Iqra Newsletter January 2014

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Age

The Iqra Newsletter Issue III: Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Dates To Remember

SISTERHOOD Wednesdays 6 pm Capital City Room

BROTHERHOOD Thursdays 6:30 pm

Hale Hall

PROJECT DOWNTOWN Sundays 12 pm Aviation Room

WEEKLY GBMS

Fridays 6 pm Davis Interfaith Room

JUMMAH

Fridays 12:30 pm Davis Interfaith Room

Issue III: Baby, It’s Cold Outside So lets be real, despite what our lovely ground hog will determine on

February 2nd, I’m pretty sure there will be six more weeks of winter. As Eddard Stark predicted, winter has come, and is here to stay.

So what should we do, other then curl up next to the fire with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa? Well this just happens to be the perfect

time to reflect. Look back into the pages of your past and see who you used to be, and who you are now. Spend time with yourself. Give in to the cliché idea of sitting in a coffee shop alone and just think.

Who are you? The existential identity crisis has hit us all, and as hard as we try to

ignore our conscious, we know what we have to do. We need to ignore that text to grab lunch, skip out on a few social gatherings and say no

to our dad when he needs our help (just kidding don’t do that, go help him first before anything thing else).We desperately need our

alone time. So stay indoors, grab a coffee, and enjoy your own company. Trust me, you’ll be surprised as to how interesting you

really are. (this weather though… so much for global warming, eh?)

Abshaar Narvel Director of Iqra

Volume IV

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SISTER Imagine waking up each morning and seeing

yourself eat breakfast, walking with yourself to school, or even fighting with yourself. Sounds weird, right? Well to the twins, Ilham and Siham Abdi, its just another day. Now, of course, anybody with a decent eyesight can see that these two look exactly alike. So its only natural to assume they are identical twins; however, it is quite the contrary. These sisters are actually fraternal twins. How, you ask, can they possibly be fraternal? Well, in the womb, Siham and Ilham were originally two eggs that ended up fusing along the way. Ilham was born two minutes before Siham, but that makes no difference to the girls. They love each other. Do you get mistaken for each other often? How does it feel? Ilham: “Yes, all the time. Most of my closer friends can tell us apart but a lot of people cant tell the difference especially when we’re apart. I’ve gotten used to it.” Siham “Yes. At least once a day. And I’m always confused because I believe that we look nothing alike.” Do you guys have “twin telepathy” or complete each other’s sentences?

SISTER Ilham: ”Yes, I can tell part of a story and Siham will automatically know what I’m talking about.”

Siham: “We get each other more than an anybody else. Maybe because we are always around each other and confide in each other. As for “twin telepathy”, I don’t think so. “ Have you ever done anything crazy being twins? Ilham: “Yes, in the 8th grade we switched classes and Siham had a test that day over things my class hadn’t covered yet so I ended up failing it.” Siham: “Yes. We did once. It so happened that on that day I had a pop quiz in my class and Ilham bombed it.” Having a twin, to me, means always having someone by my side and having an automatic best

friend Alhamdulillah ☺ -Ilham

I love having a twin because I

have rarely had to go through things alone and she always rationalizes everything whenever I need it, giving me advice that I know I can count on. -Siham


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I started drawing at a very young age and never stopped, which is why are is a huge part of who I am as a person. Thanks to my mother and he constant

encouragement, I trained with a few artists in Pakistan and studied fine art in high school. I still learn something new every time I start a project, which is one

of the numerous things I love about art. It is a highly versatile medium of communication as it allows one to be as explicit or ambiguous as one wants in conveying a message. You always leave a piece of yourself in your artwork, no matter how passive and indifferent the subject matter may be. That to me, is

one of the greatest ways to communicate with the world around us.

- Sabeen Sidiki

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“MADE ME

WANT TO

BE A

BETTER

PERSON”

- wedad shaf

i

“UNIFYING”

- CHAHINAZ SEGHIRI

“Instilled the basics

and inspired us to be

better” - BILAL BAJWA

“SURPRISINGLY EFFICIENT IN BOTH SLAPPING US WITH THE TRUTH AND INSPIRING US TO

MAKE BETTER OF OURSELVES” - AMR E. AHMED

“thought –provoking”

- NIMA DAHIR

“inspiring” -rahaf alwatter

“REFRESHING”

-‐ BERFIN ULUDOGAN

“EDUCATIVE”

