biggish data

Tarik won't eat mac n cheese either! IT's so weird! I mean, I know it's not gourmet food but 'comon!

He also thinks Cottage Cheese it strange and won't eat it. He doesn't like oatmeal or cereal (unless it has crackers, yogurt and milk in it).
He always wants Kefta! Kefta and Potatos. Kefta and Bread. Kefta and Rice. I always make a veggie with it (to try to add some green to the meal) and here comes the mayo!

When I was in Morocco I got used to people giving me food with their hands. I did notice however, that the sanitation is less than stellar. Rinsing a cup means it's clean. wiping a spoon (if it was used) means it's clean. I thought that was gross and funny because everything else was spotless! The maid got stains out of my white clothes, making them look like new! My husband took/takes 3-5 showers a day, but they don't clean glasses...

Hmm....

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-14 07:51:00

Here is another topic... maybe we can call it...

MENA Men EAT the darndest things.

So I've noticed my husband eats some questionable food combinations here are some examples:

He puts ranch (on EVERYTHING)
He put mayo on his rice
He ate Honey Bunches of Oats with milk, ritz crackers and peach yougurt (all mixed in the bowl) and then refigerates it if he doesn't finish and eats it later.... soggy...
He decided to cook and made a bean, tomato, random spice, potato soup(ish)

There are more things... but I can't think of all of them...

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-13 15:20:00

QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 12 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The main reason I don't speak Arabic outloud much is because of the mocking. I'm such a baby. I know it's because he thinks it sounds cute. In Egypt I was like a novelty act...make Kara say...

Ok I'm bored..can you tell?

What's your favorite (unusual) Arabic nickname that your SO has given you?

Mine is "fellaha". Ya fellaha. I dunno why it strikes me as funny. Partly because of the meaning and partly because of the sound. He gave me this name because #1. He's from a rural town and I'm his wife. #2. Michigan (particularly the 'burbs) isn't the most modern/urban of settings.

Mine is "Kanufa" and of course... "Magnouna"

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 19:20:00

Lol... one more and then I'll be done for the day haha

Tarik put his socks outside in the sun to warm them up

I asked why: He said: I put them on the sun to make them warm.

Good times in the Anibi house lol

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 09:35:00

QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 12 2009, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The first time I heard my ex call toes, "foot fingers" I was dying!!!! My husband says basically the same. Or he'll call his entire arm, his hand, lol.

The cutest things are due to accent. "I think so" sounds like "I sink so". "This and that" sounds like "Zhis and zhat". Stuff like that. I try very hard to contain myself because it is cute but I know it hurts his feelings if I mock.

I told my husband that I am his wife and it's my job to mock him

It's actually something cute we do to bond. It's also a fun inside joke every now and again. He mocks me too when I say Moroccan words wrong.

Here are some words he taught me:
Hshouma (shame on you): I say: Ashouma
Laqlaq: Crane (the bird) ... I guess I just don't say one of the "A" sounds right... but I think I do it just fine.
Sir tkhra (Go poop): That one is just funny.
He also taught me: Bzazel and Trma (if you don't know... ask your Moroccan spouse lol)

I wish he would teach me something useful. lol

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 09:30:00

QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Apr 12 2009, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ahmeds new words: pain in the butt, choke, fart, ha he asks if these are fingers (hands) what are these called (toes), crock pot comes off sounding like ####### pot, liquid sounds like lick ed, when we say (you guys) that can be girls to? (nurse) can be man or woman? the girls at work told me to write a book its something new everyday

and a saying for every instance, (at home we have this saying) oh and i shouldnt take a shower so soon after eating, i ask says who and he said the dr, i did anyway then, i felt like he was checking to see and he asks you feel fine now?

(he does the cat box without me asking)

oh and to go to my daughters we can go (country route) or highway, he asks which way we will go the cowboy way?

Tarik does that too!

Lol. It's kind of fun to see that our SO's say very similar things.

QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 12 2009, 10:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My husband says lots of very cute things most of them are cute just because of the accent. However, he does not like anyone mocking him or laughing even if it's because they think it's cute. He feels like ppl are making fun and it makes him insecure. Dunno if your SOs feel that way too but it may be something to keep in mind.

