They Say This Mosque is a Jewel, But How Would I Know?

By Joanne McEwan Staff writer – IslamOnline Enter the mosque of “Al Dhahar Baybars Al Jashenqir” in Gammaliyya, Historic Cairo, and you will feel solitude, peace and refuge from the dust, overcrowded streets and a vociferous thoroughfare of Vespas. The courtyard has a breeze of mysterious origins. How in this hot summer does it happen to be a haven from the heat of the sun? Birds nest above in the cloisters and the odd stray cat lazes about in the shade. Some elderly men are reading the Qur’an as they wait for the prayer to begin. It is a serene mosque with modest decoration and without any gaudy embellishments. But as it is time for prayer I, as a woman, have to step behind this musty curtain and my view of this modest masterpiece is blocked. Its unique cool microclimate has now changed to a stale claustrophobic one. (continued…) Direct Link http://www.islamonline.net/English/Views/2002/10/article02.shtml See Also: CAIRO — The removal of a wall separating male and female worshipers at San Francisco's largest downtown mosque left its 400-member congregation split down the middle. "It's one of those cultural things that many immigrants brought from overseas without giving it much thought," Souleiman Ghali, a founding member of the Islamic Society of San Francisco, told The New York Times on Sunday, June 25. "I am positive there will be an American Islamic identity that is separate from what you see in the Middle East and the rest of the Islamic world," he said. The debate raged after the slapdash, 8-foot wall across the back of the Darussalam mosque was demolished. "It's time to get rid of those bad habits," said Ghali, who was the main force behind the wall's removal. (continued…) See Also: Partitions in the Mosque What Do You Know About Women in Islam? Test Your Knowledge Here

Masajid's Still Have a Long Way to Go

The Muslim Link 2nd item on cover page June 23, 2006 Letter to the Editor I embraced Islam on April 19, 2002 after a khutbah at The World Bank in Washington, D.C. A short time later I endeavored to become involved in the local Muslim community through various volunteer efforts from which I retain many nice memories. However, when I read the June 9 article, I was disheartened to be reminded that four years later internal discord, dissatisfaction, and countless unresolved and neglected issues between the female population of our local masajid and management remains largely unaddressed. (continued...)

Bringing Awareness to Hunger - YOU can help!

(Washington, D.C. - June 5, 2006) In recognition of National Hunger Awareness Day 2006, a National Hunger Symposium was held on Monday, June 5, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. A coalition of organizations in the anti-hunger community, agriculture sector, federal government, conservation groups, the food industry and the faith community came together on the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day to address the growing number of hungry Americans and chart a course for change for 2006. People invited to participate in the Symposium, engaged in an expert panel discussion with topics ranging from the role of faith-based organizations on ending hunger to the Farm Bill as a federal tool to address hunger issues. Aishah Schwartz, Founder & Director of Muslimah Writers Alliance, attended this year's symposium and presented for distribution MWA's Special Edition Newsletter offering selected essays bringing awareness to world hunger written by MWA members from Kenya, Florida, and Saudi Arabia. Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally based organization with a mission to inspire Muslim women to collaborate with one another for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the common good of the Muslim Ummah, in addition to being of support to one another in fulfilling their aspirations to become established writers. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience, and resourcefulness to every project embraced, MWA members are dedicated to one another's success. Check here for additional information on how you or your organization can still get involved in the effort to end hunger, insha'Allah. SEE ALSO: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) honours its first Saudi special ambassador Abdulaziz Arrukban, the first Saudi citizen to have volunteered to work with the agency to raise awareness about hunger issues and funds to help alleviate it. CLICK HERE Copyright © 2006 Aishah Schwartz Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Internet Journalists are Protected by Law

