep coming backwards. So many "new"things happen each day and then we find ourselves in lock-down over a virus . It's got to make one wonder doesn't it? How much have we humans really progressed?<br />
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Nonetheless, I don't know if anyone still reads this blog but if you do, I will try my best to keep writing regularly and hopefully we can re-forge the connections we once had.<br />
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<br />Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-61152851787886760012017-08-05T22:05:00.001+02:002017-08-05T22:05:30.542+02:00Healthy Muslimah Summit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPwRy8LYuiI/S5Ja1bDUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/20AZoMcHdMM7RKR4aip7cogRNaVEiSRQACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/imagesCAF1G7AJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPwRy8LYuiI/S5Ja1bDUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/20AZoMcHdMM7RKR4aip7cogRNaVEiSRQACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/imagesCAF1G7AJ.jpg" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.healthymuslimahsummit.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=371501-free-catch-up-day-tomorrow-6th-august&utm_source=lists%2F40172-Healthy-Muslimah-Summit&simplero_object_id=su_QfonwGEP21Dom2q8ZPkoFctU">Healthy Muslimah Summit </a> is an online event that focused on holistic approaches to health and wellness. this is a Free online event which began last Saturday and ended today and I have enjoyed the talks and benefited a lot. The topics covered all areas of life and focused on physical, emotional as well as spiritual well being. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSbpu3IUp1E/WYYk2N7sGaI/AAAAAAAABtw/nrGutPOawpk58_govwi0dNAkIFNaFbiwgCLcBGAs/s1600/healthy-muslimah-summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSbpu3IUp1E/WYYk2N7sGaI/AAAAAAAABtw/nrGutPOawpk58_govwi0dNAkIFNaFbiwgCLcBGAs/s400/healthy-muslimah-summit.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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MashaAllah I can't tell you how impressed I am by this whole event. The planning that went in to this must have been immense and may prayer is that Allah Almighty rewards each and every person involved for bring this even to us. </div>
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Although the Summit ended today, tomorrow is a Free catch up day where you will be able to access all of the talks that have been running for the past days. </div>
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I personally recommend that you sign up and access this while there is still time. The speakers are dynamic and knowledgeable in their respective fields and the talks are not too long but immensely beneficial.</div>
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Here is the link for this, don't waste any time!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_54471572"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.healthymuslimahsummit.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=371501-free-catch-up-day-tomorrow-6th-august&utm_source=lists%2F40172-Healthy-Muslimah-Summit&simplero_object_id=su_QfonwGEP21Dom2q8ZPkoFctU">http://www.healthymuslimahsummit.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=371501-free-catch-up-day-tomorrow-6th-august&utm_source=lists%2F40172-Healthy-Muslimah-Summit&simplero_object_id=su_QfonwGEP21Dom2q8ZPkoFctU</a></div>
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If you don't manage to catch all, life time access to the talks have been promised for a small fee. More details can be found <a href="http://www.healthymuslimahsummit.com/">here</a>.</div>
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<b>JazakAllah Khayr to sister Kate, the organiser of the event and to all the speakers. May Allah Almighty reward you in abundance and shower you with blessings. </b></div>
Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-62546718805659188502017-07-11T22:30:00.000+02:002017-07-11T22:30:16.877+02:00Book Review- Love & Happiness by Yasmin Mogahed <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPwRy8LYuiI/S5Ja1bDUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/20AZoMcHdMM7RKR4aip7cogRNaVEiSRQACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/imagesCAF1G7AJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPwRy8LYuiI/S5Ja1bDUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/20AZoMcHdMM7RKR4aip7cogRNaVEiSRQACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/imagesCAF1G7AJ.jpg" /></a></div>
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It always amazes me that so much meaning can be conveyed in
the fewest of words. Sometimes we don’t need pages of words, because the right
words can be so powerful. This was highlighted for me when I read Yasmin Mogahed’s
latest book “Love & Happiness”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--oGTLc5UT6g/WWU0LPGh98I/AAAAAAAABtI/CQTgkldEUoUSLCO9kEfw0inrSuy9xo3ZACLcBGAs/s1600/FrontCover-final-Love%2BHappiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--oGTLc5UT6g/WWU0LPGh98I/AAAAAAAABtI/CQTgkldEUoUSLCO9kEfw0inrSuy9xo3ZACLcBGAs/s320/FrontCover-final-Love%2BHappiness.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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In this book she shares some of her reflections about love,
pain, loss and connection. The words are short and to the point, but laden with
meaning to the extent that it left me in tears. It is said that books “speak to
you” and this one has done just that. The words resonated with me and struck a
chord. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Everyone goes through some sort of loss and difficulty in
life and it’s not always easy to remain patient or to look at the bright side,
but this book embraces the human emotions that people usually find so difficult
to discuss. It not only embraces these emotions but celebrates it as being innately
human. Thereafter it goes on to tell you that you have the ability to survive. “This
too shall pass”, these words are reiterated in the book, reminding us that
nothing is ever permanent and there is so much to look forward to. It
encourages us to keep loving, despite the loss and it reminds us of real
happiness, the type of happiness that comes with experience and maturity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I loved everything about this book, the meaningful words,
the beautiful images, the reminders and the deep self-reflection, but what I
loved the most was the insistence on a sense of balance. We are reminded not to
become consumed by any state we are in, whether that state is happiness or
sadness. This reminder helps the reader to reflect on the true reality of this
transient life and it guides towards the real happiness, the real love, the
ever permanent bond between creation and our Creator. The way in which this is
done is so natural and so profound. There are no judgements or harsh words,
there are simply words of experience, of deep emotion, words that comfort the
reader and allows us to accept our humanness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The cover has been perfectly chosen to represent what the book
is. A ray of hope, the sun shining through a forest of darkness and illuminating
everything, making things clear and shedding light on the beauty that may have been
forgotten or overlooked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This book would make a great gift for anyone, but would be especially
beneficial for those suffering loss or grief. I would definitely love to gift
this book to a few people myself. The words are portrayed so perfectly in this
book that nothing more needs to be uttered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To read more about this book and author go <a href="http://fbpublishinghouse.com/books/love-happiness/%20http://fbpublishinghouse.com/author/yasmin/">here:</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://fbpublishinghouse.com/books/love-happiness/">http://fbpublishinghouse.com/books/love-happiness/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://fbpublishinghouse.com/author/yasmin/">http://fbpublishinghouse.com/author/yasmin/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-7561156111701282592017-05-06T22:36:00.001+02:002017-05-06T22:36:54.058+02:00Would Islam Affect My Cultures?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdLTA-NCPkM/S3oyQwe7X2I/AAAAAAAAAG0/Cd9tDx2uxn8kv4MIELot1hC1nuFQJ4LQgCPcB/s1600/Bismillah-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdLTA-NCPkM/S3oyQwe7X2I/AAAAAAAAAG0/Cd9tDx2uxn8kv4MIELot1hC1nuFQJ4LQgCPcB/s320/Bismillah-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the latest video from <a href="http://overcome.tv/">overcome.tv</a>. Hope you all enjoy it:-)<br />
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494102510528_3835" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1494102510528_3834" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Isa, originally from Colombia, was impressed by the knowledge of God that young Muslims had. And he liked how Islam encouraged questions, whilst his previous faith discouraged them. But could he make the changes Islam asked of him? And would Islam be compatible with his British / Colombian culture?</span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-size: 14.6667px;" /></span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></i>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VHq5i-0vKTY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VHq5i-0vKTY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></i>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-41307113885141974892017-04-15T23:20:00.001+02:002017-04-15T23:20:26.597+02:00An inspiring Guest Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQEJhc3xEtI/S43pbHd9WxI/AAAAAAAAAJc/5r1dFMolsVYwIcDClSNqM44NEsq_esSswCPcB/s1600/imagesCACSDJQC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQEJhc3xEtI/S43pbHd9WxI/AAAAAAAAAJc/5r1dFMolsVYwIcDClSNqM44NEsq_esSswCPcB/s1600/imagesCACSDJQC.jpg" /></a></div>
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I hope you all enjoy reading this post. I have found it very beneficial and hopeful, reminding me of the mercy of Allah. Thank you to Maham Rizwan for kindly volunteering to share her words with us:<div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 19.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Verily In the Remembrance of ALLAH Do Hearts Find
Contentment!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As we all are
aware of the fact that Allah is the maker of everything, He is the greatest of
all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He has provided
his people such a large number of valuable endowments throughout the life even
we cannot thank Allah enough. Consequently, Allah simply needs recognition of
His God-like. An ideal method for recognition of Almighty Allah is to
supplicate each day five times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Allah is aware of
every single thing; he knows what you have inside your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He has provided us
humans with the all required senses, hearing, the capability to tune in, to see
and talk, there are numerous different favors of Allah encompassed us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> People are much occupied in their lives that
they think it is difficult to set aside time for recognition of Almighty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Following verses
is a proof that the hearts find rest in the remembrance of their Lord Only:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best
of those who show mercy! (23:118)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The greatest
blessing from Allah is the Holy Quran. It comes with so much knowledge and is
known as a complete code of life. This verse clearly shows that He is the only
one that we must look forward in order to have mercy, He knows it all, and He
will make a way out for all of us. With His mercy, our hearts can find the
required rest and only with His mercy; everything will get right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">[There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the
All-Hearer; the All-Seer] (19: 65)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This verse is
proof that Allah is with you wherever you go. Allah Almighty knows about the
needs of all of us, and He favors us with acknowledgment of our all our wishes.
