The Censorship of South Park and Our Culture's Courage

One of the most well written articles I have ever read. Its moving, to the point, and makes it very clear that Islam and Muslims do not agree with this extremist.

Toonzone article

Be aware, there are political cartoons of the Prophet in the article.

What is "Clothing of the Unbelievers" ?

Reading This Post from Hegab Rehab brought this back to mind. A lot of the girls comment about not wearing the clothing of the "unbelievers". What is that exactly? Some will say all Western clothing because most think westerners don't believe in God at all or are Agnostic. Some will say clothing with loud prints or color. Some will say anything that isn't an abaya/jilbab. Some will say only Arab clothing/ Indian clothing is any good. Some will say no pants! They say we can't wear certain kinds of clothing because then we look like these people who don't believe in God and look "not Muslim".

Which always brings this to my head since they love to tell us we can't wear Western clothes since it makes us look like an unbeliever. My answer is: you think shalwar kameez is appropriate clothing right? Hindus wear shalwar kameez and they are polytheist. So wouldn't that make you look both like a non-muslim and a polytheist? I certainly think Hindu before Muslim when I see an Indian woman in a Shalwar Kameez.

Seriously though, I think it actually means to not go so far off base that no one would even believe you are Muslim if they looked at you. If you are running around in a mini skirt and tube top with your hair down and lots of makeup then you say to someone "I'm a Muslim" no one will believe you. You don't look like one and the behavior contradicts every hijab ruling of the Qur'an. You look like an "unbeliever". You might not be an unbeliever, but you look like one because you are ignoring every rule laid out for you by the Qur'an. You look like you don't believe in the rulings God gave you. I really think this is what that means. Not "no Western clothing". Because even if you don't wear a scarf but follow all the other modesty requirements you can still look like a believer. Some will obviously disagree (Please no more hadiths or Ayahs Ive seen them all), but if you take hijab into your heart and dress modestly you can still be more a believer than one who walks the walk but does not talk the talk so to speak. Looking like you follow hijab is not enough: you have to follow it with your heart too.

What do you all think?

Circle 4'23'10

Last night they talked about making time for Allah (swt). And I realized how, before Islam, I made very little time for God. How I was barely aware of God, not like I am now. Now I am aware of God all the time, trying to get closer. I think the issue before was I didn't know how and Islam has showed me how to do so. YAY for that!

But unfortunately my issue is not the religion. I am starting to wonder if there are just too many cultural things weaved into Islam. So many that I'm not sure I can ever fit. Yes I have a couple convert friends and they are a gift from God but listening to all of them talk yesterday left me with a feeling of dread. Dread that I will never be able to function in this heavily biased culture. A couple of us went to get something to eat and they were talking about marriage. One girl mentioned how we should branch out into different cultures. How she has a friend who has been trying to marry this Arab guy for 3 years but because she is Indian his parents won't let him marry her; and they are perfect for each other. To my surprise, the other agreed with the parents! They said that it is probably best to stay within your culture because it just makes life easier and the parents won't make your life hell over it. And I thought to myself "Then who are the converts suppose to marry if you and your fiancee and the families all have to be the same culture?" But I also realized that even though these people are wonderful, they barely socialize with people outside their culture. That is also a major Islamic issue. They won't even branch out to talk to other Muslims from other cultures. And don't get me started on the Sunni Shia thing. My convert friend told me a story about how his wife and him went to an iftar dinner at a friends and when prayer came the husband of the friend found out my friend was Shia. He promptly kicked them out!!!!

*sigh* maybe Islam is mostly culture. And thus, if you are not Eastern, you are kinda outta luck until an American chapter fully opens up.

Boobquake

Salon.com

I love the journalist's response to this rather backwards cause. Cause she is 100% right. Lets objectify ourselves to show we are free...uhuh ok, welcome to Western feminism where less clothes = more free.

Right.

Tired of the South Park BS

Ok...I've had it! I spent over an hour at work trying to explain to people that Muslims DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS EXTREMIST!!!! Most Muslims, do not think the writers from South Park should die! Of all the stupid ignorant BS I've heard! Somehow, one guy's opinion becomes everyone. Then, I get on DA and one of my favorite artists is posting the article and everyone is bashing ALL MUSLIMS again. How did this ONE GROUP become EVERYONE!

