Double Standard

Not too long ago, I had an assignment in the form of a class presentation, on Russia. I chose that country because I wasn’t too well versed in it’s history, except for it’s current foreign policy, and the Chechnya case. Aside from that, I held the view that Russia was a no non sense state. I was not the only one who held this claim my team mates, although an exaggerated statement, all believed that Russia was the embodiment of a gangster state. Needless to say, I was really excited in learning about this mass of land that could qualify as a continent. Our work consisted of examining it’s recognized fictitious self ascribed title as a democratic state, and if it’s current policies have remnants of authoritarian or totalitarian flavor left by it’s communist legacy. The answer to that question is definitely a no brainer, however I was left bewildered at the professors commentary, following our presentation. His response was typical, at first, he mentioned the role of power and money in acquiring legitimacy, a “I’m strong and big, and if I say I’m a democracy, well damn it I am” type of perception. However he mentioned how Russia is not reprimanded or berated for it’s policies, since they don’t share the same democratic heritage of Western nations. A “Russia will be Russia” kind of argument. From tsarist rule, to Bolshevism to communism, a liberal type of democracy doesn’t bode well with them, and shoving this ideology down their throat will only create resentment and failure.

Interesting, I wondered why this case can’t be applied to Muslim countries. Clearly, liberalism is not a part of their heritage, it is a latent concept that rears its head, only, in times of need. Socialism was a colossal failure, and nationalism has created nothing but civil strive. However, western nations turn a blind eye to this fact, propagate a nouveau imperialism, and have the audacity to proclaim that they’re exporting freedom and equality. I remember attending a Robert Fisk lecture a while ago on Obama and the Middle-East (why people feel the need to constantly mention Obama in CANADA, is beyond me). He said something that I thought was spot on, I’ll paraphrase since I don’t remember his exact words “democracy has not worked for the Middle-East, and will not work, they need a different type of government I don’t know what it is exactly but its clear that an alternative is necessary”. I was left astonished, if a non Muslim can came to that conclusion, how come we can’t grasp that fact?

Understanding the existing diversity in thought, and recognizing the unprecedented role of culture in politics, is necessary. This double standard with Muslim majority nations is not a surprise. However, will they ever realize the error of their ways, surely they acknowledge that there is wisdom in history, why the political amnesia, then?

Sign

When I feel anguished  the sight of a niqaabi causes my heart to flutter, yet I can’t help but yield to sorrow. I’ve never coveted something as intensely as that four inch piece of cloth. Its perplexing for we cross paths only when I’m gloomy.

Ignorance Is The Culprit and We Are Its Accomplice.

This article I read by a sister was an instigator to this post, therefore I will give credit where credit is due. For fear of repeating the same premises that she holds, this post is more of a personal narrative

I was fortunate to grow up in a household where the word marriage was never uttered, yet somehow we were still expected to mold into our traditional roles. My mother and aunt would count epic stories of my limitless potential in transforming into a modern day superwoman, clad in heels but with a book on one hand and a baby on the other. Hence, my absolutely delusional views of my future. My father refused to purchase barbies and the like, and emphasized a home free of mind numbing entertainment, therefore books were all the rage. Fortunately, I’ve realized the absurdity of such a dream, before being subject to a groundbreaking failure. I feel as though in the West we are expected to answer to these expectations, yet be submissive to our cultural heritage, regardless of the myriad of problems and conflicting nature of abiding to both. Women’s independence is often stressed, yet what are emancipating ourselves from patriarchy? Vanity? Family? History? The answer aren’t offered, we are just expected. For instance, if you are a career minded woman, there is an ideal to follow, mind you one who’s negative impact refused to be discussed. On the other hand, If you chose to opt for the other route a house wife, well in some eyes, your are demeaned for not realizing your full potential. From there, your launched into another lecture concerning “expectations”. This constant discourse of expectations, can only lead us adrift, regrettably forfeiting is not an option.

Years ago I once read a interview with an intellectual, stating that Muslim woman need to be perceived as women first, before any other role they assume or occupy. That struck a cord, well to be fair everything struck a cord I gave equal sway to all knowledge. I digested random information, regardless of the source, I believed that adults were incapable of lying, was I in for a rude awakening. Anyways, that’s why Islam is perfect, our relationships are not juxtaposed to people surrounding us rather it is contingent on seeking the pleasure of Allah(swt). That man or woman is a slave to Allah(swt) merciful being, that does not resemble his creation, prior to anything else. Therefore, our primary expectation is to submit to the decree of Allah(swt), acknowledging it allows other expectations to  emanate naturally, but however we don’t realize that, so we forget to pass our inspirations and other expectations through that primary filter. Enshrining this thought process within our minds is primordial.

