MWA wishes one and all a blessed Eid! Thank-you for sharing your Ramadan with us!

Jazakallahu khairan for sharing part of your Ramadan with us!

Reflecting on Ramadan, MWA Member Vanessa Rivera de la Fuente introduces her inspiration; daughter, Constance

This Holy month of Ramadan I've been taking any little opportunity to share with my daugther Constance about how Islam has been not only a choice about a religion and doctrine, but especially a life-changing approach. In this process, where I've got closer to Allah, and gained a deep inner joy, I've become also more sensitive to appreciate the kindness in everyone around and give thanks for the lessons I can take from.

This Ramadan I've found myself many times, like no other time during this year nor in my life, giving thanks to Allah for my daughter. Not only because motherhood is a blessing; since I reflect about her life and our relations I've found out, sometimes with tears in my eyes, how many lessons of life I've learned from her.

I have many models and ideas that inspire me, and I think every person is able to do it, since they decide to fight for their dreams and make a declaration of faith about life as a blessing and trying hard to make something good for themselves and others. But since Hipatia from Alexandria until my own mother, my favorite inspiration is absolutely my daughter Constance. (read more)

ABOUT MWA MEMBER VANESSA RIVERA de la FUENTE
MWA member Vanessa Rivera de la Fuente hails from Buenos Aires. She is a Social Multilingual Communicator, muslim, feminist, and writer with a strong belief in God, social justice and love sustanaible development. She enjoys traveling, nature and cats. On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vrdelafuente.

MWA Member Queen Sheba Cisse on being grateful in Ramadan; and every day!

By the grace and mercy of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala we are in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Truly I am grateful for that and the many opportunities that come my way by the will of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Recently I returned from a short travel of inspiration that uprooted from the ground up to a business project I founded several years ago called Queen Sheba Village. The soul that inspired the project is my great great-Grandmum, Mariama, who is represented by her daughter who is my GrandMum, Sayyida Iretta. In order to move forward I sometimes have to take a few steps backward. I am grateful for the ongoing project and the fine noble women whom inspired it to manifestation.

Surah 108 Al-Kawthar from The Holy Quran comes to mind when we have an abundance from The Almighty. Thanking Allah subhnahu wa ta'ala is a powerful gesture and I shall be grateful enough to continue to repeat it, insha'Allah. Everyday is a grateful day.

Ramadan Mubarak to all of You, Al Hamdulilah.


ABOUT MWA MEMBER QUEEN SHEBA CISSE
Queen Sheba Cisse is President and Founder of Queen Sheba Village and is an aspiring writer, humanitarian and mother to many globally. She manages homes and families on two continents, America and Africa, and runs an online fashion boutique of African textiles and clothing, as well as Arabian essences for the body and senses, and crafted accessories from our African Motherland—home of our ancestors. Queen Sheba has just completed "The QSV Story (Chapter 2) Queen Sheba Cisse" in Collaboration with Tara Tappert. Website: http://www.queenshebavillage.org - On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueenShebaCisse

MWA Member Asma Zaman offers her reflections and rembrance on Ramadan

by MWA Member Asma Zamam (Bint Khalid)

For me, like most people, Ramadan is about ‘reflection’; to reflect over the past, to reflect about the present and to hope that we get the chance to reflect in the future. I don’t remember the last time I fasted, but I do remember the sheer excitement of waking up for suhoor and the anticipation just before iftar. There was always a sense of unity and spirituality in the air, and that was always an amazing experience to be a part of. The absence of sharing these feeling and emotions with my family and friends for nearly a decade always leaves a sense of emptiness in my heart as each year goes by. My way of filling that void is to try getting one step closer to Allah (swt) by gaining as much reward during this month, doing as much ibadat as I can and wholeheartedly praying that I will be blessed with good health so I will be able to fast once again.

And every Ramadan I always read this beautiful hadith, to remind me that true faith will always guide you beyond the darkness.

Imam Ahmad reported that Umm Salamah narrated: Once, Abu Salamah came back after he was with Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) and said: “I heard Allah’s Messenger recite a statement that made me delighted.”

He said: No Muslim is struck with an affliction and then says Istirja`;

‘Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raji’oon. llahummaa ujurni fi musibati w’ukhluf li khayran minha’

(Truly! To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah, reward me for my calamity and compensate me with something better than that)

when the affliction strikes, and then says: `O Allah! Reward me for my loss and give me what is better than it,’ but Allah will do just that. Umm Salamah said: So I memorized these words. When Abu Salamah died I said Istirja` and said: "O Allah! Compensate me for my loss and give me what is better than it.” I then thought about it and said, "Who is better than Abu Salamah”?

