How Islamic Calendar Year Started

 Wishing you a Blessed New Year full of prosperity and goodness!

Tomorrow, we-Muslims-celebrate the New year that commemorates the day our Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) MIGRATRED from the city of Mekka to the city of Medina where he with his followers fled persecution, injustice, economic boycotting, humilation, and descrimination from his own people just because of the new faith he -peace and utmost blessings be upon him- chose, believed and sincerely followed.

In this image, a symbol that sums up how the Prophet’s blessed immigration looked like, where he was under the heaviest of all surveillences, people intending harm and plotting to harm/kill him from every  neighboring tribe because his reasoning and kindness were threatening their interests..

The Prophet left as a last resolution and he had his best loyal friend -Abu Bakr Alseddiq- joining him.

They fled and hed in a cave and his enemies were tracking his blessed footsteps.

His companion was dying out of worrisom and fear, he turned to the prophet and told him, “they are almost here!”

The prophet was divinely inspired to keep calm and composure and told his friend,

“Don’t be afraid. Allah is with us!”

A few minutes after, the enemeies were at the cave enterance but they were fooled by the spider web and the two pigeons at the cave enterance that made them believe that the cave was abandoned for decades enough to allow those fragile creatures to stay and  reproduce not fearing disruption. 

They were fooled. And left.

The spider and the two pigeons were divenely inspired to land there after the Prophet entered the cave.

It was one of too many Prophetic miracles granted to the Prophet to enable him to safely deliver his message.

Allah granted the Prophet a safe, sound and prosperous migration that led to a more prsoperpus journey.

In that day, I’m remembering this story to remind myself and all of you as well, that Allah is where we think He Almighty is.

May Allah inspire us to think good of Him, so He will be our savior!

Wishing you and your beloveds a blessed New year, with success, expiated sins, good halal blessed sustenance and freedom from all injustices, illnesses and fears!

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#Amen #prayerworks #storytelling

#islamicnewyear

Islamic History in the West Starts at Black African American Muslims

 This is one of the BEST yet quickest lectures/seminars that discussed why American Muslims regardless of their backgrounds should give extra attention to the African American History from an Islamic lens Perspective. MashaAllah!

Black Muslim History in America is the Islamic History in the West.

This lecture addressed a very sensitive topic civilly from many meaningful aspects like the unknown/ hidden educational element, the narrative element “what it really means to be an American Muslim with true history and preserved roots to this country, why Islam is not new to America, why Muslims are the very fabric of the American community”.

 Also the panel has the historical facts, real people from the tradition with open hearts coming to you at your mosque/congregession with your like minded community sharing and refelecting on their ancestors’ history and how we as a nation can best utilize this opportunity to heal the divides and bridge the gaps and block the unintentional intellectual and historical gentrification that has been going on for decades in our communities, mosques, relationships, etc…

If an immigrant listens to the stories of how Black enslaved Africans whether Muslims or not fought for centuries for their dignity, and stolen identities, they will appreciate the path and respect the selfless advocacy of Black African Americans towards their liberation, dignity and existance.

I’m just amazed at the leadership example in this org allowing community dialogue and dedicating their platform for honest and dignified voices and not only trendy and commercial voices.

What a great example to follow!

It’s still sad that one of the first built mosques in this area-as per what they mentioned-has become like a historical site or known “only” for the Black Muslims and not immigrant Muslims from other backgrounds.

Community building starts with amplifying truthful stories, dignifying the stories of true struggles, and encouraging unity, brotherhood, promoting real equity and appreciating diverse leadership and embracing their path!

Bless the Roots!

Watch here,

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F94uCvcUq00&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLMIp9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjBS0peRvWBFn6QdcK5JwiwIPKEiYHmlH-0RPa0_O1C8hVT1qgEaRgHehAQO_aem_8wjdt9GiMSU7l_LWHw8otg

#MuslimAmericans #IslamicHistory #islamichistoryintheus

There is a Snake in Our Backyard!

Once I was playing with my cousins in my grandma’s backyard. In the middle of the game, I found all the kids running away in different directions. I was perplexed. 