And why is it that the real Muslims are not saying something!? Why are they not saying "We disagree that the writers should be killed but we do think the cartoon was uncalled for. However, this guy is wrong and we do not support his actions against the writers." Why is no one coming out in the open and saying this? Why do Muslims stay so quiet and not stand up for themselves. They hide in the shadows and do nothing. I don't get it. If you don't say anything people will just assume its true. Heck, I'm wondering if its true sometimes I hear it so often and I have an education in Islam. You just hear about these things so often.....

I can't take it anymore. I just can't take the idiocy, on both sides. I want out. If I don't convert it will be because of things like this. Because I cannot live my life constantly defending myself to everyone, everyday because of a few stupid extremist idiots who feel they have to kill everyone who does something they don't like.

I've really had enough with all the hate.

It Hurts My Heart

I've really had enough at this point. I'm tired of groups going out of their way to publicly humiliate another knowing full well its going to cause them great pain. I'm tired of sects fighting with each other, doing so much internal damage that its not a wonder that no one can fix the external damage. I'm tired of so called "clerics" of all religions making absurd rulings that do a ton of damage to the people that follow the religion; one because they are believing false things and two people from outside the religion will think that is the truth. I'm tired of culture, on both sides. I'm tired of no one taking the time to understand each other. If we all just stopped and tried to find out what the other is about all these conflicts could be on their way to finding a solution. But we can't seem to take that time to learn. To remove our predjudice and learn. Knowledge is one of the greatest gifts God gave us. Why do we refuse to use it? Why do we not use our intellect as God intended?

Why do we spend so much time on trying to hurt each other when there are so many things we need to do in this world?! God put us here for a reason! He brought the prophets for a reason! We are here to help take care of His earth. To help Him care for it, nurture it. We are not doing that. We are destroying it by destroying ourselves.

May God have mercy on us all....we're going to need it.

Immodesty Causes Earthquakes

Salon.com

And this is why the US cannot find much respect for Islam. Every time some "cleric" says something like this we go two steps back. And it happens A LOT. And this is purely non-sense and and frankly makes Muslims look rather stupid.

Oh Tehran, why? You are better than that....I hope.

Morning Prayer Song

By Islam Salaam

This is just so lovely.

Review: Even Angels Ask

Title: Even Angels Ask *****

Author: Jeffery Lang

Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Advice (copyright 1997)

Audience: For those on the fence between converting and not converting to Islam. The "Second Generation" American Muslims who need to take a look at how to understand their faith in America. For all Muslims, especially first generation, so they can see the damage that has been done to the Ummah.

Content:

"Even Angels Ask" covers three major points on converting: Why people convert, why people, who seem to love and thrive in Islam, do not covert, and lastly why people leave Islam. Jeffery Lang uses his own life stories to illustrate his points beautifully and can make the convert and "pre-convert" feel like they are not alone; in fact, someone understands them completely. His sub-theme is that of the condition of the Muslim Ummah and how it drastically needs a second look. He goes into depth about the issues of Middle-Eastern culture verses the religion and how Muslims need to start taking a second look at what they are really doing. That they need to look at their behavior and realize they are harming their Ummah.

Opinion:

This book touch me deeply. It is definitely in the top 5 best books I have ever read. Jeffery Lang tells his story in such an honest fashion that one easily identifies with his short comings and revelations. He beautifully describes the human struggle for faith; how it is never ending regardless of your religious faith. Professor Lang talks at length about the need for tolerance in the Ummah. It did not surprise me that one of the main reasons converts leave Islam or people choose not to convert is the feeling that the Ummah pushed them out, that they were unwanted due to their culture or differences in interpretation. He also talks about the great difficulties of being Muslim in America, the prejudice, hatred, and discrimination felt by many (especially women) in American society. Written in 1997, the book covers the treatment of Muslims prior to 9/11. I was shocked to see that before 9/11 things were actually worse than they are now. I didn't even know what a Muslim was in 1997, but apparently they were being horribly treated in this country much like the Jews in the 1940's and 1950's. Unwanted, ridiculed, and put down. The difference, as Jeffery Lang explains, was that the Muslim community was also attacking itself causing even greater unrest in the Ummah than we have today. He has countless stories of groups (even groups within Sunni or Shia schools) not allowing others to come into the mosque. he tells a story of how three women converts wanted to come to prayer at the mosque and the men were so vile the women gave up: none of these women remained Muslim.

