When I was 4 years old I was being babysat by a lady who I am sure was a very well meaning adult. Sometime in the afternoon, however, I decided I wanted ice cream, and thus began one of the most infuriating exchanges of my 4 years of life. “There is ice cream in my …
The Conception of Prophet Jesus, Son of Mary
Upon a Christian feminist expressing to me her discomfort with the idea of the Virgin Mary delivering a child without having consented to conceive or carry him, I decided to reread the corresponding verses in the Qur’an that describe the conception of Prophet Jesus, son of Mary, since there has already been an instance—the sacrifice …
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Islamic History and the Women You Never Hear About: Kahula bint Azwar
Kahula bint Azwar, who belongs in the warriors series, is nothing short of legendary. Most notably the ardent heroine charged to the rescue of her abducted brother, who was also a soldier and had been taken prisoner by the Byzantine Roman army during the Siege of Damascus in the Battle of Saniyat al Uqab, 634. …
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When ordinary Muslims say things in the media (and it sounds outrageous)
Most people, especially most religious people, are not aware that they are not living in a vacuum. They aren't aware that their words and actions are politically charged, or of the wider implications and interpretational consequences. They think they are just being religious. They think they are just being religious and living their lives even …
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“Why do Muslims pray that way? And why toward the Kaaba?”
I received these two questions in my inbox today and figured I would answer them here. This isn’t really that type of site (so the personal email was appropriate) but I’m sure both questions are common amongst non-Muslims (and Muslims alike). Starting with the first--I’m kind of staggered when Christians ask this question, because it …
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The Best Thing You Will Read Today (via Jill Filipovic)
So apparently Bic has come out with new pens especially for women! At last! Now with pens made especially for me in soft pastel colors to indicate my gender, I don't ever have to worry about being mistaken for male and--God forbid--taken seriously! After all, colors like blue and black were far too strong for …
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Forced sterilization is wrong. At any and all times. (or, Why Men Don’t Talk About Abortion 101)
This post is brought to you by a couple of commenters on the last post (their comments have not been accepted) advocating forced sterilization for those neurologically atypical. Are you kidding me? You do not have the right to anyone’s body. Ever. Ever. That right is their own and it is inalienable. It is inseparable. …