We stepped off the plane, walked to baggage claim and waited…and waited. Our luggage never made it to our connecting flight. We took a cab through our new and unknown country. Upon arriving at our apartment, we find the door is locked. I look down at my children and back at my husband as we stood on a desolate street, tired and hungry, with only the clothes on our backs. At that instant, I was filled with a sudden feeling... Read more
The scholars say “You are on the path of your company, so choose them wisely.” I did choose wisely. I met a woman who was a good mother with a warm, charitable heart and a beautiful smile. She was my running partner for six years. We ran miles and miles through wooded paths along the West Virginia mountains. Some days we could hear morning dew trickle off the leaves and ricochet down lush, green foliage. The sun poked it’s rays... Read more
It was a dark and chilly night, but she did not budge from her position. There was an absolute sense of focus and fearlessness in her eyes. She was determined and remained steadfast in her goal. She knew what she had to do. It was what Allah had intended for her. Nothing could stop her from keeping her baby gosling eggs warm and safe in their nest. There is so much for us to learn from this mother goose, such... Read more
My husband and I had a beautiful moment the other day, thanks to the kindness of a stranger. An event which at once beckoned us to remember Allah and His infinite blessings on us, amidst the madness that is often mealtime with kids. Those with children know exactly what I am talking about. We sat waiting for our breakfast at a favorite brunch spot, when suddenly our two girls became nostalgic for their beloved children’s song, one they ask for... Read more
Go right ahead. Don’t worry. We all pee sitting down here, so the toilets really are clean. Reluctantly but proudly, I now comfortably state what used to be a defensive awkward moment for me when friends or family generously allow me lead time to check our bathrooms before their use… or make gentle remarks or gestures about the presumed lack of cleanliness of our toilets because of the four males that live here: me and my three sons. Newsflash: boys... Read more
There is a scene in the movie Bride Wars where Kate Hudson’s character, while trying on a wedding dress, is told by the sales associate, “You don’t alter Vera (Wang) to fit you; you alter yourself to fit Vera.” It’s meant to be funny because it’s so ridiculous. Or is it? Lululemon founder Chip Wilson recently said in an interview that the problem behind (pun intended) their see-through, pilling pants is fat thighs and big butts. And with that we... Read more
Today was a blessing from God. The weather was beautiful and I had an opportunity to stroll through town. With my camera on my side, I stuck out like a sore thumb, which didn’t bother me at all. I stopped by my cousin Mona’s house after she graciously invited me over at my request to see how she makes cheese. She raises her own goats and uses their milk to make the cheese, which she then preserves in salt water.... Read more
One of my goals for my visit to my family this past summer was to just be around them. Not to see fancy sites or attend weddings, but to sit among them, be with them, and get some fresh perspective. To that end, I was blessed to spend the day with my grandmothers today. I was able to pray Fajr (pre-dawn prayer) on time for the first time in a while (ugh, jet lag!), which was a great start to... Read more
The place where my grandfather lies, alongside his father and mother, their parents, my uncles, and generations of other relatives is in a patch of land on the hillside of a hamlet in the occupied West Bank. My last memory of him was seeing him leave to go “home” after being diagnosed with cancer almost 20 years ago. Standing now at the green gate where my roots lie, I see the sign for a prayer: “Peace be unto you, the... Read more
Something trivial and maybe insignificant, but I was on a trip with a friend to a farm a while ago. She bought a couple of gourds and squashes, and I asked her what she was going to cook with them. She replied , “No, they’re for decoration.” For an instant, I was confused. My mind instantly associated the gourd decor with Halloween. But Alhamdulillah, I had a window of understanding opened, and a bit of stereotyping removed. I went to... Read more
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