Showing posts with label islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label islam. Show all posts
Hijabs and Halos
As the truth in the case of Shaima Alawadi’s brutal murder is tested in labs, coffee house circles of intellectual, on Facebook and Twitter the human of us have to put our egos aside and recognize that there are five children waking up for Fajr without their mother. There is a family that will have to live with the fact that someone beat this woman to death with a tire iron. I saw a post on Facebook and I didn’t just want to tweet it or share it on my own Facebook. I felt that it needed more attention than that. I decided to post it on my blog.
"Dear World:
...over a week ago, an Iraqi Mother named Shaima Alawadi was found in a coma from being beaten by a tire iron, sustaining injuries from which she would later die from. Her death, originally believed to be a hate crime, is now being speculated by some to be an honor killing.
a) What I KNOW is a mother was murdered, and THAT is why I mourn, not because of the shade of WHO did the murder.
b) Our denouncing the taking of innocent life should not be contingent upon who pulls the trigger & swings the tire iron.
c) In my opinion "Honor Killings" ARE hate crimes.
*Justice for ALL lives stolen. | *HoodiesHijabsAndHalos. ~ Mark Gonzales"
https://www.facebook.com/wagebeauty
"Dear World:
...over a week ago, an Iraqi Mother named Shaima Alawadi was found in a coma from being beaten by a tire iron, sustaining injuries from which she would later die from. Her death, originally believed to be a hate crime, is now being speculated by some to be an honor killing.
a) What I KNOW is a mother was murdered, and THAT is why I mourn, not because of the shade of WHO did the murder.
b) Our denouncing the taking of innocent life should not be contingent upon who pulls the trigger & swings the tire iron.
c) In my opinion "Honor Killings" ARE hate crimes.
*Justice for ALL lives stolen. | *HoodiesHijabsAndHalos. ~ Mark Gonzales"
https://www.facebook.com/wagebeauty
The KONY 2012 Debate
Tweet from @QadirDaPoet
New Movie -The "KONY" Express- Deception behind US Protection!!! they found oil in Uganda 2 weeks ago
His Video:
A Book on the Shelf
He admitted he had a history of spousal abuse in his past,
But now he’s a God fearing, he’s a changed man,
He’s a funny kat, can always make a girl smile,
We have a good relationship, rather it gets good for awhile.
Our first argument he yells and throws things at the wall,
Then speaks loud in my face til I’m backed into the wall,
He makes jokes like nothing happened at all,
And changes the subject to get me to talk.
He admitted he had a history of spousal abuse in his past,
But now he’s a God fearing, he’s a changed man,
He’s a funny kat, can always make a girl smile,
We have a good relationship, rather it gets good for awhile.
Now when we argue he threatens me with his past,
He says that he’s a God fearing but I’m really pushing this man,
I never tell him no, I give him everything he wants,
Because if I attempt to say no he says I’m being disrespectful and treating him like a punk.
He slams doors and throws things at the walls,
And then makes jokes like nothing happened at all.
Thursday we fight and I had our child in my hands,
He tells me to put the baby down-
He’s gonna fuck me up
I done changed this man,
I hold my child closer to me because I can’t believe this is happening to me,
He slams doors and throws things at the walls,
And then makes jokes like nothing happened at all.
He admitted he had a history of spousal abuse in his past,
But now he’s a God fearing, he’s a changed man,
He’s a funny kat, can always make a girl smile,
We have a good relationship, rather it gets good for awhile.
Now he says that I deserve to get my ass kicked because I think that I’m tough,
I cry for no reason because this Muslim marriage is too much,
I want to leave him but I have no money and nowhere to go,
I know, I know that this isn’t love,
But for the life of me I don’t know what to do,
I gave up the life that I knew for this fool,
He has distanced me from my closest friends,
From non-blood relatives who have been there through thick and thin,
Walking around him my lungs feel tight,
Looking straight ahead and never in his eyes,
Feeling like a child
Crying because I can’t believe this is my life,
Afraid to gather and opinion because it sparks an argument,
Or if I open my mouth we argue because he doesn’t understand what I meant,
I just keep silent and agree because things are better that way,
My silence gives me peace at least for a few days,
He admitted he had a history of spousal abuse in his past,
But now he’s a God fearing, he’s a changed man,
He’s a funny kat, can always make a girl smile,
We have a good relationship, rather it gets good for awhile.