When anyone of you calls Him, he hears it all, and the time He is summoned He
replies to it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So you must pray
to Allah as it is clearly stated that contentment comes to those who bow down
to Him. People, who frequently ask forgiveness from their Lord, will get the
actual contentment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Allah has stated
that He loves his people more than seventy mothers can do, there is no one else
who could love you more. And He is the one that we need, and He is the one who
is the caretaker of all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the
excellent reward of the Hereafter (3: 148)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The more you
remember Allah, the calmer you are. When you talk about Allah, you can
instantly feel the calmness and indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts
find peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Allah is the only
one that we must have, you can lose everything for Allah, and you will still
have everything that you need. Allah is the most merciful and the most kind and
He will guide you the way and will ignite the paths of success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> These verses will fix your life and mend your
heart. Bow down to Allah as soon as possible; there are many ways you can make
your </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://quranacademy.io/blog/rekindle-your-relationship-with-quran/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">relationship stronger with Allah</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">.
Stay safe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">About the Author:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Maham Rizwan is a
writer and copywriter who has worked with New York Times bestselling authors
and personal development organizations such as Productive Muslim and
Mindvalley. She regularly blogs at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://quranacademy.io/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">http://quranacademy.io/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-62067630641100563102017-04-01T22:09:00.001+02:002017-04-01T22:09:09.395+02:00 Could I Pray Without Knowledge of Arabic?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KY4BUnjljQg/S35YSUBjmRI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-JN3j66EQN0Vf_LXgcY6IynvGMU1meDEwCPcB/s1600/Bismillah-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KY4BUnjljQg/S35YSUBjmRI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-JN3j66EQN0Vf_LXgcY6IynvGMU1meDEwCPcB/s320/Bismillah-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1491077204335_2591" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1491077204335_2590" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Islam made perfect sense to Omar from the UK. But he was concerned about praying in Arabic and was worried that his family would think he was rejecting them.</span></i><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JQ4umuDq3Mo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JQ4umuDq3Mo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></i>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-33169369242717045902017-02-20T15:35:00.003+02:002017-02-20T15:35:46.719+02:00A hippie embracing Islam?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWISxth8pGI/TLG-ILQ_WHI/AAAAAAAAAYM/QGKpcTGNwfo327XmRi6BQLYWylTxlyWgwCPcB/s1600/imagesCA57G402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWISxth8pGI/TLG-ILQ_WHI/AAAAAAAAAYM/QGKpcTGNwfo327XmRi6BQLYWylTxlyWgwCPcB/s1600/imagesCA57G402.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1487597369570_23446" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1487597369570_23445" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1487597369570_23447" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: #555549; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Living in the mountains of Ireland without electricity or running water, Abdalhamid had thought religion was done for. That was until he discovered Islam. </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1487597369570_23472" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Watch on to see how God guided him and helped him overcome… </span></i></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pC6zIS7VNjM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pC6zIS7VNjM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-15138878052755145102017-01-29T17:34:00.003+02:002017-01-29T17:34:43.824+02:00When despite the negativity, a person can still find Islam...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ijfaelbQBM/TJ4lEPyQM5I/AAAAAAAAAX0/OdkeebA6TN0knh7lq6URFEPm5KQfiRTOgCPcB/s1600/imagesCA5KCZKC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ijfaelbQBM/TJ4lEPyQM5I/AAAAAAAAAX0/OdkeebA6TN0knh7lq6URFEPm5KQfiRTOgCPcB/s1600/imagesCA5KCZKC.jpg" /></a></div>
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The latest video from <a href="http://overcome.tv/">overcome.tv</a> can be watched now:<br />
<br />
<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1485703197559_2439" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1485703197559_2438" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: #555549; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;">As a boy Iskander had questions about existence as he would sit gazing at the stars above him. He knew little about Islam and Muslims until a class taught by an Egyptian pastor. But would the pastor’s negative opinion of Islam deter Iskander from Islam? </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1485703197559_2793" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;">Watch on to see how God guided him and helped him overcome… </span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZrgWZxHin8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZrgWZxHin8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-48496120695883916512017-01-22T23:07:00.001+02:002017-01-22T23:07:33.203+02:00Would Islam be too difficult to practice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbcwd1fPJCQ/S9MrqRz4wbI/AAAAAAAAAPo/pF-TXP0OyH0G_S-usBxvZzcHluazKOHRQCPcB/s1600/imagesCAIZCAJE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbcwd1fPJCQ/S9MrqRz4wbI/AAAAAAAAAPo/pF-TXP0OyH0G_S-usBxvZzcHluazKOHRQCPcB/s1600/imagesCAIZCAJE.jpg" /></a></div>
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The latest video on <a href="https://www.overcome.tv/">overcome.tv </a>has been posted. <div>
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1485117810327_5645" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1485117810327_5644" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: #555549; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;">Having become confused about her faith, Mansurah put God on hold. Years later, her boyfriend became interested in Islam and so did Mansurah. But she worried whether Islam would be too difficult to practice.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1485117810327_5709" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;">Watch on to see how God guided her and helped her overcome… </span></i></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3GYFKh8PhGQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3GYFKh8PhGQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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It honestly is so inspiring to get a glimpse into the journey of other people's lives. I hope that you too find something of worth in these stories. </div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-84557430141824642952017-01-14T15:30:00.000+02:002017-01-14T15:30:29.689+02:00What about the bad actions of Muslims and what does that have to do with Islam?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BnIIIU-8jo/S_6vh-U7peI/AAAAAAAAARo/c98WSbYy5TYS66c9OwLKgHKJGci0yeo-wCPcB/s1600/imagesCAIQO247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BnIIIU-8jo/S_6vh-U7peI/AAAAAAAAARo/c98WSbYy5TYS66c9OwLKgHKJGci0yeo-wCPcB/s1600/imagesCAIQO247.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's the latest video from <a href="http://overcome.tv/">overcome.tv</a><br />
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1484399999534_2597" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1484399999534_3698" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: #555549; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;">By the age of 15, Khadija started questioning Christianity and decided to join a Bible study group to find answers. Unable to, she later met Muslims and her interest in Islam began. But she wondered about the bad Muslims she came across. </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1484399999534_2598" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;">Watch on to see how God guided her and helped her overcome… </span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzO7mumTfcY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RzO7mumTfcY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-79061971180632293342017-01-13T23:01:00.003+02:002017-01-13T23:01:39.157+02:00Productivity and the year ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPwRy8LYuiI/S5Ja1bDUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/20AZoMcHdMMD1n7BXqwcmZUJGuwsVyCjgCPcB/s1600/imagesCAF1G7AJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPwRy8LYuiI/S5Ja1bDUTeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/20AZoMcHdMMD1n7BXqwcmZUJGuwsVyCjgCPcB/s1600/imagesCAF1G7AJ.jpg" /></a></div>
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We are already half way through the first month of 2017 and
the year is beginning to feel not so new anymore. Before we know it we will be
half way through the year and then the end of year will be upon us in a flash.