IRFAN MINHAS


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There is smoke all around me as the fire rages right and left. The scream of women and children is deafening. As my vision clears, I look down at myself, my shirt is ripped with blood oozing down my chest,, my jeans have small shards of glass, and I realize somewhere along the way I became bare footed. The pain that was initially there, is now just a small prick of the true pain raging through me. Suddenly, men and women, children and elderly start running towards safety as a fresh round of fire opens up. I am too weak to turn and run. So I continue my slow walk, until I see figures form behind the smoke. Suddenly, all fire stops. The crackling sound of the fire engulfing the mosque in the background becomes evident now. Pictures of the disposed President lay on the floor, those hanging still, have bullet holes in them, some fresh, some old. Suddenly, a flash, I blink, the Shadah escapes my lips. Everything is dark now. Everything is silent now. Mother Egypt is a son less now.


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Dear Aaliyah, I don’t usually do stuff like this but I’m having a hard time at home. My dad and mom are more worried about my grades and school and don’t really care about what I want to do in life. I don’t know how to handle the stress and its just so hard. How do I tell them to just leave me alone? Sincerely, Frustrated Dear Frustrated, The bottom line is your parents what what’s best for you, and if they believe that succeeding in grades and school will give you a stable and secure life then they will do whatever they can to make that happen. You have to remember that parents do what they do out of love for their children. That being said, have you tried talking to them about your feelings? I would not ask them to leave you alone. You have to be as kind and respectful to them as possible. If you know what you want to do in life, have you tried explaining that to them? Maybe they would not be as nervous and worried about your academic life if you shared with them the progress you are making and the daily studies and projects you partake in. Make them feel like they are ‘in the loop,’ and that their opinion matters. Chances are they will feel more comfortable and open minded. Best wishes to you! Sincerely, Aaliyah

Dear Aaliyah, I’m a Muslim girl who loves Islam, but I’ve never had the courage to wear the Hijab. I want to start more than anything and I don’t really care what people will think of me, but I’m scared of what my family will say. They aren’t that religious and they might not take it seriously. What do I do?

Help me, The Cowardly Lion Dear Cowardly Lion, Just the fact that you decided you want to start wearing the hijab is great! Allah knows what you intentions are and it’s understandable you fear the reaction of your family. Have you tried bringing up the subject with them? You should approach them calmly with sincere respect about how you have been thinking deeply about wearing the hijab. Ask them for their input and tell them you would greatly appreciate their support in this decision. If they respond positively that’s good, but if they respond negatively, remain calm and respectful. Ask them why they are hesitating and try to reassure them as much as possible. Making your family feel part of the process will make them feel more open about you taking this decision. Also do not forget to make duaa to Allah to make it easy for you. Sincerely, Aaliyah

ask aaliyah

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Dear Aaliyah, I’ve been having major roommate issues

lately. We’ve stopped talking and everything she does irritates me. She never takes my feelings or opinions into consideration. Should I move out or is it worth giving her a second chance.

Sincerely, This is the last straw

Dear This is the last straw, Roommates are rough, but its never a

good idea to feel like a stranger in your own home. Communication is key to living with someone, so talk to her. If my guess is correct, she probably feels the same way about you and this might just be a misunderstanding. Regardless, you should never be on bad terms with anyone. Don’t be too proud to take the first step. If you guys cant come to an agreement, then maybe moving out isn’t such a bad idea.

Sincerely, Aaliyah

Dear Aaliyah, Are you in anyway

affiliated with Aliah Hasan, OSU student and long-time MSA member? Sincerely,

Skeptical Dear Skeptical,

My my, a little nosy aren’t we? No I am in no way affiliated with Aliah Hasan, but considering her name is the same as mine, I like her already. I see a potentially friendship blooming in the distance. ;)

Sincerely Aaliyah

Dear Aaliyah, I like this girl a lot. I see her everywhere and we are sort

of friends. The issue it, I don’t know how to approach her. I don’t want to give her the wrong impression, but I also don’t want to get friend zoned. How should I express my feelings?

Sincerely, Forever Alone

Dear Forever Alone, Never fear, there is someone out there for everyone. If you think this girl could be the one, then get friend zoned! That may seem a bit contradictory but hear me out. Before jumping into something you need to know if you guys can be friends. Do you make her laugh? Does she make you smile? Be respectful, considerate and charming, but be yourself. If she seems interested in you then just talk to her. Trust me, everything will just fall naturally into place. And don’t worry, you will not be Forever Alone.

Sincerely, Aaliyah

Dear Aaliyah, I want to get to know another

girl in my class. She seems pretty cool and I think we could become good friends. The thing is I’ve heard a lot of rumors about her. I know all rumors aren’t true, but there isn’t smoke without fire, right?

