Representin’ at the Oscars!

Congratulations to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Asghar Farhadi for handing Pakistan and Iran their very first respective Oscar wins!

Taking place last night at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles, California, the 84th Annual Academy Awards had the international community cheering as Pakistan, Iran, Italy and France walked away with top Oscar honors.

A very first for Pakistan and Iran, the cheers of their Oscar fans could be heard all the way from across the ocean. With all the backlash and controversy surrounding both countries, this Hollywood nod is a beacon of light in the darkness for both. It shines on the fact that the good far outweighs the bad and that both countries have had various accomplishments to be proud of.

Including the ones last night.

Taking home the Oscar for Best Documentary Short, Pakistani filmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s “Saving Face” is about the victims of gruesome acid attacks. It follows Dr. Mohammad Jawad, a British plastic surgeon who tries to repair the faces of women who have been the victims of acid attacks at the hands of their jealous and vindictive husbands.

Regarding her success, Sharmeen stated that “it reinforces the fact that you can be anyone, come from anywhere and as long as you do quality work, it gets rewarded.”

She refers to her film as “a film about hope” and clearly hopes that her Oscar will inspire other Pakistani filmakers.

Sharmeen will also be receiving a high civil award for her achievement from Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Joining her as another Oscar pioneer, Asghar Farhadi made Iran proud by winning their very first Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, “A Separation”. The movie is a domestic family drama that explores the themes of love, lies and honor while emphasizing the Iranian class divide between the middle- and under-classes.

Receiving his award, Asghar described his desire to show the beauty of his country through his work.

“At the time when talk of war, intimidation and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture, her rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics.”

“I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, the people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment,” he added.

“A Separation” has also received almost universal critical acclaim and owns a spot on many top 10 lists for The Best Movies of 2011.

Here’s to the underdogs.

May the world see you in a better light.

Live long and prosper.

Samurai Sister-Style!

I stumbled across a gold mine yesterday.

With all the hatred that’s been spewing Iran’s way lately, I pretty much found what equates to being a needle in a haystack in regards to Iran being considered an “extreme and oppressive” regime.

Curious?

Wait for it…

IRANIAN FEMALE NINJAS!!

Come on now. How awesome is THAT?

Amongst the 3,500 Iranian women currently in training to become ninjas, these women are practicing the Japanese art of Ninjutsu as an expression of strength and self-empowerment. There are many Ninjutsu schools as well as in independently run clubs throughout Iran working under the Ministry of Sports’ Martial Arts Federation.

How’s that for being “oppressed”?

Here are some other amazing shots:

The rest of the pictures can be found here.

Simply thrilled that pictures like this were being made public so as to fight misconceptions people have about many Muslim countries like Iran, I find these women inspirational. They’re not only learning self-defense as a part of self-expression, they’re literally fighting back against all the stereotypes and misconceptions out there about Muslim women.

Caught up in the ninjutsu momentum, I decided to see if similar initiatives were being undertaken across other international Muslim communities. Lo and behold, I came across several:

In India, Muslim girls ages 10-16 at St. Maaz High School are taught the Chinese wushu martial arts, following the footsteps of many Shaolin warriors. The same school also teaches Vietnam Vovinam martial arts.

More pictures can be found here.

In Afghanistan, girls from Kabul are currently training as boxers to compete in the London Olympics, where women’s boxing will be a medal sport for the first time. Considered to be the “fighting futures of their country”, these girls are determined to represent Afghanistan at the Olympics. More pictures can be found here.

Additionally, guess what other self-defense practice Afghan girls are good at?

You guessed it.

Chinese Wushu! It clearly seems to be trending amongst Muslim women in South and Central Asia.

These women are just some of the many Muslim women all over the world that are embarking on incorporating self-defense as a form of self-expression. In my opinion, they’re setting the standard for not only other Muslim women, but for women all over the world. Sometimes, it takes a push (in this case, being told that you’re oppressed) for someone to push themselves to show themselves and everyone else how liberated they truly are.

As a Muslim woman, I can’t help but look at these sisters in Islam with pride and adoration. They’re truly taking the initiative in transforming misconceptions and stereotypes about Muslim women all over the world and I, for one, am grateful. Not only are they confident enough to achieve their truest potentials and to be all that they can be, but they’re showing the world that they are capable of doing so and will not allow any type of oppression to prevent them from being the amazing and inspiration role models they are to the rest of us.

To all the haters, I dare you to tell them otherwise. You might not make it past the first sentence.

To everyone else, I know one thing for sure.

I want to be a ninja .

“Where We Came From, Where We Are Going”

On February 10th and 11th, the Islamic Center at New York University hosted its 3rd Annual ICNYU Conference with over 500 people in attendance. This year’s theme highlighted Muslim activists and was titled “Where We Came From, Where We Are Going.”