Needless to say, I blame our adoptive culture and our eastern culture for berating us with this continuous chant of “expectations” . The blame also lies within ourselves for not diagnosing our incapability of discerning our voice, amongst the brouhaha. Therefore, we are trapped between two hostile cultures that refuse to meet half way. Although, cultures were historically known to interact and extract from each other, it is presently not the case. I feel like we’ve adopted the incredulous claim of a supposed clash of civilizations, a claim we were so quick to criticize, once upon a time.

Indulgence

I asked a friend , on Gchat, if it was wise to post this, and if its to self-indulgent, here’s her answer:

Me: I’m thinking of posting my 25 things abt me on my blog what do u think?
Her: no
Me: is that self-indulgent
Her: do not turn this blog into an autobiography
I hate ppl that do that
Me: why
Her: it was bad enough on facebook
cuz it’s like go talk about yourself in a diary
Nobody cares
Me: my readers care
Her: No they don’t, you’re not Edward Said

The Edward Said ending was priceless, therefore I indulged. I decided to post the “25 random things about me”, that plunged Facebook users into a sea of vanity, for you my loyal readers. I promise it’ll be the first and last absolutely useless post.
*It’s not the original one, I altered a few things for privacy sake.

1. I don’t like people. At all!

2.I’m an amazing judge of character, I’m hardly ever wrong about people, but I don’t vocalize it cause the Muslim in me gives them a chance.

3.I’m to afraid and ashamed to ask Allah for something, especially important things. I don’t deserve my blessings.

4.I don’t think I would be able to look at the Prophet(saws) in the eyes, and say that I kept his legacy alive.

5. In elementary I got my arm stuck on the metal fences, because i wanted to get a branch on the other side for a kid(yea the altruist in me kicked in), it was mortifying my teacher had to come and help me out it took a good minute.

6. As a kid I was tremendously afraid of my Quran teacher that i even knew Hadiths by heart.

7. I love anything with sparkles or bows. Like it’s an obsession. I bought very expensive and ugly shoes because of that diabolical affinity, and know I’m stuck with them; but their soooooo pretty to look at.

8.I’m afraid of becoming a housewife…..and liking it.

9. I truly believe that some of my friends will become future movers and shakers, Inshallah!

10. Considering number 8# it’s kid of ironic, but I don’t like working, and I’m probably going to become self-employed in the future, or a bum.

11.I’m an attention whore. In elementary, my friend wasn’t listening, so I poured her water bottle on the floor while the teacher spoke. I can’t stand people not listening to what I have to say.

12. I wish all women had a voice. The ones that do please SPEAK UP

13. There is no such thing as separation of the spiritual and political. Like DUH!

14.I used to read the dictionary as a kid (don’t judge me)

15.I’m afraid that I’m average.

16.All that glitters is not gold, but man I love sparkles

17. I want to memorize the whole Quran, get my PhD, and not be single, before the age of 30.Inshallah!

18.Smart people that preoccupy themselves with superficial things piss me off. I know quite a few of them, guys get over it! It’s a shameful and unrewarding pursuit.

19.I’m afraid of the dark.

20.I always wished I was o.c.d (had a obsessive compulsive disorder) like the ones where you tick if the slightest thing is out of place.

21.A few acquaintances and short lived friendship’s impact still lingers in my soul. You will never be forgotten.

22.Bleach is my favorite perfume. J’adore l’odeur du javel.

23. I love the French language, you know colonized vs colonizer type of relationship; very dysfunctional.

24. Regardless, of what I think founder of “an alternative of mode of globalization” group on your resume will not make you a valued asset.

25.Denial defines my life.

26.I have nightmares when my Iman decreases.

27.I’m beyond random, I wish I can say everything that comes through my mind because if I did I would have no friends, and others would take a longer detour just to avoid me. I’m not exaggerating!!!!

28.My love for reading, is……indescribable.

29. Intellect and Iman is a lethal combination, it has the power to make my heart melt.

30. I love talking about myself, as you’ve noticed I was suppose to stop at 25.

Ilmweek!

