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Articles by Amaliah Writes
10 Ibadah Tips for the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
by Amaliah Writes in Ramadan on 12th May, 2020 Renew your intention. Especially in these last 10 days, pause to renew your intentions before performing good deeds so that no efforts go to waste. Avoid dealbreakers! Try your best to give up backbiting, lying, cheating, or any bad habits that are displeasing to Allah so that you are permitted to catch the night of power. Give of what you love.
Not Able to Do I’tikaf at the Masjid? 11 Tips on I’tikaf at Home
Bismillah I’tikaf is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of staying in a Mosque, or at home, for a certain number of days, devoting oneself to worship during these days and staying away from worldly affairs. The literal meaning of the word suggests being regular in something, this ‘something’ often including nafl prayers, reciting Qur’an and other forms of worship including those listed below. I’tikaf is frequently practised by Muslims across the world during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Ramadan Covid-19 Diaries: A Mother Stranded in Another Country, Away From Her 7 Children
This article was originally published on AboutIslam.net by Brooke Benoit. We share this with permission from Brooke in the hope the right person sees this story. Covid-19 Ramadan is really different. Throughout the holy month, we will be publishing diaries shared by our network of writers and contributors that reflect on challenges, lessons or blessings they find in this extraordinary Ramadan! You can share you own diary here.
Recipe: Butter Bean Salad
by Ameena Babirye in Lifestyle on 26th September, 2017 This butter bean salad is a quick and easy way to have a nutritious and healthy meal. Butter beans contain significant amounts of fiber. The high fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6 content in white beans all help to promote heart health.The iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K in white beans all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.
‘Growing up With Gal-Dem’ – The New Podcast by Gal-Dem Bringing You Life Inspiration | Amaliah
‘growing Up with gal-dem’ is the first podcast series from award-winning media company gal-dem – a publication committed to voicing the perspectives of young women and non-binary people of colour. Join gal-dem as they ask special guests to reflect back on their youth and to share the advice they wish they could give to their younger selves.
My First Ramadan Without My Mum
by Aisha Ditta in Soul on 11th June, 2018 “You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your lives; and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you…But if you patiently persevere and be pious, then surely this will be of great resolution.” (Quran 3:186) Last Ramadan, I lost my beautiful mother to cancer. She was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in the second week of Ramadan and sadly passed away just six weeks later.
We Asked You to Help a Sis Out Who’s Away From Family This Ramadan and Here’s What You Shared
When we are stuck and in need of inspiration we always turn to the Amaliah Community on Instagram. You all always have some gems and wisdom to share, so when we saw Sammaya Afzal share via Twitter that it’s her first Ramadan without family we thought we’d ask you! Like many of us, we are spending this Ramadan very differently. The Amaliah community came through with suggestions and many sharing Ramadan has always been a lonely time and this Ramadan is no different.
Do Muslims Really Fast to Understand How the Poor Feel? Re-Educating Ourselves on Why We Fast
For many years while growing up if someone asked me why we fast as Muslims, my response was “to understand how the poor feel”, it was widespread amongst family, friends, the media and even religious classes that this was the reason. I never really questioned it as it felt like it made sense and it seemed to be a widespread belief. But as I grew up and became more exposed to Islamic literature, I realised that there was much more to fasting than this, and we should look to the Quran for the reason.
3 Mamas Tell Us How They Will Be Spending Their Lockdown Ramadan With Their Children
This article is sponsored by Anafiya Gifts, find out more about their children’s books and gifts here We are in uncharted territory this Ramadan, for some of us it is unfamiliar due to the obvious and yet so familiar as we wait patiently for the Ramadan spirit to engulf us. As we step into Ramadan with COVID-19 looming, doors closed to the outside world this Ramadan is set to look different for these UK based mothers.
#AnythingIsBetterThanNothing – The Campaign Started by an A&E Doctor Urging PPE Donations | Amaliah
As key workers still face having to go into work without adequate Personal Protective equipment, Dr Lamis Latif, a GP and A&E urgent care doctor has started the #AnythingIsBetterThanNothing campaign and the Coronavirus Frontline Group which calls for PPE donations. This as a temporary measure, as the government is yet to adequately equip key workers with equipment as well as testing. Dr Latif was sick of waiting for PPE and was concerned seeing her colleagues with no protection.