This is a beautiful book and I recommend it especially to those on the fence about converting. It touched my heart and made me realize that I am not alone in how I feel. That countless people go through what I am going through everyday and it is ok. It is ok to be afraid of the Ummah, of your society, of the pressures of people. It is natural. That even if you have a religious family it is possible to reconcile after conversion. But most importantly, regardless of what religion you choose, God loves you.

If you like this you may like: Anger - Thich Naht Hanh, No God But God - Reza Aslan, When Bad Things Happen To Good People - Harold Kushner, Struggling to Surrender - jeffery Lang

Vintage Hijabi

I've been watching a lot of Mad Men. Oh how I wish we still dressed that way. So classy, so sophisticated. No plugging necklines, rediculously tight skirts (unless you're Joan). Just class class class.

Watching Mad Men has put me into a vintage phase again. I love vintage and I have a few vintage dresses in my wardrobe. My favorites are the maxi dresses from the 60s and 70s. Here are a few I found on ebay. Maybe they will inspire you to go retro :)

I just bought this one. I'm in love with the jacket. Oh so many things I can do! And I got it for under $20USD!

I'm considering this one as well. Although it will involve some sewing as its too big but I can get it for under $30! Its just so cool. I love the neckline.

Fun and Flirty. Pair it with a cardigan and you are all set.

I love the sleeves and how it drapes.

Happy Shopping

Upsy Daisy: Yusuf Islam

This has to be one of the cutest things I have ever seen!!!!!

Even Angels Ask: How Did You Become Muslim?

Pg 143

Perhaps the simplest and truest statement we can offer is this: At one special moment of our lives - a moment that we could never have foreseen when we were younger - God, in His infinite knowledge and kindness, had mercy on us. Maybe he saw in us a need so great, a pain so deep, or an emptiness so vast. An maybe, He also saw in us a readiness. However, He made it come to be, to Him we are eternally thankful. Truly, all praise and thanks belong to God.

I think this can go for anyone who finds their religion or converts to another. For anyone that finds their way. Subhannallah!

The Mustard Yellow Dress

I handed over my favorite dress to a friend today for a formal event. Its mustard yellow silk with a slight sheen. It comes just below the knee cut in a style similar to what Joan on Mad Men often wears; timeless, beautiful, and elegant. And as I handed this dress over to my very excited friend I realized something:

I will never get to wear this dress again if I become a muslim.

The shock hit me like a ton of bricks. I won't wear this dress again. This gorgous, modest by American standards dress. This dress I love. I realized there were a few other skirts that come just below the knee and other dresses I also won't be able to wear because Islam does not consider tights to be proper lower leg covering. I realized that many of my gorgous, modest long semi-formal dresses will never be worn without a cardigan over them. That the beautiful details at the neck and shoulders, the parts that make the dress, will never be seen. My heart sank when I realized that my choice will be taken away from me. Right now, modesty is a choice. But as a muslim, its an obligation. And I wonder if, as an obligation, it will eventually become a burden. A bitter, unhappy burden. All because it is no longer my choice.

In "Even Angels Ask" Jeffery Lang talks about how much more difficult converting to Islam is for women mostly due to two factors: foreign cultural standards in the Islamic community and the drastic physical changes a muslim woman convert has to make. He mentions that the Islamic community should lighten up so to speak when involving female converts. That they should be sympathetic when she cannot wear the veil or feels the need to wear tights so she can put on her favorite skirt that is only a few inches too short. He emphasizes the need for understanding, support and balance all of which are not present for converts in the majority of muslim communities. THANK GOD the community I am in is so supportive. Insha'Allah I will get the opportunity to thank them when I give a speech in the coming months.

So what I wonder from any of you is: Did modesty become a burden once it became an obligation?