I’m on cloud nine right now, even though I’m buried knee deep in finals. Toronto, is having a mini version of Ilmsummit, it’s called Ilmweek. There’s no criteria for admission, the capacity of students is larger, it begins with sweetness, and ends with tenderness. Yup! That means Fiqh of Love is finally coming to Canada. I found out about Ilmsummit, last year a little too late, nor do I have the means to go this summer, so Ilmweek is the perfect alternative. Its obviously no Ilmsummit, but it’s the best thing we, Canadians, have in proximity. I’m working out the details, all in all it might be a reality, bi’idnilah.

Love In A Jar

I just finished watching Oprah, I was so inspired that I had to write this post immediately after, yes it was that astonishing. Mind boggling stuff, I tell ya.

The episode was about a documentary on the discovery channel(the people behind that network should receive a millennium award or something, they never cease to amaze me). The documentary is called “The Science of Sex Appeal”, I can’t stop singing it’s praises, to some it might not be a revolutionary revelation but others prepare to be blown away. Here’s the old age secret to attraction, I guarantee, that you’ll find your soul mate if you follow this scientifically proven study.

Women attract more men when they are ovulating. The men’s natural smell, that on a usual basis repels opposite sex suddenly becomes appealing. This is a bad example but look at the bigger picture: strippers made 30% more tips when ovulating, then their counterparts who were on contraception pills. Gasp, I know! They also showed the evolution of a woman from the end of her menstruating cycle to her ovulating days, there was a significant difference when she was ovulating, it was crazy she went from OK to pretty, she suddenly had a certain je ne c’est quoi, it was subtle, yet apparent.

The tests weren’t only geared to women, but also men. For instance they put sweaty t-shirts that belonged to men in a sealed jar, and made a handful of random women inhale the odor. Each woman inclined towards the reverse of her own scent. The rational behind this was that when sniffing out a mate, you look for your immune system opposite, evidently to ensure species survival. Needless to say there were many other examples of how all these are integral factors in seeking a partner, however it was all done in a subconscious level. What I retained, is that women looked for the “hunter-gatherer” type, while men just wanted to fertilize some eggs. What’s interesting to note, is that the doctor stated that due to the increased independence of both genders, that this study is contingent to social context, thus it’s an evolution process. They have no substantial proof, it’s nothing but mere assumptions.

Seriously, forget all of this instead imagine if matrimonial sites took a page from this book! How successful would they be in hooking people up, they would probably be so efficient, that they would begin charging astronomical fees, since they have a no fail approach. Those matrimonial website owners should watch this stuff, and completely reinvent themselves, and the current destitute situation of Muslim marriage in the West will sky rocket to success.

Some of you might ask what’s the benefit of this, well here’s a conversation I had with my sister shortly after, that summarizes:

Sister: What the heck is the point of studying this, (the invited specialist had PhDs in the science of beauty: shame on you stop snickering it does exist)
Me: how can you say that, it’s so relevant
Sister: Yea, if your shallow
Me: Well actually, it proves that nothing just happens,  we take things for granted that we sometimes forget to ponder in Allah’s (swt) bounty. It reminds us of our ignorance, weakness and dependence to the Creator. That’s there’s reason behind everything, even the most mundane things in life……Blah blah blah(not important we preceded to talk about the science of cultures)

(Warning: sarcasm alert) When you finally find you significant other, just think of me and remember me in your dua’s, no need to thank me, I do it for the people.

Going to a Catholic Church As a Muslim

Here’s an article that a dear dear dear friend of mine wrote, I can’t even introduce her properly my words would never do justice to her AMAZINGNESS!

Experience and some advice rant
by H-B

For an assignment I had to do for my religions course, I was told to pick a religious institution to go to other than my own. I had the option of going to a shi’a mosque, synagogue or a church. I opted for a church.

Witnessing everything that I did, I found the experience enlightening. Compared to a mosque, there is much more participation from the congregation throughout the sermon and the overall service. I have to note that the fundamentals of what Catholics/Christians believe and their rituals in comparison to Muslims are similarly all the same. I’ve seen Muslims before in the depths of prayer, but to see a Christians also prayer to God sincerely and often repeating the phrase ” God hear our prayer”–I thought, what does God say of all this? He must hear them, but what of their sincerity even if it was misdirected?

From a Muslim perspective, seeing the amount of decoration, elaborate sculptures of the Virign Mary and Jesus Christ hanging from a cross was a bit overwhelming. I found it quite distracting for me, personally.

