What do Islam and the song genre known as “the blues” have in common? Maybe more than you thought, actually. Watch this video to find out how Islam — and of course, Black Muslims — influenced the blues as we know it today. As the world begins to reckon with its whitewashing of history and…
Tag islam
Who Were Some of the Black Companions of the Prophet?
Black Muslims have been pivotal in the spread of Islam, both in past and present days. Yet, the knowledge of the everyday Muslim regarding Black history and Islam rarely stretches beyond Bilal ibn Rabah (a key figure in the early age of Islam). The following individuals, present during Islam’s earliest days, were key to the…
The Islamic Attitude Towards Race and Racism
Islam established racial equality, declaring all people to be equal in the sight of God. At the end of Prophet (saw) farewell sermon he stated, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority…
To Our Non-Black Friends: Your Black Friends Are Exhausted
I don’t want to be eloquent today; I don’t want to code switch or tone it down or be the diluted brand of Black that is easiest for you to digest. I don’t want my safety or acceptance or respect to be dependent on how well spoken I am, how well I assimilate, how well…
This Matchmaking Experience Exposed the Inherent Anti-Blackness Amongst Millennial Muslims
Bismillah. A few months ago, according to Netflix, 1.5 million viewers became infatuated with the Netflix Original Series Love Is Blind. I saw the memes, but I purposely didn’t want to watch it because I didn’t think it would be worth my time. One day, I decided, “What the heck, why not?” and gave it…
Why We Need to Learn the Difference Between Culture and Religion
In this TED talk, Turkish journalist Mustafa Akyol discusses how certain cultural traditions are sometimes confused for being part of Islam, when they have no Islamic basis. Check it out above, and let us know what you think. Why do you think it’s important to learn to differentiate between culture and religion?
This Ramadan, I Prayed for the First Time in Two Years
Author’s note: This personal essay is based on my own experiences. This is not me preaching from a soapbox. Instead, this is my attempt to muddle through some incredibly complex feelings and experiences. Perhaps along the way, I’ll be able to offer a relatable moment to anyone who may share my experiences. Three days ago,…
Why I’ve Been Praying in My Boyfriend’s Bedroom
As my boyfriend went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and get ready for the night, I quickly pulled a hoodie over my bare head and began to pray as fast as I could. With each prostration, I found myself begging for forgiveness. I hated the days he would come back faster than I…
Why South Asian Cultures Need to Embrace Public Displays of Affection
Did the title intrigue you enough to read further? Let’s talk about one of the scenarios which might be familiar if you come from a South Asian background. It is very common in departure lounges of airports while families are seeing their loved ones off that there’s an emotional exchange of hugs and goodbyes that…
Are Science and Religion Actually Not as at Odds As We Think?
In today’s world, one of the most debated topics is the relationship between science and religion, which often clash. For example, the popular question of natural evolution versus guided evolution has been hotly debated for centuries. Yet, science and religion can come together, as is taught in Islam. On March 7th, I had the opportunity…
A Muslim Girl’s Plea for Self-Care of the Soul
It this poetic musing, Muslim Girl writer Jessica Daqamsseh reflects upon self-care for the soul during these anxious times. She asks the vital question, “We talk so much about self-care in terms of rest, spa days, eating right, and exercise — but how do we nourish our souls?” What do you do when the world…
Meet Stephanie Kurlow, the Trailblazer Looking to Become the World’s First Professional Hijabi Ballerina
Recently, MuslimGirl.com caught up with 18-year-old ballerina, Stephanie Kurlow. She began dancing at the tender age of 2, and is currently training to become the world’s first headscarf-donning professional ballerina. Here’s what this trailblazer had to say about her life, dance career, and being a Muslim woman in a space that hasn’t typically seen many…
What Does the Quran Say About Mental Health?
This wonderful series, courtesy of Sheikh Ibrahim Hindy and Naseeha, a toll-free mental health hotline and digital space for young Muslims, highlights the sensitivity with which the Quran approaches mental health. We were not created as angels, but as entities with free will, and as such, we feel and emote deeply. Shouldn’t we get to…
What Does Islam Teach Us About Responding to Issues Like the Coronavirus Outbreak?
As the coronavirus continues to spread and the number of verified cases increases in areas that are newly hit (or just now gaining access to proper testing), the media has been ablaze with various reports regarding the virus. Did you know that Islam, which provides a set of guidelines for Muslim to live by, has…
6 Self-Care Suggestions During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Okay, so I don’t know about you, but I feel like running around in circles screaming. The schools are closed, and all events are cancelled. Everything is upended and in chaos. As a mental health professional, I thought I’d share a few self-care tips to help you stay sane (and calm!) during the coronavirus pandemic….