When my `Iddah (the period of time before the widow or divorced woman can remarry) finished, Allah’s Messenger asked for permission to see me while I was dyeing a skin that I had. I washed my hands, gave him permission to enter and handed him a pillow, and he sat on it.

He then asked me for marriage and when he finished his speech, I said, "O Messenger of Allah! It is not because I do not want you, but I am very jealous and I fear that you might experience some wrong mannerism from me for which Allah would punish me. I am also an old woman and I have children.”

He said: As for the jealousy that you mentioned, Allah the Exalted will remove it from you. As for your being old as you mentioned, I have suffered what you have suffered. And for your having children, they are my children too.

She said, "I have surrendered to Allah’s Messenger.” Allah’s Messenger married her and Umm Salamah said later, "Allah compensated me with who is better than Abu Salamah: Allah’s Messenger.”

Umm Salamah (radi allahu-anha) was blessed to be the wife of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and she was truly compensated for her loss and patience.

Through this hadith we can truly understand not only the power of this dua (prayer), but also the continuing mercy Allah (swt) bestows upon us all.

I truly believe that Allah (swt) breaks our spirit to save our soul, he bestows pain upon us to make us stronger, he makes us face failure so we can be humble and he takes something away from us, so we can learn to appreciate all that we have.

Copyright © 2011 Asma Zaman (Bint Khalid)

Aishah's Photo Adventures: When everyone was sleeping

Mervat woke up for suhoor...another comically endearing blog by MWA member Nancy Shehata

As usual, I stumbled out of bed this morning at o-dark-thirty to make suhoor.  I repeated my morning ritual of opening the fridge and staring at the contents.  As before, nothing jumped out at me so I grabbed the eggs and bread.  In a burst of creativity, I decided on scrambled eggs today instead of fried, and toast on the side.  Oh, and I prepared a pizza bagel for my son, who had asked me the night before that if I could please make one for him that would be great, but if I was too tired he'd understand.  Great kid.  How can you say no to that? (read more)

ABOUT MWA MEMBER NANCY SHEHATA
Nancy Shehata is a busy wife, mom, and writer living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She blogs about Islam, politics, life, and the joys of raising a family at www.muslimahinprogress.blogspot.com while simultaneously wiping runny noses and helping her husband find obscure reference material for his lectures. Nancy's desire in life is to de-mystify Islam for non-Muslims and to help Muslims learn their religion according to authentic sources. She also shares her love of food at www.radicalislamiccuisine.wordpress.com.

Ramadan Musings - by MWA Member Isahah Janette Grant

No matter how many times I read the Quran it is beautiful to me

And although I cannot fluently speak Arabic

When I hear its recital, so clear and musical in its original form

my eyes well with tears

and I know again

I am reminded

Of the Sovereignty and Mercy of Our Lord, Allah


So it is hard when I watch a news segment about Islam where the truth is twisted

Or when I notice someone retract with apprehension as they see me in my hijab

Because I know that if more people could see what I see in Islam and learn what I’ve learned of Islam there would be no room for fear


But Allah is the All-Knowing, the All-Aware

And He is the Best of Planners

So I offer a dua for peace and guidance

Or smile my brightest smile and keep faith that everything happens by Allah’s leave

Believing that Allah’s Mercy shall overshadow His Wrath

And loving life gratefully

For the opportunity to return to Allah

To return . . .


Copyright © 2011 Janette Grant

ABOUT MWA MEMBER ISAHAH JANETTE GRANT
Isahah Janette Grant runs Mindworks Publishing and is in the process of completing her first work of fiction. She studied at Boston University in Massachusetts, majoring in print journalism. Her published works include one children's book, three anthology collections, a collection of poetry and numerous articles published online and in the Providence Journal Bulletin newspaper. She resides in Missouri City, Texas, with her son and husband and can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/isahahjanette.

'Ramadhan Reads' compiled by MWA member Farzana Gardee

Ever wondered what writers will be reading this Ramadhan? Here is a list of reads from a selection of writers.

What are you reading this Ramadan?

Ramadhan READS

In spirit of the first revelation sent to the Prophet (PBUH) instructing him to read and Ramadhan being the month of the Quran, SISTERS asks authors about their Ramadhan picks.