By: Najiyya ©2003
A Complicated Relationship with Music
From the time the sweet words of the shahada had escaped my lips I have had a complicated relationship with music. I too was the new Muslimah that handed over my stereo and tossed out my CD’s so that “I didn’t participate in the spreading of its evil.” I later discovered the world of qasidas and nasheeds. It was such a daunting task trying to find qasidas and nasheeds that I could vibe with, especially in the years prior to my limitless access to the internet.
As a person who enjoys writing, music has a history of luring words out of me and rhythm has had the ability to move my pen. I can hear music and emotions that had not yet been given a word had a lyrical composition. Tribe Called Quest came out with Love Movement (1998) I could not fight the desire to pick it up. I began to write again. I wrote for every tear that fell on the face of that young single mother who had no support and was forced to face the reality that her child’s father was sentenced to life without.
Once married with a growing family my music selection had to change. Having my three year old sing I Don’t Want No Scrubs (TLC, 1999) from the top of her lungs was no longer cute. Busy keeping up with the responsibilities of maintaining a family spiritually, emotionally, and financially, music again took a back seat in my life.
One day I was awakened by a fellow hip hop junkie who played for me Immortal Technique. I was enraptured by the arrangement of lyrics, the intense delivery, and production. He was my best kept and favorite secret. Online, I dabbled into music like a married man sneaking a peak at porn sites. I rested in the company of Remarkable Current by day and Poison Pen (Chino XL, 2006) at night.
As a student and traveler on the path towards our Creator, I had arrived to a place within myself that demanded a rectification and purification of my heart and soul. I realized that the path to Allah (AWJ) was a pure one. Great attention had to be given to the influences on my heart. Honestly, some of the music I had dabbled into gave me road rage. I had to consciously remove myself from the music that did not benefit me in my deen or encourage me towards good.
Ramadan 2009 was a very difficult time for me. I dove deep into qasidas, nasheeds, and a lot of dhikr. I did dhikr until I felt high, literally. I needed Allah’s help so passionately that I stopped listening to music period because I feared that if Allah were to answer my request for guidance I would miss the call. One day in 2010 I needed a Mary J. Blige moment. The song, Take Me As I Am (The Break Through, 2005). Again, this single mother of 7 wrote to this song for every tear, to the palpitation of every fear and insecurity, and exhaled a whisper, “Bismillah” as I was inspired to unleash any apprehensions stepping out on my own, again.
Farid- Quality R&B 2009
A far cry from the folk melodies associated with Islamic Music, 26 years old Farid’s soulful sound is a breeze of fresh air to convert/ revert to Islam. Born to a father from Indonesia and his mother from Singapore, Farid calls his birth place San Jose and his stomping ground Santa Clara.
Born and raised as a practicing Muslim, he attended Granada Islamic School in Santa Clara. Being raised in America, he was completely part of American culture, and was very much exposed to R&B/Pop/Hip Hop. At first, he was taught Music was haram, but later realized that there are different opinions. He expresses, “We can’t ignore avenues of communication to our youth. I was/am a youth, and Music spoke to me and continues to.”
When asked about the collaboration for the song “Fitnah” he says that he and Tyson grew up in San Jose and have been close friends for many years. “People who share the same interests are bound to hook up.”
At first his parents too, felt music was haram. However, their perspective changed as scholars opinions started to accept music. They've become way more lenient in the last couple yrs. At this point, his parents are full supporters of what he does and are proud of his music
“I’m very particular about my music and songs, so I need to write everything. My favorite writer is Babyface, because his songs are very poetic and sophisticated, yet the language is common enough that everyone can still connect”…”For "Fitna", Tyson co-wrote some of my lyrics, but the bulk of that song and all my other songs, I write.”
The Album 3 years in the making set to drop soon!
http://www.faridmusiconline.com/Home.aspx
What is New Muslim Cool?
I hope everyone had an opportunity to check out this film on PBS! Put it on your DVR. This film was a huge step for Muslim Americans. Much of the footage you see of Muslims on television is of immigrants Muslims or Black Muslims from the Nation. I can identify with this film as an American Muslim. I am so proud of my Muslim brother. He has truly come along way. Becoming the son his mother always wanted him to be. Jihad is every man's struggle, but some cowards choose to close their eyes and listen to Lil Wayne.