The question I am asking myself is how productive will this year be for me?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Friday lecture rendered beautifully by a Moulana when I
attended the Masjid 2 weeks ago focused on being productive. He spoke
enthusiastically about how the life of a Muslim should be about progression. We
should be making active attempts to be productive, in our societies as well as
in our personal lives. He mentioned how important it is to be striving to
better ourselves on all levels, social, physical, psychological and spiritual. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The lecture was lovely. The Moulana mentioned some Hadeeth
(sayings or teachings of the Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him) something to
the effect that a Muslim should be of benefit to others and also that we shouldn’t
get caught up in self-pity and sadness. Instead we should accept what we cant
change and be happy with what we have and we should be the best we can in all
areas. He spoke about how our lives should not be static. We should never get
caught up in a state where we have not progressed at all. If we are the same as
we were last year then there is something wrong, he said. Because what sort of
life is a life without growth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was inspired by this. It wasn’t the first time that I
heard such talks, but sometimes at the right time something resonates with you.
Or perhaps this particular Moulana was more motivational. My sister has also
been on a quest towards productivity ever since we heard this lecture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have never believed in New Year’s resolutions, simply
because I have always believed in continuous change and ongoing resolutions.
Sometimes I fall short and find myself stuck in certain areas (I still haven’t managed
to get as physically fit as I need to). Other times Alhamdulillah (Praise be to
Allah) I manage to achieve what I set out to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe that we should be passionate and motivated in all
that we do, this way we are more likely to end up doing a good job at things.
Clearly the teachings of Islam is in sync with this. So I have a lot that I
want to improve this year Insha Allah (If Allah wills). I do not have a list of
resolutions but I have a path towards becoming more productive, and this path
is filled with various tasks. I hope
that at the end of this year I can say that I have achieved all that I wished,
and maybe even more. I wonder about all of you. I would love to hear you tell
me that you too have managed to accomplish everything that you have wished. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let us work hard to make the best of each day, after all, we
do not know how many days we have left. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wishing you all a prosperous and productive year ahead! <o:p></o:p></div>
Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-3359496173632176882017-01-07T21:29:00.000+02:002017-01-07T21:29:00.003+02:00When becoming Muslim gets you a visit from the police…<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;">The latest video has been released on </span><a href="http://overcome.tv/" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483804030515_2544" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #196ad4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">overcome.tv</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;">This is very interesting, I love learning from the journey's of other people.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;">Here is the link for the video.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VUnN2I52kr0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VUnN2I52kr0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-71323772364646327882016-12-31T14:30:00.000+02:002016-12-31T14:32:19.385+02:00When adopting the faith of one parent seems like you’re betraying the other<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaL24mgoiWc/TY83wlV7a8I/AAAAAAAAAfo/cEzMk2XFRlkMVOItMSQRwsglPAWh9XQxQCPcB/s1600/imagesCA57G402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaL24mgoiWc/TY83wlV7a8I/AAAAAAAAAfo/cEzMk2XFRlkMVOItMSQRwsglPAWh9XQxQCPcB/s1600/imagesCA57G402.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the latest video from <a href="http://overcome.tv/">overcome.tv</a><br />
<br />
<i id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483186597471_2610" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483186597471_2613" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483186597471_2612" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: black;">Whilst Leanna was searching for the truth, she was reunited with her biological father who turned out to be Muslim. But embracing his faith would mean that she’d betrayed the woman who raised her.</span></span><span style="color: #555549; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1483186597471_2644" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;">Watch on to see how God guided her and helped her overcome… </span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><b>Watch the video here:</b></span></i><br />
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa1vKh9lTiU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa1vKh9lTiU</a></b></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xa1vKh9lTiU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xa1vKh9lTiU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></i>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-2812121200336322812016-12-31T14:23:00.003+02:002016-12-31T14:23:50.860+02:00A great effort - overcome.tv<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KY4BUnjljQg/S35YSUBjmRI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-JN3j66EQN0Vf_LXgcY6IynvGMU1meDEwCPcB/s1600/Bismillah-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KY4BUnjljQg/S35YSUBjmRI/AAAAAAAAAHU/-JN3j66EQN0Vf_LXgcY6IynvGMU1meDEwCPcB/s320/Bismillah-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have just recently been introduced to <a href="http://overcome.tv/">overcome.tv</a><br />
<br />
This is a website aimed at assisting people who would like to become Muslim but may be apprehensive for various reasons.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this site for anyone, not only people interested in becoming Muslims. It is overall a resource to learn more about Islam and people's personal paths towards the religion. The site features videos on people's personal stories.<br />
<br />
It's always insightful to learn other people's stories and its moving to hear about the different paths that lead people to Islam.<br />
<br />
Inshaa- Allah (If Allah wills) I will be posting links to the new videos that they post every Saturday.<br />
<br />
I hope that you enjoy watching these and I'm certain that we will all learn a lot from this.<br />
<br />
I would just like to commend everyone involved in this effort for their hard work and dedication in assisting others. May Almighty Allah reward them all with the best.<br />
<br />
The video for today will be posted soon.<br />
<br />
All the best for the year ahead! May it be filled with goodness, peace and happiness.Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-75409973653514840632016-12-08T17:17:00.000+02:002016-12-08T17:17:10.231+02:00What is a powerful woman? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W_vFpmT3g0/S-rn8VSqM7I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fttHN1N_tswvO9oymEKQ7StR2GVpvrv4QCPcB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W_vFpmT3g0/S-rn8VSqM7I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fttHN1N_tswvO9oymEKQ7StR2GVpvrv4QCPcB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" /></a></div>
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While driving on the highway yesterday a billboard caught my
attention. It was advertising some TV show called “The Queen” (If I read
correctly while zooming past). The image is what stuck with me. At the head of
a board room table sat a woman, presumably the “Queen”, and around the table
sat all her subjects, the men. The woman at the head represented a
conceptualization of the “powerful woman”. She was dressed in a black business
suit, hair cut short, poised in a manly stance, clearly in control and
dominant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So what’s the problem with that? You may very well be thinking this right now.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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And the problem the way I see it is this. In order for a
woman to be regarded as “powerful” or “in control” she has to basically become
like a man. She has to dress like a man (the black business suit), cut her hair
like a man (short and cropped) and take on the stance of a man. Somehow it just
wouldn’t seem suitable if the “Queen” in this image sported for instance, long
hair, wore ,say a floral summer dress or if she was dressed in pink (not that I’m
an advocate for pink but in any case) and sat in a feminine posture. If this
was the case, the woman would not be taken seriously, or would she?<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what are we saying exactly? Are we saying that the only
way a woman can be dominant or can be taken seriously is if she becomes like a
man? I may be wrong here, but doesn’t
that go against the basic principles of empowerment? <o:p></o:p></div>
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It appears as if a woman has to give up everything that
defines her womanhood if she is to become powerful or dominant. There is no
time for things like motherhood, or marriage. She cannot afford to be soft or
feminine, petite and quiet. Nope, she has to be bold and dominant and
aggressiveness may be her most treasured trait. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tell me, how does it make sense to limit women in this
way? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Surely the concept of power has to be vaster than this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Isn’t a woman “powerful” when she takes on the role of a
nurturing mother, or a caring teacher?
