We have failed to recognize Muslim women’s, especially the female youth’s, trials of their voluptuous desires. At the most we have made an effort to acknowledge your desires to interact with guys, to be around them, to talk to them, to laugh with them, to share with them the details of your day, to have a boy follow you around, if at all your trials are recognized. Read More »
When I wrote my last piece on female wet dreams, I received many requests to add a portion on vaginal discharge as well. However, since vaginal discharge is a common quandary among Muslim women and a subject of controversy among the scholars, I wanted to write a separate entry on this. Read More »
It was easier to enforce this standard of language when my children were homeschooled. However, as they have stepped into the “real” world, i.e. started school, and extended their circle of friends, they are becoming accustomed to hearing many of these words. Unfortunately, using swear words is very common at schools, and “slightly impolite” words are considered normal among Muslim and non-Muslim kids equally. Read More »
No matter what the reason may be, there is no excuse for enduring injustice. Unfortunately, in many cultures, there is so much negativity associated with seeking help through a third party and/or pursuing a divorce, that many women willingly endure domestic violence rather than protect their rights. Read More »
Umm Reem reflects on hijab in a Muslim country, where she is an expat. "I don’t know how ḥijāb evolved into culture, but unfortunately it did. Even the welcoming package and little leaflets designed for expatriates introduce ḥijāb as a cultural dress code." Read More »
One day a sister dropped by to pick up something and saw me dressed up with make-up and jewelry, so she assumed I was going somewhere. When I told her I wasn't, the reason I dressed up surprised her. I told her, “Because it is about time for my husband ... Read More »
Islam recognizes the evil of verbal abuse and perhaps that’s why there is so much emphasis on guarding one’s tongue and keeping others secured from its invisible harm. The Messenger of Allah, ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "A true believer is not involved in taunting, or frequently cursing (others) or in indecency or abusing.'' (al-Tirmidhi) If this is the right of a regular Muslim, then how much more so a wife or husband is entitled to be safe from verbal abuse and taunting. Read More »
Must Read for men considering polygamy: I questioned one of the shayookh and his answer to my skeptical question still echoes in my ears; instead of defending or addressing the topic of polygamy, he surprisingly questioned me, ‘Do you believe Allah is Just?’ Read More »
In this last segment of the Parenting series, Umm Reem discusses the importance of communication with our children, how to handle preteen/teenage crushes, and provides some special advice to the parents of girls. Read More »
Now let us proceed to additional topics that we should discuss with our pre/teens. Unfortunately, these topics are introduced to 10-year olds in public schools (as I mentioned in Part V(b)), hence the parents should be prepared to discuss these issues with the children at home. Read More »
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