#AnythingIsBetterThanNothing – The Campaign Started by an A&E Doctor Urging PPE Donations | Amaliah
As key workers still face having to go into work without adequate Personal Protective equipment, Dr Lamis Latif, a GP and A&E urgent care doctor has started the #AnythingIsBetterThanNothing campaign and the Coronavirus Frontline Group which calls for PPE donations. This as a temporary measure, as the government is yet to adequately equip key workers with equipment as well as testing. Dr Latif was sick of waiting for PPE and was concerned seeing her colleagues with no protection.
My Relationship With Fitness
by Saraiya Bah in Lifestyle on 28th October, 2017 Of all the things that I wish Allah would have blessed me with: appreciation for sports is something I crave to have. Actually, why am I trying to make myself look good? What I truly would want from Allah is to discover a way to attain and maintain abs that would make a washboard envious and continue eating my way through every food establishment in London without having to break a sweat.
The Call to Prayer to Be Broadcast on BBC Local Radio From Tomorrow
With many from the Muslim community unable to visit local mosques due to their temporary closure amid the coronavirus crisis, BBC radio have taken the initiative and opportunity to broadcast the azan (call to prayer) via their local stations. The news was shared in a tweet by Harry Farley, a broadcast journalist and producer for BBC Radio 4. BBC local radio stations to broadcast Islamic prayers from tomorrow morning.
4 Ways to Prepare for Ramadan Whilst Reaping the Rewards of Sha’ban
Islamic months and when they actually occur haven’t been something I have ever really been in tune with, I mean aside from Ramadan I had no clue when and what month Islamically we were observing. It’s only now with children that I’ve begun to try and understand just a little more about the Islamic months.
Amaliah Art Class, Are You Coming? Join @Thislakshmi Online!
by Selina Bakkar in Lifestyle on 27th March, 2020 View this post on Instagram I’m teaching an online workshop next Saturday 4th April @12.30 GMT with @amaliah_com It’s a closed zoom session with time for questions at the end, in which I’ll go through making marks and moving on to exploring continuous line. No artistic experience required, just a few pens, some paper and a willingness to give drawing a go.
The UK Government’s Current Response to Coronavirus Has Been Classist, Ableist, and Elitist
Officially declared a pandemic on 11th March 2020 by the World Health Organisation, as of today, the Coronavirus has claimed the lives of approximately 5,500 people, with 144,000 infected and 6,000 currently in critical condition. These numbers are set to rise with UK Prime minister Boris Johnson claiming that ‘many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time’.
Amaliah Nights in Is Going Online
by Amaliah Writes in Lifestyle on 22nd March, 2020 We’re bringing you Amaliah Nights In online – last year we launched the series with our sold-out event bringing you together over some chilled vibes and art therapy with Paintbrush&Co. As coronavirus has us social distancing or isolating, we are bringing Amaliah Nights In online! We recognise this is a challenging time for many people and want to be able to support our community with online activities, classes and events, to bring a sense of...
The Appeal Court Rules a Nikah Has No Legal Standing in British Law
by Selina Bakkar in Relationships on 17th February, 2020 The court of appeal in England has ruled that a nikah is not valid under English law, the judgment was delivered on Friday the 14th of February and referred to nikah marriages as “non-marriages”. This means that all Muslims wishing to get married must do so legally through a civil ceremony in order to be recognised.
6 Ways to Volunteer Your Time in London Over the Festive Season
by Amaliah Writes in Lifestyle on 17th December, 2019 The festive Christmas season is upon us and for many, it is filled with time off, lots of food and unlimited Netflix binges! For others, it means extra shifts, no family and a lonely time. If you have some free time over the December break you can support homeless shelters or bake some goodies for those doing extra time. If you’re a night owl many shelters are in need of overnight volunteers.
This Muslim Man Is Using Dating Apps to Get Muslim Women to Register to Vote
by Amaliah Writes in World on 25th November, 2019 As the general election approaches on the 12th December, many have been encouraging the masses to register to vote, from highlighting all the different people who can vote to research on marginal seats and tactical voting. It is said there is a huge untapped potential in those that do not vote along with young demographics and also the Muslim community.