Sincerely, Friendly

Dear Friendly, You cant believe everything you

hear. Rumors do stem from somewhere, your right, but that’s not your business. Get to know her and form your own opinion. Don’t let what others say influence your thoughts. It could ruin a potentially beautiful friendship.

Sincerely, Aaliyah

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Saying salams to the opposite gender on campus is actually quite the trivial issue. Some scholars say that men should be required to initiate the salams to the sister while other

scholars say it should be sister that should start off with the salams.

The following scenario looks at a common incident through different points of view and what exactly is going on inside the minds of a sister and a brother (in Islam).

Sister’s Point of View:

**sister walks out of exam hall**

Oh my gyad, that chemistry test was so easy! I’m sooooo happy for finishing my last exam. This is the happiest day of my life! LOL!

**a brother exits from opposite exam hall**

Oh, WHO is that? Is he Muslim? He has an ugly beard ewww. He looks scary. And WHY is he walking this way? Oh my God he’s headed straight towards me! Okay, be calm… it’s all

normal. Just be polite and make eye contact and…

BROTHER: Assalamu Alaikum SISTER: Walaikum Musalam

OH MY GOD. He just said salams to me! No way it must have been to someone else. Wait, but there is no one else around. OH MY GOD IT WAS FOR ME. But why? Why would a random brother just say salams to me? It just doesn’t make sense. I’ve been wearing this hijab for

ages… so why the salams NOW?

Hmmm, this brother looks like he’s almost done in under grad. Isn’t that the brother who got into med school? Wow he’s so smart mashAllah. Why would someone like that say SALAM to

me? Was he just trying to be nice? Hmmm.

OR maybe he was being MORE than nice. Yeah I think that has to be it. OMG no way. Does he like me??? I’ve never seen him before but I sometimes study in the science library so he

probably saw me. Why wouldn’t he say salams to me then? Maybe he was waiting to become more secure in his field before saying salams to me? I think that must be it. He is no doubt

scouting people… of course.

This is soooo weird lol. But mashAllah he’s a good looking brother. I’m sure he’s pious. That beard looks good on him mashAllah. I wonder if he’s talked to his parents about me

SALAMI SALAM


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yet? I hope his parents will like me. I’m a nice girl though. All the aunties love my personality lol.

But if he lives far away then I might have to move close to his parents’ house because his job will probably be around there. Oh man the change in life will be sooooo hard to get used to. I wonder if he’s going to live in his own place or if we’re going to move in with his parents? I

wouldn’t mind living with his parents ONLY if they’re open-minded. Uffff I hate close-minded people. I want to have nice in-laws. I hope he wants a simple Nikkah. I can’t stand all that dumb extravagant stuff that goes on nowadays. He seems very simple and down-to-earth though mashAllah. Definitely my kind of man. I wonder how he is with kids. I don’t mind having kids but he better not be the type that wants like 50 kids. OMG that would so suck. 3 is a good number. I like the names Bilal , Mariam and Ayesha. InshAllah it’ll be in

that order.

I wonder if he’s very science-y. I don’t like when people are too science-y. I think our kids should do anything they want as long as they are successful. Bilal would make a good social

worker I think.

He seems like the type that would always compliment my cooking, no matter how bad it is lol J I hate guys who think women belong in the kitchen. I think he’ll help out once in awhile too.

He seems so gentle and delicate hahah.

Wow I hope when Bilal grows up he’ll let me and that brother live with him. I don’t want to go to any retirement home! No inshAllah that brother will instil good values into Bilal. But OMG should I wait until he says salams again? I’m sure he’ll make the first move.

Brother’s Point of View

**brother walks out of exam hall**

Wow. I think I failed that exam. I haven’t shaven for days because of these stupid exams. I look like a werewolf. Stupid science. I think I’ll switch into political science next year… I can’t take this. Hey is that a hijabi over there? Hmmm I think I should be polite and say

salams.

BROTHER: Assalamu Alaikum SISTER: Walaikum Musalam

Man, I’m hungry. I wonder what’s for dinner tonight? Hopefully spaghetti.

MANIAC MUSLIM: HAMZAH MOIN


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Sometimes I sit and wonder Will anyone miss me when I die? Will their life even be affected? Will they shed few tears or cry?

What if I made someone unhappy? What if I was the reason for their sorrow?

Will they ever forgive me for it? Or will I take it with me when I give up this body I have borrowed?

