| Book Review |
Sophia's Journal: Time Warp 1857
"Sophia's Journal: Time Warp 1857" is about a Muslim American teenager named Sophia Ahmed. Sophia is a regular girl who likes to hang out with her friends in Kansas city. Then one day, Sophia fell into a river during a family bike ride and was swept away into 1857! Sophia is taken in by the Sampsons, a kind pioneer family. Sophia is appalled to find out that one of her neighbors are slave owners, and she tries to rescue the slaves (one is a secret Muslim!). And that's only one of the adventures she encounters. But will Sophia ever get back to her time? |
| From The Eyes of a Hijabi |
For an endless period of time the hijab issue has been in the spot light in Pakistan as well as elsewhere in the world. ‘Hijabis’ may be considered to be extremists, oppressed, boring, and narrow minded, old fashioned and archaic. But the truth is that they are as much a part of this modern world as are the ‘modern people’. Today I will pen down for you what a life of a hijabi is and prove all the above mentioned accusations false. Being a product of the 21st century and a strong believer in covering up it will only be wise to address this issue with an open mind and heart. It is a fact that some women are forced against their will to cover their heads and naturally it is nothing but oppression and a means of putting an end to their freedom. That is what they feel. The other half however chooses to wear a scarf not only because it is obligatory but also because it provides them a sense of freedom, safety and security. First of all the veil is not a form of extremism. With the increase in terror over the years it is not a piece of cake to find out who is and who is not a terrorist or extremist. In the modern society there may be present people who support various forms of extremism; similarly there may also be present people in the so called Islamic society. That is however not for us to judge because there is always a probability. But talking in the true essence of Islam, the reason for a woman to cover may be many as mentioned earlier. Some feel safer and more secure. Others do it to fulfill the obligatory command. These reasons, I am sure a not a form for extremism. Unfortunately the prejudice against these women become off limits at times. As far as the element of oppression is concerned, undoubtedly many women are forced to wear the scarf, so they may feel that their freedom is taken away. However some women feel liberated under the folds of veil because it is a means of escaping the looks of lewd and lecherous men. In no way does it take away their freedom, in fact they have never felt freer. At the same time covering up does not mean that you put an end to all your activities and hobbies. We do everything you can possible think of. Our life is fun but in a slight different manner than those who do not take the veil We are all aware of the Arabic style of partying. Mostly their women sure do cover amongst men but in segregated functions they wear all the fashionable outfits you can possibly dream of. Else where in the world, for example in Europe, many of these women wear long and short dresses underneath the abayas, they wear jeans, shirts, skirts etc. The only difference is that their fashion is restricted to their immediate family members and all-girls gatherings, whereas others have different kind of restrictions and limitations. A common myth is that these women cover themselves at home as well, in front of their fathers and brothers, which is completely out of the question. It is surely not something that has been preached to us, nor do most of the women do that. A common myth amongst us is that women that cover themselves are boring, have a low sense of humor, are always talking religious talk and are narrow minded. I wear a head scarf and jilbaab and I assure you that I go out with friends have fun, joke around and do not constantly talk about Islam. It is surely one of the most ridiculous common beliefs as I come across a lot of covered women everyday that enjoy themselves whenever they get the opportunity and are the least narrow minded and archaic, in fact sometimes they turn out to be a lot more broad minded and enlightened then the so called ‘moderns’! These women even go out to restaurants and café. They go out with friends every once in a while to have a sip of hot cappuccino coffee in the freezing cold weather or a yummy Mama’s ice cream when the scorching sun is high. They may be covering themselves but that isn’t a hindrance in having a good time out. They like any other fashionista have a long list of shopping. Ones outer clothing does not define a person and that goes both ways. Just because a woman doesn’t cover herself doesn’t mean she is a bad person or outdated and vice versa. I was once watching a TV show where the fashion designer would design special abayaas for ladies. There are different colors, prints and embroideries; there is no rule that one has to stick to black! As a matter of fact colored and fancy abayaas as well as sports abayaas look very nice on non-segregated parties. As hard as it may be to believe there are even Addidas jilbabs. In connection to that there are available a variety of colors in head wears too. With different prints they definitely add to the whole scene. They come in different fashions and styles. Recently I saw a range of scarves in Instep; the models were wearing along with long dresses head scarves and had beautifully covered the hair. There is a say that the inner beauty is what matters the most and not the outward beauty. Then why is it that people are prejudiced about women in burqas and hijabs? Is it because their hair and face isn’t visible? Or because they prefer to cover their entire body with a loose wrap to save themselves from the stare of lewd, lusty and lecherous men? Hijab is not oppression or archaic, for us it is a way of life. It is not restricting on the contrary it is liberating. Just like other people we also try to find our place in the world without being judged because of our clothing. Wardrobe of a person shouldn’t matter talking in religious and modern terms, the real person is more important. Therefore, clothing should not be given the ultimate importance, it does give an impression of what kind of person you might be, but it sure is not the decisive factor. And an important thing, a scarf and sari on the farewell does not look bad! |
| News Report: ISNA Convention |
The 46th Annual ISNA Convention was held in Washington D.C. from July 3-July 5. |
| Recipe: Chocolate-Banana Smoothie by Noor K., 14, Pennsylvania |
Do you need a cool and refreshing drink this summer to get you re-energized? Then this nice and light chocolate-banana smoothie is just right for you! Serves 1. Ingredients: Directions:
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| Poem: There's a Chance |
Her tears slowly slide down; |