Tarik gets a little weird about being mocked, but I do it all the time. It's TOO Cute! When I was in Morocco he was having stomach pains during Ramadan and he said: "My estomach hurts." I wouldn't correct him because I thought it was adorable.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 09:17:00

"Where is the key of the car?"
We also have cats and he will tell me to: : "Clean the poop of the cat."

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 06:30:00

QUOTE (Turia @ Apr 11 2009, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It don't matter what i say he almost always replies with "What is it".

Lol

Good times.

Tarik also says:

-This is sucks
Sheep=Cheap
Cheap=Sheep (These Cheap are Sheep)
-Don't get mad on me

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 20:10:00

QUOTE (Kenza @ Apr 11 2009, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can't think of any off the top of my head but we often do misunderstand each other and he can tell you that I will stay mad for a long time (even though I'm still not really but I pretend to be). He's also the one that says sorry lol...I'm a toughii hehe.

That is so true. I do the same thing lol

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 20:06:00

So I just had an argument with my hubby. I am still a little mad but.... he said he was sorry and then asked: "Do you accept my apologize?" Lol. I laughed... but I was still mad. Don't you just hate that? haha

Another time I told him he is a suck up to my dad. I was just joking but he got upset. He said: " You think I Suck o** your Dad? Should I Suck o** to my boss too?" Lol

It's the little things. Anyone else have some?

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 19:57:00

QUOTE (Y's_habibitk @ May 5 2009, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (skerber0 @ May 5 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Leyla @ May 5 2009, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Barza Woman @ May 4 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Leyla @ May 4 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is a real honest question.... not trying to stir any pot... (cause this one has been stirred a lot lol).

Ok... for those of you that are Muslim (bear with me) if Islam is the true religion.... why isn't Islam for everyone?

I don't understand how one could believe a religion is the truth, but not everyone needed it.

Allah says in the Quran that Islam is not for everyone, that there are some who will be lead astray. He deals often with those who have a "hijab" over their hearts. He also says that He has made more than one path to Him, and that not all who enter jannah will be among those who call themselves Muslim, but other people of the Book may enter, too. He gives us free-will, to abstain or embrace His Message. If He merely forced us to believe, there would be no challenge in learning to live within His Intent, nor any joy in the blessings one receives from doing so.

Interesting. I knew about the "People of the Book" but I still got the impression that Muslims still believed Islam was the only way. I guess I fall under the PotB category.

Do you know where it says in the Qur'an that Islam is not necessarily for everyone? and that there are different paths? I would like to read that for myself in my Qur'an.

Me too. thanks

"Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve"
Surah 2(the cow) verse 62

I had to google it for the exact verse and verbage, but I remembered reading this and thinking: My religion doesnt leave any room for any other believers to go to heaven. How wonderful about Islam. I found an even greater respect that day

QUOTE (Barza Woman @ May 5 2009, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ May 5 2009, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with Barza woman's post except the begining where she says Islam is not for everyone; God in so many verses have said that it is for everyone and those who are lead astray is their fault not the religion's fault. I can get the verses but it will take me sometime as I navigate everything in arabic but if Rahma knows what I'm talking about she can help by getting the translation of the verses. Also the jews and christians who are mentioned in the Quran from my knowledge are the ones who have followed the 'original' bible and torah; the ones which had no changes made by man.

QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ May 5 2009, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I posted before I read your post BW....You've posted the verses I had in mind but I still believe in the first verse you posted Allah meant one way.... he says " a way".

You are right that there is One Way, and that Way is to Him, sis, but there is more than one path to His Way. Islam, the total submission to God's Will, is for everyone,but Islam, the religion, as a mortal construct, is not for everyone. The two concepts are not the same, as we see by the variety of interpretations of the text, which are flawed by the limits of human understanding. Islamic scholars have never denied this. In order to try to understand and to act in ways that please Him, the religion evolved in a way that incorporates varying social norms and perspectives that Islam, the Way of Allah, is not bound by.