Every year, this conference highlighted leaders and activists from the American Muslim community who would speak about the current challenges faced by American Muslims as well as their future potentials.  This year’s speakers included Suhaib Webb, Linda Sarsour, Abdallah Adhami, Haroon Moghul, Maryum Khwaja, Khalid Latif, Khalil Abdur-Rashid, Khadijah Abdul-Matin, Wajahat Ali, Aliya Latif, Dawood Yasin and Shair Abdul-Mani.

For those that are looking to make a change in their community or who want to immerse themselves in an atmosphere that promotes social justice and community-based activism for Muslim Americans, this conference is the perfect hotspot.

Since this was my first time attending, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Modeled after the yearly ICNA conferences in Hartfored, CT, the ICNYU had a similar format. Different speakers would speak on different topics and there would be Q&A’s at the end of every session. A bazaar was set up outside, with vendors advertising various non-profits, small businesses and mosques.

Lo and behold, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the theme of this year’s conference was focusing on one of my favorite topics: activism. Additionally, various aspects of Muslim life were also discussed. Sheikh Abdallah Adhami and Sheikh Khalil Abdur Rashid led a session on continuity and change in Islamic law. Maryam Khwaja discussed unhealthy relationships and what their signs are.

One of my favorite lectures was surprisingly Dawood Yasin’s session on Islamic Ethos and Environmental Stewardship. Not really considering myself an environmentalist, I was surprised when his words actually left me feeling a closer kinship to the earth, as certain facts were made apparent to me that I hadn’t really considered before.

In one gem, regarding environmental pollution, Dawood Yasin stated that “The earth will bear witness against those who harm it.”

Now we all know that littering is bad. We also know that we were created from dust. But how many of us actually take the time to think about how the two connect and how littering and pollution affects us as Muslims. Just the mere thought that the earth holds such a significant place in the Islamic scheme of things was enough to snap me out of my reverie, make me sit up straight and listen to what would happen if I didn’t do my job and prevent environmental hazards. This very earth would testify against me on the Last Day if I didn’t do my job in taking care of it and contributed to its destruction.

In another gem, Sheikh Yasin stated there’s a reason why all human beings find tranquility in nature. As Muslims, we are told to ponder God’s Creation when we are amongst nature. But even non-Muslims find tranquility in nature. His opinion on this:

“It’s the first time people are in a place where EVERYTHING is obeying Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and is making dhikr to Him. The soul, irrespective of belief, recognizes this and feels tranquility in it.”

Pretty powerful stuff, no?

The present and future weren’t the only focus of discussion. Learning about Islamic history  can be pretty empowering for Muslims as well. In Haroon Moghul’s “Understanding Al-Andalus – Lessons from Muslim Spain” session, Muslim life in Spain was discussed during the Islamic Golden Age.

“Muslims would plant orange trees in the masjid courtyards so that when the wind would blow, the scent of oranges would blow through the masjid.”

Kind of hard to imagine now, considering we care less about aesthetics and more about parking when it comes to masjids these days. Don’t I wish I were living in Muslim Spain right now.

The pursuit of knowledge was clearly the underlying message as it should have been. Never have the regret of what-if’s. Go for what you want and don’t allow yourself to be roped into standards set by someone else.

As stated by Suhaib Webb, “Ignorance has become so dominant in our community that ignorance has become the platform by which we judge knowledge.”

And to that he received tumultuous applause.

Co-sponsored by Islamic Relief, the “Children In Need” fundraiser near the end of the night managed to rally a whopping total of $55,000 for children in Afghanistan.

Not bad at all for one night?

Overall, a great conference. A vibrant atmosphere buzzing with the desire to see change as well as individuals striving to be the catalyst of it, I’m glad I attended. Sometimes, all one needs is a boost and this conference was full of boosts.

It’s all about making a difference and helping others. As Imam Khalid Latif stated in his closing remarks:

“If you keep to yourself and don’t allow the rest of us to benefit from what you have to offer, it will be a missed chance for all of us to grow.”

Additionally, during “The Evolution of the NYC Activist” session, I heard one of the most beautiful quotes I’ve heard in a long time from Imam Shair Abdul Mani as he mentioned a 1968 novel as one of his motivators for activism. He stated that the title of the novel was “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born.”

Then he looked out at the crowd and stated:

“You are the beautyful ones. Let us see what you will do now that you have been born.”

Wanna strive for Jannah?

Make a difference.

Bollywood Meets Paris: CHANEL’s Amazing Fusion of East and West

A bit on the late side, but nonetheless Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2012 Collection definitely piqued my interest after I got a glimpse of the ”Paris-Bombay” theme rocking the catwalk! After viewing it, one thing was certain.

It’s official.

I’m in love.

The theme was also a shoutout to the fact that Europe has been turning more and more to India to produce extravagant handmade pieces as it’s becoming increasingly difficult to make them on their own turf due to the dip in the economy. However, the fashion show was also attempting to highlight the fact that the very Indian-esque pieces that the models were wearing were made by none other than Chanel.

