A “Wasat Girl” embraces being in-between multiple cultures, because this transcultured space is globalism living out loud. It was where culture happens, the place of power, that middle space – “wasat” culture. Being a wasat girl is a cultural force, but there is a unique type of Third Space reserved for the overweight, the fat girls. If you grow up large, your life may be like crouching in a crevice, like in a fat roll, where you assume a type of... Read more
A Man Who Washes Dishes I love a man who clears my table I love a man who knows how to use a wire scouring brush on my pots till they sparkle so He brings out my shine (more…) Read more
Portlandia, a popular satirical comedy show, celebrates the quirky culture of Portland, Oregon. One of their most popular ongoing skits features two women who manage a cooperatively- owned feminist bookstore. In these clips, they purposely (and playfully) poke fun at an “old school” approach to feminism. Watch the great clip below, and visit here to learn about the real bookstore that inspired the skits! Read more
My cell phone buzzes and when I look at the screen, it’s a text from an unknown number: “A friend gave me your number and I wanted to talk to you because I am getting married in 3 weeks and wanted to get your advice. Please call me.” As a premarital counselor for the last five years, I often receive texts and emails like this. People know that I wrote the book, Before the Wedding: Questions for Muslims to Ask... Read more
I am madly in love with a good man. Next week, I am going to marry another. I have cried more tears this year than I have cried in my entire life. I have been brought so low that I cannot see a way out. I no longer trust my own judgment, my own thoughts, my own brain or heart. I used to be amazing. Now I am a mere shadow of who I used to be. You read about... Read more
chicago. i don’t care what the news says about the south and west side of chicago. it is on these buses that men stand for me to sit. where I am called “sister”; where old ladies compliment my family, and shake their head while smiling and always asking “three boys?!” it is these buses that when i make my kids stand for the old, young, strollers, the pregnant, and handicapped they are thanked and smiled at. say what you want,... Read more
Two young American Muslims — he worked in finance, she volunteered with Occupy Wall Street — fell in love despite their differences. Watch the New York Times “Vows” video, here. Read more
We have men and love on the mind as we edit entries for Love, Inshallah’s companion anthology, Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men on Love, Sex, and Intimacy – available Valentine’s Day 2014 from Beacon Press. Imagine a whole website site where men talk about love: the good, the bad, the cliched, and the sincere! The Man’s Guide To Love is just that — a video collection from all ages and ethnicities — on love, loss, and relationships. What a great way... Read more
I am a Muslim woman and I chose to have an abortion. There are a few things you should know about me: I consider my religion to be the defining aspect of my life; I am an active member of my community, particularly in the area of women’s education and empowerment; and, I am a wife and mother who is nursing her baby while pursuing a post-graduate degree. I also do plan on having more children in the future, God... Read more
Editor’s note: Writer Ihssan Tahir is coming on board as a www.patheos.com/blogs/loveinshallah monthly columnist! Look for her column, “Single in the City,” the last Wednesday of the month. I’ve learned many things since my divorce. It has been a time of self-reflection and discovery. I am a firm believer that there is a lesson to be learned in all situations; this includes the good and bad. The most profound – and difficult – thing I’ve learned is to be alone.... Read more
Love, InshAllah
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