Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Oh believe me, I've tried just about everything in the way of a makeshift sports hijab. I've (attempted) to create a turtleneck sports shirt by sewing part of a buff to the neck, then when I remembered that I suck at sewing, I settled for just pinning it to the neck and then to the visor buff just slipped on my head. Alas, not very practical or throw on and go ready. The fabric was fabulous, so if we could just get some sports hijabs made out of that fabric, I'd be in heaven.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-18 17:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Ooo, check out these hijab worthy workout clothes. *pokes pudge* I think it may be time to break out the running shoes again. If I actually kept up with my training, I could be running a marathon right now. Instead, I'm wallowing in pudge *sigh* I wonder how breathable viscose fabric is. I think it's like rayon. However, an all black outfit for running is not a smart idea. The track suit is cotton, which isn't too good at wicking away sweat. Ah well, it's a start I'll probably order this sport's hijab, although I would have to get black, as the brown wouldn't match my work out clothes. I just can't imagine being out on a long run with a black scarf would be too much fun though	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-18 15:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Meh, doing good in our local communities, volunteering, being good neighbors will inshaAllah provide a better image than television ever will. Fresh muzlimlolz just in time for Dhul Hijja starting tomorrow	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-17 14:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	inshaAllah in a few years then Interesting publication from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center (aka the Jordanian government) on the 500 most influencial muslims - http://www.rissc.jo/muslim500v-1L.pdf Just started skimming it, but the beginning looks to be a decent introduction to islam and it's diversity. I'm a bit suprised to see Sh. Hamza Yusuf at 38 - I know he's big in america (or at least in the circles I run with) - but wasn't aware he had much worldwide influence. Sadly no women in the top 50, but inshaAllah we're making headroads.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-17 10:19:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	If you're ever in Minnesota, Squeaky is open and available for cuddling. She's an attention monster and would just love more people fawning over her Are you thinking about getting one once Enzo is a littler older? Probably a good plan - Squeaky increadibly patient and is great with just about everyone including toddlers, but even babies are a bit too much for her, especially when they reach the grabby stage. I'm really hoping that when we have kids, she'll gradually get used to the idea of a strange little human invading her space. In the mean time, if you have any free time (as a new mom, I imagine you have oodles of that ), could you volunteer at a cat rescue? We're only allowed one kitty in our apartment, so I work a few hours each week at a no kill cat rescue. I get to cuddle lots of kitties in between scooping poop and washing floors. Plus, it would be a good way to get to know a cat's personality so that when the time is right, you'll know just what cat to get.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-16 14:06:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Dhull Hijja's almost here http://www.albalagh....zulhijjah.shtml Ibn `Abbas (ra) reported that the Prophet (saws) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Al-Bukhari) And other random links: Sh. Jihad Brown's khutbas Sh. Husain AbdulSattar's general talks Sh. Faraz Rabbani's podcasts	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-16 10:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	QUOTE (Turia @ Nov 3 2009, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kenza @ Nov 3 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Turia @ Nov 3 2009, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know I asked in my original post, but just wondering about celebrating birthdays. A girl at (jehovah witness) was born into a muslim family, her father wasn't an arab but anyway she said I shouldn't celebrate birthdays cause I am Muslim. She really irritates me, cause what I have learned is nothing like she knows or says she knows. Please give me some advice cause my 50th birthday is coming up and I want a party.... This has been a debate and always probably will. Those who are against it argue that innovative holidays are forbidden and that Allah SWT gave us 2 holidays and there is no evidence of the Prophet SAWS celebrated birthdays but there is a Hadith that says holidays other than what Allah SWT blessed us with is haram Is there anywhere i can get this hadith so i can push it in her face, she just doesn't leave up on me, and she never was a practicing muslim and she is making my struggle harder. Honestly, sometimes it's better not to argue with someone who's set in their ways. The Qu'ran tells us: And say to My servants (that) they speak that which is best; surely the Shaitan sows dissensions among them; surely the Shaitan is an open enemy to man. (17:53) The Prophet (saws) told us: Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is good or remain silent. (Bukhari) If you do not celebrate it as an eid, a holiday, but rather as an opportunity to give thanks and praise to the Almighty for granting you another year of life to worship Him, then I can't see what's wrong with it. But if it's just an excuse for a party, then probably not.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-11-05 16:15:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	QUOTE (Sandrila @ Oct 28 2009, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Squeaky!! Long time and no see Terrie re: christmas - no, we don't. If a holiday has a strong religious background (easter, christmas, valentines, halloween), and even if that meaning has been lost in the modern american landscape, it's not something I feel comfortable partaking in. I heard good advice on this a few years back for converts. If you have family that wants you to share this holiday with them, make a compromise. Come the day after christmas for a special family meal and exchange gifts then. Also make other holidays BIG. Thanksgiving really is the big holiday for my extended family anyways, so it's good to make the most out of it then.