Does she not have “power” or “control” when she supports her husband or
runs her family? Can she not be an adviser,
a confidante, a friend, and yes even a “boss” if she decides to wear a dress or
grow her hair? Does she automatically
become weak and vulnerable if she is soft and feminine? <b>Does she have to give up all notions of
femininity before she can be respected and taken seriously? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>So what do we base our ideas of power and control
on? Do we simply follow the standards
set by men, the very men who we claim have been given unfair advantage for
years. Or do we gain power and control in new ways, and in different ways, and
in ways that do not require us to change ourselves completely. Ways that do not
discard ‘womanly’ traits. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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These are simply just my musings. There are so many
contradictions in the world it would take me too long to discuss them all.
Nonetheless, I just found this to be relevant. Maybe it’s something we can all
ponder about. </div>
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So I leave you with this question: </div>
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<b><i>What really makes a woman “powerful”? </i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-63789474894852771592016-11-20T16:33:00.004+02:002016-11-20T16:33:55.365+02:00The Beauty of hijaab,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO9WXfXkLuI/S8YrGlnKs_I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/lHHAgd66qX0A-mUtijCcnpHspYA_hZywgCPcB/s1600/imagesCACSDJQC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO9WXfXkLuI/S8YrGlnKs_I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/lHHAgd66qX0A-mUtijCcnpHspYA_hZywgCPcB/s1600/imagesCACSDJQC.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><i>Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), I always regard myself as fortunate to meet Muslim women with such conviction and strength that it moves me. There are many such women, and it brings home the fact that we need to understand the stories of women in order to appreciate them for who they really are. </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i>The article below was written by a sister I met recently. It is so inspiring to understand the choices and processes that women go through, and it's beautiful to be reminded of how dynamic Muslim women really are. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i>I am thankful to sister Rehana for allowing me to post this here. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i>Please enjoy the read (see below for meanings of Arabic words)</i></span></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The beauty of hijaab, <u>sister Rehana Bint Ismail</u> of Johannesburg, South Africa</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 / NUJOOMULAYL</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Hijaab…nikaab…purda… I don’t have to cover my face its not farz…purda is in the heart not covering the face…that’s what they all say… and that’s what I too believed at first…</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">My mum started wearing nikaab 15 years ago and at that time there were more and more woman donning the nikaab ! I felt really proud of her taking this big step but never told her my feeling even though I admired her courage..</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I got married in 2008 and 1 of the perks of being a home exec was giving up my career of corporate banker after 12 years.It was quite an adjustment but I benefited a lot alhamdulillah ,as I started attending deeni talks for ladies and had ample time to do all the hobbies and courses I couldn’t do whilst pursuing a career.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">My husband was and still is a remarkable spouse who always encourages me to new spiritual heights without loosing the essence of ikhlaas or sincerity.He never expressed his wish to see me wear the nikaab but always explained the benefit and the virtues of it to me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">He is a student of deen and a popular leader of the community in a suburb situated within Johannesburg South.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I became very conscious of not wearing it and felt awkward and uncovered when ever we would frequent shopping malls or the local supermarket or bakery as everyone would stare at me and remark ” theres moulana and his new wife”, which at times resulted in me wearing a big pair of sunglasses to cover half my face!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">My mum would constantly encourage me to wear the nikaab explaining how important it was to wear it as I was now a “moulanas” wife.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Yeah right forget about everyone else but what about my feeling and thoughts and ambitions !</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Having always heard my father speak about his 4 months spent in 1975 ,I asked hubby if he would take me out for 3 days mastooraat jamaat just to experience what it was all about. Now when you leave your home as a couple you have to wear the nikaab till you get to the hosts place and then you have to wear it on your way back home too.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I wasn’t aware that I had to wear it and felt reluctant at first but wore it none the less.It felt good yet somewhat uncomfortable but I felt a sense of “completeness”- kind of like i wished I could always wear it so I secretly bought my first nikaab and started wearing it whenever I would leave home.Hubby didn’t notice.He probably thought it was just a passing phase.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">After 2 weeks of wearing it all over he looked at me while driving to Lenz and asked me if the wearing of the purdah was going to be a permanent situation so I said it was a trial phase !!! What a lie because deep down I knew that this was such a great and noble step in my life and I was trying to make it a permanent one too.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Eventually he sat me down and explained to me that Allah swt honours a women who wears the nikaab and told me how proud he was about me taking this step all on my own…subhanallah I felt so chuffed and was waiting for those wise words of approval ….</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">It is 5 years now since I donned the nikaab and yes …we only wear nikaab for Allah's pleasure.. we are observing modesty and this too is ultimately for the pleasure of Allah swt…a woman modestly dressed is like a pearl in an oyster..</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">They say Allah honours a woman who wears the nikaab and yes I have witnessed being honoured on many occasions when non-Muslim men come up to hubby and express that they too would love their wives covered up the way I do !</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Only Allah swt knows what’s in each persons heart and Allah grant me the steadfastness to improve my akhlaaq and use me as a means of spreading this wonderful concept of hijaab as well as the beautiful deen of Islam !</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, Segoe UI, Segoe WP, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Alhamdulillah, we, in Aouth Africa are not restricted from practicing any avenue of deen compared to other countries where the hijab is banned, and because of this we have to take full advantage of practicing deen in totality.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Allah swt in his infinite wisdom has bestowed us with so many nemats and besides being the reciters of the kalima and the ummatees of Nabi Mohammed saw , Allah swt has made us woman and have completed us by making modesty a branch of imaan…</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">It is not farz but waajib to cover the face as ulama explain that it is a protective measure in this time of fitnaa that we are living in where woman are exposed to many evils.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Purdah is not in the heart and if we wish to attain closeness to Allah swt then we will obey his commands willingly or unwillingly ,ultimately for his pleasure, and Allah swt will make it easy for us.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">So to all my sisters who are still undecided on taking that great step forward- just take the plunge you will never regret it. Yes Allah swt will honour you, he will make it easy for you and he will protect and elevate you….don’t look back !</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><b><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Hijaab is my choice and my freedom and I am a proud Muslimah…..Allah hu Akbar !!</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b><u>Terminology:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Farz</b>- Compulsory </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Alhamdulillah </b>(All Praise is for Allah)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Deen</b>- Religion</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Deen</b>i- Religious </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>mastooraat jamaat</b>- basically a religious trip where people gather and interact and discuss religion.(My description does not do justice, but nevertheless)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>SubhanAllah</b> (Glory be to Allah) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Akhlaaq</b>- character</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Waajib</b>- recommended</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>nemats</b>- bounties </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>kalima</b> - declaration of Faith- testifying that there is only One God and Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of God. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Ummatees</b>- People belonging to one "Ummah" or community.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Imaan</b>- Faith</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>Fitnaa</b>- trials / tribulations </span>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-86725020652089331522016-11-15T23:44:00.003+02:002016-11-15T23:44:43.639+02:00The way of women today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W_vFpmT3g0/S-rn8VSqM7I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fttHN1N_tswvO9oymEKQ7StR2GVpvrv4QCPcB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W_vFpmT3g0/S-rn8VSqM7I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fttHN1N_tswvO9oymEKQ7StR2GVpvrv4QCPcB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Beautiful women, running after the wrong men, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Coaxed by words, uttered so easily and freely ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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meaningless words out in the open,<o:p></o:p></div>