“What happened?” I asked. 

They said that they had found a snake. I had the urge to go and check. I saw it. I hate snakes and I fear them, but at this point, I couldn’t resist going to have a closer look. The snake was small, and it didn’t have fangs, most probably it was the kind of snake that grows in suburbs. 

I had a bottle of water, and so I spilled it over its head. Then, it disappeared. Later that day, I went to my grandma and told her what had happened. She was shocked at my unprecedented bravery, then she smiled and said, “I liked how you showed up and tried to kill the snake, but attacking a snake is not a sign of bravery. It is recklessness.”

It felt like my grandma had popped my bubble. “What should I have done better? Should I leave it as it is to scare all of us away? Or should I let it stop us from playing?” I asked.

 

My grandma soothed my anger with a sudden big hug and she kissed me on the cheek and said,

“If you have a snake in your house, you pretend like you are bigger, you’re larger, you are here and there and everywhere. So, the snake will be disturbed, it will withhold back, and when it settles in the corner, you'll be able to trap it. Once you’re able to do that, hit it hard on the head, not on the body. Kill it. If you left a hurt snake, it will come back to avenge itself.”

I then retorted, “But that's not very kind to the snake!”

She smiled and said, “Alright. Enjoy the venom then.”

Did you like the story?

Want more stories?

Check out my latest release on Amazon Mrs. Z, the Substitute!

This book has 11 short stories that feature Muslims, immigrants, mental awareness, understanding kids with learning difficulties, parent-teacher relationships, and funny stories. The main idea behind this book is trying to see things from other people's perspectives. This book includes stories from the heart and it will bring so much understanding and wisdom to your sight. 

Get your copy from Amazon here,

Or contact me to get your author copy here

Watch a read aloud from the first chapter here

Checkout Hi, I'm Syrian

I'm Different I'm Special

Egyptian Food Made Easy

Arabic Novels

Arabic Novels

The Reason Why You Should Never Mess with an Egyptian "Funny Tale from Egypt"

The Reason Why You Should Never Mess with an Egyptian "Funny Tale from Egypt"

Did you know that the word “Egypt” is not the Arabic word for Egypt?

Egypt was mentioned many times in the Quranic holy scriptures, but it was never mentioned as Egypt.

The Arabic term that Egyptians used to refer to Egypt is “Masr”. 

Additionally, Egyptians are not named as Egyptians. They are referred to as “Masreyeen”.

Egyptian is “Masri”.

Egypt is “Masr”.

This is what the word “Masr” would look like in Arabic:

مصر

Now, the question is, where did the word Egypt come from?

There is a fun tale I once heard from an Arabic linguist about the origin of the word Egypt. The linguist mentioned that the word Egypt actually is a word that was created by Ancient Greek merchants who would travel overseas and meet with Ancient Egyptians on sea borders. 

The Ancient Greek merchants in their tales were used to describe the countries of the people they would trade with. The Ancient Greeks would identify Ancient Egyptians as the people who would ask you “Eh-jept?” the first time they saw you. “Eh-jept” is a slang Egyptian term that means “What did you bring?”

So, when Ancient Egyptians met Ancient Greek traders, they did not say “Hello” or “Thank you”, but instead they would say “What did you bring?” 🤓

I personally don't know why they used this term specifically.  I assume that they might be trying to refer to how practical Egyptians are. Anyways, it's good to know that people who were identified by their practicality and hard work are not people to mess with. 

Do you have any Egyptian friends? Or do you know someone who is Egyptian?

Please let me know.

Check out my:

- Egyptian Cookbook (with secret recipes!)

- Arabic novels, Arabic Novels Kermalak

- Picture books for kids about accepting differences, Picture books immigration, Chapter books for kids

Learning Arabic for Non Native Arabic Speakers Level 1, 2

Attached here are some Egyptian-owned businesses in the US, feel free to connect and support!

