Allah

Allah

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Ilm Fest 2009

An event I would love to go to but I believe my hw work load this semester is too great. I really want to go see Baba Ali though! There are plenty of sheikhs as speakers and even a hijabi! I believe there is a bazaar and also opportunities to volunteer. Baltimore Convention Center this weekend Oct 3rd and 4th
www.ilmfest.com

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hijab and Respect

As you all know I have been practicing hijab...and the increase in the amount of respect and nice treatment I have gotten is amazing...especially from women! I was in the pharmacy and I didn't have my insurance information on me, the pharmacist gave me two for free so I could bring back the insurance later! That was so nice of her! She didn't have to do that! Also I was in Wal-Mart last night and two different ladies heard me debating different products, and put their opinions in, letting me know which they thought was the best. The ladies at the fitting room also chatted me up about dressing room antics, and "ghetto" people that treat clothes like they belong on the floor. I have been receiving very positive reactions to all of this. I LOVE the respect I feel when I wear hijab...I feel it's the respect I should have been getting ALL along!
:)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Men and Women

I don't understand why men and women were created so differently. It causes so much pain and suffering and it makes life much harder on all of us. Most men, especially the younger they are do not want to get married. Of course most of the older ones don't either. All women want to get married since birth. Men of course hate this and try to avoid it, but they don't avoid women, they just try to avoid marriage. Men will love a woman and still be avoiding marriage...where is the justice in this for women? Women worry that it is them, or that the guy doesn't care about them. They also worry that it is never going to happen. This is also how people get into bad situations and do bad things. Why can't men just want commitment? Why can't it just be easy for them? Or why can't women just act like men and not care...oh wait...men def would NOT be able to handle their own treatment...but you know what...I wish that women could stop putting up with men's inability to make commitment (myself included). When does this cycle end?

My Muslim Family Day

Ok so yesterday was the first time for my brothers to see me in hijab. Luckily they enjoyed Muslim Family Day, and hopefully learned a few things. For example my brother asked why men were washing their feet in the bathrooms- so he learned about wudoo. They said that my head kinda looked oddly shaped but other than that it was cute :) Ha ha soo all went well alhamidililah and my brothers have been introduced to hijab....now on to the rest of the world!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Muslim Family Day Six Flags

Tomorrow I am going to Muslim Family Day at the Six Flags in D.C. I am bringing my brothers and mother insha'Allah. I am bringing them because I want them to see me in hijab doing things that I normally do and being happy. I also hope that exposing my mother to Muslims will cause her to be less nervous about my future as a Muslim woman. I do not want her to be scared that my quality of life will be negatively affected because of my conversion. It's $30 at the gate for anyone who is interested, there is halal food, a bazaar, prayer accomodations and more!
Hope to see you all there!
K

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Islamic Arabic Art

New Online Muslim Women's Magazine!

http://muslimette.com/the-blog/
14.99 USD
Beginning Nov 2nd!
Please sign up.....this needs support !

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Answered Prayers

Sometimes we pray for things that we aren't sure how they are going to be answered. Sometimes we ask for something specific. I happen to pray for things that my heart desires like most. I was feeling alone and confused. I thought that I was alone in my situation and that I was the only one going through a tough time. Growing is very difficult, especially when it is away from what you have always known. Just as your bones ache as they grow, your soul does when you are changing. It is only healthy to mourn for the future you lost, even if it wasn't the best for you. That is what I am doing, I am going to mourn for the Christmas's I won't have, the baptism my child will never have, and the many beaches and pools I won't enter. I will mourn for the clubs I won't dance in, the man's hands I won't shake, and the best guy friends I won't make. I have to mourn for those things even if they aren't the best for me. I have to mourn them because my past is dying. I am not who I was three, two, or one year ago. My name is still Katie, I still see myself in the mirror. My reflection is still the same, what lies behind the reflection is what has changed. How I look at my reflection is different. I have recieved everything I have prayed for. Each answered prayer might have not come in the package that I predicted, but things generally do not. I have been surprised and delighted with God's plan for me, I have been led through experiences I never dreamed of and been introduced to people I could have never imagined. Thank God for every moment and every second of my life.

Hijab Trial

Yesterday I practiced hijab at night...I went to Dunkin Donuts and another Muslim lady happened to come in behind me. She said Salaam and smiled at me. My heart just melted. As I paid for my stuff and walked outside, a man sitting in a car (her husband most likely) also said his Salaams. His face lit up when he saw me...presumably because of the hijab. Now this lady was not covered....but if I had not been covered she never would have known I was Muslim and said hello to me...I feel like we understood each other at that moment. We shared something in common...all of us....even though we are all just going through our daily lives and buying coffee...for that moment....we stopped and shared a moment of appreciation for the things we shared. I believe that is such a beautiful and special thing...I wish that more people understood the good things about Islam...there are many beautiful and wonderous aspects about this religion.


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Oh So Scary and Controversial Hijab

My mom is convinced that I have gone off the deep end although I thank God my parents have been way more supportive than most. She is constantly worried that I am getting into something because of the influence of others. I told her that as soon as I started praying in the Muslim fashion..all my prayers came true. I told her my anxiety level has dropped dramatically...I am so much happier...and I can talk to her until I am blue in the face...but I don't think she will accept this for awhile. Hijab scares her because of the images in the media. The "oppressed" women that so sharply contrast of her view of me. I try to tell her I feel comfortable when I am wearing hijab. I feel connected to other Muslims when I wear it. I am scared to wear it most to class and my hometown. Class because I am in a major that is very tiny and I think people would react differently to it...and ask me a lot of nosy questions. My parents and family would just make me feel uncomfortable. I wish that it was so easy for me to transition into a new life but I feel not that strong inside. I wish I could have the inner strength to just change my life and not care what people think. But ever since I changed my facebook to say Muslim and my pics to only hijabi photos...I have been getting texts, messages, emails and phone calls asking me about this change. I know that it is an important thing for me to do but I just wish it was not so difficult for me. Has anyone ever felt the same way? Any starter hijab stories?

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009

IKEA New Hijab line for their employees

http://www.thehijabshop.com/press/index.php

Ikea actually made hijab for their employees that is so encouraging.


On the other hand Abercrombie and Fitch did not hire a teenage girl for wearing hijab....BOYCOTT ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2009/09/18/abercrombie-amp-fitch-sued-over-muslim-teen-s-hijab.aspx


Website about protecting the women's right to hijab
http://www.prohijab.net/english/main.htm

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

UMBC Muslim Student Association

There was a great event at UMBC tonight...UMBC Fast-a-thon.
A imam came from outside and gave a speech about the meaning of Ramadan and fasting. He talked about how Ramadan proves one can change their life in one day. He also talked about how Ramadan is about reflection and making yourself better. He referred to Ramadan as a "tune up" from daily wear and tear.

Any other Islamic events around Baltimore?

I also visited the Islamic Society of Baltimore, at Al-Rahmah....iftar great food, nice people, will go back. They also have free Arabic, Tajweed, Tafsir and other Islamic classes. All for free!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Love

Please pray that I can end an inappropriate relationship with a man I am in love with but he will not propose. I know this sounds silly but I need the strength to do it. Please pray to Allah that I gain strength to end this relationship.