I can hear their laughter. My two oldest sisters are far out in the park, climbing the monkey bars. My other sister is just over there, spinning herself on the merry-go-round. She calls me over to join her, but I’m too scared. I’m sure I’m going to fall, since she goes too fast for my small body. I decide to ride the swings instead. These are my favorite swings in the world, shaped like horses, with bars in the front... Read more
Hi. My name is Hala…and I’m a homeschooler. There. I said it. It’s out. The truth of the matter is, I never really wanted to homeschool. I’ve always admired it. Supported it. Defended it. But, it wasn’t a path I had any desire to go down myself. But alas, after many trials and heartache, here I am – homeschooling. I would love to say it was because I felt strongly about so many of the reasons homeschoolers choose it – the flexibility,... Read more
When my daughter was born, I did what every mom would do. I made sure she got the best start. I got rid of all dangerous chemicals from the house including cleaning supplies. When she started solids, I only fed her organic wholesome foods. I wanted to build her personality and manners on a good solid Islamic cornerstone, so I took her to Ishaa‘ prayer every night so she could hear the Quran being read. I also made sure to... Read more
In the Name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Giver of Mercy Lord, I have dedicated what is growing in my womb entirely to You; so accept this from me. You are the One who hears and knows all (Surah Al ‘Imran, verse 35) GrowBaba spotlights provide a space for Muslim men to share their voice, reflections, and insights with our community. As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh, I don’t know you yet, and I don’t know if I’ll ever... Read more
Do you have extra canned pumpkin puree in your pantry or have the three generic pumpkin options just become, well, kinda…generic? We asked friends how they use up their mashed pumpkin and the response was nothing short of inspiring. Here are some great suggestions if you find yourself stuck in a rut! 1. Like the taste of Starbucks Pumpkin Bread? Have a go at it in your very own kitchen. 2. Chocolate chips and pumpkins seem to go hand in... Read more
Growmama Picks is a collection of fun, interesting, and inspiring links that we share with you at the end of every month. Enjoy! 1. Want to know what’s making us moms so miserable? Read here to find out the secrets to being happier. 2. Shaykh Abdallah Kapodravi gives sound advice in this sermon as to how we can improve Islamic character in our youth. 3. Rules to live by! These are definitely tips you want to follow if you need to get your kids away... Read more
As a human being, the widespread violence in Gaza is distressing, to say the least. As a mother, it is utterly heartbreaking. To see picture after picture of young infants and children, dead or gravely injured will shatter any mother’s heart. I cannot even begin to imagine the nightmare that child’s own mother must be going through. Often, when the Palestinian plight is mentioned, we are told “Keep them in your prayers,” yet it never seems like enough. As I sit... Read more
Maybe it’s the sweetness of daybreak on a cool summer morning; the smell of brewing coffee; or the melodious sounds of the birds just outside my window- whatever the reason, mornings are my favorite time of the day. The physical body struggled to make it out of bed. The mental state was already racing, quickly compiling the list of to-do’s. Then it happened. The spiritual mind stopped me dead in my tracks with the song I kept hearing all through... Read more
I just finished reading an interview with Diane von Furstenberg. For those of you not familiar with the name, she is most notably recognized for creating the wrap dress which curvy girls all over the world thank her for. During the interview, she was asked about her motivation to begin designing clothes and her answer really sparked something inside of me. She said, “…I didn’t always know what I wanted to do but I knew the kind of woman I... Read more
Last night, I lay awake as the gory images coming out of Gaza filled my mind. Tears pooled in my eyes but would not come out. I kept checking on my children, each warm and asleep in their beds in the safety of our home. I lay down again, and the face of an 18-month-old girl killed by the attacks appeared. Her tiny battered and charred body could have been my son. I attempt to close my eyes again and... Read more
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