Allah tells us that those who call themselves Muslim are not saved by the label alone, and those who do not call themselves Muslim are not condemned by the omission of it. For each of us, it is our acts that define and distinguish us as irreligious or righteous. Allah distinguishes righteous ahl al kitab by their acts, and surely, He knows they are not Muslims, as we define ourselves.

3:113 - 116 Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knoweth well those that do right. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against God: They will be companions of the Fire,- dwelling therein (for ever).

This makes sense to me and I am so thankful that you posted. I find myself in a strange position where I believe most of the things Muslims believe in. but the "mortal construct" is not for me. The construct once put me in danger of forgetting God, and I don't want to be in that position. I'd rather always think of God, remember God and love God, then to forget him in the midst of a construct.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-05-06 08:20:00

QUOTE (Barza Woman @ May 4 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Leyla @ May 4 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Interesting. I knew about the "People of the Book" but I still got the impression that Muslims still believed Islam was the only way. I guess I fall under the PotB category.

Do you know where it says in the Qur'an that Islam is not necessarily for everyone? and that there are different paths? I would like to read that for myself in my Qur'an.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-05-05 07:00:00

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-05-04 15:16:00

QUOTE (humpkinpumpkin @ May 1 2009, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I totally understand what you're saying. I don't know if this is a good analogy or not (prolly not) but when I used to go on a diet whethere it be WW or Atkins I would follow it to the T. I would totally reap the benefits as well until eventually...burn out! Now I'm on WW again and I told myself listen, you're human. Do the best you can and see what happens. What a load off of my mind!!! Instead of trying to be perfect in it and not make mistakes, which btw is a LOT of effort!, I just do the best that I can with what I have.

I'm prolly going straight to hell for this one but I do the same thing with salat now. Before, when I was trying to be perfect, if I had missed a few salats I wouldn't say the next salat until I made up ALL of my missed ones. Now I do the next one and get to making the others up when I get to making them up. I find this way I don't miss as much, which is strange. Does that make sense? If I were to delve real deep into it it prolly stems back from childhood when, if I brought home an A- I was asked what I did wrong and why wasn't it an A. When I'd clean the bathroom I would be shown a few tiny pieces of grout that I didn't get with my toothbrush soaked with bleach.

I'm probably going to read this later and say ####### was I talking about. lol

Makes sense to me.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-05-01 08:19:00

QUOTE (Ahmeds Girl @ Apr 30 2009, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Leyla @ Apr 30 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (humpkinpumpkin @ Apr 28 2009, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Apr 28 2009, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I appreciate all of your honesty. I have read arguments for Islam vs. Christianity and alot of it made sense. There are some parts of it (Islam) that I still struggle with understanding. Thanks again for the responses.

Also wanted to add that Islam isn't for everyone. I mean Christianity and Islam are not the only options. There's Buddism (sp?), Hindu, Judaism, etc. I remember someone had put up a link to a site that had a questionaire and at the end it kind of told you what you're leaning towards in terms of what you believe in. I know that's no help since I don't have the link but it might be a place to start. I think it's healthy to look at all that is out there before making a decision. Once I had started questioning Catholicism and the Pope specifically I think I attended every denomination of Christianity that existed. It was kind of fun shopping around a bit. I'm too cranky and b!tchy to be a Buddhist and I just don't get Hinduism. I looked into Judaism during high school just because most of my friends were jewish but I didn't want to learn a new language to read the Torah so that was the end of that. lol

I think this is a bold claim. I never understood this. When I was submerged in Islam I believed, and was told Islam IS for everyone. Plus, if you (not specifically humkinpumpkin... ANYONE) are a Muslim and you believe it is the true religion, shouldn't you also believe Islam is for everyone? Wouldn't other religions such as Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism lead people to shirk? Isn't that a BIG No No in Islam?

