IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE : THE DUCKTRINORS BOOK I & BOOK II BY PAPATIA FEAUXZAR

A MUSLIM YOUNG ADULT BOOK CENTERED AROUND THE DEEN

DALLAS, TX — March 28th, 2018. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING officially released  The Ducktrinors Book I & Book II by American and Black Muslim Author, Papatia Feauxzar. 

The author has written in many genres but she still feels like a child at heart. "I wrote 'The Ducktrinors' to inspire the Muslim Youth so that they realize that they have more than enough Muslim heroes to fashion themselves after." — Papatia Feauxzar

DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING is republishing tome I titled Hanifa with the much awaited tome II titled Malik with this edition. 

"Papatia's work is addicting in that love of the craft is immistakable through her skill. I'm seriously enraptured with the level of detail involved with everything from content to technical aspects of The Ducktrinors and as a word nerd myself I now aspire to the honor of reviewing all her works... Papatia's world is one of style. May it be laced with Divine grace...it is as Allah wills..."— Maryam Miller, Maryam Miller Writes

"Finally! Papatia Feauxzar has tapped her distinct noveling style into a fast-paced, futuristic novel with a decidedly Muslim flavor. As one of Papatia's editors, I think that I've read almost all of her stories, and Ducktrinors is definitely my favorite, so far. Although it's written mostly for a younger audience, Papatia has crafted another fun, slightly-awkward, but smart female protagonist in Hanifa Ducktrinor, and I enjoyed watching her problem-solve to save the world (and her own behind!)... I'm also excited that this is a series, as we just don't get enough of them! Looking forward to more and more from Papatia, insha'Allah."— Brooke Benoit, A Clichéd Life

"This book is a mixture of sci-fi, futuristic, and it also has a strong Islamic theme. Hanifa and her team have surely grown on me and I can see them being likable amongst the teens. The good versus evil reminded me a lot of the end of times."— Mrs. Shoohada Khanom, Children Book Author of Kamilah the Butterfly, Imagine, Who Could I Be, and Little Blue Skater Boy. 

"... Unique - in a great way. It blends sci-fi, futuristic, and dystopia pretty well. Neat gadgets - mechanical horse and some other tech ideas were pretty neat. Sylas is a bad guy people can hate. Dawud is a great side character. Jihad gets a bad rap these days because of the crazy people running around with suicide bombs. It's interesting to see the Secular sect portrayed as the bad guys."— Julie C.Gilbert, The Collins Case (Heartfelt Cases Book 1)

"...This is a wonderful story, written beautifully and filled with great Islamic historical references. It was breathtaking to read a story so relevant today. From the outset you are deeply connected to the main character and her struggles and you're gripped to read on and discover what will be of her and her family. Such a great, exciting read, with highs and lows and a story that really does take you on a journey of what it means to be Muslim for Hanifa."— Sarah Javed, Author of I'm So Angry!

"The Ducktrinors was an awesome read from the beginning; an absolute page turner. I loved how the sci-fi wasn't so surreal that it was like to actually happen in the future. I was actually scared of how real it could be. There were some topics that made me blush a little to be for Muslim children then I remembered the book was for teens, although not only teens. The Ducktrinors was adventurous and, Hanifa was a smart intelligent girl with a grand love for the religion. It was a vibrant mix of Islam and sci-fi (which wasn't too unrealistic)..." — Khadijah AbdulHaqq, Author of Nanni's Hijab

The Ducktrinors Book I & Book II additionally received several acclaimed feedback and critics from editors. Feauxzar shared one with us.

"I love that you feature a Muslim protagonist whose faith is important to her, and this aspect of her life is a huge part of the story, yet the genre itself is a poignant (and timely) sci-fi/dystopian. So cool! ...One of your best writing assets in this draft is your ability to write engaging, authentic dialogue (yay!). This is no easy feat! "— Kate Angelella, Angelella Editorial. Experienced YA/MG editor, formerly of Simon & Schuster Children's Books.

Join DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING from March 31st to April 4th, 2018 for the blog tour.

About the author:

Papatia Feauxzar is an American author, barista, and publisher of West African descent living in Dallas, Texas with her son and husband. She holds a master’s degree in Accounting with a concentration in Personal Finance. After working as an accountant for a corporate firm for almost five years, Feauxzar decided to pursue Accounting from home while homeschooling her son. She is currently working toward obtaining her CPA license. Feauxzar then plans to obtain her PhD in Accounting. 