Even Angels Ask: Women Converts

Even Angels Ask By Jeffery Lang pg 98

When a man converts to Islam he may be considered eccentric, a little strange, an independent thinker, a rebel, perhaps even breave; but when it comes to women converts, the hand that rocks the cradle commits cultural treason. Every society seems to pin its honor, traditions, and stability on its women, so that when a female steps out of line, all hell breaks loose. The female convert to Islam, much more than her male counterpart, becomes caught in a cultural tug of war in which she becomes the rope, a both societies - the dominant western and the traditional Islamic subculture residing in it - fight to assert themselves in opposing women who see much that is positive to Islam to remain non-Muslim and many others who embrace the religion to keep apart from the Islamic community.

100% so true

Primo Moda

Has anyone bought anything from Primo Moda? I'm trying to figure out their sizing. Like usually, a size 38 does not measure a 32.5" chest. I'm a bit confused. Anyone have any experiences with this store?

Greatest Commerical Ever!

UbyKotex Reality Check commercials are brilliant - PopWrap



Watch it, its so true.

Islam 101: Dress Code

I haven't been holding out on all of you. Not a lot has happened at the school. But this past weekend we had a little discussion on dress code. And it didn't focus on us, it focused on the boys! I really thought he was going to go on and on about what women have to do but he never once mentioned our requirements. It was really refreshing. I get so tired of hearing men telling women what to wear and not to wear.

Br. S talked about how clothes reflect who you are as a person and you should dress how you want people to perceive you. Part of the purpose of hijab is to make sure we (men and women) are perceived in a positive light. One should always be clean, presentable, and ready to make a good impression. One should not choose clothes merely to attract attention or to present his or her self as a status symbol. That is haraam.

Your clothing directly effects your behavior. So does the media. Look at the kids who are into rap. They wear baggy pants belted at their thighs (how they can walk I do not know) with chains and over sized t-shirts. This person may not be a thug who wants to have some Courvoisier and get busy with the ladies but that is the impression you get because that is what the music promotes. You need to dress who you are, not what the media says is cool.

Gentlemen, you do have physical hijab. Now, a lot of it is recommended but still good to do. Do not go out shirtless and try not to wear shorts. It is better for you if you do not do these things. No tight closes, this is mandatory. No tight t-shirts or skinny jeans. Your jeans should be loose but you wouldn't want them tight anyway. Uncomfortable! When you are older, try to have a little facial hair as it is highly recommended for you. No big gold chains or flashy jewelry, leave the jewels to the ladies. Dress presentable at all times and you will be successful.

You need to dress as though you value yourself. If you do not respect yourself how can you expect others to respect you?

Churidar

I thought I would share these with you all since the weather is getting warmer in the West. These lovely tights are called churidar. They are very popular in India and Pakistan, often worn with extra long kameez or mid calf dresses. They are adorable and 10 times more comfortable than leggings. Why are they more comfortable?

As you can see, they are not fitted in the hip area allowing comfortable space and air flow. They don't even begin to get tight till the knee. I LOVE these. They are super cute with just about anything. The scrunching effect also hides a little of the leg shape making them more modest than regular tights. I just love how they look.

This ebay seller has a large selection for good price: Bollywood Styles. I ordered from her last year and had no problems. Make sure you look to find the $6.75 ones. They are free size so if you are tiny you might have to do a little sewing.

Happy Shopping

Burqa and Jeans

A conversation from work. FYI my co-worker has no idea I study Islam.

My Co-worker is looking at a beautiful short formal dress a friend brought to work. Its got a low back, low front, halter top with a skirt to the knee. Its bronze, shiny, and gorgeous.

CW: This dress is amazing! LK you should borrow this from her!

LK: Well um, maybe with you know a cardigan...and a higher back....and something in the front.

CW: Yeah you dress really conservative. It would look nice though.

LK: Yeah well I wouldn't....

CW: Maybe with a burqa and jeans!

Yeah....she really said that. And I died in a fit of laughter. Because its true.. except it would be an abaya and jeans.

I never really thought my clothes was that noticeable. But I guess when its 90 out and you are in a cardigan and maxi dress people notice your modest attire. And my style has now been dubbed "hippie chic".