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-28 14:15:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	QUOTE (Turia @ Oct 28 2009, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok, here is a disscussion I don't know if it warrants a seperate thread or not. But as a convert, how and what do u do about celebrating holidays and birthdays and such? We don't celebrate holidays that have a strong significance in another faith tradition. We do celebrate 4th of July (going to fireworks + picnic) and thanksgiving (with my family). For bdays and anniversaries, it's what's "typical" american - exchange gifts, eat cake, have a nice dinner, maybe go out and do something. We also celebrate the 2 eids. I decorate, and we both (try) to take the day off from work. Go to eid prayers, have a nice breakfast at home afterwards and then do something special together.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-28 13:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	33 things... ….I am thankful for. “Remember Me and I will remember you.” (2:152) What do you say Alhamdulilah for? Big or small, trivial or profound, let’s hear it! If you’re reading this, I want you to think of 33 things you’re thankful for. If you’ve got a blog, write it and link back. If not, post it in the comments here. Let’s fill the muslim blogosphere with thanks, praise and dhikr of Allah (swt)! (my list is at the link above) Not just another inane internet meme!	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-28 13:41:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	And a warning we should heed	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-12 15:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Thanks. I've recently been obsessing about getting another kitty, and since we can't (limited to 1 in the apartment), I've channeled the obsessing into getting other people to adopt more kitties	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-05 11:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	I saw your comment, thanks for visiting That's a good lol idea - when I find the appropriate pic, I may just have to snag it. I have a new (non muslim) lol up today for the weekly squeaky: Edited by UmmSqueakster, 05 October 2009 - 10:38 AM.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-05 10:37:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Thanks all. I'm totally not a phone person (as I'm sure Shareefa can attest to, sorry girl!). Email me though On topic: Suffering and the Reciprocal Agenda Cats in Islamic Culture	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-10-05 09:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Fall semester of online learning is beginning now Sunnipath - as always, if you been a muslim for a year or less, you get a 75% discount on the following courses: *Introduction to Islamic Belief *Essentials of Islam Hanafi *Essentials of Islam Shafi'i *Understanding Islam - discount also applies to non muslims Seekers Guidance - I'm thinking about taking a tajweed course. Gotta decide soon though! And for free, check out Why Islam's Islam 101 courses on youtube.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-09-29 15:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	http://www.youtube.com/user/isnavideos - ISNA is uploading vidoes from their annual convention that took place last month	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-08-03 07:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	As always, my usual quibble, sufism should not be considered a seperate group, but rather a religious science within both sunni and shia islam. Wikipedia does a descent job with different groups, although since it's user generated of course, it should be taken with a grain of salt and only used as a beginning point for deeper study - http://en.wikipedia....m#Denominations	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-28 11:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Came upon this interesting site today and thought people here may find it useful, as it contains a word for word translation and dictionary. It just reminds me how much grammar they tried to stuff in my head in school and how much I've forgotten One spiffy feature - if you click on the word in the word for word translation, it shows you where else in the Qur'an that word, or forms of that word appear. Word-for-word syntax and morphology of the Holy Quran Edited by UmmSqueakster, 27 July 2009 - 02:27 PM.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-27 14:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	QUOTE (amal @ Jul 27 2009, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Staashi @ Jul 27 2009, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (doodlebugg @ Jul 26 2009, 05:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Then again God never gives us more than we can handle. I think He does - He just wants to see if we can rise to the occasion and deal with it. I must say that this is a better way to see it and I totally agree! God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: in his favour shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does. O our Sustainer! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly do wrong! "O our Sustainer! Lay not upon us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon those who lived before us!Asad(2,278) O our Sustainer! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear! "And efface Thou our sins, and grant us forgiveness, and bestow Thy mercy upon us! Thou art our Lord Supreme: succour us, then, against people who deny the truth!" (2:286)	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-27 14:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	FYI for non muslims: CAIR is once again offering a free quran (only pay the price of shipping) to non muslim americans. The version they are offering is beyond beautiful. It's massive (I insist on dragging it along to the masjid during Ramadan, and after a week, my shoulder is aching), and beautifully put together. While the english is old (not my favorite), the commentary is superb. It does have it's drawbacks (he tends to discount the miraculous), but all in all, it's a great book. For muslims, keep checking half.com, as the last time CAIR had a Qur'an campaign, people would sell their copies there. What is their loss can be your gain. It looks like there is one on there now for $20. Saudi Aramco World had a great article on him in one of their 2002 issues.