I think what I am trying to say, for anyone who decides to read this–especially if your Muslim– is go and experience faith other than the mosque. For me, I have more respect for the mosque now. I think it also puts everything in perspective. The culture of respect and tolerance for others is forced to take the place of any hatred or conflicting feelings one might feel when going to a place where one might not agree with everything being practiced.

I think the true learning is experience.

It’s true that Muslims have turned inward on their understanding of their faith, meaning that our fundamental understanding of our faith principles have either not been understood or misunderstood and henceforth cultural values have taken place. This gives way to a very literalistic understanding of Islam. Whether that is good or bad, I do not have enough knowledge to pronounce such judgment, but I can say that tolerance, respect, open-mindedness and love are underrated values in our communities. The ‘us vs them’ mentality takes place where we look out for our interests.

Really, the challenge of our century, as Imam Zaid has said, is to defend and dignify human interest and human life. True Muslim (again, I don’t even know what that means, but only what it may constitute) need to open ourselves up. Kinda like the saying of Voltaire ” I don’t agree with what you may be saying, but I will die defending your right to say it”

I’m glad this assignment made me go out of my comfort zone. Good enough, I didn’t feel that my iman was being tested or attacked. I was sound with my faith. Alhamdulilah.

alhamdulilah, alhamdulilah, alhamdulilah.

I’m sorry. I don’t even think this post made any coherent sense, but extract the wisdom as you will.

Blah

I will warn you before you go any further, this post qualifies as a rant.

Point 1

I hate my blog name, it’s totally not representative of me, it’s blah. To the tell you the truth I don’t even know what it means, ok, well I do, but whatever it’s still really off. I thought I would be all mysterious, and brainy but i royally failed. Its easy to tell when someone is trying to hard, and I will admit I tried HARD to come up with a name, and I hardly ever experience writer blocks, but I was definitely lacking in the creative department, at that time. How can I conjure up a catchy name that embodies everything that I am. It was really difficult, I preferred unconventionally traditional but my dear sister said it was too long and sucky. I disagreed, however I listened to her because she was the only one that knew about my endeavor in the blogosphere at that time. Now I’m stuck with this name, until I can kick myself into coming up with a new one.*

Point 2

I am incredibly reluctant when it comes to fads, and I emphasize the word incredibly. It’s my own way of resisting to social pressure, because the fine line between genuinely stellar stuff and overrated is easily crossed, sadly. I don’t have an i-pod(or any other device), I got my first cellphone when I was 18, I didn’t drool over the harry potter series, like everyone else. What’s worse is that when people find out, they’re baffled and within seconds you turn into a Neanderthal in their eyes, regardless of your reasonable and convincing reply, they’ll only hear grunts. (This is not some type of self promotion, I do have a point, I will get to it it soon, don’t skim, why skip diner, just to get to the dessert.) Suddenly through their eyes, your self worth is summed up in mere seconds, because you dared to answer no I don’t “do, want, care, or own” that. I joined facebook, exactly a year ago next month, facebook is what you make of it, and no this is not a facebook bashing or praising post either. My point is there’s a new cool kid in town, twitter, I had no idea what twitter was 2 days ago, but John Stewart explained it cough mocked cough so well, that I’m totally thinking of joining. I honestly think everyone deserves to know what I’m doing ever second of everyday, we seldom get to appreciate the gratuities in life, let’s enjoy it friends, before the well runs dry. Lol, did you believe that cause I didn’t. In all honesty, I’m contemplating it, and it’s kind of scary.

Point 3

This blog is not exactly what I planned it to be, but I have quite a few things in mind, I have much to learn though. Hopefully there will be a change soon *cross fingers*.

*Update: I came up with a sick blog name…exciting!

« L’état, c’est moi »

Ils disent souvent que l’homme qui détient le plus de pouvoir, est le président américain. Evidement ont peut le contester, mais je n’envisage pas a débattre cette énoncé, plutôt j’aimerais souligner ceci : gare au culte de personnalité! Si j’entends un autre mot à propos des exploits d’Obama, je vais personnellement m’étrangler. J’en ait marre, il a envahi ¾ des « status » sur mon Facebook, j’ai eu des disputes a n’en plus finir, avec Dieu sait combien de personnes, et ils me répondent qu’avec des propos flagrants sur sa race. Non, mais le fait que c’est un américain noire n’est pas pertinent. Avant que vous pétez les plombs, permettez moi de m’expliquer.

