By Guest BloggerEditor’s Note: Written by Margaret Johnson. The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Several years ago, at 35 years old, I converted to Islam. As I began to practice the religion, I unexpectedly felt an awakening of my feminine energy. Growing up in America, I rarely received any encouragement for my femaleness: I…
By manalOne year after the Women’s March, I am convinced that laying down our swords is the only way we can have real change. I look around the community and see women paying the ultimate price – their own happiness. I have been a proud woman warrior since day one. When the nurse slapped me, I…
By NIQABAEWhat happens when a law is passed which dictates what a woman can and cannot wear in public and infringes a charter-given right? We follow the motto “Sisters before misters.” Bill 62 isolates and immobilizes Canadian Muslim women who choose to observe the Niqab. The bill will embolden racists, and so-called “patriots,” to use this…
By Maysoon KhatibShe’s not bald. Or oppressed. Watch this eloquent young feminist break down what hijab means to her.
By Shannon“Religion and my gender are my two primary identities, the most significant lenses through which I see the world.” – Rachel Lieberman Every book marks the beginning of a journey for a reader. Some journeys are long, some are short, and some are so profound that it’s questionable if they ever happened at all. My…
By ShannonIn October of this year Marvel Studios took the super hero movie phenomenon and pumped it up to about a million percent of awesome, blowing competitors like DC Comics completely out of the water. Marvel announced a series of 9 upcoming films that will keep comic fans entertained until the year 2019. Along with ‘Black…
By Sajida HydoubMuslims have been taking the spoken word poetry community by a storm. From politics to religion to love, Muslim youth have been creating a name for themselves with their powerful performances that seek to shed light on society’s ills and beauties. A young brother named Shahroz decided to take a stand against every girl and…
By Sajida HydoubThe topic of female modesty has been beaten to a pulp in Islamic forums, scholarly circles, and within the confines of our own homes, often in the form of a parental scolding. It’s a sensitive topic for many of us. Our brothers and sisters are often well-intended, but alas, we do not exist in a…
By Guest Bloggera minute i learned to make chai before i learned to make sentences thats why i write in poetry so i don’t have to write in sentences eyes shy check scarf on check but hands still shake as i hand over the rickety tea cup to the mustached man, gaps in between his teeth pouring…
By AmaniWe have a new favorite Facebook page. A Man’s Hijab is a parody of what we Muslim women have to put up with everyday. You know what we’re talking about: the constant messages of the “haram” and “halal” way for women to dress, the devaluation of women that don’t wear a headscarf, the objectification of…
By Laila AlawaShe has all the general trappings of your typical superhero: standing up for the weak and defenseless, she’s always there to save the day. She’s always there when you most need her, and she has some awesome swordsmanship skills. She’s your typical badass crime-fighter. But wait. Qahera’s not like everyone else. Something makes Qahera different:…
By Laila AlawaI remember when I first wanted to be a boy. I was eight years old — and back then, my father would take me with him to attend Jummah at our small mosque. My brothers weren’t yet old enough to pay attention to the khutbah, so I relished the role of being the “chosen one,”…
By AmaniI’m really tired of the “only men should attend prayer at mosques” mentality. Just because women don’t have to go doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t, or that Muslims can discourage them from going. Women were given the privilege of being equally rewarded for going or not going to the mosque in order to empower their…
By Ainee FatimaIf you’re a comic book enthusiast, you might be familiar with Sooraya Qadir — known as Dust from X-Men: The first Muslim X-Men character who happens to wear a traditional black burqa and niqab while fighting crime. Her special powers include the ability to transform into and control sand. But recently, Pakistan has emerged with…
By Guest BloggerWho told you That you could speak for me? After all, your tongue Can’t even move smoothly Over the sounds and letters Of my name, Who told you That you could pitch Imaginary bars around me, Looming high, Turn me into a false prisoner And have ignorance comply To be the watch guard, That you…