"Read, in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created man from a clot. Read, for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful One. He who has taught men the use of the pen, and taught men that which he knew not." [96:1-4] (read more)

ABOUT MWA MEMBER FARZANA GARDEE

MWA member since September 2009, Farzana Gardee, of South Africa, received her Bachelors of Education degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika. After working as an English teacher for Iqra English Pre-School she became a Section Editor for SISTERS Magazine. In April 2011 she was promoted to the magazine's Managing Editor. Farzana describes herself as a writer and hopeful educational reformist. She is married and resides in Qatar. You can find Farzana on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/farzana.gardee.

Aishah's Photo Adventures: Suhoors & Iftars 14-17 Ramadan

  

My Ramadan Experiences by MWA Member Fatimah As-Salafy

The fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islaam. Millions of Muslims all over the world worship Allaah (swt) in this manner from dawn to sunset for 29-30 days. The manner in which the fast is broken and the food that is eaten after the fast are different from country to country.

As a new Muslim I spent my first Ramadan in Seattle, Washington, USA. Seattle is very multi-cultural. The mosque I attended had people from all over the world. I would go to the mosque at the time of Maghrib and break fast, pray and eat. I loved the experience of socializing with Muslims in this way. I had never experienced this kind of unity and love before. Little did I know, that my travels in later years would give me a level of unity greater than this. (read more)

ABOUT MWA MEMBER FATIMAH AS-SALAFY

Fatimah As-Salafy resides originally from Birmingham, Alabama. At the age of 24 she moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where she became Muslim in 1995. Shortly thereafter Fatimah relocated to Seattle, Washington where she was embraced by a community comprised of Somali, Cambodian, Indonesian and Malaysian Muslims; an environment that triggered her desire to travel. In 2000 she moved to Cairo, Egypt where she began to memorize Quran and learn to speak Arabic. She currently lives in Omdurman, Sudan where she teaches English for Cambridge International. Fatimah writes about her experiences traveling, acculturating to different cultures, homeschooling and self-sufficiency and is the author of a small ebook called, "Who Put Worms in the Cheese? A World Traveler's Survival Guide" available for purchase at www.e-junkie.com/theroadlesstraveled (Paypal only).

MWA member Asma Zaman's Favorite Ramadan Recipe: Roasted Aubergine Dip

INGREDIENTS
- 2 roasted aubergines
- 1 tbsp. of butter
- 1 ½ red onions, finely chopped
- 1 ½ tsp. of salt
- 1 ½ tsp. cumin seeds, crushed between your palms
- 2 green chillies, seeded & finely chopped
- ½ tsp. garlic, crushed
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Plain yogurt
- Fresh coriander, finely chopped

METHOD:
- Firstly roast both aubergines under the grill, turning them around frequently, until they both turn black on the outside and soft in the inside all over.
- Once the aubergines are roasted, carefully peel the skin off and put the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork (do not worry if there is a lot of liquid coming from the flesh it will all be used later on)
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and fry the onions until soft and transparent.
- Add salt, garlic and cumin seeds and fry together for 2-3 minutes.
- Then add the chopped chillies and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Finally add the roasted mashed aubergine to the mixture and whilst continuously stirring the mixture, cook the mixture for a further 3 minutes.
- Leave the mixture to completely cool and then mix into plain yoghurt and stir in the fresh coriander, leaving some for garnish.

NOTE:
If you find at any time that the onions are sticking to the bottom of the pan then feel free to add a dash of water at any time.

TIPS:
- This dip can be eaten with or without the yogurt and is a great accompaniment to any bread, crackers, celery or carrot sticks and believe it or not mixed in hot pasta its delicious!
- The mixture itself (without the yogurt) can be kept in an air tight container for up to a week.

Happy Cooking & Happy Eating Everyone!

MWA member Nancy Shehata on 'Hitting the Suhoor Wall...."

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim

Salaam Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.

Halfway through Ramadan. The alarm clock went off on time. Bleary-eyed, I stumble to the kitchen to make suhoor, the morning meal that is supposed to sustain us throughout the day of fasting. I stand there in front of the refrigerator, staring at the contents, contemplating what to make. I start rummaging through yogurt containers, none of which actually contain yogurt. Hmm... cucumber salad, leftover pasta, chicken livers. Nope. I open the cupboards that I just cleaned out the other day, casting my eyes over cans of corn and tomatoes. Nuh-uh. Finally my gaze falls on a carton of eggs sitting on the counter. I default to egg sandwich mode. I really don't want to cook anything but I can't stand the idea of making a smoothie. The blender would be way too loud, and I know the blueberries had partially thawed before I put them in the freezer and I'd have to hack off a corner from the bag with a butcher knife in order to get enough to use. Sigh. At least I can cook an egg on autopilot. (read more)