Mustafa Davis. Amir Sulaiman.Dunya
Dunya
another Mustafa Davis JoINt
"There is a Devil"*TYSON* Directed by Mustafa Davis
"There is a Devil"*TYSON* Directed by Mustafa Davis
New Muslim Cool in the Wold Beat Center-May 2009
Sister Makeda, known throughout San Diego as Reggae Makossa on Radio 91X Sundays at 8pm, opened her home, the World Beat Center, to the community of LICC. Makeda is one who respects and honors culture and religion which made it very easy to approach her with the idea for a San Diego screening of New Muslim Cool.
Muslims and non-Muslims enjoyed vegetarian patties and pizza, live Cuban Music, and free Starbucks coffee which is always great! 
Muslim children brought with them their non-Muslim friends and family. Non-Muslims who came found New Muslim friendship. Together we watched an ex-drug dealer's road to redemption. Non-Muslims were able to see that Muslims have the same struggles. Also we were able to witness that divorce and homelessness did not stop this brother's effort to help others discover and walk their own road to redemption.
Hamza offered a Question and Answer session with the viewers. He spoke briefly on the fact the our Prophet, Peace be upon Him, did not only help Muslims, but those who were not Muslim as well. That we need to look at people as human beings not as Muslim, Jew, Christian, Black, White and Latino. My favorite quote from Hamza was, "We cannot offer a sandwich in one hand and a pamphlet in the other."
Hamza had a sore throat the night before the viewing of "New Muslim Cool." Amir Tariq gave him a tea of garlic, ginger, and honey. Later that morning he said he still did not feel well so I gave him apple cider vinegar and honey. Umm....that didn't go to well but he managed to perform anyway. DJ Kidragon on the 1's Y2's and great ending to an inspiring day.
Shout out to: Catherine Balisacan Jesse, Makeda, WorldBeat Center, Rachelle Djraichous Chua, Nada, Summaiyya Lee, AsadAllah, Milaan Shaheed Sharifa Ahmed, Layla, JazmineGrace Rano ,Mohamed Geraldez, Jason Hamza Perez, Najiyya Alim, Ron Kidragon Valdez, Mujahid, Eugene Dinoso Ditona, Walasia Al-haliymu Shabazz, Omar Mahmoud, Isa Palenzuela, Abu Bakr, Edgar Hopida, Jihad, Joshua Lopez, Malik Guimzon, Dawud Abdul-Alim, Muhammad Yusuf, Shahab, Bilal, Ali Malik, Mustafa, Omar Mendoza Mahmood, Basheer, Rami, Maria, Else, Onslaught, Dr. Jeffers, Matt, Omar Qureshi, Nabib, Abdul Qadir, Yusuf, may Allah bless you all for all of your efforts and hard work. LICC - a community powered by Allah.
Hasan Salaam 2009
Do you remember....
of course you do. 2005 the only information I could find on Hasan Salaam was on his myspace page. Today in 2009 you can google "Hasan Salaam" and find his bio everywhere from small media outlets to wikipedia.
Hasan Salam has spent time in the U.K. and Germany rolling in his double decker bus, late nights in the chip shops, and representing at the Battle Scars competition in Brixton http://www.eodub.com/mc-challenge/mc-challenge-results/article/33.html. He performed with SPEAKERS CORNER QUARTET http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/speakerscornerquartet%20- - and DJ SNUFF.
Since the release of his new album "Children of God" he intends to schedule more shows around the U.S. and Europe throughout the year with Immortal Technique. He also has another project in the works with a few brothas in his camp labeled "Muhammad Dangerfield". Look out for that one!
He continues to work with 5th Column and conduct monthly food and clothing drives in Jersey City. He also works with youth aiding them in creative writing and chess. He is a real genuine brother who was inspired by the lives of his students and his own when creating "Children of God." He holds himself to be a person of action and interaction with Muslims and non-Muslims. You can reach him on twitter, facebook, aim, and myspace.
"Children of God" is available on Itunes and at cdbaby.com/cd/hasansalaam4
"There is a reason Zakat and Salaat are mentioned so closely in the Quran. Prayer without the action in our lives to help others (Muslim and Non-Muslim) is just a show. The word Is am is rooted in the Aramaic word "Lam" which means Peace, as Muslims we should be the peacemakers and show and prove on our faith. Standing up against injustice and aiding those who are in need creates peace."- Hasan Salaam
of course you do. 2005 the only information I could find on Hasan Salaam was on his myspace page. Today in 2009 you can google "Hasan Salaam" and find his bio everywhere from small media outlets to wikipedia.