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his exploits forgotten so neatly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Intelligent women, losing all reason,<o:p></o:p></div>
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drowning further and deeper in the illusion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wishing for things to change and get better,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Covering up faults and lies over and over. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Strong women, brought down so weak,<o:p></o:p></div>
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believeing the worst about themselves, <o:p></o:p></div>
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deceit and treachery they will overlook, <o:p></o:p></div>
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because love and approval is what they seek. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The price seems too high to pay, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Women are far more worthy than this, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Not there simply for amusement and play, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Surely not to be left to sink deep into an abyss. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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She should be honoured and cared for, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead she is so harshly showed the door, <o:p></o:p></div>
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She gives all she can and more, <o:p></o:p></div>
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she should be loved, cherished and adored. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But the deception continues on and on, <o:p></o:p></div>
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And she is made to feel like she will never belong, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hating everything about herself,<o:p></o:p></div>
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depending on him, holding on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Used and abused, and even accused,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her trust and honour so often misused.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All this for meager justification, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Do we really need a man to give us validation? <o:p></o:p></div>
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How do we women become so easily fooled?<o:p></o:p></div>
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So easily swayed and beguiled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How can we believe in empowerment? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet give up ourselves so easily. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly the years do not wisen us, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Examples of others go amiss, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sweet words and promises are often enough,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite the rest of it being a bluff. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The price indeed seems too high,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Women were not created for this, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>To be respected and honoured is not a far cry, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>We should stop allowing ourselves to get lost! <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I’m saddened by what I hear and see,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>These women only pretend to be free,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Entrapped in the worst way they can be, <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>because their imprisonment they refuse to see. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-48042723241464780372016-11-11T16:42:00.000+02:002016-11-11T16:42:13.385+02:00And so the rain came<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ySPvG-f084/S7dNwo2NatI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Hijtm7BG-nwfvGeQikKseigHGOKx-LFiwCPcB/s1600/imagesCAZEAKSQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ySPvG-f084/S7dNwo2NatI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Hijtm7BG-nwfvGeQikKseigHGOKx-LFiwCPcB/s1600/imagesCAZEAKSQ.jpg" /></a></div>
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After days of heat and dryness, fear of water restrictions
and planned water cuts, Alhamdulillah (All Praise is for Allah), the rain came,
and it didn’t just come, it came in abundance, SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)!
It’s rained so much in the past three days that people are sending out storm
warnings. I don’t know yet if this is enough to satisfy the water needs after
the drought, but how can we complain when the air is fresh and the grounds are
wet and there is hope of more to come. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT0J-mc5RSo/WCXXuNNK6vI/AAAAAAAABnw/PykAIYdIA7EmzpHzw34lJhMTH_CB4mSwgCLcB/s1600/weather_mandela-bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT0J-mc5RSo/WCXXuNNK6vI/AAAAAAAABnw/PykAIYdIA7EmzpHzw34lJhMTH_CB4mSwgCLcB/s320/weather_mandela-bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are so many lessons to be learnt from this. It reminds
us firstly how much in need of Allah we really are. With all our modern
technology and so called advancements, we are still reduced to helplessness
with simple things like getting rain. What if the rain didn’t come? We would
have no power or ability whatsoever to bring about any rain. Our dependence is
so real that we will be complete fools if we forget this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And just like that, if too much rain comes and the storms
continue, what will come of us? We could be destroyed in an inkling, unable to
control a thing! SubhanAllah, how perfectly does Allah balance everything out
and how wonderful it is that everything works in accordance with the Divine Plan?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xV4oaNjG_Vs/WCXX9jEBRFI/AAAAAAAABn0/RWG0pO4_HJMDIW09-TpefN4vg64I8M32gCLcB/s1600/Picture_20130204JohannesburgFloodsgif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xV4oaNjG_Vs/WCXX9jEBRFI/AAAAAAAABn0/RWG0pO4_HJMDIW09-TpefN4vg64I8M32gCLcB/s320/Picture_20130204JohannesburgFloodsgif.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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So just like the rains can come to wash out the heat and
bring relief, so too can Allah change difficult situations in an instant. No
problem is impossible to solve when we turn to Our Creator for help, nothing is
beyond the understanding of Allah, and of course, nothing happens without the wisdom
and knowledge of Allah. It’s so easy to get stuck on our problems, believing
that things will never change, but who knows, change could be around the
corner, we just don’t know that yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trust in Allah is a fundamental part of our faith. Just like
Allah is able to control the rains, so too is Allah able to control the events
that happen in our lives. Whatever our stories are, whatever saddens or upsets
us, whatever longing and wishes we have, there is absolutely no reason to ever
despair. Let the world go crazy, our sanity rests in our belief in Allah, and
Insha Allah (with the will of Allah) we will never be disappointed. </div>
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May Allah Almighty bless us with beneficial rains, and fill our lives with all that is beneficial!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXGu-5aWipI/WCXYMSFs9_I/AAAAAAAABn4/wfgwVz8h2KEJesAGWg-6kwter4RzYWk8QCLcB/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXGu-5aWipI/WCXYMSFs9_I/AAAAAAAABn4/wfgwVz8h2KEJesAGWg-6kwter4RzYWk8QCLcB/s320/rain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Image 1 from <a href="http://www.joburg.org.za/index2.php?do_pdf=1&id=4763&option=com_content">here</a></div>
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Image 2 from<a href="http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/593567-Two-rescued-as-heavy-rain-pelts-Johannesburg-PHOTOS"> here</a></div>
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Image 3 from <a href="http://www.georgeherald.com/news/News/National/151680/Rain-expected-to-fall-in-Johannesburg">here</a></div>
<o:p></o:p>Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-12178342831950371202016-11-04T22:08:00.002+02:002016-11-04T22:09:56.151+02:00Burning Busses, political games and Jacaranda Trees <div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWISxth8pGI/TLG-ILQ_WHI/AAAAAAAAAYM/QGKpcTGNwfo327XmRi6BQLYWylTxlyWgwCPcB/s1600/imagesCA57G402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWISxth8pGI/TLG-ILQ_WHI/AAAAAAAAAYM/QGKpcTGNwfo327XmRi6BQLYWylTxlyWgwCPcB/s1600/imagesCA57G402.jpg" /></a></div>
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It’s a crazy time in South Africa at the moment. Students