HueDeel - Hand Painted | Facebook

Reham's Cake Gallery | Facebook

With Nove unlock your glow | Facebook

منة حماد Parenting/Life Coach (@menna_parenting_coach) • Instagram photos and videos

FEELArtTreasures | Etsy

Ramadan Wooden Lantern With LED Lights Ramadan Lamp Decor | Etsy

Aayah Khalaf | Health coach (@beenourished.aya) • Instagram photos and videos

Aayah's photography (@aayahphotography) • Instagram photos and videos

Asmaa Esmat - Coaching | Facebook

اللغة العربية Centre Al Fath pour les cours d'arabe et de coran en ligne | Facebook

The Loans Guy | Facebook

Daad Learning (@daadlearning) • Instagram photos and videos

ALFarid Handmade Accessories & Toys - Home (facebook.com)

Stars Home Inspection LLC

713 Eberly Ct, Plano, IL 60545

(630) 802-9683 https://g.co/kgs/827Zxk

If I missed you, feel free to contact me and add your business to the list.

Best of luck!

Someone I Truly Loved

My name is Maira, and I am a marker. I have been on a shelf at the Kenny Craft Store for years. I would wait for Hana to come and brush off the dust, unload, and restock the rest of the shop items every morning. I would shy away if someone walked in and decided to purchase me. I would whisper my prayers that the customer would find something more interesting than me to buy. I'm thankful that all my prayers were answered and no one had stepped in so far. Hana realized that I had gotten older and I wasn't attractive anymore.  By that time, she was assured that no one would buy me. Hana decided that I would be hers. She would take me everywhere she went and would use me to highlight every text she liked. I knew her secrets; I memorized every note she made; I knew her favorite top-listed books and her favorite authors. I would wait in long lines with her if she learned that Steven King had a new release. Once we were together at the café, she opened her book to highlight something. Hana took off the cap. She pointed my tip toward the 13th line on page 55, where she left off, then, she let me on the page; my ink couldn't come out of my tubular soul. Sorry Hana, I just died. I swear, I never loved someone the way I loved you! I'm glad I was something to someone I truly loved. 

Did you like the story?

Check out my book collection and my Amazon Author page here,

Some of my books are available at Barnes and Nobles online store 

Author copies are available, just email me

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Why Should I Favor You Over Myself?

  

Once, I was in the park with my kids. I met another parent who'd recently had a baby, and he took his older daughter to the park to entertain her. We talked and he saw my children; then he asked me how I taught them how to share. He told me, “The idea of sharing what you have with someone else or favoring someone else over yourself is so hard for any human being to grasp and practice. Whenever I ask my daughter to share with her baby brother, she says no. I find it makes a lot of sense. Why should I favor you over myself? Why should I share what I have with you? You are not better than me, and I care to be successful. So I might need to be better than you and everybody else.”

 

     I see his point, but as humans, we need to work on our spiritual beings the same way we care for our well-being. And unlike physical wellness, spiritual wellness is elevated by lacking mundane things and deprivation of self-satisfaction. The more we satisfy our everyday needs, the more our own greedy selves will ask for more. And If we only focus on satisfying our greedy selves, nothing will be enough, and eventually, we will tend to hurt our souls and bodies. That's why Allah ordered us to give away from what we have in the form of charity and alms to encourage the goodness in ourselves. We need the reasonable, the enough, and we don't need too much of anything.

    God asked us to fast for the same reason. We don't need too much food, what we need is what makes us self-content. We shouldn't be following our greed. All kinds of greed. Intellectual greed, social greed, emotional greed, economic greed, etc.  God knew how the lower self would drag us to wrongdoing and sinful acts if we kept asking more and consuming more. So, He ordered us to give more and ask for less to honor his grace and reach the better higher self. In return, He blesses us with farseeing, tranquility, blessed hearts, and spiritual light in this life, and He promised us the company of prophets in heaven in the afterlife. This is a great deal, no one should miss it. It's hard though, but prayers- dua'as-, and working on our intentions will ease it Insha'Allah. We ask Allah's forgiveness, and we seek His guidance.

So, what if I don't have money to give away? 