Premièrement, le fait qu’il est le premier président noire, n’est pas pertinent pour le poste dont il occupe. S’il est noire ça ne veut pas dire, que ça performance va être davantage exceptionnelle, ou même le contraire horrible, et inefficace. Mais, ça ne veut que dire, qu’un pays qui pratiquait un racisme vif il y a peine 60 ans, a pu surmonter ces préjudices, et réaliser, ce qui devrait être évident depuis la nuit des temps : que nous sommes tous égaux, peu importe notre ethnicité. Donc ce n’est qu’un testament aux peuples Américain, et un triomphe a l’égalité. Je ne vais pas nier, ou même masquer la joie qui m’ai parvenu de pouvoir témoigner ce moment historique, pourtant ce n’est pas une raison d’oublier ces politiques plutôt conservatrices.

Deuxièmement, je ne crois pas que c’est sain pour Obama et même les citoyens américains, de lui chanter des louanges, sans cesse. Il le perçoit comme un homme infaillible, ou l’échec n’est pas permit, puisque l’ont rendu presque surhumain. Certes ceci est nocif car aussitôt qu’il va commettre une erreur, qui est évidemment naturel, on va lui reprocher énormement et le dédommagement va lui coûter chère, dépendant du problème. De plus, à cause de son charisme, qui est wow hypnotisant, les gens s’en passe de ces politiques qui ne sont pas si différente de celle de l’administration de Bush et ces compatriotes. Il dépose toute leur confiance sur lui, et cela est vraiment un fardeau lourd pour n’importe quel homme. Le fait que des adjectives comme espoir, nouvelle ère, « change » lui sont attribué et même devenu synonymes à son nom, est franchement troublant.

L’importance qu’on a alloué a son discours, est un peu surprenante, un homme est jugé par ces accomplissement durant sa présidence et non avant. Comme s’il va éliminer la perception internationale des États-Unis comme tyran, remédier la situation économique, et réparer toutes les gaffes du dernier président. C’est trop pour un homme et ce n’est pas envisageable, s’il le fait les résultats vont se montrer que plus tard, et des résultats immédiate ne sont pas réaliste. Surtout dans une société ou nous bougeons a 100 milles à l’heure, et la patience n’est pas perçu comme un vertu mais nuisible.

Qui rira bien rira le dernier.

He Said, She Said…The Zionist Said

It pains me to write this article, but I feel I must. Conspiracy theories, yes, we’ve heard them all, some of us attribute credibility to them and others ridicule it. Conspiracy theories are, without a doubt, rife within the Muslim ummah, the western Muslims are not exempt from this trend. I hardly hear Muslim’s rejecting conspiracy theories. Unfortunately, they’re enforcing them, and referencing them during conversations, frankly someone needs point this out. They need a slap in the face, I’m definitely not condoning violence, but a slight tap to bring them back to reality, will do.

The majority of people have gotten bitten by the conspiracy bug, it has infested their brain, and introduced it’s progeny to their new comfortable nest i.e. the Muslim mind. Whenever you prove one is wrong, somehow, you’re hit with an even more absurd one. I remember not too long ago at a gathering, laughter was in the air, no audible voice could be discerned, for all the tepid fun we were having. Then the ambiance turned sour, someone mentioned from a “credible” source that 9/11 was a set up. I don’t want to repeat the story, in case some might believe it to be true, but unless you live under a rock, your ears have been insulted by this one. Unfortunately, once in a while, personally is one to many, I’m left flabbergasted, by such comments.

There is not a week that passes by that I don’t hear the poster child of conspiracy theories, the one that links all the other ones together: the world is owned by Zionist, every single ill that has been perpetrated on Muslims, is at the hands of the resources of the Zionist Jews. Honestly! Really! People that say this kind of stuff should have their right of speaking revoked, and their intelligence thoroughly questioned. I’m not neglecting the huge media bias, however more often then not we bring this upon ourselves, seriously, they don’t have to jump hoops to fabricate stories, most of the time it’s just gratuitous offered by us. We are our own bad publicity.

Subhanallah, if we hold on to them, we will not progress. Believing the whole world is aligned against us and waiting for the opportune moment to pounce, is adopting a defeatist attitude and the conspiracy theories are but a natural consequence of our ineptitude. Thus we believe the only way we can counter this effect is by propagating nonsense.

Hold on to the truth, it will set you free. Anyways, I must go back to my team of monkeys, who are diligently working on deciphering the 7up logo.