ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaMENA pregnancy/baby/parenting thread
the pictures of the babes are just darling!

Hubby and I have no children yet together.
I know we will both be very different with our parenting but some ideas he has are some I should
have used long ago with my own children. You live, you learn.

Right now we are adjusting to each other.
My husband needs to become more self sufficient, which he is getting better at it but like most MENA men he has been
catered to all his life and he is the youngest of 5. Being that my youngest child is now 10 it will be quite an adjustment for me
to back to that newborn, infant and toddler time after having so much more freedom and relaxation now that my children are older.

I am sure, based on my observations of hubby, that he will not be as helpful as some of your husbands.
Can't be sure till the time comes but he definitely be the upper hand as far as discipline is concerned.

My ex was hands on totally and for everything so I had alot of help and support.

I pray when the time comes my husband will have had time to mature and get used to things around here so that
he will be a more cooperative and parallel partner. I am going to be 38 this year so I am not planning on waiting till past 40 to get pregnant.
when you think about it that's not much time :whistle:
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2010-01-12 16:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2008
Rajaa

thanks for commenting on the breath issue huh.gif
I wondered that myself...not being able to take anything into the mouth is very difficult for those of us who seem to always have something in our mouths.
I am just glad not to have a face an entire city of muslim folks who are fasting and having, well, not so pleasant breath no0pb.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 09:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2008
i just wanted to share the same the thing happened to me about forgetting i was fasting.
Well it is my first Ramadan in doing so, and just on like the 2nd day of fasting I was hungry and just out of pure habit began taking some crackers in my mouth...it didnt take long...and then, OMGGGGGGGGG helpsmilie.gif
NOOO I didnt just do that! But I knew it was just out of normal habit of eating whenever I wanted.
This fasting has been hard but not too hard for me.
I want to give respect to my love and support him during this time. Plus I am having a new awareness of things and since my husband is Muslim I think it is only right to take small steps in learning and accepting his religion.
I know I am not being as strict as the rest of you, but I am fasting and not drinking any alcohol this time.
I feel good about it, it isnt easy but not as hard as I thought. It is just funny how when you are forbidden something how temptation is lurking everywhere.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-08 09:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2008
The one and only time I was in Morocco with my husband for Ramadan I didnt know a thing about it...and for me to see him so devout during this time gave me alot to think about.
When I was with him I tried to respect for some things because I felt guilty eating drinking and smoking around him.
It was hard for me to understand, although I had come so far for him, I still had to respect these restrictions during the time required and I had to live with it.

Now, while we are apart, he tries to encourage me to be more disciplined and honor Ramadan...I dont know why I keep fighting it and why it always seems to be so hard to do. wacko.gif Now that I am a part of him, he wants me to really honor the time as he does. The number one thing he wants to me to give up, is Drinking.

now, drinking is not a problem for me, but for some reason,, when I feel I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING, like it is not optional, I have a time with it. Does that make me bad? I just feel like, I'll try to do it, but I dont want to promise for it, cuz if I fail, then what??????? I will go to hell? Bad things will happen? I just dont want to be responsible in jeapordizing my husband's purity this time.

So, apart again during Ramadan. I cant exactly empathize...cuz I am not sustaining myself, there during this very strict period but I think I have to really think about what I am going to do. unsure.gif
I am not Muslim and although I have changed myself greatly I am not sure if I HAVE TO abide by these rules if I am not.

Now we have been apart 5 months and I have to consider traveling there again. I told him I am waiting till after Ramadan...I think if I was there I would be a bad influence on him devil.gif ...being on vacation and wanting to drink and eat and live it up...it just is better if i wait until after Ramadan so we can free together.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-18 10:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men and style
lookin good, smellin good I LIKE IT good.gif

but really only goes the extra mile when working and going out

names brands seem to be a must and he would rather spend a ton of money on ONE good quality, name brand item
than a little money on something generic

he didnt come with much and doesnt ask for much

i look forward to the time when i can turn him loose and he can go on a shopping spree for himself!
He deserves it.