Never having been to India himself, designer Karl Lagerfield stated that “it’s much more inspiring not to go to places than to go”. This was clearly due to the fact that his pieces and the room decor were more inspired by his fantasy of Indian aristocracy during the time of the Raj as opposed to the actual thing.

Or was it?

You be the judge!

Here were some pieces that I found especially inspiring:

Here’s a closeup of some of the amazing accessories:

Why do they inspire me, you ask?

Because I love the mix of East and West. And it’s my EXACT mix of East and West. Plus, for those who know my style, the first thing they’ll tell you about it is that the “edge” is what I’m all about. And this collection was just FULL of edge!

You can view the complete collection here.

My own individual brand of self-expression includes a mix of my Eastern and Western values. If I can manage to find a way to incorporate my own ethnic flavor into my outfits, then I’d definitely say I’ve satisfied the desire to express a good chunk of the truest form of myself.

It’s all about what makes you individual and what makes you you. I’m not really a believer in following current trends because they may not fit what I’m all about. If I want to wear something that’s “so last season”, I’ll wear it if I’m in the mood to wear it and if I feel it’s truly “me”. The more you limit yourself to what’s “in”, the less room you have to be YOU.

Additionally for those of us Muslim women living in cosmopolitan meccas (a.k.a. NYC), we’re not only exposed to an international bevy of styles, but we’ve got the awesome advantage of fusing them to create our own. Coupled with the goal of adhering to modest standards, I’d say we get fun challenges on our hands. Well, they’re fun for ME, at least .

There’s no right or wrong. It’s literally all in the eye of the beholder and it’s up to you as to who you want that beholder to be. My favorite choice of beholder is me and your favorite choice for yourself should be you above all others.

Everything “goes” here. As long as you rock it with confidence, you’re fashionable.

Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection shows the beauty of both in my opinion and manages to do so in a way that can appear classy to today’s Muslim fashionista. It definitely inspired me to keep playing with fusion and to not be afraid to really “go there”. Being bold is clearly what’s in.

After all, what you wear today may be so inspirational to others it may end up making the catwalk tomorrow. That’s really what being yourself can do for you. You never know .

A Pioneer for Palestine

Last year, a pretty hot news item was the conversion (or shall I say “reversion) of former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair’s sister-in-law, Lauren Booth, to Islam in late 2010.

As an English broadcaster and journalist, Lauren first caught the media’s attention (and the attention of Muslims worldwide) with her Pro-Palestinian views, which she vocalized after visiting Occupied Palestine. She then attracted more attention in 2008 when she, along with several other human rights activists from all over the world,  joined the first flotilla to break the siege of Gaza and to deliver hearing aids and balloons to deaf Palestinian children. Her remarks about Gaza as “the largest concentration camp in the world today” earned her criticism from many and she was constantly denounced as a “terrorist sympathizer” and “Hamas lover”. Despite these hateful remarks, Lauren stood firm in the face of backlash and has continued to highlight the atrocities committed in Palestine and Iraq, making her a role model for Muslims and activists across the world.

She currently works for Iran’s English-speaking network, “Press TV” as a presenter for the shows “Diaspora” and “Remember Palestine”. Additionally, she has also been a keynote speaker at various international conferences related to Islam, the Palestinian struggle and Islamophobia.

My First Impressions

In 2011, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) honored Lauren for her humanitarian work in Palestine.  She spoke at ICNA events throughout North America about her personal journey to Islam.

I met Lauren at last year’s ICNA Relief banquet in Cromwell, CT. I can truly say it was an experience I’ll always cherish.

There was no way anyone could avoid the glow on her face or her radiant smile. She first told me she thought I looked beautiful and I pretty much stayed by her side for the rest of the night. It was almost surreal conversing with her and hearing her talk about her children and her personal life. What was so surprising was that a few minutes with her left me wondering how down-to-earth she was and how easy it was to speak to her and become comfortable.

She spoke about all her aspirations and what she planned to do with her life. She spoke about how much she loved being surrounded by American Muslims. As the keynote speaker, it was amazing hearing her recount her journey to Islam firsthand.

We laughed. We cried. We were mesmerized.

By the end of the night, she had invited me to come visit her and her children in the UK and gave me her address. We stayed in touch after that and I remained shocked yet grateful that I had the chance to meet this amazing role model.

It’s amazing to see whom Allah chooses to guide and shower His Light upon. From staunch Islamophobes who want to put Muslims in concentration camps to celebrities who seem to believe that their biggest concern is choosing between mineral or bottled water, it’s a blatant fact that only Allah knows what is in our hearts and that He Alone is the Swayer of Hearts. Watching Him bring these individuals to light is not only joyous to behold, but a miracle as well.

After all, much of the strength of Islam came from the perseverance and contributions made by its reverts. Only He knows if even the most doubtful and least probable individual will one day become from amongst the best of Believers.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to hopefully meet one of them. Inshallah.