By Jessica Daqamsseh“You can’t pray here.” The directness of this statement, coupled with the silence of my fellow sisters, still haunts me. It was a sticky, southern summer afternoon. I had just finished running errands with my toddler and, on the drive home, decided to stop by the masjid to pray Asr in congregation. In good spirits,…
By Jessica DaqamssehRamadan is a time of immense blessing and reward. It marks the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. For one whole month, Muslims devote themselves mind, body, and soul to purification and spiritual connection. Not only are many of us fasting during Ramadan, but we are also increasing our duas and good deeds, performing more…
By Jessica DaqamssehLast Thursday, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) gave an impassioned speech denouncing the “apartheid government” in Israel and their continued “erasure of Palestinian life.” She called out the Biden administration for continuing to funnel millions of dollars of military aid to Netanyahu’s extremist, right-wing government. “How many Palestinians have to die for their lives to matter?”…
By Jessica DaqamssehIn November 2019, Hilal Ibrahim garnered national attention when she designed a line of hospital-grade hijabs for healthcare workers. Many healthcare workers struggled to keep their hijabs clean, with some even throwing theirs out after every shift. In response, Ibrahim created a line of hospital-grade hijabs made from a lightweight and breathable jersey fabric. She…
By Jessica DaqamssehEvery Ramadan, I start off making these big breakfasts and imagine that I’m going to keep this going throughout the entire month. Zeit and za’atar, lebneh, hummus, eggs, olives, baba ghanouj, and maybe some nabulsi cheese — basically, everything. It’s the most, right?! Although my kid finds this exciting, a few days into it and…
By Jessica DaqamssehWith Ramadan fast approaching, many of us are seeking to deepen our connection with the Qur’an. We want it to remove our sorrows, to lighten our hearts, to heal our worries, and to strengthen our bond with The Most-Merciful, the Most-Loving, The Creator of all that is seen and unseen. These female reciters offer inspiration…
By Jessica DaqamssehThe 5th Annual #MuslimWomensDay global campaign explored the themes of healing, resilience and renewal. Alongside our Muslim Women’s Day summit and strong social media presence, we partnered with the likes of Allure, Byrdie, Vogue Arabia, and Teen Vogue (just to name a few!) to bring you more empowering and engaging content to celebrate Muslim women…
By Jessica DaqamssehAfter two years abroad, I returned with hopes of ease. Day dreams produced glimmers of comfortable conversations lacking in cultural complexities. Like a lifelong friend, I embraced my home again, longing to avoid sideways glances, puzzled looks, and the flagrant whispers which effortlessly follow foreigners as they stumble through life’s daily song and dance. With…
By Jessica DaqamssehThe U.S. Military has purchased global movement data from a wide-array of apps including Muslim Pro–yes, that Muslim Pro. If, like me, you’re one of the nearly 98 million users worldwide who rely on the Muslim prayer and Quran app on a daily basis, then it’s time to hit delete and explore other options. Your…
By Jessica Daqamsseh“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it [.]” (Al-Baqarah 2:185) The holy month of Ramadan is upon us. For many, it’s hard to imagine not…
By Jessica DaqamssehOn March 27, 2020, we celebrated the 4th Annual Muslim Women’s Day. The theme of “Autonomy” lives in all of these 14 jaw-dropping pieces of art. These artworks will leave you feeling inspired, reflective, and proud of our Muslim sisterhood. 1. Muslim Women’s Alliance: 2. Teaching While Muslim: 3. She Should Run: 4. Reviving Sisterhood:…
By Jessica DaqamssehThe nineteenth surah, or chapter, of the Qur’an can provide immense strength and hope to those experiencing hardships, trials of faith, or disappointments. Surah Maryam is filled with wisdom for Muslims seeking to strengthen their relationship with Allah. The following are five takeaways from this inspiring chapter to illuminate your spiritual journey toward connection and understanding. 1….
By Jessica Daqamsseh“Come as you are, to Islam as it is.” A call to fellowship and communal religious growth in a culturally relevant safe space. A judgement-free zone where believers can be their most authentic selves. This is the Ta’leef Collective, founded by California-born Islamic scholar Usama Canon. In Arabic, “ta’leef” means “to bring together” or “to…
By Jessica DaqamssehImagine returning home from a trip abroad only to be detained in your own country for having WhatsApp downloaded on your phone. You are placed under house arrest. You must submit to an examination by doctors at a local clinic. They discover you are 10 weeks pregnant with your fourth child. One month later, doctors…
By Jessica DaqamssehThe sun kissed my bare arms. My pale skin burned red, dripping pools of sweat. A forgotten sensation triggered internal conflicts: discomfort and relief; shame and freedom. My new beginning, birthed in pain and spiritual turmoil, reduced to the superficial. A constant friend’s comfortable embrace unraveled the strings from their stitch. Holes loosened bonds to…
