By Jessica DaqamssehWe go through life with a set of expectations, often derived from our own cultural and familial upbringings. A path is laid before us from which we are intended to uncover our worth and ultimate life purpose. When this path deviates or completely unravels, people often feel a profound sense of failure, confusion, and disappointment….
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 DaqamssehInternational media outlets inundate the world with images of broken-hearted mothers forced to flee Ukraine, seeking safety and stability for their young children. These noble women leave behind brave husbands, sons, fathers, and male relatives who desperately fight to protect their nation’s sovereignty from an oppressive invading force. Foreign Policy details: “The silent suffering of…
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 DaqamssehDuring Women’s History Month, we honor trailblazers who have cracked the glass ceiling. Sometimes confusing fame and notoriety with empowerment, success, and worth, we forget to express our collective gratitude to the mothers, daughters, friends, sisters, aunts, colleagues, and mentors who help us shine a bit brighter each day as we strive to be our…
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 DaqamssehAlthough many companies are making statements of solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter posts, not all companies out there seem genuinely concerned. The desire for profit often supersedes that of basic human rights for Black men and women. Below are five companies which have either remained silent, have been pressured by people to change their stance, or have…
By Jessica Daqamsseh“I can’t breathe.” Chained and pinned under a man’s weight. “I can’t breathe.” The pressure like a boulder- suffocating hate filled violent murder “I can’t breathe.” His words we hear their truth yet not all hearts are moved “I can’t breathe.” His soul has left us and taken with it humanity’s “I can’t breathe.” “I…
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…