Bloggers can shield sources, court rules In setback for Apple, Internet journalists are protected by law - Ellen Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer Saturday, May 27, 2006 In a decision that could set the tone for journalism in the digital age, a California appeals court ruled Friday that bloggers, like traditional reporters, have the right to keep their sources confidential. A panel of three judges said in a 69-page decision that a group of bloggers did not have to divulge their sources to Cupertino's Apple Computer Inc., contending that the same laws that protect traditional journalists, the First Amendment and California's Shield Law, also apply to bloggers. Siding with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a high-tech legal group that had filed the appeal, the judges said that Apple could not force the bloggers to reveal the identity of the person -- presumably an Apple employee -- who had leaked details about a digital-music-related project code-named "Asteroid" to a number of bloggers. The details of the product release were published on several Web logs, Internet sites commonly referred to as blogs, including Jason O'Grady's PowerPage, which reports on Apple news. "This was a huge win for the First Amendment and for journalists who publish online," said Lauren Gelman, associate director for Stanford's Center for Internet and Society, who filed a brief supporting the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "The court recognized that in the modern era, one way journalists publish information is through the Internet." (more)

JOIN EFF TODAY!

For the full decision in the case: http://www.eff.org/Censorship/Apple_v_Does/H028579.pdf

Afrocentric: The Return

Subhan'Allah...dear Sister Saaleha has written a beautiful post that I would love for you read, insha'Allah: Afrocentric: The Return

Wearin' My Outfit from Saudi Arabia. Thanks Gramma!

Gramma and Me

Well, last September before departing on my journey to Egypt, I got to visit my daughters and grandson. Actually, the visit turned into a regular little family reunion of sorts as it happened that I also got to see my sister, my younger brother and my mother. Al-hamdulillah. New digital camera in hand, clicking commenced. "Smile!" Then came the review. How in the world it turned out that I had pictures of my grandson with everyone but myself I couldn't tell you, but the realization hit with a thud. Returning from Egypt 8 months later, I had several goals in mind...one of which was to make a point of having a snapshot of my grandson with his gramma! And what better way to accomplish that goal than to keep him with me for the week after my daughter came to visit this past Sunday. What a treat! The week has passed quickly, and my little buddy is laying sprawled out beside me on the sofa at this very minute - in his yellow, blue, white, and purple striped p.j.'s - freshly bathed, cookies and milk tucked away in his little tummy - sound asleep. Subhan'Allah. Al-hamdulillah for grandchildren.

1-2-3-There's No Place Like Home...

Washington, D.C. - Friday morning, 8:15 AM - May 12, 2006.

It was the first day in nearly a week that I had ventured to step outside of the apartment where I had taken leave for some much needed jet lag recuperation; having just returned from an 8 month stay in Egypt.

Stepping off the train and onto Farragut North metro station's platform, the first thing I heard was the strum of a guitar accompanied by the voice of its owner - a surprisingly melodious tune triggering memories of so many other mornings when I had taken the same route to work in the not so distant past.

Beautifully clear sunlight filled my eyes as the escalator carried me closer to street level.

Ever so slightly, the crisp morning air flipped a corner of the scarf covering my hair and dashed a splash of color across my cheeks. I felt a rush of adrenelin surge through my veins. Everything was just as I had left it; from the musician at the top of the sidewalk, to the hustle of commuters heading toward offices where they would spend the day working.

To my right was a woman selling boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts, $5.oo each, for some worthy charitable cause; a dedicated activist stood nearby handing out flyers imploring readers to support a pressing political issue on Capitol Hill.

The familiar flower vendor was parked in the same place as always, offering an array of colorful blossoms sure to brighten the desk of many a commuterr, and for a surprisingly reasonable cost. Just above the musician's head, from where he had positioned himself at the top of the escalator, I spotted the familar green and white circular sign affixed to the wall of my favorite morning stop; pulling the door open, the aroma of freshly brewing coffee rushed to my brain...decisions, decisions...it's been sooooo long. Chai Tea Latte.

I turn the corner, heading to the office - treasure in hand. Stepping through the gleaming, heavy glass doors and into the lobby, a familiar face greets me. Big smiles. Exchanged greetings. The elevator doors open. I step inside. Instant brain freeze. For a moment I forget which button to push on the elevator's control panel. Latte still in cup; not doing me any good there! Ahhh! Six...whew!

Dual recognition as I step out of the elevator to meet the smiling face of a favorite receptionist. Subhan'Allah...she is still there. I approach the counter; she rises. We lean in for a quick hug. "Where's George?" "He's off today." "Awwwww..." "Anyone here yet?" "No." "Ut, oh!" *lol* And so the day began.

Copyright © 2006 - Aishah Schwartz Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.