ABOUT MWA MEMBER NANCY SHEHATA
Nancy Shehata is a busy wife, mom, and writer living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She blogs about Islam, politics, life, and the joys of raising a family at www.muslimahinprogress.blogspot.com while simultaneously wiping runny noses and helping her husband find obscure reference material for his lectures. Nancy's desire in life is to de-mystify Islam for non-Muslims and to help Muslims learn their religion according to authentic sources. She also shares her love of food at www.radicalislamiccuisine.wordpress.com.

MWA Member Isahah Janette Grant shares poem: Ramadan Moon

Original Poem: Ramadan Moon
written by Isahah Janette Grant

O Ramadan Moon
perched upon a midnight sky
shine your light upon me
bear witness as I recite Quran this night

O Ramadan Moon
shimmering majestically as you obey Allah's command
mark our days of fasting upon the heavens
keep watch as we pursue Laylat al Qadir

O Ramadan Moon
receding as the sun embarks upon its morning journey
make haste in your return to us tomorrow
illuminate our paths as we strive this Ramadan

Copyright © 2011 Janette Grant

ABOUT MWA MEMBER ISAHAH JANETTE GRANT
MWA member Isahah Janette Grant runs Mindworks Publishing and is in the process of completing her first work of fiction. She studied at Boston University in Massachusetts, majoring in print journalism. Her published works include one children's book, three anthology collections, a collection of poetry and numerous articles published online and in the Providence Journal Bulletin newspaper. She resides in Missouri City, Texas, with her son and husband.
Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/isahahjanette

Isahah's Favorite Ramadan Recipe: Chicken Curry

As Salaamu Alaikum Sisters!

I pray that everyone's Ramadan is progressing blessedly, insha'Allah. This is a new favorite recipe of mine for Chicken Curry. I made some Saturday for the family and everyone enjoyed it, alhamdulilah. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (4lbs) - cubed Madras Curry Powder Cilantro 2 onions 2 green peppers 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce Turmeric Garlic Powder Chicken bouillon Ground Ginger Ground Cumin Ground Black Pepper Chili Powder Cooking oil

Instructions:
· Chop onions, green peppers and cilantro
· Pour cooking oil into a large skillet, enough to cover the bottom of the pan
· Grill onions, green peppers and cilantro until soft
· Add cubed chicken breast to skillet; add turmeric, curry powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, ground cumin, chicken bouillon, chili powder, ground black pepper and cover
· Cook for 30 minutes over medium heat
· Add tomato sauce, cook for another 15 minutes
· Best when served with jasmine rice

ABOUT MWA MEMBER ISAHAH JANETTE GRANT
Isahah Janette Grant runs Mindworks Publishing and is in the process of completing her first work of fiction. She studied at Boston University in Massachusetts, majoring in print journalism. Her published works include one children's book, three anthology collections, a collection of poetry and numerous articles published online and in the Providence Journal Bulletin newspaper. She resides in Missouri City, Texas, with her son and husband.
Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/isahahjanette

Aishah's Photo Adventures: Iftar & Suhoor the 7-9 Ramadan

Suhoor on the 7th of Ramadan.

Iftar downstairs of my flat 7th of Ramadan.

Iftar in Aishah's flat 7th of Ramadan.

Iftar on the 8th of Ramadan.

Suhoor on the 9th of Ramadan.

Aishah's Photo Adventures: A digestive PSA compliments of MS Publisher

Eat too much? Click to view larger scale.

Aishah's Photo Adventures: I ate too much today!

Iftar

Dessert

Suhoor

Aishah's Photo Adventures: An evening view passing the Grand Hotel

  

VIDEO: A poem by MWA Member Nancy E. Biddle 'Out of the Wouldwork for Ramadan'

This video poem is a little sharp. Humour is intended but also pointed. Al-hamdulillah for all the efforts Muslims make during Ramadan. May you all be blessed in the amazing month and may you continue your good works throughout the coming year, insha'Allah.



(c) cherenancy Poetess (Nancy E Biddle) 8/365 in the One Poem a Day for One year series.