Even tho it is freezing he still dresses as if it were Morocco...light sweatshirts and even sandals blink.gif
but usually we are going from point A to point B

I like his style too, even though I havent quite figured it out...I find it hard to buy for him

and he does goes nuts for shades cool.gif !!

Edited by sandrila, 26 January 2009 - 03:32 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-01-26 15:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men and style
I dont get too crazy with primping but I do have the things I cant live without.
If my husband has the means....he will go all out and have no problems primpin himself
I.E. facials and waxing of eyebrows.

I want my man to take care of himself
he doesnt go overboard

he likes to have special toiletries
and sometimes takes longer to get ready and pick out clothes than I do
I am happy to finally have a man that likes to wear cologne

he definitely cant live without Gel
and I was happy sometime back to introduce him to good conditioner
due to his thick course hair...he needs it to tame his hair

i love his thick blacker than night hair
he has better hair than I do

crazy about shoes even tho most of the times we go out
he just wears his addias flip flops
lol
must make him feel like he still lives in the warmth of morocco
but in the dead of the winter freeze whistling.gif


Edited by sandrila, 23 January 2009 - 02:33 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-01-23 14:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow well do you know your MENA S/O?
I forgot POOL!!

Oh my god that is definitely something I noticed is very popular in Morocco and boy my husband can beat anyone's ####### playin it yes.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-03-16 13:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow well do you know your MENA S/O?
I can relate to your husbands wanting to collect stuff they find as "junk"
and mine thinks he is a computer tech....i now have my old "dead" computer all picked apart and sprawled out all over the floor...dissected into pieces.
It drives me mad...until I can see that he CAN fix it....I DONT BELIEVE
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-03-12 14:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow well do you know your MENA S/O?
what would he eat everyday if he could??

OMG How could I forget??? MASHED POTATOES!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-03-12 13:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow well do you know your MENA S/O?
WOAH! That is a longggg questionaire...I am sure I will find that we havent left the house together long enough to really answer these but
I will give it a shot:

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?

he doesnt watch tv voluntarily...if it is on, he would prefer to watch FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS or FBI FILES


2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?

as of right now, he likes ranch

3. What's one food he doesn't like?

asparagus

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?

there has to be some soda involved with any meal after breakfast time

5. Where did he go to high school?

I don't even know what he considers high school (like as far as grades 9th 10th 11th and 12th, their HS is different I think, diploma achieved in less time possibly), but somewhere near his home in Morocco


6. What size shoe does he wear?

a big one tongue.gif

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?

guitars and shoes

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?

Philly cheesesteak (of course yes.gif) and hot dogs


9. What would this person eat every day if he could?

anything sweet and fish

10. What is his favorite cereal?

I have left cereal around for him to try at breakfast...but I think we had cocoa puffs one day and
he couldnt get enough of those

11. What would he never wear?

He really wont wear much of what I would like to see him in huh.gif

12. What is his favorite sports team?

whatever the name for the Brazilian soccer team, I am sure

13. Who did he vote for?

He couldnt vote but he rooted for Obama all the way! good.gif

14. Who is his best friend?

HONESTLY....it's me

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?

hang out with MY BFF

16. What is his heritage?

MOROCCAN

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?

HE LOVES my homemade betty crocker/duncan hines cakes tongue.gif
His bday is coming in April so I will make him the DEVIL'S FOOD CHOCOLATE WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING....mmmm mmm
OH! He really likes Tiramisu

18. Did he play sports in high school?

honestly, not that I am aware of and realistically speaking kids there dont have the same opportunities as our kids do today
plus if you do not have money how can you participate, sadly his parents never helped or encouraged him to even persue his talent for playing guitar


19. What could he spend hours doing?

laughing.gif no comment

20. What is one unique talent he has?

UNBELIEVABLE GUITARIST

Edited by sandrila, 12 March 2009 - 01:52 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-03-12 13:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Daily Chat 1.0
Staashi!!!!

what up girlfriend? how'z the babe??