I became a Muslim in April of 2007. I did this because I wanted to be closer to God. I believed that Islam offered that. I didn't really give up any of my beliefs to become a Muslim. I never bought into Christianity anyway. I just believed/still believe in God. I "deconverted" from Islam recently. I cannot bring myself to be a part of a religion that "empowers" women through submission, believes the Qu'ran is the final absolute word of God, but needs scholars (from many different schools of thought) to give me different interpretations of God's word, and uses EXTRA material to "fill in the gaps" the Qur'an doesn't cover. I'm sorry, but if the Qur'an is indeed the FINAL ABSOLUTE word of God, there would be no need for all that extra stuff. God does not make mistakes. There is no "P.S" at the end of the Qur'an. (Sorry, but that really bothered me).

I personally don't think religion is necessary for me to believe in God and serve Him. I don't think there is anything wrong with practicing a religion as long as it brings you closer to that higher being the whole world seems to believe in. I am a believer in God. The end. I don't want to be a part of religion because religion pushes me farther away from God.

When I was submerged in Islam I believed, and was told Islam IS for everyone.

This is one of the most ridiculous, misleading statements, but typical of some religions to pitch their sales net as wide as possible. Islam isn't for me. It wasn't for you. It isn't for most people I know. It is only for you if you WANT it to be. Like any faith, it is matter of choice, if you are fortunate enough to grow up in a country that gives you religious freedom.

QUOTE (humpkinpumpkin @ Apr 30 2009, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Leyla @ Apr 30 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (humpkinpumpkin @ Apr 28 2009, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just for clarity, are you yelling at me? 'cause I'm super sensitive lately.

Anyhoo yes I'm muslim, yes I believe in ONE God and that the Prophet Muhammed is his messenger but I also happen to believe that if my daughters, for example, choose to remain Christian or even convert to Judaism in order to make their soul shine for God, that God will not punish them. I don't believe that in the Quran it states that Christians or Jews are going to hell, though I haven't read it in a while. I believe Islam is the true religion for me and I do hope that once my children start researching God and religion that they decide to become Muslim as well but if they don't then so be it. I'm human and I don't have the ability to make people believe in something they don't believe in.

As far as that being a big no no in Islam, I'm far from perfect. If God wanted me perfect he'd have attached a big fat eraser on my big fat azz. I am a born sinner and will probably keep on a sinnin' till the day I die. I try my best but I do have free will too, which is from God. In the end I'll be judged by Allah and Allah alone. Guess I suck at being muslim but then that's life.

No no no no. Never Humpkin. I'm not yelling at you (or anyone really...). I just got a lot of questions and felt the need to comment.

Through my study of religion (I am a religion major) I don't understand how some people claim their religion is THE religion but still say it's ok if you're not of that religion. Personally, I don't think it matters. I truly believe God will love me no matter what religion I decided to adhere to, if any.

I don't know... when I was a Muslim I got SOOOOO many mixed messages. People lead me down so many paths and I hated it. One person said this and gave me a hadith or verse to back it up. Then someone said the opposite and ALSO quoted hadith and verses to back it up and I would end up getting 4 ideas on the same topic, all with evidence.

I thought: How could believing in God be so HARD? How could God's message be so different?

I've just decided to worship God in.... a raw, basic way. I've decided to love God with all my heart with nothing in the way. I've boiled all religions down to the basics:

1. God
2. Being good to others as well as yourself
3. and.... G-O-D

Through religion I lost sight of God and I never felt so alone in my life. It was the first time, in a long time I was wondering if I was in God's good graces or not. I was wondering if I had been abandoned. I didn't FEEL God around me anymore, and that scared me.

If you're interested in my ideas and my journey from Islam to where I am now... you can go here here and check it out.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-05-01 07:30:00

QUOTE (humpkinpumpkin @ Apr 28 2009, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Apr 28 2009, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-30 07:01:00

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-22 18:00:00

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-13 05:17:00

<------is done with the hijab topic.

QUOTE (humpkinpumpkin @ Apr 12 2009, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

how bout alhumdulilah???? That one bugs the ####### out of me sometimes because he'll come home and I KNOW he had a sucky day at work and I'll say "how was your day?" and he'll say "alhumdulilah". If I'm in the mood I'll keep asking and he'll keep answering me with alhumdulilah. I never know if it was a good day or bad day for real!!!

