Why Turkey Matters

The Turkish protests are being likened to the Arab Spring, but is there any real correlation to it? Not at all in ready my latest article on the new media platform, New India TV,

Rights in Islam, have no color or nationality

Sometimes just because of looks, people get you all wrong.

  As I walked on a narrow sidewalk  along Jamal Abdul Nasser, a woman and her two children were coming towards my way. I guess rules of etiquette would mean that someone gives way, I thought that since there were three of them standing side by side, the mother would tell the two children to get in front of her or behind her and for a single file line so that we could all share the walkway without endangering ourselves walking in the street and oncoming traffic. This was not the case however, she decided that it was better to push against and nearly smashing me into her son.

I’ve faced this sort of petty violence against myself as many people assume so many things about me. In this particular case, the women was Indian and was determined not to be bullied by an Arab, which she perceived me to be. I’ve seen this sort of behavior time and time again. One time a doctor assumed that I was Emirati and had pushed my way into her office without an appointment, but I had been sent there from emergency. She didn’t care, she began shouting at me and refused to see me and sent me to the other doctor, who nevertheless was kind and thorough in doing his duty. So much for doctors helping people.

 Now those are my perceptions, however it could be another element to it-the Muslim non-Muslim factor. This usually occurs within the Indian context where some non-Indians just refuse to talk to you regardless of who you are or what you do. This was the case of my neighbor across the street, whose friend who used give me cold looks each time, we chatted. I tried to smile at her. Both were Indians and both were non-Muslims. Of course I had my assumptions, perhaps she didn’t want to talk to Muslims, since she was Hindu and the other, friendlier, woman, a Catholic. However, the non-smiler did come around after two years of my nodding her way. I guess perseverance is the key.  Without asking, I haven't a clue why she chose not speak to me for such a long time. 

All American Muslims must be spies.

This is one theme that bubbles up often out of nowhere, without provocation. I would love to think that this is just me, who has suffered from this, however, I’ve heard it so often, even I began suspect certain people after a while.

What does a spy look like? I have no clue. However, some may suspect Americans especially if they are white and Muslim. Suhaib Webb is a white convert to Islam from Oklahoma, who found Islam while studying in California. He them went on around the Muslim world studying Islam and later on, teaching it. However, he has complained more than once of been accused of being a spy and being spied on. This is in part in some ways from the notion, of Islam being as a step down and especially those who are white. I’ve often heard of whites suffering after becoming Muslim, so much so that they often have to leave their families. So, being called a spy is often becomes extremely painful.

Then you have people like me, whose overt curiosity and sociological background forces me to ask a lot of questions in order to understand how people function within the society. Living in UAE, were people often live within sort of closed bubbles, it makes everyone seem fascinating, especially for me. So, I too have had the moniker of spy attached to me as well. I’m not white, but I am still
American.

Of course looking to others to give you your rights in this world should be is almost like looking for applause for taking out the trash.  Allah is the only one who can give you your rights. This is the social politics of UAE, many people run on assumptions. Also, when dealing with you, they often suspect acts of kindness or even a ‘salaam’. But this I am told is just the signs of the end of days. Allah protect us from evil and harm during these trials.

I remember the woman who teaches my daughters Quran at the masjid, forbade them coming too early asking them, “Aren’t you afraid that the Indian men will get you?” Meanwhile she never got the hint that my husband is Indian and my daughters are too.  How may Arab mothers have I heard threaten their children with the evil ‘Hindi’ man who is going to get them and do them harm?

Shaytan is an equal opportunity, employer. He reaches out to everyone, in every language and those who respond, come from all walks of life.

Then, while shopping, the sales lady told my daughter, “You have to be careful about touching everything, there are many Indians around and they are very dirty.” I hear it all of the time. However, whenever I got to Majaz Park, It’s not the Indians who are eating a million pumpkin seeds and throwing their shells on the ground. Nor is it the Indians who bring cups, food, plates and tissues and not even bother to dispose of them properly.

Then I hear many Arabs say, “Oh, those Indian children are so polite and respectful.” It is true. Then again, fear and racism makes you polite doesn’t it?

In Fredrick Douglass’ autobiography, he describes his master beating him when he was a slave. Then I remember the shocked I felt while reading the words that I have often hear African American used130 years later. Black people beat their children using the same language. Then when you think of the unbridled cruelty of the Israeli government towards Palestinians, it is also, in some way the same cruelty if not worst than that they suffered from while living in Nazi Germany.

Similarly, there are millions of South Asians, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis who who live and work in UAE. Many of them are Muslims. Yet, many are so careless with giving them their rights according to Islam. The UAE national anthem says, “Our faith is Islam and Quran is our guide.” There are many proofs that there are many who believe this, but there are also, many that show that there is some doubt.

Islam came to end cruelty, to stop violence. However, it can only do so if one uses it and the model provided to us from our beloved Prophet Muhammad Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Imagine the ajer multiplied by millions with justice and safety, that comes when people treat each other well, think the best of each person they meet, and do their best to help each other. This is not some fairy tale, it is the promise of Islam and a command from Allah. 