You can give away your time and dedicate it to something beneficial to your people, including family. You can dedicate your energy to serving a good cause. You can donate your skills by spreading your knowledge and sharing what you know and sharing your resources. "You should refer and give credit to who taught you. Virtue should be attributed to its people. This is a sign of morality."

Since it's Giving Tuesday, I would recommend a list of REAL organizations that do REAL work, and the only reason I'm listing them here in my blog is to share the knowledge, spread the word out about what they are doing, and connect them with REAL helpers who are willing to step up and support. And all of these are non-profit organizations and some of them are funded by the community.  And this is not an Ad. :) If you have an organization that has a beneficial cause and would like me to spread the word about it, feel free to reach out to me. I'm always looking for stories. Real stories to inspire others and mobilize communities. Here is my email.

Modest Family Solutions, a non-profit organization that is mainly focused on food justice and sustainability. They provide gardening classes, discover hydroponics classes, and free fresh produce.

Essentials First, providing hygiene and warmth kits to several populations, including those experiencing homelessness living in shelters and outside. 

Muhsen has established an inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities by assuming an active role in advocacy and education, creating a better understanding of disabilities in Muslim communities.

Poligon, a non-profit organization that launched in January 2017 to increase American Muslim participation on Capitol Hill, and provide training to amplify Muslim voices and self-advocacy among Muslims.

CAIR provides media training, hosts events, features brilliant scholars and professors, responds to community questions, and provides student and parent guides to educate the community and raise awareness. 

Ribaat providing Islamic Education and knowledge for Muslim women.

Why do I write blogs?

Because I'm an author!

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Feel free to check my book collection here,

Watch a read-aloud from my latest book Mrs. Z, the Substitute here,

Watch how to make Authentic Egyptian recipes here,

Borrow my cookbook at the public library here, 

Find my books at Barnes and Nobles Online store here,

Contact me for author copies and deals here. 

Do Wonders!

 A dear friend of mine learned that I knew some basic sewing skills. She was about to get married, and she is wise and not a fan of extra spending.

My firend wasn’t sure if she could count on me to make her wedding dress from scratch, and I wasn’t sure if I should go for it either.

Both of us were hesitant. But, eventually, we agreed that we would be adventurous and do it anyway. 

We went shopping for materials together. We picked fabric, pearls, and lace. I had her come over for measurements and adjustments a few times. I made the design and made sure to use the materials wisely. It felt like a dream. Is it for real? Am I sewing a wedding dress?

 To be honest, I wasn't fully sure what I was doing, but I felt so passionate about it. It took me a few weeks. I was so overwhelmed and full of self-doubt and what-ifs.  Once I was done, I felt so much relief! 

I called my friend to come and try her dress on. 

The look in her eyes when she wore the dress for the first time was something I will never forget! 

Her face turned red out of warmness, and her eyes got teary out of happiness! She reminded me of my wedding dress. There is something about wedding dresses that no one can understand.

I felt a strong need to step in and act like her mom, hug her passionately and offer my congratulations! We hugged so tight, and I too got teary eyes. 

It was a heartwarming moment! Being happy is cool, but seeing the happiness in others' eyes is miraculous!

Let's be there for anyone who believed in us!

People who put their trust in us unwillingly drive us to do things beyond expectations. 

Believe in whom you love, and they will do you wonders!

 

 

Thanks for reading my blog and my stories.

You can checkout my writing, blogging and publishing services at my website

https://shamafarag.net/

If you’re interested in more of my stories, please check out Mrs. Z, the Substitute!, my latest release on Amazon. This book is a collection of 11 short stories from different perspectives. It focuses on parent-teacher relationships, understanding kids who have learning difficulties, parenting, training kids to be responsible, immigrants in the eyes of others, and other stories to highlight the human side of Muslims. It’s a book for all ages.

Also, my book Egyptian Food Made Easy All Rights Reserved is available to borrow in. Or purchase your copy here,

I’m Different I’m Special is one of my books that targets diversity and inclusion. 

Check out my Amazon Author page here, 

Contact me for author copies,

Watch my storytelling activities here,

 And read my article in Little Farah Magazine. Issue 2.