I know what you mean. I always get that too. I understand why but I always ask for more details to get the real answers.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 19:16:00

QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 12 2009, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't like "inshallah" being overused or basically used to shirk a responsibility. I do get irritated when I know "inshallah" means probably not. Many MENA ppl know full well that they never intend to do something but they'll say "inshallah" instead of "no". I hate that. So yeah if the husband says "inshallah" I'll be like, yes or no...not "inshallah". So he'll say yes, inshallah...lol.

Do I have to say me too? lol

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 09:33:00

QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 12 2009, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LOL "as you like" is a good one, too.

In all honesty, those phrases p*ss me off. They're so passive aggressive. They do make me LOL though.

It's just like "Inshaallah." (God Willing). I understand what it means but people use it too much. I'm like.... "Yeah but it won't happen unless you do something!"

The other day I said: "Call your boss to find out what your schedule will be" and Tarik said: "Inshaallah." I said: "No... InshaANTA. You need to pick up the phone and call, not God." lol

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 09:20:00

QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 12 2009, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hahahaha @ "as you wish" or my other fave "do what you need".

My fav is: "As you like Leyla. As you like."

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-12 09:10:00

All my topics lite fires so maybe I shouldn't suggest the next one lol

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 19:16:00

Wow... I need to breathe... lol.

I got a little heated about AG's remarks.

Hijab is an interesting topic but a dangerous one as well.

I want to say a few things and then Hopefully be done with the hijab subject:

I am a woman that converted, then met my husband so please don't push me into the "converted to get a man" category.

After all my experiences in life (and some discussions on here) I have personally decided that my faith is not Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Wicca etc. My faith is: GOD. My faith has and always will be God.

The talk on this forum and from those around me personally has lead me away from organized religion. It's not for me. Religion moves me farther and farther away from God. Instead of thinking about God, I think about tiny things that make NO DIFFERENCE. When I became Muslim, I was so happy. I thought: "FINALLY! A religion and a people that can help me in my life and in my relationship with God". But the people and the religion pushed me away. Maybe I wasn't around the right people. Maybe I jumped in too quick. Maybe it wasn't the right time, but now the only thing in my heart and on my mind is God. Just God. I believe God loves me. I believe God is powerful. However, I don't believe God is a petty God. I don't believe he is going to be so merciless to let me burn in hell for things like not praying this way or that way, or wear this not that, or going to Church on Sunday instead of Mosque on Friday or Synagogue. I hate to be this person but... do you think God really cares? Is God not the loving merciful God we all learned about in Sunday school, or at the mosque?

In essence, isn't Islam the belief in the ONE GOD?

What happened to Islam (or any religion for that matter)? God brought down the Qur'an. The FINAL WORD. But we still rely scholars and Hadiths and interpretations (which vary according to which school of thought you belong to). You don't think that some of these people add their own two sense? Isn't that why the Qur'an was written? So that there were no more questions? Have people lost sight of the Qur'an? Or more importantly... have people lost sight of God?

Sometimes I think we worry too much about the RELIGION and not enough on WHY the religion exists in the first place.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 15:35:00

QUOTE (Ahmeds Girl @ Apr 11 2009, 09:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Apr 7 2009, 07:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm sure everyone can find the evidence for hijab/khimar if they so chose, so I won't go into that here.

I do need to address this however:

QUOTE

As a "Non-hijabi" I show them that Islam is not about clothing or being forced to do something. It is above all worshiping and believing in the ONE GOD. It is also about freedom and choice and Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

Islam is literally submission to God. We submit our nafs to Him. And that does mean we are obligated to do certain things. Once we freely choose to submit to Allah (swt) and make shahada, things become incumant upon us. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to whether or not to make salat. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to paying zakat. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to making hajj. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to following and loving the messenger of Allah (swt). We don't have freedom or choice as to whether or not we follow specific injunctions given in the Qur'an. And if something is clear in the hadith, we don't have a choice as to whether or not we follow that (at least if we're within the confines of alh al sunnah wa jamaah).

And yes, islam is for everyone, but just because someone choses to wear khimar does not mean they're trying to become an arab.