She also blogs at Between Sisters, SVP! or A Ducktrinor Mom . She is the Love and Relationship Editor at Hayati Magazine. She has written for AboutIslam, MVSLIM, and SISTERS Magazine. You can visit her websites at www.djarabikitabs.com or www.fofkys.com.

The Ducktrinors Book I & Book II is available on Djarabi Kitabs Publishing's website , Amazon on eBook, hardback and  paperback formats, and Fofky's Online Book Cafe.

CONTACTS

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: editor@djarabikitabs.com

- Review by Reclaiming Heart 

"The best thing I loved about the book is its narration. The book is a great page turner and lures us till the end. Papatia narrates the chapters from different timelines and this leaves the reader curious until the end. The story reveals through various characters and the usage of self-talk is a win-win. The plot is very fast paced and includes so many characters and details. But telling the story through people makes it simple to follow along." — Farzana Fathima , Reclaiming Heart

- Podcast with Naptime is Sacred

"Everybody [all the characters] brought something to the table." — Fousia Abdullahi, Naptime is Sacred

- Interview with _EatReadLive 

- Review with Dr. Shahira

"The book keeps you on the edge – looking forward to the next chapter...Having grown up with the Harry Potter series and knowing the inside-out of the series, I feel the Ducktrinor series will be a similar-themed adventure series for the young Muslim adult...Kudos to the author for being a trendsetter in the world of Muslim science fiction for the young adult." — By Shahira 

- Review with Be Flawless Muslims

"In a sentence... It was a thrilling and satisfying read...Recommendation? IT’S A MUST READ!" — Rimsha Tanaaz, Be Flawless Muslims .

- Interview with The Umm Afraz Muhammed Blog

"...Filled with high-tech gadgets and futuristic concepts, this would be a hit with the early teens who have an interest in this genre... I would definitely say this is a step into Islamic sci-fi. Papatia Feauxzar has taken a bold and brave step into this genre and I am looking forward to more of her creativity." — The Umm Afraz Muhammed Blog

- Review with The Imperfect Muslimah

"The Ducktrinors is a compilation of the first two books in the Jihad Series. This series is not likely to be one you’ve come across before – Muslim sci-fi novels are few and far between, after all... All in all, a good, interesting read that you’ll probably end up going back to once or twice." — The Imperfect Muslimah

- Interview with The Imperfect Muslimah

"The Ducktrinors is quite long but it’s a quick read – it took me just a few hours to reach the final page and it was nice to have a well tied up ending along with some interest toward the future of the series as well." — The Imperfect Muslimah

- Review by Halal Mama

"I really got hooked and have gone through the 500-odd pages in just few hours! ... The book is filled with Islamic references, cleverly tied into the story through Ducktrinors' conversations and descriptions of their halaqa sessions. Although we don't know the specific time setting, there are some strong indicators that the end of times is near: our characters having to hide their religious beliefs, women appearing naked despite being dressed, buildings so tall they seem to never end - to just mention a few. The book is a really engaging way to teach or remind the readers some basic Islamic principles."— Halal Mama

Author Spotlight: Papatia Feauxzar & Fofky's Online Book and Coffee/Tea Shop

                                                    Fofky's Online Book and Coffee/Tea Shop

Have you heard of Fofky's Online Book and Coffee/Tea shop with a great selection of Muslim Fiction for adults and children? If you haven't, don't worry I'm here to put you on! Last summer I tested out the service owned by prolific Muslim Romance author and owner of Djarabi Kitabs Publishing,  Papatia Feauxzar for you! For $25 I was able to get a brand new Muslim fiction novel (Tight Rope by Sahar Abdulaziz) and an assortment of coffee, tea, and snacks to chomp on while I read! Can  we say Brilliant!!! I had to catch up with our dear sis. Papatia! 

What is Fofky's and what does the name mean?

Fofky without an 's' is a nickname I earned while I was attending high school in an all girl tolerant Catholic establishment. The name is derived from my maiden name. A last name I have heard is very popular in Liberia even though I'm originally from the Ivory Coast where it's not that popular. Now, since, the bookstore is mine, I decided to call it Fofky's (Fof-keys) like people normally do with their restaurants. After all, Fofky's is a food and beverage business too.