Mosques Are Setting up Voter Registration Drives to Increase the #MuslimVote
As the 2019 general elections loom closer Mosques in the UK have been holding voter registrations drives with the help of the Muslim Council of Britain. The drives are helping people sign up and register before the general election on the 12th of December. Some Mosques that took part were: Finsbury Park Mosque, North London Birmingham Central Mosque, West Midlands Masjid Al-Hikmah, Aberdeen The deadline to Register is on the 26 November 11.59pm.
EVENT Amaliah × Waterstones: How to Get Your Book Published
by Amaliah Writes in Lifestyle on 25th October, 2019 We’ve seen the revolution of Muslim women getting published and we want to help get more stories out there. We’ve teamed up with Waterstones, Gower Street to bring you an evening of insights and advice on how you get a book published. Perhaps you have an idea, maybe you’ve written your whole book or maybe you just want to understand the publishing industry better.
Vogue Accused of Glamourising the Work of Counter Terrorism Workers
A recent article published by British Vogue was called out for glamourising the work of those working in counter terrorism, the article titled “The Women At The Forefront Of The Fight Against Extremism”. This was a strange article to come across in Vogue. It’s strange for two reasons: 1) the way that counter-extremism workers are glamourised in a fashion magazine of all places & 2) because of the way that women — especially Muslim women — are viewed.
Cardi B at Fashion Week Shows the Double Standards Muslim Women Face for Covering Up
Source: @iamcardib Twitter In the heart of Paris Fashion Week 2019, one floral ensemble worn by the famous Miss Cardi B was turning heads. She was wearing an original from London-based Richard Quinn’s collection in the heart of Paris. This outfit covered her from head-to-toe in what many commentators called a “full bodysuit”, but as a woman familiar with hijabi fashion trends, it seemed different to me.
Islamic Months Series: Muharram 1441, September 2019-08-28
by Amaliah Writes in Lifestyle on 31st August, 2019 Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and carries massive importance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. Muharram is also known as one of four sacred months of the year. Muharram unlike the Gregorian calendar moves every year as we follow a lunar approach.
Two “Muslim Media” Companies Outed as Counter-Terrorism Home Office Projects
Who gets to speak as a Muslim woman? According to the Home Office, anyone. Last week the Middle East Eye published the story of This is Woke, “media/news company”, revealing they are a Home Office Counter-Terrorism initiative. The platform aims to have “critical discussions around Muslim identity, tradition and reform”, in partnership with New Horizons.
#Knifefree Chicken Boxes Are Being Rolled Out by the Home Office
This week the UK Home Office announced their latest attempt to tackle knife crime. The official Home Office Twitter account announced the release of 321,000 branded boxes destined for chicken shops across England and Wales which have #knifefree on the outside and positive stories of young people who have chosen other paths and activities over knife crime on the inner side of the boxes. MPs and the public began to share their thoughts and ideas on the recent campaign.
Short Reads: My Secret Women Only Safe Space in Hampstead Heath…
Hampstead Heath Ladies Pond. I walk through its gates – branded by signs declaring ‘women only’ – and enter the idyllic forest enclave. Open since 1926, the Ladies Pond is its own secluded world. There are only women, surrounded by tall, leafy, beautiful trees that block out the outside world. It’s truly a haven in smoggy London. I take off my headscarf, my linen coat and my leggings and bathe in the bright summer sun wearing just my midi-length dress.
Dear Boris Johnson…Signed, a Veiled Muslim Woman | Amaliah
Dear Boris Johnson, I, a Muslim woman, watched the paltry defence of your puerile and vile comments regarding veiled Muslims to Beth Rigby, with the familiar shortened breath and quickened pulse brought about by anger.
18 Things to Do When You Are on Your Period in Ramadan
Being on your period in Ramadan can often leave you feeling like you are out of the loop and unable to take part in Ramadan because you are exempt from fasting and praying but there are still many things you can do. Blogger & Mental health advocate Sara shares 18 things to do when on your period in Ramadan. Insha Allah, the tips can be used outside of Ramadan too. VIDEO
Wondering How to Unlock Your Full Potential as a Freelancer?