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-24 11:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	If there is one thing I've learned hanging out with deobandi sufis, it's that the inward and the outward are two sides of the same coin - neither is mundane, and both are necessary for walking sirat ulmustaqeem. One should not shun the outward to focus on the inward. There were sufis who believed they reached such a high spiritual state that salat was no longer required of them. Nor should one ignore the inward to focus soley on outward acts. Focusing on hijab at the expense of everything else is just as wrongheaded (which btw I don't believe anyone here is saying at all. Heck, they're not even saying hijab is the be all and end all of everything). Rather, do both, focus on both, and they will work in harmony and concert with one another to bring you closer to Allah (swt). One of my favorite hadith is a hadith qudsi from Allah (swt), who says: “Whomever is hostile to a friend of Mine I declare war against. My slave approaches Me with nothing more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him, and My slave keeps drawing nearer to Me with voluntary works until I love him. And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he seizes, and his foot with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give to him, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him. I do not hesitate from anything I shall do more than My hesitation to take the soul of the believer who dislikes death; for I dislike displeasing him” (Bukhari) Doing what Allah (swt), through the Prophet (saws) has commanded us to do is obligatory on us. None of it is small. None of it is mundane. None of it is unimportant.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-24 08:14:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Some things I thought about after I was physically assaulted for being muslim: Why should *I* change myself? I am not doing anything wrong. I am a law abiding american citizen, who has just as much right as any other person in this country to practice my religion as *I* see fit. I should be able to hold my head up high and go where I want, dressed as I want, so long as I am following the laws of this country. I will not let anyone intimidate me. If someone has a problem with me, then that is *their* problem, not *my* problem. Why should I let some idiot influence how I am? If someone assaulted me because of the color of my skin, how would I react? I can't take off my skin. If someone assaulted me because of my gender, how would I react? I can't become a man. So why is it if someone assaults me because I'm a muslim, I must hide my faith? If it's my time to go, Qadr Allah. It wouldn't matter if I was wearing a burqa or naked, if it's written, it's going to happen.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-23 12:46:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	amal, may Allah (swt) make it easy for you! It's good to ease into it slowly. I think it took me 8 months to transition from non hijabi clothes to completely covering my hair, and then even a few years after that to wearing clothes that were completely covering.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-21 11:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Good advice Melly...except do I really need another purple hijab? Yes, yes I do. In fact, a half dozen more would be nice	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-21 08:06:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Today is the 27th of Rajab, which means that it's one of the days that may be the isra wa miraj. Although the night has already passed us by, we can still remember this blessed event this day. I've got this talk by Sh. Abdul Sattar on my ipod today - Isra and Miraj, search "isra" - where he goes through the ayah and assorted hadith on the event and takes away lessons for us today.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-20 07:35:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Heh, I don't trust AbuS to go shopping for me. He does all right scarf shopping - when he came to the US, he brought me a hot pink one and a hunter orange one - but on abayas? No way. I've been collecting pictures of abayas I like and inshaAllah will send them with him so he knows what to get. But, seeing as how it may be another year before he can go, I'll probably buy a few online before then. East Essense - someone on one of my hijab groups bought a few. Her initial review was good, but I think after a few wears/washes, the cheapeness started to show.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-20 07:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Did somebody say my name It is one of the position of the hanafis that women do not have to cover their feet during salat (there is a difference amongst hanafi scholars), and the position of the other 3 schools that they should. Hanafi Answer on permissibility of not covering feet Hanafi Answer discussing difference of opinions Shafi'i Answer General opinion that discusses the hadith	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-17 08:58:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Ooo, which one? Post pic, post pic!	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-14 14:13:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Have I ever mentioned how much I loooove gulf style abayas? Check these out - http://alsundus.stor.../outerwear.html	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-14 13:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	I really liked that book, although she didn't end up where I would have liked her to be. I used to pray outside in college. If I were in a situation where that were my only option, I'd do it. But, as you said, it's a bit ackward to have your rear in the air. If I prayed outside now, I'd find a secluded area where I could have my back to something, so people wouldn't walk behind me. It is really something to pray outside though, surrounded by Allah's (swt) signs and beauty. I'm working on getting AbuS to go hiking and then camping, so I imagine we'll be praying outside more in the future inshaAllah.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-14 08:17:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Makeup - I don't wear any. It's too much of a hassle to reapply after wudu. Plus, my skin has been suprisingly acne free since I stopped. And I save myself 5 minutes of make up applying time in the morning. That means more sleep Praying at work - can you talk with your boss about using a private office for 5 minutes? I pray in my file room, which has a hard floor, ugh. When I worked at McDonalds in college, I went to the basement to pray.