have been protesting for months to get rid of university fees, it’s so bad that
the entire academic year has been threatened. More than once, these protesting
students have taken to violent means to express their frustration. Busses have
been burnt, cars have been stoned, and clashes with police have been reported
on. All this violence seems unnecessary, especially in the midst of worldwide violence,
one has to wonder how much worst things will get. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And as if that’s not enough, the entire political system is
in turmoil. Allegations of fraud, summons of government officials, cases made
to cover the tracks of corruption. Who knows what dirty political games are
played behind closed doors and high walls. (It’s none the better anywhere else
though is it?)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRvf-81E88Y/WBzqPGWcbsI/AAAAAAAABnU/uQftkr10wkUhxc4qjzNdr_-NUDlXBOaMQCEw/s1600/Jacaranda%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRvf-81E88Y/WBzqPGWcbsI/AAAAAAAABnU/uQftkr10wkUhxc4qjzNdr_-NUDlXBOaMQCEw/s320/Jacaranda%2B2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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It would seem that there is reason to lose hope, but then,
amidst all the chaos, there is still so much beauty in the world. While driving
on the streets of Johannesburg the other day, spring in full bloom, I couldn’t help
but marvel at the wonderful beauty all around me. Bright purple Jacaranda trees
regally decking the sides of roads, its flowers laying down a carpet of purple
bliss. Lush green trees, and red and yellow flowered ones in between, and all
this continues to thrive even though rain has been scarce. The natural beauty
of this city is sometimes so encompassing it makes everything else seem so
futile. How can so much evil go on when there is so much beauty?<o:p></o:p></div>
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SubhanAllah, I am hit with a stark realisation or
re-realisation if I can put it that way. The beauty comes from the Almighty
Creator, and all the turmoil has been created by us humans. Perhaps this
reminder is necessary to help us strive to please Allah, perhaps it should be
reminding us to be grateful. I know with certainty that it creates hope. It provides
peace in a world filled with madness. It brings joy when it seems that
everything is falling apart.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Years from now those strong magnificent purple trees may be
witnessing completely different scenes played out. Who knows? Maybe students will succeed in their fight
for free education, maybe politicians will end their corruption, maybe rain
will come in abundance and the droughts will end. I’m certain though that if
those trees continue to stand, they will serve as a reminder, an epitome of
beauty and grandeur, and maybe this will make someone think; <i>If this meagre
creation of Allah is so magnificent, imagine what the magnificence and grandeur
of the One who created it must be like. It cannot be imagined at all, but the
thought that there is a Creator who is omnipresent and all-knowing is
definitely soothing and comforting. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtxonSKnBYw/WBzqY_6Jb1I/AAAAAAAABnY/wzqcPAl_NKEHDkD5YdUpJe0JdoA-5IbkgCLcB/s1600/Jacaranda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtxonSKnBYw/WBzqY_6Jb1I/AAAAAAAABnY/wzqcPAl_NKEHDkD5YdUpJe0JdoA-5IbkgCLcB/s320/Jacaranda1.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<b>There is beauty in every turmoil, we just need to look
for it! <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Image 1 from <a href="http://chrisroslingphotos.com/galleries/other-galleries/joburg-jacarandas/">here</a></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>Image 2 from <a href="http://myjhb.co.za/jhb-image-jacaranda-tree-hdr-johannesburg/">here </a></o:p></div>
Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-75351771316693207322016-09-20T13:58:00.001+02:002016-09-20T13:58:09.303+02:00Moments and people<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaKsXi6mp8Q/TCUVBj1txyI/AAAAAAAAATA/wdhIU6hOHisqkC0CCez8h-LchiJMzosewCPcB/s1600/imagesCAZEAKSQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaKsXi6mp8Q/TCUVBj1txyI/AAAAAAAAATA/wdhIU6hOHisqkC0CCez8h-LchiJMzosewCPcB/s1600/imagesCAZEAKSQ.jpg" /></a></div>
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There are moments in life that move you, moments that make
you feel humbled and fortunate, moments that make you remember that we all have
a purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are people in life that inspire you, people who are so
strong despite having to face the worse adversities; people who are able to
keep their faith and stay above the water when most other people would be
drowning. Recently I have had the chance to meet such a person, an amazing
woman, a woman with conviction and courage. A woman who just happens to be a
Muslim woman, who completely covers herself, niqab and everything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How she dresses shouldn’t matter, it shouldn’t even be an
object of discussion, but it is, it’s become so because people have decided that
it should be an issue, because people find it necessary to dictate what the acceptable
modes of dressing are, even though this shouldn’t matter. I mention it because
somewhere, someone has decided that a woman cannot be strong, productive, and
empowered if she is dressed in clothes that completely cover her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So here we have yet another example of an extremely strong
woman, a woman who has fended for herself and raised her children single handed,
a woman who has being making her own choices for longer than she can remember,
and you know what, she has chosen her choice of dressing as well, and this only
adds to her strength. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So here I am, humbled to have met such a person, in awe at
her courage and conviction, moved by the moment she told me that Allah brings
people together as and when we need it. This reminds me that Allah is in
control of everything and even though the world may seem a mess, there is meaning
behind things, and there is always hope. Our hope comes from our connection to
Our Creator, our hope comes from our Love for our Creator, our hope comes from
our conviction that Our Creator knows what is best for us, and when we connect
with each other based on this common understanding, it just makes everything so
much more meaningful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Some moments are inspiring, some moments are needed for us
to remember our ultimate purpose on this earth, some moments are so simple, but
they mean so much! <o:p></o:p></div>
Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-35881689532291644472016-09-07T16:27:00.000+02:002016-09-07T16:27:57.051+02:00Much Ado about Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMq_HIz_eHs/S75IhTgVY2I/AAAAAAAAANM/A77eEzQf9cE_qWZPnqzu5q6A8oPpn97_gCPcB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMq_HIz_eHs/S75IhTgVY2I/AAAAAAAAANM/A77eEzQf9cE_qWZPnqzu5q6A8oPpn97_gCPcB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last week
South African media was bombarded with a very disturbing yet pertinent issue.
Girls at more than one school in South Africa decided to protest and speak out
after they were faced with discrimination regarding their naturally curly hair.
Some girls mentioned that they were asked to straighten their hair for school
as their “hairdos”, did not meet school requirements. Many accounts of
discrimination and bias surfaced. As can be imagined it caused quite a stir for
the schools involved. Now, I understand that school rules are important, but we
all know that this issue goes way deeper, particularly in a country with a
history like South Africa’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHD6UZYEfIM/V9AjPMivQcI/AAAAAAAABmY/1JRgPcnYL8cG3N8rD_Jq0DqKaft5TEHAwCLcB/s1600/hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHD6UZYEfIM/V9AjPMivQcI/AAAAAAAABmY/1JRgPcnYL8cG3N8rD_Jq0DqKaft5TEHAwCLcB/s320/hair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Strangely, the
issue of “hair” is not a new one. The focus on the type of hair someone has
goes back many years. It’s actually quite sad and ridiculous that we have to be
discussing this in the first place. Yet over the years people have continuously
being stuck in this system where curly hair needs to be straightened in order
for it to be regarded as beautiful. Granted there was that time when the “perm”
was in fashion and suddenly curly hair was the new cool thing, but that can’t
really be counted since it was just another fad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The fact
still remains that people have gone through many lengths just to change their
natural hair so that they can fit society’s standards. Malcolm X called this
hair straightening a form of self-degradation. He was appalled that people
could put themselves through painful processes simply just to have straight
hair. I urged people to stick to what was naturally to them. So many years
later and we are still stuck in the same debate. What has happened to human
progression? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my
opinion, this is all about the dominant people in society making decisions
about what the standards should be. It’s about those power holders who just like
everything else, long ago decided what the standards of beauty are, based
solely on what was common for them. Curly hair only came to be regarded as
inferior because it was not the norm of those in power. This is an old colonial
way of thinking, everything that’s different must be inferior-everything that
does not fit in should be changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do we
spend so much time debating issues like the type of hair people have, or for
that matter the colour of peoples skin, or the way a woman dresses when she
goes to the beach. How do these seemingly insignificant things become so significant?