Freelancing can be lonely and confusing. The isolation of working for yourself can lead to self-doubt and stress (due to overworking and/or looking for clients), as well as limit your potential from flourishing due to lack of resources and time. But being freelance also brings with it the freedom of interesting projects, flexibility with your time and choosing where you want to go more directly.
Does History Sit on Our Plates? We Talk Food & Heritage at #Streeteatsfest
When I think about my own history and how I translate it to my children, often the two things that come to mind are language and food, I have a strong bond with my own heritage because I have a fond appreciation and understanding of both. I have tried to share my personal heritage with them through these mediums, food has undoubtedly been the strongest way they connect.
Storytelling & Drumming This Sunday for Kids at #Streeteatsfest Event
This Easter weekend at our Halal Gems #streeteatsfest we’ve got a treat for families with children. Who doesn’t love a good storyteller? Well, we’ve got one of the best in town to join us this Easter weekend in Old Spitalfields. ‘Alim Kamara founder of Storie Storie travels globally working with educational and corporate institutions to inspire through engaging storytelling workshops and motivational talks.
This Theatre Company Has Been Bringing Muslim Literature to Life for 21 Years
Source: Instagram @Khayaaltheatre Khayaal Theatre have been performing plays across the UK for the past 21 years. The award-winning theatre and drama company was founded on aims to bring literature of the Muslim world to life, literature that’s all too often been left out of the canon of world literature.
Over 130 Muslims Killed in Central Mali by Men in Dogon Hunter Clothing
Tension and clashes between Dogon hunters and semi-nomadic Fulani herders have often occurred in Central Mali, the disputes are often over land and water, but this Saturday the Dogan hunters approached and attacked the villagers in the Fulani community, killing over 130 and burning homes down to the ground, there have been additional reports that the attack was described as a massacre as pregnant women, children, and even animals were killed.
Movita Johnson Harrell Becomes First Black Muslim State Representative to the City With the Highest Muslim Population in the USA
On Tuesday the 12th of March the seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was won by Movita Johnson-Harrel, she won 66 % of the vote. The win is historic as it makes her the first Black Muslim American woman to be elected as a state representative in Pennsylvania. She shared a message to all that have supported via her personal Facebook: She also enters with the promise of taking a pay cut to show she really is in this for the community.
Why We Are in Desperate Need of Muslim Therapists in Mainstream Institutions
There are just too many issues, too many pressures, and too many traumas we are individually working on internally. There are some specific Muslim traumas that we need to work through, like Islamophobia, and while talking about it with our Muslim peers is therapeutic in itself, we should be able to speak through it with a healthcare professional who can advise and guide us in a way that therapists are trained to do. But unfortunately, the system fails us.
What if We Were All One Colour? The Blue Series by Lakshmi Hussain
“The Blue Series is a series of portraits and it’s mostly women which enables me to explore the world around me. Our world is incredibly diverse, my children have inherited nearly 8 different cultural backgrounds through birthright and migration, this project aims to highlight this.
Wearing the Hijab Today Was a Simple Gesture of Support for Our Muslim Communities Grieving
Image: Anne Cornish Jacinda Arden, PM of New Zealand has been seen wearing a hijab through the week in response to what happened at Al-Noor mosque last jummah in New Zealand, it has been viewed by some as an act of solidarity. As the first Jummah since the attack came in, organisers from the group Headscarf for Harmony launched an initiative calling people to wear hijabs to show solidarity with the Muslim community.
Wearing a Hijab for a Few Hours Will Not Eradicate Islamophobia, We Need to Confront White Supremacy
Image Credit Samantha Hayes We watched in horror as the news unfolded last Friday that two mosques had been stormed, our bodies treated as targets because they were seen as Muslim and embodying Islam, considered to be ‘out of place’. After 51 Muslims were massacred before Jummah salaah in New Zealand, some have been searching for a glimmer of hope that everything will be ok.
This Group of Muslims Have Set up Their Own Patrol Service in New York to Protect Muslims and Their Neighbours
This Group of Muslims Have Set up Their Own Patrol Service in New York to Protect Muslims and Their Neighbours by Selina Bakkar in World on 25th June, 2019 On hearing of the recent New Zealand attacks on Muslim worshippers earlier this year, there were heightened fears amongst the Muslim community worldwide, especially those who attend mosques, Islamic community centers, and Islamic schools.
