Modern Muslim life beyond the headlines.
By Syeda Maah-Noor AliSaudi Arabia has recently devised a plan to launch robots that will be stationed at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The role of the robots will be to recite the Holy Quran and deliver sermons to the millions of Muslims that visit the holy site. The launch is a component of a wider “strategic plan”…
By Zainab HussainThe art of henna, or mehndi, has been a widely practiced Islamic tradition in parts of South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for over 5,000 years. While we are accustomed to see henna designs on brides, it actually has great Islamic significance. Additionally, both men and women can use henna because of its health…
By Evette JahangiriThe 2022-2023 school year is well under way for thousands of students across the nation. With it, many are hoping for a year of renewal and change. Broadly defined, universities are obligated to provide their students with reasonable religious accommodations so they can practice their respective faith. The first amendment of the constitution includes the…
By Iman Mohamed7-hour detentions. Documented abuse in madrasahs. After school sessions and no homework completed. Learning the Quran as a child can be challenging for so many reasons. To be frank, one main reason is the pedagogy. As Yasmin Mogahed once mentioned in a lecture, “We teach our kids what to fear. This is halal and this…
By Khan Waqas & Basit ParrayThere is a place in Kashmir, called Srinagar, known as Zero Bridge, that connects the residency road area directly to Rajbagh. Rajbagh is a bustling hub for coaching centers, where many teenagers go for their academic studies. When I was traveling there, I witnessed a handful of girls wearing outfits that resembled Korean fashion. Throughout…
By Lily Syahirah Ramlan“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” Dalai Lama Ah, traveling fills the soul and nourishes the spirit to explore the hidden beauty of diversified cultures worldwide. Islam has taught us the essential Islamic etiquette when traveling for us to be the best version of ourselves when we set foot in a foreign…
By Hannah MesouaniI have been a proud Muslim for as long as I can remember. I have been proudly queer for just as long. Growing up in a progressive, mixed-faith, mixed-race home in Morocco, I had the privilege of simultaneously living in several worlds at once. My father, a Muslim man who lived with integrity, kindness, and…
By Evette JahangiriRecently, the Muslim community in Albuquerque, New Mexico was shaken by the murders of four Muslim men — three of whom were Shia Muslims. The victims, Mohammad Ahmadi, Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, Aftab Hussein, and Naeem Hussain were all killed in “ambush-style shootings.” On August 9, 2022, police in Albuquerque arrested 51-year-old Afghan Immigrant Muhammad Syed….
By Asiya BharadiaThere has always been chatter and discussion about the “evil eye” in our communities. We hear our elders warning us to take care of our prized possessions in case someone casts an evil eye on them. We get advised to reduce speaking about our accomplishments or achievements to others because they might get jealous and…
By Zainab KhanContent warning: This article discusses violence against women and intimate partner violence, as well as spiritual abuse. If you are being abused or neglected, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit their website; please keep in mind that many abusers monitor web usage, and access resources as safely as you can. …
By Aiyah AdamInfertility is a broad term with a rather simple definition: inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse. Perhaps in hushed tones, you’ve overheard the phrase being murmured about a family member. Infertility is a diagnosis that is common, affecting 1 out of every 8 women. Yet, it is one of those conditions that…
By Asiya BharadiaSummer has finally returned to the Northern Hemisphere of the world, and that means holidays! People from all over the globe are gearing up to take the trip of a lifetime, and after living in lockdown and going through a global pandemic, everyone is ready to put on a pair of sunglasses and board the…
By Zainab KhanHave you ever thought about how being born a Muslim is already such a blessing? Do you think why you were chosen to be a Muslim? Why you? How did you earn this? Islam is the most beautiful religion and there is no doubt about that. You will notice the extensive use of the word…
By Zoha RazaSpringtime of 2022 was approaching. It had been two years since the pandemic first began, and COVID-19 became a normal word in our vocabulary. I’d grown accustomed to hearing about people getting COVID, how they would be a bit sick, and then back to normal for a few days. I had not been infected and…
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,…