Do we not have enough problems in the world to deal with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sadly, its
these very things which creates division in society and it begins the debate on
“us” and “ them”, “ selves” and “others” – and before we know it people
have labelled each other to such an extent that the “other” begins to be regarded as less than human,
less important and in need of change. When this is allowed to continue then
this type of thinking becomes ingrained in people to the extent that they are
unable to identify what they are doing wrong and how they are actually harming
others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember
being made to feel different as a young child because of my curly hair. At the
time I did not understand the social and political issues which underlie this
thinking. All I knew was that other children recognised something different in
me. It made me feel inferior, I actually wanted to change. Many years later and
I now understand all this. Thankfully and with the Mercy of Allah I have come
to accept myself completely and I appreciate myself for who I am. I understand
now that there are far too many important things in the world to worry about
for us to be stuck on issues like a person’s hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For this
reason I salute the school girls who came out to protest, because no one should
be forced to change simply because they do not fit the standards set out by
those in power, because people should not be made to feel inferior based on
what was naturally given to them, because although school rules are important,
those rules should not exploit or discriminate against anyone. Prejudice has
been going on for far too long. When will we stop trying to divide and when
will we begin to unite? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Image from <a href="http://wwntradio.com/2016/09/01/south-african-school-ordered-to-suspend-racist-hair.html">here</a></span></div>
Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-54810980418534999982016-07-16T16:43:00.003+02:002016-07-16T16:43:32.548+02:00The cruelty of people<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yraI0Q3xRhA/S7GLRyZudUI/AAAAAAAAAME/NM7ko8SGRC406kQSqCHKUrVKK_2zzk88wCKgB/s1600/imagesCAGN1W7I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yraI0Q3xRhA/S7GLRyZudUI/AAAAAAAAAME/NM7ko8SGRC406kQSqCHKUrVKK_2zzk88wCKgB/s1600/imagesCAGN1W7I.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes
the actions of people can be very cruel. There is of course the obvious cruelty,
like the unfathomable cruelty of someone who is able to get into a truck and mercilessly
plunge into other people. Similar cruelty seems to be heightened nowadays.
People cruelly murder, rape and abuse others without remorse. I am so often
reminded of words that were told to me many years ago; <i>“Human beings have
the ability to be higher than the angels and lower than animals”.</i> I will
never forget these words, but it’s tragic that these days more often I can see
how human beings are giving in to our ability to be lower than the animals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Odmh_rZW1cY/V4pHijrYiCI/AAAAAAAABls/kjkH272cj0IFSb4wsJb2qmnD3u5N-5dKACLcB/s1600/cruelty%2Banimals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Odmh_rZW1cY/V4pHijrYiCI/AAAAAAAABls/kjkH272cj0IFSb4wsJb2qmnD3u5N-5dKACLcB/s1600/cruelty%2Banimals.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We would
like to believe that we are good people, we hide our cruelty in the wake of these
bigger actions of cruelty, and while this may be human nature, it hinders us
from improving ourselves. When we are not able to recognize the cruelty in
ourselves, how will we ever be able to change it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I came
across an example of how we tend to be so cruel towards others without even
considering what we are doing, or the effects of our actions. My example is
simple, it may seem insignificant in the grander scheme of world events, but I
cannot change world events, I can only change myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While
browsing the internet I saw a link to an article about how some celebrities
have become “monsters” with time. Of course the article was referring to the
physical appearance of the chosen celebrities and how they have transformed
from “beauties” to “monsters”. The list included men and women, (I can’t be
happy that it’s not only women who are subjected to this kind of scrutiny when
such scrutiny in itself is horrible), but nonetheless, the list included men as
well, which is a change in the pressure that is usually placed on women to look
attractive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back to the
point, I initially looked at these images and had common thoughts like, wow,
what has happened to these people… Then I started feeling bad. Firstly, these
are human beings, and we can put forth the usual arguments such as they asked
for the attention and what not, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is
really cruel to be making fun of how people’s appearance have changed over the
years. Secondly, who even knows if the pictures we see are real. Thirdly, why
on earth does it matter! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This sort of
obsession with looks and appearance, the pressure put on all people to be
physically attractive, the teasing and mocking of those who don’t meet
societies standards of beauty, all of this is extremely cruel, is it not? Yet
most of us would like to believe that we are not cruel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So I had an
internal reprimand to myself, how dare I look at these images and wonder things
like what happened to these people? So what if their appearance has changed? Doesn’t
that happen to all of us as we get older? How would I feel if people started
making fun of the way I look? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxZw317LdVM/V4pHvsNiPsI/AAAAAAAABlw/w-z87kEiEfgtu96z061i_nZeKiuH5LyGwCLcB/s1600/cruelty-quotes-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxZw317LdVM/V4pHvsNiPsI/AAAAAAAABlw/w-z87kEiEfgtu96z061i_nZeKiuH5LyGwCLcB/s320/cruelty-quotes-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like I said,
this may seem like something so insignificant. Indeed, in the wake of attacks
on human life, of attempted military coups, of displaced refugees and
continuous wars, of lives being lost in masses, in the wake of murder and rape
and abuse and torture, how does something like this even matter? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But it
does! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Because if
we allow ourselves to be cruel, no matter how minimal that cruelty may be, then
our levels of cruelty just increase, and before we know it the unfathomable
becomes fathomable. So we need to recognise the cruelty in ourselves, and we
need to stop it and change it now, because seriously, the world does not need
any more cruelty! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Image 1 from <a href="http://quotesgram.com/quotes-about-cruelty-to-people/">here</a></span></div>
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Image 2 from <a href="http://www.quotationof.com/cruelty.html">here</a></div>
Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-76076348002842254062016-06-20T23:33:00.002+02:002016-06-20T23:33:56.888+02:00Book Review- "Behind Picket Fences" - by Hend Hegazi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8W_vFpmT3g0/S-rn8VSqM7I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/q8K-ngCRFQwYW6M-zwoPnQnz_akJQOh0wCKgB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8W_vFpmT3g0/S-rn8VSqM7I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/q8K-ngCRFQwYW6M-zwoPnQnz_akJQOh0wCKgB/s1600/imagesCA2R5WL3.jpg" /></a></div>
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It is said that you never know what goes on behind closed
doors, and if perchance you happened to be the fly on the wall of someone’s
home you would be surprised by how different your perception is to what really
goes on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the thought I had when reading “Behind Picket
Fences” by Hend Hegazi. The narrative focuses on the lives of four families in
a neighbourhood and the drama that unfolds shows that what things seem to be is
not always as they are. From the psychological and emotional struggles of the
beautiful young artist Summer, to the illness suffered by May, the caring
mother and loving wife, to the financial difficulties affecting the marriage of
Morgan and Mariam this book reminds us that life is filled with various trials.
