Articles by Sammer Z:

Sammer is a Pakistani by birth, a New Yorker at heart, a Mississippian at the soul, but a Muslimah first and foremost. Now an unemployed high school English Teacher, she plots her comeback as a novelist and activist beginning South of the Mason-Dixon reaching into the farthest corners of the Earth. She is currently developing projects in Thatta, Pakistan to advance education for the impoverished and establishing a women’s training and work center. She has one cat and a recently deceased fish, eaten by said cat. She mourns his passing.

Why Homeschool?

“Children are the future.” That line might be cliche and overused but that’s because it’s the truth. Our children will be the next inventors, scientists, doctors, and most importantly community leaders. Without a doubt we want the best for them and we strive to provide them with the opportunities they need to succeed. That’s why it comes as no surprise that the nourishing of their minds is a constant topic... Read More →

Defending your Birth Story

As beautiful as the delivery of a child can be for some women, it ends up being the complete opposite for others. As the saying goes, “we plan and Allah plans”… in this case, the Hospital plans as well.  Due to a lack of real education and preparation for birth, many mothers either go into a birth with no plan at all, or they find that there are many surprises during the labor and that their plan of ‘I’m going... Read More →

Reading Early and Often!

Reading to your child almost from the day they are born (and even in utero) is considered to be absolutely essential if you want your child to read early, read often and love reading.  Although, I didn’t quite catch the reading to my child thing until he was 8 months, I can see its effects. I knew reading to him was important but, I was too busy with other essentials like diapers, nursing, sleeping, and taking... Read More →

Simply Beautiful in Hijab

This article was written after reading “Tips on Overcoming ‘Modern Hijab Syndrome’”. It talks about the all too common faux paus of wearing hijab we see everywhere. Bangs coming out, the slippery hijab, the arm sausages (body suits)…we’ve either seen someone doing it, or we’ve become a victim to this ourselves. SO once we’ve realized our mistakes, tuck our big dangly earrings... Read More →

Children’s Book Review – A Sick Day for Amos McGee

InshaAllah this part of an on-going series of Children’s Book Reviews with Islamic morals and principles in mind. By: Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin Stead, 2011 ALA Caldecott Winner This is one of first books I have read to my son (18 months) that is not a board book. I was worried he might get bored and not notice the illustrations because of the muted colors. This book taught me we shouldn’t underestimate... Read More →

Fasting and Working out Are More Alike than you think:

The Unforseen parallels between staying fit year round and staying devoted during Ramadan Sarah Hassaine, NASM Certified Trainer, Nadoona Exercise Consultant I think we all experience that moment of hesitation the day after Eid.  Your eyes are still shut as you stir in bed and suddenly you remember that Ramadan is indeed over. “I am not fasting today!” Your mind excitedly communicates. “Wait really? Am I really... Read More →

Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Kareem!

Something I have always found interesting is that nearly all Muslims, regardless of age, gender, background or understanding of Islam, look forward to Ramadan intently. I wonder if you tell any other group of people,”No food, drink, marital relations for 16 plus hours in the summer,” who would look forward to that? We all look forward to it for different reasons: the opportunity to focus on our spirituality,... Read More →

Can I Give up Hijab?

Salaam, Im an 18 year old muslim girl.I have been wearing hijab from the age of 12.I understand the reason behind the obligation of hijab and i respect it but I never liked it.I have really beautiful hair and i would love to show it.My intention is not to attract male attention.I just want to look good and feel confident.My parents have alway sent me to the best of schools and in both my high schools i was the only... Read More →

In-Vitro Fertilization and Surrogacy?

SALAM ALAIKOM. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW IF IN- VITRO FERTILIZATION AND USING A SORROGATE MOTHER IS ALLOWED IN ISLAM. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO’S UTERUS HAD BEEN REMOVED BUT SHE STILL HAS HER OVARIES THEREBY SHE’S STILL OVULATING. SHE WANTS TO KNOW IF SHE AND HER HUSBAND CAN DO IVF AND USE A SORROGATE MOTHER IN ORDER TO HAVE A CHILD. SINCE SHE NO LONGER HAVE HER UTERUS SHE CANNOT HAVE A BABY IN A NATURAL WAY.... Read More →

Beneath the Leaves

In this dunya we are trees. From a seed we sprout and roots erupt forth and we flourish into an image of branches and leaves. Our leaves encompass us into a tree. We can choose to be rooted in rich soil or we can choose to have diseased roots contaminating the leaves from above. Intentions, or niyyah are the roots of all our actions. They can strengthen or weaken our relationship with Allah (swt). It is not an act of... Read More →