Amaliah × Enrol Yourself: 2019 Bursary for Their Learning Accelerator, Exclusively for WOC | Amaliah
What if we told you, all those skills that will propel you into the career you have always wanted was just a button click away? What if we could provide you with a platform to build networks and connections that can take you to the next level of your business idea, or dream? Amaliah are proud to be collaborating again this year with Enrol Yourself to offer a bursary for their learning marathon, exclusively for Women of Colour.
We Speak to a Stay at Home Mother of 5 Who Took the Plunge and Went Back to Studying With Enrol Yourself
Image: Azra Javed On September the 6th 2018 we announced a bursary open to women of colour, it was a learning accelerator by Enrol Yourself with Amaliah. We have teamed up AGAIN for 2019 with Enrol yourself for their 2019 cohort to offer a bursary place. Register for the open day Tuesday 26th Feb Applicants came and inquiries dropped, amongst all the applicants was Azra, she’d been a stay at home mother to five children and a carer for her sister.
Announcement: Amaliah Have Acquired Halal Gems
Co-founders of Amaliah: Nafisa Bakkar, Selina Bakkar and founder of Halal Gems: Zohra Khaku Asalamualaikum and hey! Short story: It’s been over a year since we unveiled a new Amaliah to the world. Today, we’ve acquired Halal Gems, a halal food discovery platform. It means Amaliah are now running Halal Gems and bringing you the next edition of Street Eats.Long Story: At Amaliah we have always believed in collaboration over competition.
A FLY Girl’s Guide to University Is Here and It’s What Every Student of Colour Needs
A FLY Girl’s Guide to University has arrived, reading over the name and purpose of the book we are glad that it’s finally arrived and for many women of colour entering institutions can be a daunting as well as an anxiety-ridden experience navigating the space.
Muslim Women Studying at Oxbridge, an Insight With Mirina Paananen
Mirina Paananen, 28 from Southampton, completing MSt Islamic Studies and History, Regent’s Park College, Oxford Where are you from? Southampton, currently Birmingham. I spent my early childhood in Finland and am ethnically Finnish. What made you want to go to Oxbridge? Alhamdulillah I’ve been blessed to attend both Oxford and Cambridge. As a teenager I knew I wanted to aim for academic excellence, and I had the grades and the passion and was encouraged by my family and teachers to apply to Cambridge.
A Halal Trip Guide to Berlin: Food & Attractions
“Berlin is more a part of the world than a city. ” —Jean Paul, Writer, 1800 Arriving in Berlin in the midst of the winter solstice I shouldn’t have been taken aback by the chill in the air, the whiteness of the sky, snow falling on my face – but it was claustrophobic, looming above my head, closing in on me. The whole week I was there, I never saw the sun. Thankfully, the magic of the Christmas Market lights meant that even in its gloomy winter state, the city sparkled.
Watch: Niqabae + Zainab Talk Periods and Self Care
Periods are a normal part of our lives, yet it is a topic we still struggle to talk about openly, without embarrassment. As women, it’s important that we are able to take care of ourselves during that time of the month. As such it’s important to discuss periods openly and realise that there is no shame in something that is natural and a God given blessing. Check out this our latest video, where Aima and Zainab talk periods, culture and Islam.
Here Are Our 20 Recommended Reads for 2019 by 12 #Bookstagrammers
So, one week after the entire Amaliah team recovers from a bad bout of the TMI virus, (also known as Norovirus), we’ve all come down with a bit of book fever, and have decided to pull some recommended reads for 2019 from some of our favourite #bookstagrammers and present a fancy video for you to get some inspiration from going into 2019. We’ve got books that cover most categories, but we’ve got some niche Soul, World, Lifestyle and Identity recommendations for you.
NUS Elects New Muslim Female President ZamZam Ibrahim | Amaliah
Source : Instagram | @zamzammcr Congratulations are in order for Zamzam Ibrahim, who has just been elected as the new National Union of Students at the National Conference 2019. She’s the second Muslim woman to hold the position and will take up the role beginning June 1st 2019 as she cycles out her title of Vice President of the Union. This year the NUS team is all female and it’s one for the history books.
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