By caitsalovichFemale scholar Shaykha Bahiyyah bint Hāshim al-Quṭbiyyah al-Filāliyyah, known to be one of this generation’s most inspirational Islamic leaders, passed earlier this week at the age of 108. At only 14 years old, Shaykha Bahiyyah had already memorized the entire Quran, as well as studied Islamic sciences alongside various scholars of her region. At 18,…
By HalimahThis year Yale’s Class Day, an afternoon dedicated to conferring awards and hearing speeches by notable speakers, held the stage for Samantha Power, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, and a graduate of Yale. Yet, even more remarkable were the closing remarks made by a Sudanese Muslim woman. Emtithal Mahmoud, a decorated slam…
How do you stop a group of Islamophobic activists dead in their tracks? Snap a selfie, of course.
That’s exactly what 22 year-old Zakia Belkhiri did.
Donning a black hijab and armed with a peace sign, Belkhiri proceeded to take several smiling selfies beside members of right wing political group Vlaams Beland. The activists, who came equipped with a range of signs that read "No headscarves," “No mosques," and “Stop Islam," were set up to protest the third annual Muslim Expo in the Belgian city of Antwerp.
Photographer Jurgen Augusteyns, who was also present for the event, captured Belkhiri’s selfie-taking in all its glory. His powerful images immediately went viral after being published by VICE.
By caitsalovichHow do you stop a group of Islamophobic activists dead in their tracks? Snap a selfie, of course. That’s exactly what 22 year-old Zakia Belkhiri did. Donning a black hijab and armed with a peace sign, Belkhiri proceeded to take several smiling selfies beside members of right wing political group Vlaams Beland. The activists, who came…
By caitsalovichToday you’ll find entertainers that cater to every available genre. Some work to deliver a perfectly crafted message, while others do it simply for the grand performance. Artists of every culture, race, and identity have the opportunity to express themselves in the realm of music and dance. But is there space in these diverse and…
By akhalilMuslims being elected to prominent positions within their respective governments is becoming a thing now, and we love it. Following London’s election of Sadiq Khan as mayor, Germany has now elected a Muslim woman to parliament. Muhterem Aras has been elected in the German state parliament as a speaker. In this historical moment, she also…
By MG StaffProfessional tennis player Sania Mirza was just named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People by TIME Magazine. As the No. 1 seeded player in the women’s doubles rankings, she just made history for Muslim women everywhere, both on and off the court. Here’s an excerpt from TIME, written by Indian cricket player, Sachin Tendulkar:…
By AZMIAThe United Kingdom’s National Union of Students (NUS) has elected its first Black Muslim woman as the president, Malia Bouattia. Naturally, in the last few days, her election has stirred up quite the controversy. Bouattia first came to the media’s attention after speaking against an NUS motion “to condemn the IS and support Kurdish forces fighting…
By akhalilIbtihaj Muhammad, a fencer who will represent the U.S. in the Olympics, was named one of the 100 most influential people by TIME. She will be the first American in hijab at the Olympics. Here’s an excerpt from TIME about her: “Today Ibtihaj is one of the best fencers in the world—and an observant Muslim…
By Khalood KibriaLast year, 31-year-old British Muslim chef, columnist, and author, Nadiya Hussain, won the sixth series of BBC’s The Great British Bake Off, making her the first ever Muslim to win the competition. During her acceptance speech, Hussain, who is a hijabi, said, “I’m never gonna put boundaries on myself ever again. I’m never gonna say…
By Guest BloggerFor Muslims in Nepal, worldly affairs look bleak at times. Nepal’s Islamic minority suffer from discrimination, economic and social disenfranchisement, and a lack of educational access. But that didn’t stop one sister from defying the odds, and doing her thing. Meet Mohna Ansari, a Muslim sister from Nepal, who fought her way through an unjust system, became…
By emanThe only person who can understand how awful it is to workout in a non-breathable hijab is…well, a Muslim woman who wears hijab. For those of us who’ve played sports, we’ve made do with the icky feeling of a sweaty hijab post workout – because really, what other choice did we have? But one British…
By Khalood KibriaThe Swedish Basketball Federation has submitted a permit to a Stockholm-based basketball team Huddinge, allowing one of the players, 17-year-old female Muslim Noha Berhan, to participate in games with her hijab on. Up until 2014, the the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) had banned basketball players from wearing hijab during games, stating that the religious garment…
By Shanzay FarzanThe Transgender community within the Muslim Ummah may seem like a new development, but has been around for centuries. The call for more inclusive spaces for fellow Trans Muslims, however, has been steadily rising. Mahdia Lynn, an activist and leader to step up to this call — has been involved in establishing such a space…
By yusraContrary to popular and societal belief, Muslim women everywhere have made history and have become revolutionary game changers and leaders. Some (ignorant) people might say, “Whaaaa? So you’re saying that Muslim Women AREN’T the silenced and oppressed powerless women hidden in the burqas like I think they are?” Yes, ignorant person, that is exactly what…
By sarahsahimInternational Women’s Day provides a great opportunity to celebrate women for being the fearless, badass, creative, outspoken, and talented people we are. Unfortunately a lot of the conversation is focused on white women’s contributions to the artistic landscape, and well, they aren’t the only women in the world. Luckily for those of us seeking a…