There is no doubt that UAE has been showered with many blessings, I pray that Allah continues to shower his niamah, barakat, and rizq upon this oasis in the desert. 

Finding the Truth in The Smoke and Mirrors Game

The Suspects:

Jumping the gun is a phrase that is used when things get out 

of hand, when people start to accuse each other, or point 

fingers at someone without evidence. And in the case of the 

two young men who are suspected of causing the explosions 

at the Boston Marathon the gun has not only been jumped, 

but it has been fired and the run to stick this crime on 

someone has already started.

Unlike most pundits, experts, or commentators posing as 

journalists, I am not going to try to prove a case for or against 

the suspects because, they are just that, suspects-people who

are thought to have put the bombs in place at the marathon....

Read More at New India 

Enjoy Your Life-A Book Review

Book Review:

Muhammed Al Arifi's Enjoy Your Life:

Most people would wrongly assume that this book is for Muslims only, but they would be missing out to do so. Enjoy Your Life has the basic feature of a self help/management book, the difference is that it uses stories and incidents that are mostly based in the Arab and Islamic world.

One of the most important elements of the book is that it offers advise for more than the usually cranky friend or obnoxious boss, and nosy neighbor. It offers advise on how to change yourself.

He begins with the classic story of the near suicidal caller who threatens to kill himself, Arifi's reply is, "Well go ahead." He shocks the caller into telling his story and convinces him to reassess his life and move on.


But this book is not just about individuals, it also discusses society problems and how individuals can help change their world around them. -to be continued

Prayer in Mall Masjids: Where Did Everybody Go?

What’s going on? I’ve noticed that in terms of the malls, there are less women praying along with their children in the Mall masjids. I also had a similar experience during this 2012 Sharjajh International book fair where it’s claimed that there were 70,000 visitors a day. Yet, in the past, during the prayer times, it was almost impossible especially on the women's side. Even if you when to pray up to fifteen minutes early, their was no place in the bathroom, in the masjid and even in the halls. However, this time, as I sat there waiting for the Maghrib athan, I sat there all alone. Finally as I was leaving there were about three people coming to pray. Even during other times there were very few people praying. The same thing with Asr prayer yesterday in Sahara Center. It was Friday and the mall wasn't very crowded, but there were lots of people there and yet, during Asr prayer there was only about 10 or 12 people praying. In the past, during this time, you’d have to wait for enough people to stop just so you could get out of the mosque (it’s prohibited to pass in front of someone praying).And now, their was only one person praying behind me in the second row. 

Why is this? Now, when there are seemingly more and more Islamic classes, but less people praying. Also, there is the problem of fajr. Perhaps it's two things, those who pray have left the malls. They have decided these are places of fitna. They are in a way, how many awful songs have I heard describing acts that would land you in jail if you talked about them in public? Then despite the signs asking people to please where respective clothing, in some cases, even though, some might think that these signs are for non-Muslims, there are some Muslims who are guilty of dressing inappropriately. 

Then there is also, the factor of the 3ddy culture, where Islamic values are not held in the respect that they deserve. There's a demand for respectful clothing, but there are very few places that sell them I went to H&M to look for a shirt for my muhajjabet daughter, and found a mini skirt that would make a nice head piece for her. Yanni, that it was that small. In the past, I would see Emirati girls wearing their traditional jilbabs, they were beautiful and covering well. Now, it very rare. I am not blaming them. It's just perhaps that they feel that it's an old thing. Then they should buy they latest fashions. Allahu 3llum. The other is that there are very few options and if they have money, why shouldn't they spend it on their kids. Why shouldn't these kids dress like the ones they see on those kids on the MBC channels? 

There is a slow withdrawal of the Islamic presence. 

It’s been two years now that they've stopped the Fajr prayer on the loudspeakers, now we can hear only athan and iqamah, the call to wake up and the call to stand for prayer. What does this mean? I am no sure, what I do know is that it can not lead to any good. Perhaps people will let it go, but as Emiratis struggle to keep their culture in tact, but how can they when much of this culture is linked to Islam? Without Islam what will be left of Emirati culture? Without prayer, what kind of hope will be left for a better future? I am of the opinion that it’s taqwa of the people that has kept UAE strong, prosperous, and thriving. It is also, the same thing that made Turkey rise within the past few years. Without it, it was a disaster, and without it and/or with its decline, it has had awful results. 

The End of M Magazine and My Life articles

Sniff, I can't believe it. It's over, just like that. Two weeks ago, I got an email from my beloved editor that M Magazine was being canceled effective immediately. The line was that "They did survey and the audiences wanted something different."

I don't know what the real story is, but it just was done in such a way that made me wonder.

Anyway, it will mean that I will be working on my anthology, currently entitled From Alaska to Mongolia, but I'm thinking about changing this. The idea was to write about the experiences of Muslims around the globe.

But let me ask you guys, What do you want to know about the Muslim world?

Please spare me the silly questions such as those about 4 wives, 70k virgins, and stoning and loss of limbs. Google it if you are dying to know.

Just think of this entry as the question box.

Ask away.