It's Naked Time

It got to be almost 90 here. Know what that means?

Naked Time.

What is naked time? Its that time of the year when it gets so hot all the women practically run around naked. If it really was the summer, I would see them on the train in bikinis. Really. Bikinis. Without shorts, just the suit.... I wish I was kidding.

During this season is when I really think about hijab and how maybe it should be somewhat relative to culture. My friend mentioned an article she read today about a bunch of women who orchestrated a protest for women's equality by parading down the street with their shirts off, breasts exposed. Their thought was "If men can run around shirtless so can we!". So my friend and I discussed to what lengths would we have to go to actually make that work so it became equal and didn't cause such a stir.

Well first of all, more men would need to walk around shirtless. Very few do except for at the beach. Its very weird to see a man in a public place shirtless, although not completely uncommon. So that would have to happen to bring things to their definition of equal which is "Doing the exact same thing, in the exact same way, as the opposite sex".

Then you'd have to get women to agree to not wearing shirts. And somehow remove the billion year old concept that breasts are a private part of a woman's body. That its ok to show them. Yeah that's going to work REALLY well.

Its silly, it really is. But it made me think about "Naked Time" and how maybe hijab really should be more relative to culture. The way I dress I am considered ultra concervative and I still show my hair, neck, lower calf, and arm below the elbow. So imagine how out of place a full on hijabi must be on the modesty scale in the US. When women are running around half naked do you really have to be covered head to toe to achieve modesty?

Probably not. But that might not be the point. I cover up more than I need to because I refuse to give in to what society tells me is beautiful. That I can't be beautiful without first appealing to the sexual desire of the opposite sex. To counter that, I dress conservative but elegant. Beautiful like a princess. A confident but covered woman. I don't want to encourage this sexy=beautiful mentality. Its dangerous, and unfair.

Oh yeah and totally not equal.

Easter Aftermath

Sounds like a lot of us had very similiar Easter experiences :)

This is my second year going into Easter after studying Islam. It wasn't so bad this second time around. I realized right away I couldn't really participate. Its not like at Christmas. They are mostly songs and prayers of "YAY Jesus is here!" which Unitarian and Muslim wise is totally fine. Christmas is easy. Its just Jesus' birthday. But Easter is rough. I basically just sat or stood and took it all in. I observed. And it was the first time in a long time I enjoyed church. I wasn't trying to make myself believe anything anymore. I took it in for what it is: a beautiful expression of faith. Church is really a beautiful thing. If you've never been I highly recommend sitting in on a service. Its quite lovely. But I know I don't belong there. And I'm not going to ever be able to go back to trinitarian christianity. Even with my belief in the crucifixion, Easter mass was too difficult. So much praying to Jesus!

The priest actually talked about the people who believe the crucifixion didn't happen. His reasoning for why this has to be false was rather amusing. His reasoning was that St. Peter, St. Paul (not the apostle) and the rest of his followers were uneducated, simple, men who were mostly fishermen. They did not have the capacity to make up such an elaborate story! Which made me want to go: So Muhammad (as) simple, unlearned man who worked in the trade business. Not a writer, or an overly educated being. Just a regular man. And he alone brought the entire Qur'an. So shouldn't that mean, Mr. Priest, that the Qur'an is also true? Hmmmm? :)

I have gotten to the point where I consider myself Unitarian Christian. But I am not nearly ready to come out as a muslim. Its still hard for me to accept the immense responsibilities. So many things that weren't sins instantly become sins (Not being clothed head to toe, eating non halal foods, praying on your period, missing prayers, interaction with the opposite sex etc). So much added responsibility. Plus I realized how hard it could be with family who will never understand.

One step at a time.

Easter Triduum

I always think its a good idea to be aware of what other religions are up to.

Today is Holy Thurday, the beginning of the three holy days proceeding Easter Sunday. They would be: Holy Thurday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday. In a nutshell, Holy Thursday is the Last Supper, Good Friday is the crucifixion, Holy Saturday is the burial, and Easter Sunday is when Jesus rises.

For more info visit Wikipedia

BTW Passover is still going on as well.

HAPPY EASTER