HEY WAS WONDERING HOW YOU WERE DOING. HOPE ALL IS WELL. MISS YOU.


thanks rosie...god bless

and kelly that Zaid is a young fellow, ain't he :yes:
handsome lil #######
are you preggers too? :huh:

Edited by Sandrila, 12 October 2010 - 01:49 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2010-10-12 13:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Daily Chat 1.0
good afternoon MENA peeps!

hope y'all are doing well

i see life is going on and it's been a while

wanted to holla at my peeps and let you know hubby is up for ROC within the next month...just researching and getting that done

hard to believe 2 years flew by in a flash!

hope to catch up your happenings and still praying for those waiting for their loved ones to come home (F)


HI!! to my girls...you know who you are!!! :luv: :luv:

Congratulations to Sharifah and Nancy! :luv:



how much he's grown Jenn and what a doll :thumbs: :luv:

Edited by Sandrila, 11 October 2010 - 01:36 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2010-10-11 13:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 visas PART2
Just popping in to give my dose of positive thoughts and prayers to all my peeps still waiting to hear some good news...or better yet, get a visa in hand!!!

Haven't heard much lately... rose.gif I think the holidays will bring some much needed good cheer rose.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-11-13 15:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 visas PART2
rose.gif here's to hearing some good news this week!! good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-09-28 14:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 visas PART2
for all you guys waiting to hear some good news ...and quick rose.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-09-23 15:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 visas PART2
Congratulations Betsy and Aya!!!!

Aya, good to see you, wishing you the best of luck!

Amysaid...arent' you heading back to the states with your hubby??
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-09-15 08:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
I thought Ghee was only used in Indian cooking. I do have a can of it cuz I love cooking Indian.

Also, I didnt know so many of you in MENA were sitting on the floors when visiting there, again I thought most Asians did that and
although I haven't had to sit on the floor in Maroc, the tables were very very low.


SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-15 14:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
well Thank God my husband isn't too picky when it comes to eating.
As long as there is a home cooked meal ready at night for him, he is fine.
He has his likes and dislikes and surprisingly doesn't care about eating Moroccan food or not.
I have cooked it many times but to go out for it or stress about making it is no big thing for him.

Loves mac n cheese, of any kind.
Loves brocolli too.

Anything that has onions in it or celery he literally picks every little bit out of the food. That drives me crazy.
He doesn't do too many concoctions.

Loves tuna fish too.
He won't go out of his way to make his own food. He started opening a can of tuna and putting in the mayo, but that is it.
If it is not prepackaged and ready to go or on a plate to microwave, he doesn't bother.

Yes, I remember that alot of salads had some kind of mayo type dressing on them so to replace straight mayo we use Ranch for salads.
He loves mayo but doesn't use it excessively. He also hasn't gotten into the routine of cereal yet, I keep telling him he doesn't know what he is missing and is a nice extra to add to his milk that he drinks so much of. He drinks milk more than a toddler.

all in all the man has a dangerous sweet tooth, far worse than mine helpsmilie.gif ohmy.gif

I would also add that my hubby had a problem at first with proper cleaning of dishes (god bless him for trying) and drying them thoroughly before putting them away. He is fine now.
In regards to bad habits and hygiene I have noticed there are alot of men out there just living like pigs.
There are just too many things here that are unacceptable and not going to be easily overlooked. whistling.gif

Edited by sandrila, 15 April 2009 - 02:42 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-15 14:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
QUOTE (Astarte @ Apr 13 2009, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just remembering something else that I find very endearing. It's non-verbal. When the kids or I ask the mister to do something or get something he'll point to each eye. Basically, he's saying yes.



awwwwwwwwwww luv.gif

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-13 13:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Apr 12 2009, 08:52 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 good.gif 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?


SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-13 12:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
QUOTE (MsMariah @ Apr 12 2009, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My DH always says "I have to wear my clo-thez" or "go to wear your clo-thez" instead of "I have to get dressed". It doesn't matter how many times I tell him about dressing. He must think it's about the girly dress and he just won't say it.
He also says Salaam o lakum every time instead of greeting. Like "send my salam olakum to your mom" or "do you salaam olakum by hand with any guys?" I don't even try to correct that, I think it's more meaningful than saying "greetings".
Oh and he always says "look at me" when he means "pay attention". Even when we're on the phone, it makes me laugh when he gets serious and says "look at me very carefully".