Hasan Salam has spent time in the U.K. and Germany rolling in his double decker bus, late nights in the chip shops, and representing at the Battle Scars competition in Brixton http://www.eodub.com/mc-challenge/mc-challenge-results/article/33.html. He performed with SPEAKERS CORNER QUARTET http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/speakerscornerquartet%20- - and DJ SNUFF.
Since the release of his new album "Children of God" he intends to schedule more shows around the U.S. and Europe throughout the year with Immortal Technique. He also has another project in the works with a few brothas in his camp labeled "Muhammad Dangerfield". Look out for that one!
He continues to work with 5th Column and conduct monthly food and clothing drives in Jersey City. He also works with youth aiding them in creative writing and chess. He is a real genuine brother who was inspired by the lives of his students and his own when creating "Children of God." He holds himself to be a person of action and interaction with Muslims and non-Muslims. You can reach him on twitter, facebook, aim, and myspace.
"Children of God" is available on Itunes and at cdbaby.com/cd/hasansalaam4
"There is a reason Zakat and Salaat are mentioned so closely in the Quran. Prayer without the action in our lives to help others (Muslim and Non-Muslim) is just a show. The word Is am is rooted in the Aramaic word "Lam" which means Peace, as Muslims we should be the peacemakers and show and prove on our faith. Standing up against injustice and aiding those who are in need creates peace."- Hasan Salaam
From the clutches of Compton to Islam- Wake Up!!
Napolean [Mutah Beale] Mutah Wassin Shabazz Beale speaks to the hearts of the youth about the false images of the music industry.
This Week in a Muslim Hip Hop Minute
M-Team Bismillah
Look out for this!!
Hasan Salaam(live) in Berlin @ Cassiopeia
Thanks again Bro!
Please Offendum
As I orbit around myspace I come to a street called straight. Syrian American, Omar Offendum (www.myspace.com/offendum) performing in front of an ocean of diversity. Confident but not arrogant, and smooth without fumbling his delivery.
It was amazing to me that someone so clean has been undiscovered and unadvertised. I guess this is why he is not commercial. There is no gimmick about him. He comes true without trying to get by with his Muslim card.
Omar was raised in an Arab-Muslim sub community. With a supportive and open minded family to guide him in finding a balance within his culture and religious life he was given the encouragement to develop his talents.
Growing up in D.C., home to BET, hip-hop was a part of the youth culture. In college he began making beats, MCing and performing with his partner Mr. Tibbz. Together they were known as N.O.M.A.D.S.
He has spent two years in the lab to get the chemistry right for a timeless record that will, Inshallah, impact his audience. An Arabic/English, Nizar Qabbani meets Langston Hughes. A Syrianamericana firmly rooted in hip hop.
It was amazing to me that someone so clean has been undiscovered and unadvertised. I guess this is why he is not commercial. There is no gimmick about him. He comes true without trying to get by with his Muslim card.
Omar was raised in an Arab-Muslim sub community. With a supportive and open minded family to guide him in finding a balance within his culture and religious life he was given the encouragement to develop his talents.
Growing up in D.C., home to BET, hip-hop was a part of the youth culture. In college he began making beats, MCing and performing with his partner Mr. Tibbz. Together they were known as N.O.M.A.D.S.
He has spent two years in the lab to get the chemistry right for a timeless record that will, Inshallah, impact his audience. An Arabic/English, Nizar Qabbani meets Langston Hughes. A Syrianamericana firmly rooted in hip hop.
Biddee 3iish= I want to LIVE!!
Working with Project Elev8, Omar uses his art to reach out to Muslim youth in L.A. According to their site (myspace.com/projectelev8),their goal is to challenge youth of different socio-economic backgrounds to promote community activism through education.
Modest, he does not go on tour but he performs upon invitation!
Modest, he does not go on tour but he performs upon invitation!
You can find Omar offendum online:
http://www.offendum.com/
offendum.blogspot.com
and all my facebook friends:
http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/pages/OMAR-OFFENDUM/52031395779
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