Articles by Zahra M:

Zahra welcomes you to the site from her sunny town in the Bay Area, CA. Currently a university student, her life is what may be called an eclectic blend of various spices: Muslim, Pakistani, American, aspiring humanitarian, community activist, Sunday School teacher, youth worker, and of course, a dear family member and friend. Her adventures include various feats such as teaching English and basic math in a welfare school during Summer 2006 for women and children in Karachi, surviving high school with way too many AP classes, actively seeking and striving to apply Islamic knowledge in her life through various programs and classes, and unofficially founding her own non-profit called "Henna for Humanity". Reading, spending time with family and friends, trying to gain a better relationship with the Book of Allah and trying to be less obsessed with chocolate are some of Zahra's favorite past-times.

Ordinary Heroine: Sister Habibe Husain

You know that feeling when someone decides they want to live life extraordinarily, not just ordinarily? When one realizes that their breaths of their life are just ticking away day by day? Habibe Husain realized this and prayed to Allah, the Most High, for guidance. Her answer was clear: Rahma: Mercy. She decided to open Rahima Foundation and has been serving the hungry for nearly two decades, masha’Allah. Sister Habibe... Read More →

Domestic Violence – A Painful Reality

October was National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please re-post this article, others or any resources in order to create dialogue on this issue to show that silence and ignorance are not options any longer. A Moment in Time We were driving through town on a Friday evening, my mom steering and one of her best friends in the passenger seat providing free entertainment via her sense of humor. I was sitting in... Read More →

Ordinary Heroes: Celebrating Muslim Women

New Series at Muslimah Source What makes a hero? Often we imagine heroes to have super-human qualities that set them apart from the rest of us. However, there are those amongst us who are heroes even though they may seem ordinary. There are such Muslim women who, with their passion and courage, inspire us towards greater heights. Did you hear about the sister who home schools all her children while still making time... Read More →

Investing in Women Today: Talk by Ms. Kavita Ramdas

What does women’s empowerment have to do with reducing poverty in our world today? That’s precisely the question Ms. Kavita Ramdas addressed in her talk “Why investing in women is more important than ever”. Held at the Blum Center for Developing Economies, University of California, Berkeley, on September 12th, 2011, the speech touched on topics such as the meaning behind the word “development”, power of locally... Read More →

Hiking: A Metaphor for Life

It was summer vacation and nearly Ramadan. I had reached a time in my life when I realized I needed to seize my goals.  As a nature enthusiast, I always wanted to go hiking, camping and all things outdoors, but my family wasn’t too keen on it. I had just met a friend’s family, all of whom who were, masha’Allah, captivated by and experienced in the natural world. Just being around them and talking to them about... Read More →

Muslim Women and Body Image: Part I

Muslim Women and Body Image: Part I By Asiyah A. and Zahra M. I used to hate my self and my body, and for a long time I worked very hard to change it. Then, my efforts started making me sick. I still hated myself, but I just could not keep hurting myself, so I searched for a new way. Now, with Allah’s help, I am learning to take care of myself and love the body Allah has given me. It is often hard, but I know that... Read More →

Webinar: Unveiled – Understanding the Niqab, May 26 2011

Habibi Halaqas, I Got It Covered and Muslimah Source presents: FREE ONLINE WEBINAR Suggested Donation: $ 5 Donate here: http://bit.ly/hereisagiftforyou Unveiled – Understanding the Niqab Where: Online When: Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7:00-8:00 PM EST Speaker: Hebah Ahmed Register online at http://bit.ly/registerforwebinar There is much confusion and dispute among Muslims and non-Muslims about the status of the... Read More →

Reflections on International Women’s Day: A Muslimah’s Perspective

The 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day was celebrated this week on Tuesday March 8th, 2011. Women around the world were honored, celebrated, and esteemed. Women and men,  young and old, gathered on bridges and public arenas to celebrate the strength of women in their lives. Women’s issues were debated and discussed extensively, creating conversations and dialogues that our societies sorely lack. From... Read More →

Why Me?

“What did I ever do to deserve such a fate,” we sometimes ask ourselves. “Why me?” The timeless question that most complainers utilize to justify their self-pity. The confusion even strong willed and persistent people may find themselves wondering about when life’s circumstances are too difficult to bear. A sense of being a meaningful ‘speck’ within the universe comes over each person as they grapple with... Read More →

A Blueprint for Immortality: The Case of Prophet Ibrahim (as)

By: Zahra M. Since the beginning of time on earth, life as known to human beings has one key certainty: death. We as humans see death around us and know it will come one day or another. Some people have tried avoiding death by finding how to become ‘immortal’. They’ve spent their lives searching for the ‘fountain of youth’ which will keep them young forever or tried discovering medicines which will keep them... Read More →