iMuslim.tv

Wanted: Single White Female (Muslims)

// August 23rd, 2011 // 7 Comments » // Blog

I saw the following advertised in the weekly Islamic Events UK email:

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED FOR DOCUMENTARY ON CAUCASIAN MUSLIM FEMALES

The BBC World Service, Heart and Soul series, is making a programme on Caucasian Female Muslim converts to Islam over the last 10 years since 9/11. We are looking for Muslim sisters happy to share their own personal experiences of converting into a faith which has been on the political agenda over the past decade. The basis of this programme is to mark 9/11 by celebrating these personal, spiritual journeys. The programme will be broadcast on radio internationally.

For further information please contact:
E-mail: saba.zaman[@]bbc.co.uk / kristine.pommert[@]bbc.co.uk
Tel: 020 7557 3144 / 020 7557 3048

Okay, so the 'White Female Muslims' don't have to be single. Catchy titles are hard to resist.

I wonder what other programming to expect around the 10th anniversary of 9/11? Honestly, I'd prefer the hermit life over those coming few days. And I'm not even in the US – God help my American brethren.

My Big Day Out

// July 27th, 2009 // 7 Comments » // Blog

As I mentioned in my last status update, Thursday 23rd July ended up being quite a productive day for me, māshā’Allāh. For a start, I was actually active between the normal working hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm. Amazing! I didn't even manage that during my PhD.

The day involved two major meetings, each relating to the two main projects that currently dominate my unemployed life: Deaf Muslim initiatives (e.g., SignLabs), and blogging. As the content of both meetings was pretty much confidential, I'll skip the details, and just describe the basic aims.

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To HD or Not to HD…?

// February 20th, 2009 // 16 Comments » // Blog

Mujahideen Ryder brought up a good point on my MuslimMatters crosspost about the drawbacks of HD video. Something I happened to be thinking about just last night:

What The BBC Don’t Want You To See

// January 27th, 2009 // No Comments » // Blog

Donate to the DEC Gaza Appeal.

Hat-tip to Media Guy

Media Guy Revealed

// November 20th, 2008 // 3 Comments » // Photos

This evening, I attended a poetry reading organized by Soul City Arts. I dragged Media Guy along to help me film the event, in addition to an interview I conducted with the main performing artist, Amir Sulaiman. We were joined by my good friend, erm… I have yet to think of a blog handle for her!

Anyway… after carrying a bunch of heavy duty equipment across East London, debating American racial politics, and eating a good dinner, poor Media Guy collapsed into an ocean of velvet, and felt absolutely no shame in snoozing in full view of the surrounding public!

Black, hooded thobe >> Grim Reaper catching some Zees.

I guess young media guys can get away with these things… {smiles}

A Leech is Born

// November 14th, 2008 // 8 Comments » // Blog

I assigned myself the somewhat derogatory title of “The Leech” during my PhD years, when I noticed a potentially annoying personal behaviour.

When faced with a problem, I used one of two 'extreme' paths in my search for a solution.

Where I suspected that I knew enough to fix the problem myself, I was very secretive, independent, and head strong. Even if someone offered me advice (though it would not have been requested), I'd politely listen to them, but in my head I was thinking:

“Yeah, yeah, I already knew that.

“No, that won't work.

“Please, just let me get on with it!”.

I think it had something to do with trying to 'prove' myself; either to my supervisors, or just as an ego rush. This behaviour lead to me wasting six months on an experiment, that never yielded any results. I kept repeating and repeating the assay, and I would report my work regularly, but I never actually thought to sit down and talk to someone about why I was failing so consistently; I was that determined to solve the problem myself.

One supervisor openly chastised me for this, and I think the embarrassment from that experience, combined with the frustration of having clearly wasted so much time, caused me to swing the other way completely. Thus, 'the Leech' was born.

Now, every time I had a problem, even a tiny one, I would seek human intervention. It didn't matter whether there were manuals written on the subject, or in-depth how-tos posted online; I still needed reassurance from someone more experienced in that field, to make sure that I didn't mess up to that extent again. I am surprised no-one ran away from me in the hall ways, screaming:

“Noooo… I have given all I have to give! You have sucked my brain dryyyy!”.

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Welcome President Elect Barack Hussain Obama

// November 5th, 2008 // 7 Comments » // Blog

Okay, I'll admit… I am happy that Obama won. McCain's concession speech was dignified. Muslim “democracies” could learn a lesson from that aspect of the campaign.

Now, can I go to bed please?

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, inshā’Allāh.

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, inshā’Allāh 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!).