As we enter 2019, it’s obvious that the #MuslimGirlArmy is focused on growth. From glowing up emotionally and spiritually to falling in love with ourselves first, our readers are cannonballing straight into a new chapter with new goals and new habits. We asked you about the lessons you learned in 2018 and the hopes, dreams,…
Soul RX
Muslim-Led Campaigns to Support This #GivingTuesday
After a weekend filled with over-indulgence on the culinary and commercial front (we’re looking at you, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday), it would indubitably feel good to give back to our communities. Enter #GivingTuesday. Traditionally celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States, #GivingTuesday was devised to kick-off a season of philanthropy…
What Does It Mean to Be Thankful in Islam?
What does it mean to be thankful as a Muslim? Does it have to mean something different than it does for other people? Personally, I think the concept of “Thanksgiving” (if we’re not talking about the horrendous background of the holiday), is a great one. I don’t see an issue celebrating it as a Muslim,…
I Went to the Kaa’ba and It Was Everything I Expected
On 23rd May 2017, my dream came true, Alhamdulillah. On the way to Makkah, while everyone in the car was tired and taking a nap, I was a little tense. I was wondering whether I’d be able to catch Isha’s congregational prayer. As the cars were moving at a snail’s pace, I kept looking for…
3 Iconic Muslim Women Who Led by Example
1) Khadijah, The Daughter of Khuwaylid Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the daughter of Khuwaylid bin Asad and Fatimah bint Zayd. She was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is infamously known as one of Islam’s “Mother of Believers.” After Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) she was the first person to hear the words revealed from…
Refugee Women Recount Their Harrowing Experiences During Ramadan
“You are being punished by God, that is why you are a widow. Your Papa is being punished so that is why God took him from you.” I was 8 years old when my Papa passed away and I heard this being said to my family way too often. Loss and grief show up in…
5 Verses From the Qur’an That Remind Us to Be Thankful
Written by Muslim Girl Staff writer, Vanessa ElShamy With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’m sure that we’re all looking forward to devouring delicious food and spending precious time with friends and family. Hopefully, we’re all remembering to be thankful for what we have as well. But we do also have to remember that while…
Understanding Rahma: From Womb to Worship
It is quite interesting to learn that the Glorious Almighty’s name, “Ar-Rahman” is derived from the word “Raham,” a womb. Allah said: “I Am Ar-Rahman. I created the Raham (womb) and derived a name for it from My Name. Hence, whoever keeps it (family ties), I will keep ties to him, and whoever severs it, I…
‘Are You Even Muslim?’
“Are you even Muslim?” I hate when people ask me that. It pisses me off. They have no idea what it took, what I’ve been through to stand where I’m standing now in my Islam. My spirituality. But, I know exactly why they’re asking. Because a Black face with a traditionally wrapped hijab couldn’t possibly…
How You Can Help Build the Next Generation of Muslim Leaders
In the spirit of embracing the last few days of Ramadan and just in being a good Muslim in general here is a worthy cause you can get down with: Building the Leaders of Tomorrow. “Help support our youth from across the country with scholarships as they follow their dreams to attend a Quran and…
Study Finds Islamic Prayer Reduces Back Pain & Increases Joint Elasticity
As individuals age, some of the initial ailments to occur revolve around reduced movement and pain in the lower back region and in joints. However, study co-author and Binghamton University professor, Mohammad Khasawneh, has found a possible solution to reduce these ailments. Dr. Khasawneh believes that the physical repetitive movements of Islamic prayer reduce lower…
Yes, I Model — and Yes, My Hijab Is My Crown
In Boston, my Somali friend and I scarfed down fried pickles and crab legs and chatted about good food, Islam, and being a woman in America. We then ordered these huge desserts that we could barely finish just because. “Ohh, let me see the photos from your trip to London,” she exclaimed. I hunched my…
Here Are 5 Prophetic Duas to Help Eliminate Stress
As humans, it is only natural for us to be tangled at times with stress and hardships that may seem endless or impossible to escape. But as Muslims we are blessed to be given many powerful and effective duas (supplications) taught by our Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) that has the ability to eradicate all of our…
A Prayer for 2017
2016 may have felt like all that could go wrong did. With the new year coming, although there may always be sorrow around you, I hope you choose hope. And May you always remember the strength of prayer. May the troubles of this year bring you blessings for the next year May the struggles you…
Blac Chyna Lost 23 Lbs Doing It, so What’s the Deal With Breastfeeding?
Blac Chyna has been on the news a lot lately for losing 20+ pounds two weeks after giving birth to her baby, Dream. Many people wondered if she got surgery, but she shut those comments down by telling her followers and fans that one reason she lost the weight was because of breastfeeding and pumping breast milk—good…