Lifestyle

I don’t like to be the bearer of burden. And, I’ll probably receive hella hate for writing this, but I’m about to be a young-looking 30 and as I age, I’m figuring out that I have very little fucks to give. I’m 100 percent sure that this happens in every religion and culture, since the…

When I look at mosques that perpetuate patriarchal violence, I see it as powerless men trying to feel in control. Conferences are no different. Often times, it’s non-Black Muslims (mostly Arab and Desi) who organize these tone-deaf conferences, and use them as tools of oppression to silence the voices and contributions of those who are…

Trigger warning. This post has child sexual abuse content that may be triggering to some.   Since April is National Child Abuse Prevention month,  it is an important time to raise awareness in the Muslim community about child abuse, especially sexual abuse, which, unfortunately, is often a taboo topic. A little over a year ago, I…

Written by Eman Aly.  I think if men menstruated, there would be no sexism or misogyny. Periods are the worst thing ever. I don’t have to explain it to all my sisters out there, but if there are men lurking on this post, imagine peeing a little bit all day for seven to 10 days. No two…

Written by Rafeef Samo.   When Autism crash-landed on our doorstep in late 2013, we were blindsided. We knew little about Autism and our firsthand experiences were limited to children of acquaintances. Our son did not meet the so-called “typical” definition of a child with Autism, at least we did not think so. Martin was…

There’s a lot that goes on behind closed doors which we don’t acknowledge. One of these things is pornography consumption and addiction, especially when it comes to women. The Stats Many people automatically relate porn to men, but they are definitely not the only consumers of pornographic material. At least 1 in 3 Internet porn viewers…

The portrait of the “Afghan Girl,” a 10-year-old Afghan refugee was first printed on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985. The piercing green eyes became an internationally-known symbol. Even today, the iconic image shows the pain and difficulty that countless refugees face, and the effect that war can have on a child. It has been more…

On Saturday, Jan. 21, millions marched in solidarity across the globe in support of the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. Among the marchers were members of the #MuslimGirlArmy, who were happy to explain why they march. *** Naaz Modan, 20 – Washington, D.C. “I march for all of us who have been told that we…

Mutah. Sigeh. Temporary Marriage — easily in the top 5 most controversial Islamic topics. (Just a mini preface: It is normal to be confused by topics such as these. Four wives, Mutah, and maybe even the hijab has got you all twisted. But the way I see it, my faith is rooted in the Wisdom of…

Written by Anonymous.   They tell you that the first year of college life will be nothing short of a miracle. The beginning of a new life and a new you – free to be whoever you want and go wherever you want (now that your parents are not around). You are under the impression…

Written by Amanda Sadler.   Twinkling lights, colorful window displays and cheery shoppers filling stores. Nearly every conversation and interaction this time of year is full of excited exclamations of “Are you ready for Christmas?!” While we could argue all day about the “correct” response, I always opt to smile and respond with a jolly…

Christmas for reverts to Islam can be awkward if you’re the only Muslim person in your immediate family. Last year, I gave birth to my child a week before Christmas and was staying at my parents’ home. During that time I had no desire to talk to anyone since I was so focused on my son….

The first time I encountered a traumatizing moment that had to do with my identity was when I was in seventh grade. My hijab was stripped off my head by two male eighth graders and I was speechless. I felt my heart shatter as I ran to the bathroom sobbing. I was humiliated, embarrassed and…

Written by Layla Elabed.   “Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil” that must be the motto when society thinks about the marginalization of women and girls. Gender-based violence is a worldwide epidemic that women and girls suffer at disproportionate rates because of patriarchal, misogynic, sexist, and oppressive societal and cultural norms that…

Every time I walk into a Planned Parenthood clinic, I feel a little on edge. I could blame it on the location, and how it’s hidden away out of the public eye. Or on the protesters, who are often standing outside with signs. Or even on the high level of security, which makes me go…