It allows us as the reader to get out of our own world for a while and to
broaden our ideas of what life should really be like. We are reminded that no
one is without trials. In fact even a seemingly perfect marriage like that of
the characters Sidra and Farris is filled with its own trials. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This book is a lovely portrayal of the trials and
tribulations of life, the way in which people understand and depict love and
the things they would do to achieve happiness. It sheds light on the fact that
human beings are complex creatures and our motives and actions may not make
sense to each other, but often come from genuine feelings. It touches on the
idea of tolerance and reminds us that if we do not empathize with and tolerate
one another then we will miss out on having meaningful relationships with
others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The book also allows us to focus on the fact that although
we are all very different, in essence we are actually more similar than we
think. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I enjoyed how the characters came together to support one
another even though they may not have understood each other’s lives or
situations. The neighbourly spirit was brought to the fore as characters put
their own issues aside to help out and see to the needs of their neighbours. It
was refreshing to see people depicted as supportive instead of hostile towards
one another. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One thing that bothered me while reading though was that I
had to wait a few chapters to find out what happened to the character as the
book was divided into 4 stories and each chapter focused on a different story. At
times I found myself filled with suspense, wanting to skip chapters just to
find out what was going to happen to the characters I was reading about. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All in all I enjoyed reading this book. It tugged at the
emotional heartstrings and presented relatable stories. The characters and
their struggles are identifiable to people across cultures and religions. What
the book focuses on is the human experience and the essence of life. It reminds
us not to judge anyone because indeed, we never know what goes on behind closed
doors, or in this case, behind picket fences. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>To read more about this author:</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="https://hendhegazi.wordpress.com/about-me/">https://hendhegazi.wordpress.com/about-me/</a></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://fbpublishinghouse.com/author/hend/">http://fbpublishinghouse.com/author/hend/</a></div>
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<br />
<br />
Image from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hend-Hegazi/e/B00HSROUUO">here</a></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-29811075411624893272016-05-01T21:53:00.001+02:002016-05-01T21:53:46.367+02:00Accepting ourselves<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeqamJ4K9AI/S56E1DFmBnI/AAAAAAAAALM/YYV9Df7RaT0vjKCiVlKS2xeb9zUyUuspQCKgB/s1600/imagesCAABM89F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeqamJ4K9AI/S56E1DFmBnI/AAAAAAAAALM/YYV9Df7RaT0vjKCiVlKS2xeb9zUyUuspQCKgB/s1600/imagesCAABM89F.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It starts
from a young age… the feeling that you are not good enough and that no matter
what you do everyone else around you will always be better. It may seem that
you are the only one who doesn’t quite know how to fit in, or how to react. You
may find no good in yourself, and the desire to completely change who you are
and everything about yourself may be so overwhelming that it consumes you,
sometimes to such an extent that you even feel the need to harm yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A while back
a blogging friend of mine, <a href="https://mahshiandmarshmallow.wordpress.com/">Marie</a>, asked me as a mental health professional, if
I am seeing more cases of depression, basically more people who are in turmoil.
She mentioned to me that when she spoke to people in this field in her locality
they told her that there is definitely an increase in cases like depression and
so on. I have to agree, in recent years things have definitely escalated and
people seem more in need of help now than ever before. I think that working as
a counsellor desensitizes you in many ways, but the one thing that still really
gets to me is to see people, especially young children, who hate themselves;
people with such low self-esteem that they are unable to have any happiness in
their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While the
reasons for having low self-esteem may differ from situation to situation, I
think that it goes back to expectations. Parents’ expectations of what their
children should be like, children’s expectations of what they need to be like, societies
expectations of what people should be…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Interestingly,
and very importantly, all that Allah expects from us is to be good people, to
worship Our Creator and obey His rules, and to treat others well, just to do
our best!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The
One who really matters does not place unrealistic expectations on us, instead
He accepts us for who we are, and of course, this makes sense, since Allah created
us, and He created us all differently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
see so many people trying to fit the mould. A mould that has been defined by
our societies, societies that happen to be very flawed. I see wonderfully
talented people believing that they are worthless, simply because they do not
fit that mould. I see beautiful human beings believing that they are nothing,
simply because their outer bodies do not appear to be beautiful to others. I
see true talent, true potential simply </span>shriveling<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> away and dying, leaving
behind it a sad and lonely person, continuously striving to fit the mould! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I learnt
a very profound Hadeeth (saying or teaching of the Prophet Muhammad peace be
upon Him) recently. It’s translated something to this effect:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Indeed<i>,
Allah does not look at your body, and not at your shape, but looks at your
hearts.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">SubhanAllah
</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Glory be to Allah), isn’t this a
wonderful hadeeth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This
reminds me that all we have to do is accept ourselves for who we are. We need
to stop looking at others to define ourselves. We need to stop trying to fit
the mould. No person is exactly like the other, and really, why would we want
to be the same as others. All of us have our good and bad, no one is perfect,
but all we have to do is be good people, with good hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I
find myself trying so hard to explain this to people, both adults and children.
Sometimes I feel like I am wasting my time, but still I cannot give up, not
just yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Let
me just end by saying that If Our Creator, the One who loves us the most is
able to accept us for who we are, then why is it so hard for us to accept
ourselves! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1836251197436903730.post-2317762678628385772015-12-14T17:01:00.002+02:002015-12-14T17:02:24.352+02:00Response from author April Fonti and the importance of discussion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qD_HSVbmiwo/TFwaS5bhbLI/AAAAAAAAAWc/3Stmn--XRd8/s1600/imagesCAD4TJII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qD_HSVbmiwo/TFwaS5bhbLI/AAAAAAAAAWc/3Stmn--XRd8/s1600/imagesCAD4TJII.jpg" /></a></div>
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There is no doubt that we are living in difficult times, there is a lot of confusion, throughout the world. Sanctity for life is rare and instead power, control and greed seems to have overtaken people. In this time, when its easier to dismiss people as "the other" than to actually understand one another, it is commendable to see people still interested in discussing, learning and understanding each other.<br />
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On this note, I recently posted a review of "Travels in a Veil" by April Fonti and I have had the privilege of having her respond to my review. I have posted her response below, because discussion is important and because the journey of understanding ourselves involves understanding other people as well. </div>
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April's response is humble and insightful and it shows that there is hope for humanity yet when we have people like this who do not wish to cast away others, but instead hopes to understand and embrace differences. </div>
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(In the same light I would also like to acknowledge two fellow bloggers who have been constant in their quest of understanding and discussion, <a href="https://mahshiandmarshmallow.wordpress.com/">Marie</a> and <a href="http://myinnerchick.com/">Kim</a>,- May you always be blessed with the ability to understand). </div>
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<b><u>April Fonti's response to my review:</u></b></div>
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<div class="yiv4106951787MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450103772213_4852" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450103772213_4855" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Hello Zarina,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450103772213_4859" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Thank you for taking the time to write such a generous review. It's very heartening to have someone with academic interest and personal engagement, take the time to discuss my book so thoughtfully.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<div class="yiv4106951787MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450103772213_4867" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450103772213_4866" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">I would like to provide some context and background in response.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Firstly, I would like to address your comments on my harshness of the Muslim women I met. This is the first book I wrote and I believe the harshness may simply be a reflection of my limitations as a writer.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450103772213_4875" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Early drafts of the book treated the women I met with a much, much softer approach. These drafts were written with an ardent and at times myopic defence of Muslim women. But the story was really floundering. The problem is that I was trying so hard to 'present' a positive image that there was no real narrative. There was no journey because I had skipped the ugly truths of my instinctual responses, many of the negative encounters and my subsequent growth in understanding.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Real life is messy and there are multiple narratives I could have chosen from the raw material. In the end, I chose to dramatize my journey from a harsher to a more enlightened understanding. This meant exploring my more negative responses and not holding back. It was a very challenging process.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">I chose this narrative because it was one of the many truths of my experience, but also because I felt very obligated about communicating with people coming from a Western ideological perspective and wanted others to experience my journey towards a more open-minded perspective. It might be of interest to know that these drafts were written in immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks and I felt a real passion to communicate to the hysterical and outrageous conversations going on around this time. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">It was a tricky balance and yes, I'm sure it does fail and succeed for different readers.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Finally, I would like to address your uneasiness about the social or political contexts I used to understand the women I met. It felt terribly audacious to write about other people's religious beliefs and I dealt with this by consciously limiting the content to my personal experiences or retreating towards academic perspectives. In retrospect, I probably did shy away from the women's personal beliefs too much. Asking women about their personal beliefs would have been a wonderful and very integral layer to the last stage of the story.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Thank you again,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: large;"><i>April</i></span></div>
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Zarina Hassemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11006581679493801167noreply@blogger.com0