Every minute mishap seems to take control That one time I did this, that one time I did that And this endless restlessness shadows over

This inner discussion arises, like a self mortal combat So I lose myself in thoughts of the future

As if me worrying now makes any difference And I put myself in a state of depression

My life so unexplained and without any relevance I then ponder upon other creations of God Wondering why they always stay so carefree

Why aren't animals stressed out? And its hard for me to even see?

And then it hits me, this moment of realization As I notice they are not keeping track of time

While we plan what we are going to be doing a year from now They live in the moment, each instant sublime

So now I take a breath and leave the rest to the most exalted Deal with today and stay my best

Sometimes its judgment call from what you already know You can not prepare for every test

"Those who happily leave everything in Allah's hand, will eventually see Allah's hand in everything.

Because worry ends where faith begins. -anonymous thinker


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HISTORY OF ISLAMIC DEMOCRACY

When people hear the words Islam and democracy, many people think that the two are incompatible. But what many don’t

typically think, is that Islam actually promotes democracy. There are two instances in Islamic history that give us the

perspective of democracy. The first is of Abu Bakr’s ascension to the kahlifate. After the death of Prophet (s), the community

needed a leader. But who was going to step up to the plate? Neither the Prophet, Allah, nor the Qur’an has given any

indication of that should be done when the Prophet passed away. As it would happen, the ansar and some member from the Quraysh gathered in a conference of who should be the next leader. At some point in the meeting, Umar rose up and declared that Abu

Bakr should be the leader as he was the closest companion to the Prophet and Umar immediately gave his allegiance. Eventually all members present except one gave their allegiance to Abu Bakr and

he became the first khalifa. This historical perspective is exactly what we have in America today: a system of voting. Each person is guaranteed a chance to participate and make his or her

voice heard. The second example is when the fifth khalifa Muawiyah appointed his son Yazid as the next khalifa. This threw the ummah into discord as a khalifa had never directly chosen

another family member to be the next leader. In fact, it was so controversial that many notables denounced the decision and did

not accept Yazid as the next khalifa. Due to the testy atmosphere, Yazid eventually waged war against Hussein’s family (Battle of Karbala). The point here though, is that the Muslims never condoned a dynasty where power was passed down from father

to son. Leaders were always chosen by a voting system. Once again, we see this in the west where we do not have a system of deliberate nepotism. This is only the tip of the iceberg, and there is much more to be discussed. Just Google “democracy in Islam” and you’ll be surprised by the details you will find!

-‐WALI AHMED SHARIFF-‐


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I have always had a love for fashion and make up. Which has allowed me to be a strong advocate for Muslim women to be modest while always maintaining a sense of style.

My passion in style and fashion inspired me to start my own YouTube channel along with other Hijabi YouTubers.

I decided to make hijab and make up tutorials as well as any occasional tag that I found floating around the YouTube beauty community.

As someone who used to watch other Muslim women on YouTube, I fell in love with their ability to put together effective videos while maintaining modesty. My feelings of excitement soon disappeared however when I started to receive comments about how I should not be “putting myself out there.”

These comments seem contradictory to me, because we are constantly putting ourselves out there based on the different environments and situations we face. My videos were intended to be for the female audience, and I refused to stop my goal because of someone who could not guard their own gaze.

Despite having these creative privileges, I always feel some form of hostility and concern because of my videos. My videos are focused on hijab and makeup tutorials, along with the occasional tag that’s floating around the beauty community.

As ridiculous as some people may think it is to make hijab tutorials, I find it to be inspiring. Although I am still in the beginning stages of my channel, I have received feedback from young girls who say they want to try out my tutorials. The ability to hear comments like that makes me want to push forward and continue to be a positive influence in the community.

Although some may oppose the idea, the ability to speak in front of a camera can be powerful because you can speak your own words and be truly raw in front of your audience.

I do not have this luxury as a Journalism major because I always have to be worried about not projecting my opinion. I do not have this same constraint when I am in front of my video camera. It is empowering for me because I know that other people watch and listen to my messages.

Through this whole experience, I have learned that regardless of who is watching my videos, as long as I have the ability to express myself and my passion, then that is what truly matters.

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ARE YOU A WRITER, AN ARTIST, A COMEDIAN?

Got Stories, Articles, Commentary,

Photos?

Send them in to [email protected]

Subject Line: IQRA Submission

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the newsletter contact Abshaar Narvel at

[email protected]

Iqra Newsletter January 2014

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Transcript of Iqra Newsletter January 2014