I'm sure there are so many more, but it's so late/early my brain is ... weak.

Oh he also says, "I keep you in my eyes" which might be like an arabic expression about taking care of someone... like akin to 'keeping an eye on you' ... or something but I'm not sure.



My hubby too
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-13 12:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
I think it is so cute how my husband is starting to learn more words and expressions that he hears me use.

Out of the blue he just comes out and says something so different than what he usually will say and will express himself quite well.

He also has said things like..."do you accept my sorry sad.gif " lol


SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-13 11:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonthly thread for Febuary
well well well

long time ladies
hope you and yours are all doing well

just an update
we filed mid nov for ROC
just got the news last evening
were approved with green card in the mail!

not too shabby :dance: :thumbs:

bleh. i have strep throat.





(L) (F)

Edited by Sandrila, 23 February 2011 - 10:05 AM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2011-02-23 10:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaToday we lost a MENA jewel
Sorry to hear about this horrible accident.
We must live everyday to the fullest and love dearly, every minute those close to us, for we never know when God will call us home.

Dawn
May you rest peacefully in God's gentle care.
Hatem, I hope you find the comfort in the life you shared with Dawn and knowing that her memory will live on thru the goodness she showed the people she touched.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-06-19 19:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Hi Squeaky!! Long time and no see rose.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-10-28 13:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I visited the site...it is very informative, thank you.


16th of Rajab 1430
means what exactly?

Does the sighting of the moon "actually" seeing it.
What if it is cloudy but the moon is there?
It tends to get a little confusing.
When and what in Maroc....when and what here, technically, as far as times, dates and seeing the moon.

I respect all what you have learned and share here Squeaks and I sensed no harshness.
I just know it may seem odd, to devout practicing Muslims, and feel he is not truly "Muslim" due to his
lack of devotion, however he seems Muslim enough to me in alot of other ways and things that he says.
i would very much like to see him become more active and responsible in his religion and practice. I guess everyone is different but not quite sure why he is not.

Walk the walk. Talk the talk.

I would never deter him from that, if in fact he is truly serious.
I can understand the double standard and quite frankly I do not approve of him drinking.
It is hard because I am one who likes to relax and enjoy drinking socially sometimes.
I have that control and I don't have to feel guilty about it because in my mind and heart my obligations to my My GOD, family and work are being fulfilled. I do however refrain from tempting him during this reverant time by not drinking around him or going places where it may be. I also have tried my hardest to take part in Ramadan. I do fast.
I can't say I have been able to committ myself to all areas of discipline but I figure I will try a little at a time.
Last year the fasting.
This year fasting and maybe the smoking blush.gif

Thanks again

Edited by Sandrila, 09 July 2009 - 01:16 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-07-09 13:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Squeaky

As I stated many times and is no secret, my husband will drink. He doesn't drink often. He has made me aware of this Shaban which comes 30-40 days before Ramdan actually starts. Thanks for verifying it.

He does not pray 5x times a day or go to the mosque.
He does diligently observe Ramadan.

I know what you are thinking and maybe even want to say but it honestly his religion and how he chooses to observe and respect the way he was raised it his responsibility.

He does not expect me to convert. Although I am very respectful of his religion and trying to learn for myself to better understand his roots and values, I have obviously accepted him the way he is.

I think it would be nice and very good for him to practice, pray and observe what is important all throughout the year.

He has told me way too many times Muslim or not MOST of the Muslims in his country drink.

As always thank you for your information.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-07-09 12:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Just as Ramadan is approaching I have a question if anyone can help

I finally found a mosque for hubby, close to us and easy for him to get to on his own.
He wants to get a Ramadan schedule...is there such a thing?

He says he needs to know when the time prior to Ramadan starts...starts with an Shaba...Shabam???...it's like 30 days before and supposedly there is no drinking this time to cleanse for it.