Dr. Umar Faruq Abdullah wrote an interesting paper on Islam and the Cultural Imperative, which discusses the role and incorporation of different cultures as islam expanded.

Actually, Islam isn't for everyone. It isn't a universal truth, nor is it an actual truth. It is only true, if you believe it - like any faith. You are so brainwashed that you can't even recognise this opinion when you make such expansive statements. A huge percentage of people all over the world don't believe in any religion. These very same people usually respect your right to believe what you like.... but smug zealots like you don't afford the same courtesy to others - as your misguided idea of God doesn't permit that, does it?

#######? Where do you come off being so mean?? DO not come barking up my tree.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 15:15:00

Omg I want to ptch in but I have to go to work..... hold this thought until about..... 3:30 Eastern Time!

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 06:37:00

QUOTE (TamaraLovesAdam @ Apr 11 2009, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (adam1 @ Apr 11 2009, 01:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (TamaraLovesAdam @ Apr 11 2009, 01:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (adam1 @ Apr 11 2009, 01:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think Hijab is a requirment, But if you live in non Muslim country and fear for your life or you may be hurrassed you don't have to wear it Allah(SWT) said in the Qoran WALA TARMO BI ANFOSIKOM ILA TAHLOKA means do not expose your self to danger.
Astrfiro Allah for any mistakes , its just my opinion

gotta post my thoughts on that... if hajab was required then God wouldnt have told you for fear of your life or possible harrassment its ok NOT to wear it. Then each woman could say at any point in life they are in fear of their life for X reason or for harrassment. It either IS or ISNT a requirment.

I'm not a scholar, that was my opinion. what do you think about it?

I grew up in a home that from the time I was 12-18, my mother believed that God wanted us to dress in dresses and skirts in modest apparel. My sister and I did it for 6 years while living in the home. So, i did grow up in a very modest appearance home. We also know that modesty is also inside as well.
I myself do NOT believe a headcovering is required. I do not even wear dresses all the time now BUT I do wholeheartedly believe in MODESTY. I believe I can be just as modest in pants and a shirt as well as a long flowing dress or skirt and that some could be in a dress and not modest on the inside.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-11 06:33:00

Mashaallah!

Thanks

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-10 19:35:00

I don't know how many of you Muslimas do or do not wear hijabs but do the non-hijabis sometimes feel like your shunned by the Muslim community because you don't wear the hijab?

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-10 14:15:00

I've never used the term "Revert" I don't like it much. I understand why people do .... but I've always believed the same about God. So, I didn't revert back to anything, I guess I just moved forward. My faith is a journey. So it's not like I accepted Islam and that was the end. I have so much to learn and experience.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-09 16:41:00

I was just curious as to how many MENA members are reverts to Islam. I know not everyone on this site is Muslim and some were born Muslim but what about the reverts? Just curious.

And feel free to share your story too.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-09 08:06:00

For me, Islam is not about advertising, it's in your heart

P.S I am not saying that it's bad to wear the hijab

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-08 18:30:00

What I meant by this:

QUOTE

Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

is.... I am a blonde haired blue eyed light skinned Muslim. Not a lot of people associate my look with Islam. As a blonde haired blue eyed light skinned Muslim I have shown many people that Islam is a religion for everyone and no one will be excluded (especially in America). It's like I'm an "undercover Muslim" and I'm proud to be able to help people come to Islam (Alhamdulillah).

I also feel that God still loves me even without a scarf on my head. I think that what matters the most is what is inside your heart. God knows. I think that in the end, God would be more concerned about my prayer, and my deeds toward other human beings. I also feel like if God would damn me to hell for not wearing a scarf, he is not the God I've read about and loved so deeply.

My heart lies in the hands of God. No one else has a say in my fate.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-07 13:56:00

Yes, that is where I was going with that. Thank you.