ABOUT MWA MEMBER NANCY E. BIDDLE
Born in Montreal Canada in 1966, Nancy spent her first nine years raised in the quiet suburb of Pointe Claire until her father was contracted for a position that took the family to Singapore, Australia and Indonesia. It was through the transitional phases of each family move that Nancy formed a foundation of open-mindedness and a passion for world concerns. Nancy received her accreditation in Teaching English as a Second Language from Concordia University where she earned her B.Ed (TESL) in 1992. At the age of 35 Nancy found herself led to embrace the religion of Islam and is currently heading up three projects aimed at making a difference in the world: I Love Islamic Fiction (Branding Islamic Fiction with Fame and Prestige), Cherenancy Poetess (Power Dawah Poetess) and Nancy E. Biddle (Public Figure, Writer, Poet, Rabble Rouser: Tsunami Maker). She is also an award winning poet.

VIDEO: MWA Member Nancy Biddle's First Ramadan 2011 Iftar

ABOUT MWA MEMBER NANCY E. BIDDLE
Born in Montreal Canada in 1966, Nancy spent her first nine years raised in the quiet suburb of Pointe Claire until her father was contracted for a position that took the family to Singapore, Australia and Indonesia. It was through the transitional phases of each family move that Nancy formed a foundation of open-mindedness and a passion for world concerns. Nancy received her accreditation in Teaching English as a Second Language from Concordia University where she earned her B.Ed (TESL) in 1992. At the age of 35 Nancy found herself led to embrace the religion of Islam and is currently heading up three projects aimed at making a difference in the world: I Love Islamic Fiction (Branding Islamic Fiction with Fame and Prestige), Cherenancy Poetess (Power Dawah Poetess) and Nancy E. Biddle (Public Figure, Writer, Poet, Rabble Rouser: Tsunami Maker). She is also an award winning poet.
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nancyebiddle

MWA Member Rukhpar Mor shares 'Mom's Ramadan Chhole'

What you need:

2 cans chickpeas, drained and washed
3 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon yogurt
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
Salt, to taste
Water, as required
Optional: 1 cubed potato

For garnish:
Chopped cilantro
1 sliced tomato
1/4 sliced onion
1 chopped green pepper

How to make it:

In a small bowl, mix the turmeric, salt, red pepper, ground cumin powder, and 3 tablespoons of water.

Heat oil in pan on low heat. Add above mixture and stir well. Keep adding 1 tablespoon of water every 30 seconds for 3 minutes while stirring (so that the mixture doesn’t dry out). Finally, add potatoes with another 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Add chickpeas and 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer on low heat.

Meanwhile, mix yogurt and tamarind paste in a separate bowl and keep aside.

Once water has evaporated and potatoes are tender, remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes (the chickpeas should be tender as well, but not too soft).

Add tamarind and yogurt mixture to the chickpeas and mix well. Place in serving bowl and garnish as desired.

ABOUT MWA MEMBER RUKPHAR MOR
Rukphar Mor is a writer and blogger of fiction and non-fiction. She is planning to review books from authors on her blog and has covered topics like, how to eat with your hand (Indian style!), shadowing experience (with optometrists), how to use Twitter for Beginners, Islam/Muslims in general and mental health, depression, and stress. Visit her blog at http://rukhparmor.blogspot.com

MWA Member Ellen Keim shares her Ramadan story

Ramadan serves many purposes, but one of the main things is that it is a wonderful opportunity to practice Da’wa. I may not even have become a Muslim if it hadn’t been for Ramadan. One of my Muslim friends knew that I was interested in Islam and sensed that I was close to making a decision. But what I needed first was to see Muslims in action.

I was more than a little nervous when I went to her house. I didn’t know what to expect; I didn’t know if I was dressed properly; I didn’t know if I would be asked to participate in any way. I knew absolutely nothing about Islamic prayer and I had never seen Muslims praying except for brief glimpses on television.

I didn’t even know if I was late or early because I had no concept of waiting until after sunset to break the fast. I did know that Muslims fasted during Ramadan, but to me that just sounded hard. I had no idea how meaningful it could be. Read more

ABOUT MWA MEMBER, ELLEN KEIM
I’ve believed in God for as long as I can remember. I was baptized, raised and confirmed in the Lutheran church. When I was twenty-one I became what you might call a “born-again” Christian. I was a Methodist minister’s wife for ten years. I studied the Bible, taught adult Bible classes and became a lay preacher. And in 2009, on the last day of Ramadan, I said my Shahada and became a Muslim. I started I, Muslimah to help me, and maybe others, to grow in the faith.

Aishah's Photo Adventures: Suhoor at home; suhoor downstairs

Aishah's Photo Adventures: Suhoor at a local restaurant, mmm, mmm, good!