Thanks
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-07-09 10:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
As always thanks for sharing your knowledge and resources about Islam. yes.gif

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-07-01 13:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Jun 19 2009, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do we have any ramadan newbies in the house? It's coming up quick, only 2 months left to prepare. Ramadan vets, share your experiences and tips!

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint (2:183)

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks. (2:185)


Ramadan - why should you fast?
9 reasons to plan for Ramadan
General Fiqh of Fasting
Inner Dimensions of Fasting



So here's my advice - START EARLY! Like RIGHT NOW! If you've never fasted before...heck, even if you've fasted before, jumping head first into Ramadan without preparation is a recipe for disaster.

1. Start fasting now. Yes, the days are long. Really really long. But if you can fast in the midst of summer, you can fast Ramadan. Mondays and Thursdays are days the Prophet (saws) fasted. The "white days" of the islamic month, ie the 13th-15th, are also days the Prophet (saws) fasted. These are the 13th through 15th of the islamic months, not the gregorian calendar

2. Start slow. If fasting gives you troubles, build up. Start by fasting until noon. Then 12:30, then 1, etc etc etc. It's better to work out all the kinks now, so you don't fall flat on your face in Ramadan.

3. Get your prayers in order! If you start to pray regularly now, then you'll be able to add more worship during Ramadan. Prayers are the foundation of the deen - if you haven't invested in a firm foundation, everything else you try to build will be shakey.

4. Start reading Qur'an every day. It is traditional to read 1/30th of the Qur'an each day in Ramadan. But if you're not used to reading the Qur'an outside of Ramadan, this task can seem waaay too hard. Start now, even if for 2 or 3 minutes.



Thanks for the tips. This will be my second year attempting to follow the requirements of Ramadan.
I know I don't have to but being that I am married to a Muslim I like to show him that respect and think there isn't any harm in me doing it.
First time with us living together during the full Ramadan season

Edited by Sandrila, 19 June 2009 - 02:28 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-06-19 14:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
In regards to much of what I read here regarding the disagreements, "rules", practice of Islam and different scholars who interpret it, it makes my head spin wacko.gif

I at one point was very enthusiastic about reading the Qu'ran and learing about it now it all just seems to confuse me more.
It just seems very complicated.

The same goes with Christianity.

I just stand by my feeling and belief that everyone will take what they will from the religion they choose to be a part of. I think it is best to live your life being a good human being (and it doesnt take a scholar to know what right and wrong is) find that one greater power, whatever name you deem fit, and believe that power is great and believe that good will undoubtedly win out over evil.

The books, the Words, all the different angles from which you can look at things, just verifies MORE to me that there is not any ONE belief or GOD more credible or believable than the other. The more I read and learn about religion the more confused and uneducated I feel.

It may sound simple in many senses of the word but that is how I choose to live my life.




SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-03-10 11:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Feb 19 2009, 03:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 18, 2009
Media contact: Wajahat Ali, 510-909-7506, wajahatmali@hotmail.com

American Muslims Call for Swift Action Against Domestic Violence

Murder of Buffalo resident Aasiya Zubair spurs American Muslims to forcefully address domestic abuse and violence against women; call on imams to address DV in Friday sermons


SAN FRANCISCO - A coalition of Muslim organizations, journalists, community leaders, imams, and other concerned citizens are calling for immediate action by American Muslim leaders and religious figures to address domestic abuse and violence in America, including that found in the American Muslim community, on Friday, February 20, 2009.

In response to the collective concern of the American Muslim community, imams and religious leaders across America have been asked to speak out against domestic violence to their congregations. They are asked to remind congregants of the Prophet Muhammad's abhorrence of harshness, abuse and violence, and emphasize solutions that strengthen families and ensure all members are treated with fairness and respect, free of fear of abuse or violence.

Members of the coalition are contacting imams and religious leaders in major Islamic centers and mosques. They are encouraging sermons addressing domestic violence and are offering resources available through the Peaceful Families Project, a Muslim-run domestic violence prevention organization founded in 2000, to help educate the American Muslim community. This education addresses the extent to which domestic violence exists and strategies to stop it.

