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 MG StaffIn a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations were people capable of exercising religion. This ruling came about when Hobby Lobby argued that its Christian beliefs were being violated by the Affordable Care Act, which covers contraceptives in its insurance plans. The Court sought to remedy this grave injustice by establishing that a…
By Laila AlawaThe undercurrents of this issue have been rumbling throughout the community this past year, and it’s time someone got up and spoke up about it. Granted, don’t read this if you’re looking for something sugary sweet and devoid of reality. I don’t have time to waste when it comes to an issue as tangible, problematic…
By Guest BloggerIf home were a Twitter hashtag, I found mine this week at #lifeofamuslimfeminist. This hashtag that started on Friday by @YxxngHippie unintentionally picked up momentum by gathering voices of Muslim Women from around the world. The tweets intersected a variety issues that reflect the diversity of the Muslim women identity. I found solace in the…
By Guest BloggerThere is an unfair gender distribution within the American Muslim community. The burden of representing the entire American Muslim community has been hoisted on hijabis, or women who chose to wear hijab, the Islamic head covering. While we as covered Muslim women fight to convince the American public that the hijab is our choice, the…
By Sarah AgerA Christian Student in the UK. A Muslim Teacher in Italy. What could possibly unite these two people? Well, they both happen to be snapshots of my own life. My past and present. I was raised as a Christian in the UK and converted to Islam just over two years ago while living in Italy….
By BismaHaving just graduated with a masters in mental health, I feel like I need to educate those around me about how important it is. Sadly most of us over look issues having to do with our mental health. When we have issues with our physical health we usually go for a check up to our…
By Laila AlawaShe has all the general trappings of your typical superhero: standing up for the weak and defenseless, she’s always there to save the day. She’s always there when you most need her, and she has some awesome swordsmanship skills. She’s your typical badass crime-fighter. But wait. Qahera’s not like everyone else. Something makes Qahera different:…
By Guest BloggerAs a survivor of violence and in the process of healing, I wrote this poem in a form that it tells my story of resilience and to encourage many others that in difficulty that there comes an ease. I hope to those who read this story understands that each of us were given us a…
By yusraWe all have that one huge essential in our closet, whether it’s a bag, scarf, or dress. Mine is a simple black maxi skirt. I don’t know what I’d do without it — I wear it so many different ways! So I thought, what’s a better way to show you all how I styled it…
By amina*WARNING: This article contains information that may be sensitive, and might not be suitable for some readers. MuslimGirl believes it is important not to shy away from such topics, and discusses them openly in hopes of providing knowledge and inciting further research. Zaynab’s* period is 5 days long and comes every 28 days. She gets…
By SaraWe so often hear about the firsts in every sport, but the Speed Sisters are little known to even us Palestine advocates. The Speed Sisters are the first all-women Palestinian automobile racing team of both Muslims and Christians, who formed in 2009 when the British Consulate in Jerusalem funded a race car for them. They…
By HabeebaWith Ramadan and Eid officially over and summer not far behind, we find ourselves getting back into the routine of our non-fasting, non-Taraweeh-praying schedules. On Eid, the Imam at the prayer I attended reminded the congregation: Eid is not the day to break the connection established with Allah during the month of Ramadan; rather, Eid…
By Laila AlawaI remember when I first wanted to be a boy. I was eight years old — and back then, my father would take me with him to attend Jummah at our small mosque. My brothers weren’t yet old enough to pay attention to the khutbah, so I relished the role of being the “chosen one,”…
By GiselleBorn in Colombia and educated in the states, Adriana Contreras just finished her last year at Oklahoma University. When she arrived in the United States, she took English courses to help with the language barrier. It was then and there that she met Muslims in her class. One day they began talking about religion and…
