Part I Part II Next leg of my journey, another Islamic school. We meet the principal, observe the class in session, pick the teacher’s brains again with questions. Nice, I think again. Friendly staff, colorful/creative classroom setup, a paced out school day. I leave the school hopeful, this is it. We walk to the car, my husband and I, to talk to it over. I point out to him how the school day is not too jam-packed with lessons and... Read more

The flame, lost in its direction cannot find its balance. It seems to be fighting desperately to just stay alive – how ironic? For it to stay alive, the wick allows itself to burn and the wax permits its own melting. The soul – in order for it to stay alive with imaan, also struggles. It is in constant motion to find steadiness, just like the flame. I know that my body and ego must burn in order to feed... Read more

It’s easy to say that you trust Allah has a reason for everything, but it is not as easy to truly put your mind and heart at ease and accept plans that are already written for you. Early last year, my husband and I started looking to purchase a home. Each time we would see a home that fit our criteria, we would pray estekhara but would also do everything in our power to try to make it work out.... Read more

“Do they have gelatin in their treats?” My son is four years old and full of wonder. The world must seem massive and wild through his eyes. There are so many trucks, trains, plants, animals, and, religions, to categorize. He comes from engineers on both sides, so this compulsion to organize and label, is not surprising to me. What is surprising is this need of his to flesh out the difference between Muslims and non-Muslims, before he can even read.... Read more

During the last several months, I discovered the importance of “my time” during my work day. I have an hour lunch break and while some people would choose to socialize during this time, I have begun going out by myself for fresh air, coffee, and sometimes shopping. It has become a precious gift of solo time that I savor. If I need to run some errands then that’s what I do, but if I get an opportunity to reflect during... Read more

So, my 3-year old Mohammed’s latest favorite activity is climbing. Not trees or hills, but me! Yes, me…and when I’m praying! It’s almost become automatic and habitual for him, now. His eyes see me praying and his brain says, “Must drop whatever cool toy that’s in my hand now and go climb all over her!” Now, I wear one of those long one-piece prayer gowns while I pray and when he starts climbing all over me, he starts to pull... Read more

Umm Hamza has been my friend for several years. We see each other once a week, every Thursday morning. Umm Hamza is divorced with three young sons. She works hard to make ends meet. She lives with her parents and sons, and, among other living expenses, she pays for her boys’ education, her mother’s and father’s medicines, and her grandmother’s, too, when the grandmother is staying with them here. These take up a great deal of her income. Umm Hamza’s... Read more