Several prominent imams have heeded the call to action by concerned American Muslims including Shaykh Hamza Yusuf of the Zaytuna Institute in Berkeley, Ca. and Imam Tahir Anwar of the South Bay Islamic Association in San Jose, Ca. These imams have committed their Friday sermons to addressing domestic violence and preaching that in the Islamic tradition and by the example of the Prophet Muhammad, family harmony can never be achieved by force and that emotional and physical abuse is never acceptable.

This call is being broadcast through various channels, including blogs, Facebook groups, personal contacts, and news media. "The outcry among Muslim Americans against this type of violence is a heartfelt one," said Shahed Amanullah, editor-in-chief of the online newsmagazine altmuslim.com. "It is essential that we address the problem and take steps to ensure that no one else faces the same tragic fate as Ms. Zubair."




Specific calls to action for imams and religious leaders include:

  1. Unequivocally denounce domestic violence and any attitudes that enable or excuse it
  2. Remind Muslims that the Prophet Muhammad condemned with unequivocal language all forms of spousal abuse.
  3. Immediately create community social service committees made up of qualified social service providers to supply educational resources and staff institutional programs that support abused and battered women.
  4. Promote educational and awareness programs that outline abusive and violent behaviors.
  5. Allow community members ways of pointing out and preventing the emergence or escalation of possibly abusive relationships and environments
Individuals and organizations helping to organize this call (partial list, titles for identification purposes only):

  • Salma Abugideri, Peaceful Families Project
  • Wajahat Ali, Playwright, Attorney and Journalist, domesticcrusaders.com
  • Shahed Amanullah, editor-in-chief of the online newsmagazine altmuslim.com
  • Zeba Iqbal, Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals
  • Ruby Khan, Director, Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services
  • Dr. Aminah McCloud, Professor of Islamic Studies, DePaul University
  • Hussein Rashid, Visiting Professor, Hofstra University, husseinrashid.com
Mosques, imams, and organizations confirmed to have joined this effort (partial list):
  • Arab American Association of New York (New York, NY)
  • Arab Muslim American Federation (New York, New York)
  • Council of the Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago - Imam Abdul Malik Muhajid
  • Islamic Society of San Francisco - Imam Khalid Siddiqui
  • Islamic House of Wisdom (Dearborn, MI) - Imam Mohammad Elahi
  • Islamic Center of Greater Lansing (Detroit, MI) - Imam Dawud Walid
  • South Bay Islamic Association (San Jose, CA) - Imam Tahir Anwar
  • The Islamic Center at New York University - Haroon Moghul
  • Zaytuna Institute (Berkeley, CA) - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Resources for the media regarding Muslim efforts to confront domestic violence:




I wonder if that is a result of that man who beheaded his wife, I cant remember where it happened but it was this week, I read it in Wed paper.
Thank you for posting this as well. Very nice to see people trying to step up the awareness, support and end to domestic violence.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-02-20 15:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
you know what ladies...after going back a couple and reading you talk about the head dress. I see that alot of you have converted and wear them.
I myself dont want to covert or wear this. I find it strange that my husband doesnt require me to either.
I dont know... I feel to each his own thing and although I will embrace it, learn about it and respect others' ways about it I dont feel it is my thing.
I just have always taken bits and pieces of what I have learned and made it my own. Nothing for me is black and white.

I still cant believe that my husband is Muslim and I am not and well, I guess I dont feel like a Muslim wife, I mean sure I have learned and willing changed aspects of my life that needed it but I dont pray and dress the part.


SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-02-10 16:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (taj'samericanwife @ Feb 7 2009, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Salam everyone...wow so this is MENA huh? everyones all like MENA this and that in the IR1/cr1 forums and im like, what the heck is that? anyway i am married to a muslim man but i am not muslim..."yet". i love my husband very much and one of the things i love about him is how good of a person he is and he says because of islam. you see i was a very bad girl before i met him, had a very troublesome past...rebellious, flunking, partying, you name it. and when i met him i told myself it would almost be too good to be true to keep this man in my life because he so "pure" and i was "dirty". but he loved me, and i thank everyday for his love and patience. he does not force me to convert but it comes up alot. i plan to visit him in the next 2 -3 months and he said, it would be nice if i converted when i see him again. i dont eat pork anymore too...maybe because everytime i was with him for the 4 years we have been together i felt really disrespectful if i ordered anything that had pork in it that when i was not eating with him, i still felt disrespect when i eat pork.

i want to convert...for a long time i have wanted to. i am just finding it in my heart for the right time. i mean i have grown up catholic for 25 years and its not so eays forgetting jesus, am i right? i say to my husband everyday, "i just have to feel that thunder strike my heart then i will convert...GOD has to make me totally feel it so i know this is really for me too..."
and when i do become muslim i want to become a good muslim, do my prayers, give to charity and most of all be respectful and contnue to live a dignified life...


It is always refreshing to cleanse yourself and realize yourself and your way so that you may become the best human being you can and live in peace.

and when i met him i told myself it would almost be too good to be true to keep this man in my life because he so "pure" and i was "dirty".

This kind of thinking....I dont accept it. Just because you lived a certain way in the past does not necessarily make you a "bad" person.
I too made my mistakes and maybe I wasnt living as good as I could have, but that change comes from within not because someone makes you change or badgers you into thinking you are no good compared to them.

I would say definitely take your research and commitment seriously. you should embrace his culture and religion but it doesnt mean you have to convert unless that is whole heartedly what you want to do.

I hear alot about being clean and white too from my husband.

I dont doubt that we should live the way GOD teaches us and strive to be the best we can be but I dont at all feel any less of a person just because of my past or because I believe in Jesus Christ.

Good luck on your journey and remember not to lose yourself the midst of this life change.

Edited by sandrila, 10 February 2009 - 04:21 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-02-10 16:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
rajaa you always start a thread that keeps growing and growing and growing
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-01-13 16:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
OH SNAP! whistling.gif

HAPPY NEW YEAR...how is it my hubby didnt mention this one?

I think my hubby's head is still reeling after all the holidays and celebrating he has encountered in his short 2 months here.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-12-29 14:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I definitely saw way more sheep and goats running around the streets that time, trying to run for their lives I guess

We had the 2, one sheep, one goat...bleating away on the roof like 2 days

the next day...silence

then I saw the skins hangin from the clothes line drying out, i took one, put it over my face

VIOLA!!!!!!!!!! SILENCE OF THE LAMBS...I seriously cracked myself up that time rofl.gif

ok ok
but on another note, my husband HATES LAMB, cant stand to eat it, smell it or look at it

I did try it several times, the only time i really liked it was when they made kabobs out of it
I admit, the smell of it cooking is rather repulsive to me

I have some pix of them eating the insides of the beasts and the whole damn carcus hanging from the doorway

i need to work on gettin it up here
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-12-04 14:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
I visited Morocco 4x between Sept 2006 until March 2008.
I really did enjoy my time there alot and wish we had the opportunity for a good life there.
I would LOVE to live there. I have 3 children here and until they are older, I couldn't have any peace leaving them behind.

Tarik is from Rabat and he lives near the sea, which I love!!!!!!!!
I think in the future there would be a chance for us....maybe like 10 years from now.

Hubby has been here 5 1/2 months and I want to add that there is a rough patch when they first arrive.
At least I have experienced that and have seen others post the same comments.
It is getting better. If they come with a greencard and work right away, things straighten out pretty quickly.

We plan to visit Morocco together in May of 2010.
I hope we are able to pull it together and have some good money to travel.
I have been to Fez, Casa, Marrakech and Sale. I still have alot more places I need to see.
It isn't very financially feasible trying to be 2 places. I just thank god we are able to live here and have a good life
and not have to worry about always finding the resources to get a plane ticket and spending money to visit him.
I love to travel, but not being ABLE to see each other for months upon months at a time puts too much pressure
to buy the first plane ticket outta here.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-24 10:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
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 whistling.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-24 09:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
Hubby is here THANK GOD, 5 months now and working good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2009-04-17 12:41:00