I lived in four different states over the last ten years. My first two children were born a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, the next two near the Gulf of Mexico, and now we’re settled an hour’s drive from the Great Lakes, always near open water alhamdulillah. All of my family members have lived a long drive or expensive plane trip away. The various phases of life, getting married, leaving family, having children, evolving in my activism and identity,... Read more
Ever since my daughters were born three and a half years ago, I’ve made it a point to read Qur’an out loud to them while they were awake, although many times I would rather have read it in peace and quiet while they were asleep. I also made sure to make my tasbeeh after salah out loud, although at first it felt strange to me and unnatural. Tonight, I saw a glimpse of the outcome. I just came out of... Read more
I lie awake throughout the night peering at the bedroom door I’ve strategically left open just the right distance to see the dim light on the other side. The night is so still – so quiet. Every sound could be the one and my heart skips over its own beat waiting for the second sound: a door creaking open, a slow step being taken. Is he back? And what might he be after this time? A few weeks ago I... Read more
All right, I’ve been here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for about three and-a-half months now and I’ve probably cried the equivalent of at least one of those months so far. No, don’t say “Aww, she’s miserable.” For the record, I’m not miserable or suicidal; I am a first time mother of a beautiful five-month-old baby boy who moved halfway across the world with my husband seven weeks after giving birth. Do I love my little boy in a completely indescribable... Read more
I have a friend whose friends used to call her Spic & Span. Apparently she loves to clean. When I first entered her home, I understood why. MashaAllah she is one of those sisters who juggles many things and can still keep a clean, organized home. She has several young, happy kids with discipline, character and intelligence. Although I have not seen her in many years, I still think of her fondly and remember her example. It has taken me... Read more
Rabb ishrahlee sadree. Rabb ishrahlee sadree. Oh, Allah expand my chest. Musa was asking his Lord, the Knower of all and the Giver of good to give him that which would be beneficial in his preparation to meet the most powerful man on the planet, Pharaoh. Before he asked for his brother Haroon to be his aid, before he asked for an easy path, before asking to untie the knot that impedes his ability to speak eloquently, he asked for an... Read more
As a teacher, I can’t help but always analyze things. As a mother, I can’t help but worry and want only the best for my children. So when I noticed that my son wasn’t up to par with his peers, I knew I had to do something. Culturally, it is a shame to even mention the possibility of something possibly wrong with your child. “Alhamdulillah, he is healthy,” would always be the response. It was very frustrating in that aspect,... 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. Would you ever consider drastically changing your bedtime approach? This blogger shares how she ended bedtime battles. 2. Join your children, then advise them-wise advice from the life of the Prophet. (Arabic with English subtitles) 3. Spiritual reflections on what it is like to “wake up” and how to survive the ups and downs in our... Read more
We turned to some of our GrowMama readers and writers to see how they deal with birthdays in their families. Let us ask you the same question, “Birthdays… What do you do?” B wrote of a fresh twist on the traditional birthday party, “It finally happened… my daughter asked for a birthday party. Before this, my husband and I were undecided about birthday parties. I grew up with them; his family barely acknowledged birthdays. We have, however, developed a philosophy... Read more
Cleaning out my closet, I reach up to the top shelf and my hand hits a bag. I pull the bag down and reach in to see what’s inside and pull out a periwinkle-colored scarf. I hold the scarf in my hand and stare at it with a small smile. Whisper-thin, light as air, yet within the folds of that scarf there is a story, and within that story is a life. 2003. My wedding day is fast approaching. After... Read more
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