I am just as much a Muslim as any other Muslim on this Forum.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-07 13:47:00

QUOTE (Kenza @ Apr 6 2009, 07:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I somewhat agree with your answers but I think hijab-for me- is a "jihad" for the women of Islam. It shows people our identity (esp. in the west) and it is a way for people to ask questions. this is all in addition to the Qur'an and I don't want to go into debate

just given my opinion

I agree with you to an extent. It does show our identity and opens up the conversation door. I just feel like now, I can give people another version of Islam. In the West a lot of people (at least where I live) see the hijab as an oppressive garment. I disagree, but that it how they see it. As a "Non-hijabi" I show them that Islam is not about clothing or being forced to do something. It is above all worshiping and believing in the ONE GOD. It is also about freedom and choice and Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-06 18:54:00

QUOTE (Barza Woman @ Apr 5 2009, 06:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ Apr 5 2009, 04:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's a normal phase for all believers.....you have your high then you go low; so u can start struggling for the high again....Don't lose hope; everyone goes through it and it's so much thawab if you pass it safely (: Try again and ask Allah for His help and guidence without Him we would definitly go astray.

I'm here if anyone needs to talk about it

So true. I worry about converts, male and female, who take too much on before they are really familar with the tenets of the faith. Bridget, I thought you took on too much early on, but you were so defensive about your choices. It's best always to recommend to newbies that they take it slow and create a comfort zone around their early decisions to see if they can maintain them for the long run.

Some topics, like hijab, have taken on a political significance that ebbs and flows. Right now, the emphasis on it is high. There have been plenty of times when it's low. Based on my own study, I gave up the headscarf decades ago. I'm most comfortable with the decision because I'm confident in my sources and the defense of my choice. Its not a pilar of the fatih, after all, and it's debatable whether Allah requires it, or if it's an element of culture that has become too widely identified with Islam. How one chooses to incorporate the various viewpoints is personal, but one should definitely believe in what you do.

You put said it better than I ever could.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-06 17:32:00

Maybe I'll be condemned for this but....

I was in the same situation with the praying, and hijab etc. I took on a lot when I became a Muslim. I even started working at the mosque! I was the most "hijabalicious" girl on campus (Jilbab and hijab, loose clothes etc...). I felt like this is what God wanted and that is what I wanted. I wore it for a whole year before I began to ask questions.

Long story short... I took off the hijab because I do not see the evidence in the Qur'an for it (Please reserve judgement sisters...). My husband was a little weird about it at first, but then he saw me blossom in my faith in God and in my everyday life. He saw that I was still dressing modestly even without a scarf on my head. I guess I just never understood why I needed to cover my head. I would ask kindly if I was not preached to about this topic.

In my heart, I believe I am still "hijabalicious." I am humble and submit to my God. God is inside my heart and I have never felt closer to God, my family and myself. I feel whole.

I understand totally what you are feeling. I believe you should do what makes you closer to God.

May God guide your heart.

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-06 17:29:00

Moroccan MENA members!!!

QUOTE (sandrila @ Apr 24 2009, 10:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

WOW!! Alot of new faces on here

SALAM...WELCOME

I see a few women on here with SOs name Tarik....is it really all that popular? I thought Mohamed (spelled a variety of ways) was

I thought so too. Tarik seems to be a popular Moroccan name.

TARIQ
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Arabic
Other Scripts: ???? (Arabic)
Means "he who pounds at the door" in Arabic. This is the Arabic name of the morning star. Tariq was the name of the Islamic military leader who conquered Spain

I guess since Morocco is close to Spain... Tarik is a good name to pick?

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-24 16:35:00

Moroccan MENA members!!!

QUOTE (ClassySun @ Apr 23 2009, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok I'm new to this so bare with me

Name: Monica
Where you're from: near Eugene, OR
SO's name: Hicham
Where they are from in Morocco: Sidi Slimane
Anything else you want to add: We just met about a month ago (online)....seems like we've known eachother longer though. He's going to Rabat this week to look in to a visitors visa...i know it's a shot in the dark, but Inshallah we will get lucky.
Have you been to Morocco: Yes, for about 6 weeks back in 2007...I loved it there...like many have said...life is slower and ppl seem to care about others...imagine that

A question I'd like to add: How long did you know your SO before you descided to get married?

OMG MONICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leyla

Female

Morocco

2009-04-23 15:00:00