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-13 12:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Fresh Squeaky-Muslim LOLcat. Honest to God, she was even facing the qibla. Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib (ra) said, “When the Messenger of Allah (saws) used to retire to his bed, he would lie on his right side and then say, ‘O Allah, I surrender my soul to You and I turn my face to You and I entrust my affair to You and I seek Your support with hope and fear of You. There is no refuge from You but to You. I have believed in Your Book which You sent down and Your Prophet whom You sent.’” [al-Bukhari]	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-13 07:37:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	Thanks Nawal I think I need to have kids ASAP! My poor kitty is mothered to death by me day in and day out.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-10 14:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims	QUOTE I want to start by saying that my intent is not to personally attack you in any way, shape, or form. I just want to express that reading what you wrote to Sandrila about her husband did come across, to me, at least, as harsh. Muslims aren't perfect. No human is. We all have our individual and collective weaknesses. If Sandrila's husband's issue/weakness is that he drinks alcohol, that is absolutely between him and Allah. I just don't feel there is a need for judgement for human weakness, but if anything, excitement that another Muslim is preparing for Ramadan in the best way he is currently able/willing. Good for him that he's thinking about Ramadan. I'm sure he's fully aware about what he needs to do, and doesn't need you to "should" all over him. There are people who read this thread who are new to Islam and who may be confused if one is advised solely to stop drinking 40 days before the start of Ramadan. This may be interpreted as it is acceptable to be drinking the other 300 some days during the year. As such, I stated what should be done. It wasn’t a judgment, it was a statement of fact, because there have been some readers/posters who haven’t been aware that islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. And honestly, if we looked at what the Prophet (saws) had to say on the matter, you’d find he was a whole heck of a lot harsher on the issue than I was. QUOTE Also, you mention in this post how it bothers you that women who don't wear hijab are "ganged up upon and beaten down", but in this post, you imply that women should be able to withstand what Bilal withstood, and those who don't wear hijab are weak in some way. Not really. Practicing the religion has often been difficult for muslims throughout history. We can draw strength from the strength of those who came before us. Everyone has their own level of tolerance for dealing with BS, but if I know that the Prophet (saws) was persecuted, perhaps it can help me face my own struggles and feel not so alone. We need to be cautious about giving up aspects of our deen. We should need to be ashamed or afraid that we’re muslims, and if people have a problem with that, tough cookies. QUOTE I think that it's easy to try to "out-Muslim" others on anonymous blogs and forums, and I often see that here. I just wish that people would try to "out-Muslim" each other with compassion and respect, rather than what seems like judgement, reprimands and criticism. Peace. Islam is the middle path. In it is both mercy and harshness. We can’t always be sugar and spice and everything nice. Peace.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2009-07-10 09:50:00
Middle East and North Africa	Have you been MENA-ized by your SO?	This has recently been a topic of blog discussion, specifically in relation to american converts completely embracing their husband's culture. I believe the discussion started here at al-Mayara's blog with UmmJekll and Sister Hyde. PM continues with If Islam Is For All Times And Places, Then Why Must We All Become7thCentury Arabs?. Umar Lee runs with PM's topic. And, I posted about converts creating an identity. In general, my feelings are that I do my best to embrace Islam as an american muslim, and don't see a need to become egyptian in order to be a good wife for my husband. Nor do I see my husband needing to become an american in order to be a good husband for me. We both appreciate each other's culture, and do take parts of it. But, it's a balance.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2007-01-11 13:30:00
Middle East and North Africa	Baby names	I think it's interesting that there aren't any western names picked by anyone who responded so far, even when one half of the couple is American. Why not? I know in some cases, if you both share the culture already that would be why...but why for those who did not originally share the culture? While the names we have picked are arabic words, we specificaly chose Islamic concepts, as opposed to traditional "arab" names. They're also names that can be shortened to something more american - Jay and Mo. At least for me, I'm happy to pick names that are unusual in both the ME and in America. That way, my kids won't be put in the position of being Jenny 1, Jenny 2, Jenny 3, Jenny 4 or Jenny 5 while going through school like I was	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2006-10-25 18:37:00
Middle East and North Africa	Baby names	Hehe, I hope not! Husband and I are attempting to extend the honeymoon phase of our relationship as long as possible. We've had these baby names picked 4 years ago	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2006-10-25 14:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Baby names	Inspired by the middle names thread - have you and your SO picked out baby names yet? For us: Jannah (paradise) for a girl - Jay and JJ as nicknames Mo'men (faithful) for a boy - Mo and Momo as nicknames	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2006-10-25 12:41:00
Middle East and North Africa	Bidets	Ah old posts, old memories, good times. Still don't have a bidet, still have the same ol watering can/lota in the bathroom.	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2010-09-24 09:00:00
Middle East and North Africa	Bidets	Meriem, once you get it, could you let us know how it is? For those of you who have one, which brand do you have?	UmmSqueakster	Female	Egypt	2006-08-16 08:24:00