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That’s It… I’ve Had Enough!

// October 31st, 2008 // 10 Comments » // Blog

The comment exchange on my very short MM post regarding the Global Peace & Unity event 2008 is a clear illustration of the exact reason why the organizers need to stop using music.

Sadly, not because of its impermissibility… or even because I may have lost a good percentage of my hearing over the weekend… seriously, what were the sound engineers thinking by putting the volume so loud?

No, because the issue of music – and how ridiculous is it that it has this ability? – divides the Ummah clean in two. In fact, if I am subjected to one more “Is music permissible in Islam?” debate, I may hurt someone.

Dear GPU people: if you are really all about the unity, you need to stop using music… so we can have some flippin’ peace!

Else, you may want to seriously think about a name change.

May Allah help me; that this of all things should be placed on my priority to-do list. Sigh…

The Need for Social Relevance

// October 30th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Blog

May Allah bless Imam Webb, and make him better, and better, and better, and have a long life! Ameen. And may He give us many more of his kind. In fact, may He make *us* the Imam Webbs of our own communities. Ameen thumma Ameen!

So, what’s your idea(s) for making your Islam more socially relevant? Write them in the comments. Be anonymous if you wish; let’s get those brains working! No point being inspired, if we don’t use the inspiration, right?

Then let us help each other to translate those ideas into action, insha’Allah.

Obama-Mania or Just Plain Nutty?

// October 30th, 2008 // 11 Comments » // Blog

How can Barack Obama claim he has the economy and the common people in mind, when he has spent an estimated $3,000,000 on a 30 minute infomercial?

He doesn’t even need the publicity!

As I’ve said elsewhere, he is potentially the lesser of two evils; but I question how wide that margin really is. It’s not the first time that a smooth talking, charismatic, handsome, young guy has screwed over an entire nation.

I don’t trust him.

I do understand why many Muslim Americans support him; but I think they need to keep the “love” in check.

Where did all his campaign millions come from? Let’s not be naive. You do remember that you guys supported Bush the first time round, right? Don’t let yourselves be bitten by the same hole twice…

All I mean is: I really hope you have some ‘plan B’s prepared for the very likely scenario that Obama will be changing his tune once in power, rather than the status quo.

McCain still sucks though!

GPU 2008: A Follow Up

// October 28th, 2008 // 21 Comments » // Blog

After a disastrous first day at the GPU 2008, I have to say, Sunday was a only, oh… a million times better! Alhamdulillah.

If you were at the GPU yesterday, and spotted a mad sister interviewing some “strange” people on camera – that was me! I can’t say too much, mainly because I want to save the juicy details for the article I plan to write, insha’Allah.

I took photos, and also met some interesting folks, including a couple of the MM shuyukh (link to my MM article to be inserted here within 24 hours, insha’Allah now LIVE).

I have to say, although the Islam Expo 2008 was so much more fun, in so many more ways, I did learn just as many lessons from my GPU experience, both from a professional and personal perspective.

Professional lessons

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Media Hypocrisy On The Female Image

// October 26th, 2008 // 10 Comments » // Blog

I’m sat here watching the News, trying to motivate myself into getting ready for the second day of the GPU. You’d think being a hijabi means I don’t have to concern myself too much with my “image” but you’d be wrong.

I wouldn’t say I spend hours agonizing over what to wear, or how to make sure the colour of my headscarf matches my shoes, which should also match my handbag, and shiny hijab pin. I only own a handful of handbags and shoes, which usually makes my choice simple: black, white or pink (c’mon, I’m a girl!).

Then I see a report that reminds me that McCain’s VP, Mizz Palin has spent $150K on a recent “makeover”. I remember being mildly shocked at the amount when I first heard it a few days ago, but this time my reaction was more sympathetic:
“Of course she did. Imagine the headlines if she was seen twice in the same outfit!”.

Though I could never agree with anyone burning that much cash on cloth, nor am I any kind of fan of Palin, she really is in between a rock and a hard place being a female public figure.

Male politicians are expected to wear suits, which all kinda look the same; the most daring mark of self expression and individuality being their choice of tie colour. As long as the shoes are smart, it matters little how much they cost, or how many times they’ve been worn.

But not for women. And here, female commentators are the worst. Positively bitchy! Whether it’s the fashion mags or the News at 10. Slim women are “anorexic” and blamed for poor body image amongst teens, but then are ripped to shreds when they put on a few pounds.

Shut up you silly mares! Honestly, get a real job! Stop bringing your own species down with your back biting and hypocrisy. Ergh!

Anyway, now I’m running late so I better head off. I’ll continue this rant another day (no doubt!).

GPU 2008: A Little Too Peaceful

// October 25th, 2008 // 5 Comments » // Blog

Islam Expo 2008: no media pass, no contacts, pretty much no clue! Yet a whole lot of fun and productivity.

GPU 2008: press passes, media contacts, insider shayookh, great equipment, simply: everything you’d need to rock this joint. Yet I have spent most of the day sat around waiting to be called for interviews that don’t transpire. I have to say, this really is the definition of “anti-climax”.

I wonder: is my intention off?

—

Read the update to this post: GPU 2008: A Follow Up

Romancing The Scholar

// October 18th, 2008 // 9 Comments » // Blog

It seems Muslim scholars of old knew how to make the ladies swoon… Seriously, if this doesn’t get you singletons sighing wistfully, and you marrieds gesturing blissfully at your spouses, I don’t know what will!

AE: She Was Asleep. I Kissed Her. She Awoke.

Protected: He Think He So Gangsta [RegOy]

// October 18th, 2008 // Enter your password to view comments. // Blog

Name Power

// October 17th, 2008 // 7 Comments » // Blog

My lesson for this evening:
The power of words;
More specifically,
Names.

My own name;
An identity of my own making.
A cause for new opportunities.
Now reduced in its capacity.

An old name;
Once a reason to be joyful,
But after a season of much angst,
Is unwanted and ignored.

A new name;
Cuts deep into tender underbelly,
Each time it’s flaunted at me.
An unknown taunt that haunts me.

A special name;
The kind that is kept secret,
Between two who love eachother,
For the sake of their Creator.

Truly there is a lesson
In the power of these words;
More specifically,
Names.

What’s your name power?

Too Dangerous For Facebook

// October 16th, 2008 // 15 Comments » // Blog

So, umm… my iMuslim UK Facebook profile has been deactivated.

I was really dumb, and contacted the admins about a technical problem I was facing, and I guess when they looked at my profile, they happened to notice that iMuslim UK doesn’t sound like a real name. Whoops.

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