Published inILLUMINATION·PinnedMuslim Women Writers’ WorkshopWho is telling our stories? And how? We better be the ones to do it. — I am so bored with the breaking stereotypes mantra when it comes to Muslim women and their stories. This was the reason Zakia Iman Shabbaz founded the Muslim Women Writers’ Workshop. To create a place where Muslim women can meet, learn, and write together, and in sha Allah publish. Our…Publishing2 min readPublishing2 min read
Published inQueen’s Children·PinnedMember-onlyAn Inspiration to DinnerFeeding others is like feeding your spirit. — Every time my friend, JJ comes over, she brings her own snacks-chips, biscuits, and juicy juices. It’s so funny to me. She also brings her kids who have no interest in kale and strawberry smoothies, plain popcorn, or any other of our lame snacks. …Islam2 min readIslam2 min read
Published inQueen’s Children·PinnedWhy I Use Islamic Words and Phrases in My WritingIt’s my way of spreading some love and blessings. — During his presidential candidate debate with Trump, Biden, used the word Inshallah, as a sort of pejorative, meaning, ‘Yeah, right, it will never happen,’ when Trump was asked will he show his tax papers. And while many in the Arab world used Inshallah as a way of saying, “No,” both…Spirituality3 min readSpirituality3 min read
Published inILLUMINATION·PinnedWho Knew Mariah Carey’s Life Was Such a Train Wreck?From chaotic home life to dealing with Jim Crow-like racism in the heart of Long Island, New York, this woman has paid in full for her Diva status. — I have to admit, I am not part of the Lambily, Mariah Carey’s name for her most dedicated fans, yet, for anyone like me, who came up in the 90s, her music is the soundtrack of our lives. …Mariah Carey5 min readMariah Carey5 min read
Published inILLUMINATION·Sep 7Black Effigies: A Short History of The Murder of Black Men in AmericaWith the 2024 US elections coming up, politicians are going to be looking for the Black vote, time, let’s hold them accountable before we press the lever. This was originally published in New India in 2013 Crispus Attucks Day Waay back in the day, I was little, in the capital of the Black…Black Politics9 min readBlack Politics9 min read
Sep 6Member-onlyEid Flesh FlashA Modest Muslim Rant — This Eid, flashing was in fashion. Bellies, bums, and busts were out everywhere. For those of you who do not know. Eid is a Muslim celebration that comes twice a year. Once, at the end of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr and the other Eid al Adha, the commemoration of Ibrahim…Modest Clothing3 min readModest Clothing3 min read
Published inWriters and Editors of Color Magazine·Jun 8Writer and Muslim and Woman?In the valley of the popularly believed to be oppressed, whose gonna let this yearning mass to breathe free? — Muslim women are writers too. This idea was lost on some who read my last post about the Muslim Women’s Writers’ Workshop International. Someone wrote, “Finally, you all have a chance to break the chains of oppression.” I scoffed. MWWWI, was founded in 2005 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. At first we were a small group of six or seven. Mostly friends of the founder, Umm Faiza, who wanted some writing company. And company she did find. So now, eighteen years later it is still going.Muslim Women1 min readMuslim Women1 min read
Published inILLUMINATION·Nov 13, 2022Member-onlyAi-Da, the Paint Slinging Robot, Could Mean the End of Human Art and CultureWhy not have her try her skills on the battlefield and save a life or two instead of playing Picasso? — In the October 27, 2022 edition of the National, Hareth Al Bustani’s play on Descartes’ phrase, “I think, there for I am,” in reference to the paintbrush wielding robot Ai-Da and its thoughts on how human it can be, is problematic on many accounts. Firstly, just think what could happen…Techonotlgy4 min readTechonotlgy4 min read
Sep 27, 2022I just listened and I am still scared, not of the tech, but the billionairesI just listened and I am still scared, not of the tech, but the billionaires1 min read1 min read
Jun 5, 2022What Killed the Neighborhood Busybody?And along with her, a face to face newsfeed? Back in the day keeping up with the goings on in your neighborhood was a full time job. …Society4 min readSociety4 min read
