EID MUBARAK EVERYWHERE!!

Here are some pictures of Eid Ul-Fitr happening all over the world. Eid is an Islamic holiday which is a three-days and marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity" while Fiṭr means "conclusion of the fast. Everywhere the world is celebrating this wonderful holiday in their unique way. Here are some pictures of ways people celebrate Eid around the world!

(pictures are from http://muslimmatters.org/2010/09/09/update1-eid-mubarak-snapshots-eid-around-the-world/)

Karachi, Pakistan: Even 5-year-old girls love mehndi!

Karachi, Pakistan: Mannequins in a boutique display traditional Pakistani shalwar kameez

Karachi, Pakistan: Bangles and artificial jewelry sell like hot cakes wee into the night on Chaand Raat

The Stab by Yasmin Mogahed

This is by Yasmin Mogahed posted on Suhaib Webb's website links. Unquestionably a beautiful poem. http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/the-stab/

Don’t grieve at the stab.
It’s only meant to free you.
From the chains that bind you to the earth
and shackle you to the shadows of people.
The mirage of water cannot quench.
But is so beautiful to the thirsty.
I’m afraid. Of never knowing another life.
Different. So different.
If I let go, will You take me higher?
Above grief, want, loss.
Above all that I’ve ever known.
Take me higher. Unbind me from the earth.
Like a vaccine, it sickens, to make you stronger.
The stab is temporary. The freedom, eternal.

CAIR PSA Campaign Challenges Growing Islamophobia

Assalaam Alakum everyone!

CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relation) launched a new set of PSA ads this morning to challenge the growing tide of Islamophobia. Three of the new ads feature two different Muslim 9/11 first responders, and really drive home the message that "9/11 happened to us all." Please check them out and share.

CAIR '9/11 Happened to Us All' PSA, Firefighter (30-Second)
CAIR '9/11 Happened to Us All' PSA, Firefighter (60-Second)
CAIR '9/11 Happened to Us All' PSA, Medical Responder (30-Second)

A cute way of putting a sticky situation.

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Ramadan Begins!

Let's begin with some Quran:

“Oh you who profess faith, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was those who preceded you that you may attain taqwa” (2:183).

On that note I want to welcome everyone to another year of fasting for the holy month of Ramadan. For those who do not know what Ramadan is, Ramadan is a month of fasting. I thought I could explain it more in detail but I love how this article put it more:

"Fasting is an act of worship that is attained while one is awake, sleeping, and while one is busy with his daily affairs. Therefore, fasting is similar to the worship of the angels because their worship continues non-stop. When you fast, you keep it in every place and in every situation: work, school, while one is traveling and while one is at home. It is an act of worship that does not stop, but continues through the entire day and for that reason it is comparable the worship of angels. And so, this intention related to fasting is the ‘first pillar’ from the pillars of fasting."

(link for those who want to read the whole article) http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/wisdoms-and-rulings-for-ramadan-part-one-sh-muhammad-al-hassan-walid-dido-al-shanqiti/

Ohlone MSA Officers - Fall 2010

Elections are finished and votes have been tallied.
The Ohlone MSA officers for Fall 2010 are:

President: Billal Hararah
Vice President: Hala Elhayek
Secretary: Aisha Sleiman
Treasurer: Kamila Wardak
Event Coordinator: Nazia Chandiwalla
Website Coordinator: Marwa Ansari

The officers from Spring 2010 are listed here

MSA General Meeting

We will be having a general meeting on Tuesday, April 27th.
Please bring any questions, suggestions, feedback, or comments you have.

Date:
Tuesday, April 27th
Time:
4:30PM-5:30PM
Where:
Ohlone College. Room 2207 (building 2, 2nd floor)
Who:
All students are welcome to come