2. Who is Fofky for?

Fofky's is for your average bookish and bookworm Muslim who wants a balanced dose of deen, entertainment, and tayyab eatery. Fofky's is also a support system to make Muslim works more visible. In other words, it's a small attempt to support many unsung talented Muslim writers.

3. What inspired you to start Fofky?

It's you actually! Masha'Allah. I read one of your post where you were very disappointed by the fact that many Muslim bookstores won't carry Muslim fiction or give the light of day to writers who aren't MESA (Middle Eastern and South Asians). I agreed with you and thought that this needs to change. I also thought: "I can make the difference I want to see." In Africa, they say, "if you think you're too small to make a change, then you have not spent a night with a mosquito." I always try to remember that proverb when I am obsessed with an issue I want to resolve. So that inspired me to take the risk and run with the idea. And alhamdullilah, I dealt with concession inventory at my first accounting job so that was a huge plus. I was meant to do this.

4. What are some of the services and products that you have?

Fofky's offers book rentals at a very affordable rate for readers who don't feel like buying a book but still want to read it. Fofky's also has curated boxes aimed at young adults readers, a Half-a-Deen box with a candle and chocolate for people seeking marriage, divorced, or already married but who need intimate advice, new-mom packages which include a Muslim greeting card along with some delicious teas and organic hot cocoas, nikah boxes with cookbooks and recipes, self-affirmations book packages, curated boxes for color enthusiasts, and Muslim homeschooling kits just to name a few. 

In the food section, we have amazing book companions like halal and natural macaroons , organic and natural teas, frappes-lattes-cappuccinos-smoothies mixes, organic chips, popcorn, trail mix, etc.

(LOVE THESE  SERVICES!!)

5. How can the Muslims support you?

Muslims can help by spreading the word to those who they think will see value in the Fofky's business model. I mean not everybody reads. But if you're a Muslim out there who doesn't read but you know someone who is bookish, who is a bookworm, etc, please share Fofky's info with them. Ultimately, when clients come shop, they don't only support Fofky's, they also support the ummah writers. So by #buyandreadabookbyamuslim more money is injected back in the community, and we rise as one strong ummah.

6. Do you have plans to expand?

Yes, I plan to expand and put that business degree to good use! Haha! insha'Allah one day.

7. Besides selling books, how can Fofky's connect readers and authors?

Some Muslim authors have awesome stationary available like signed bookmarks, greeting cards, phone cases, pencils, notepads, backpacks, your typical bookish gear. Fofky's tries to acquire these from the authors directly or other sources like RedBubble and include them in the curated boxes the readers purchase. So authors need to have a great marketing strategy to allow Fofkys to facilitate the connection and bond between author and reader. I mean, normally a satisfied client will post pictures and tag the author. What author wouldn't like a new reader and free promo :) ?

8. Anything else that you want customers to know?

Fofky's is dedicated to support talented Muslim writers and offers easy to make refreshments that are free of high-fructose corn syrup. Let's iqra in style in a halal and tayyab way!

Original Post.

Dukyarian Rectangle – An Interview With the Author

Hayati Magazine: Today, we have a very special guest; Author Babs Soares. Soares is a former high-ranking government official. He also has an extensive international experience, having worked in an international organization for approximately twenty years. As a professor of public administration, he taught at leading universities. He holds a B. A. (Hons) Admin., M.A. (Econ) and doctorate degrees from reputable British universities. He has published widely in his field of specialization.   The blurb of his book we will be discussing today goes as this:

The year is 2085. The world has reached the end of the evolutionary continuum. In this post-evolutionary world, truth and conscience are expendable. In the atheist-dominated world, right and wrong are dictated not by God or His holy books, but by an overreaching World Government Organization. The WGO, as it is popularly known, soon meets its match in, of all places, Dukyaria, a heavily-indebted third-world country, a country brought to heel by corruption and ethno-religious antagonism. Dealing with its Nemesis in Dukyaria of course demands that the WGO play four characters against one another—the moderate Muslim cleric (Salim Kamil), the terrorist Homo Haram leader (Abu Danja Mamba), the Catholic Reverend Father (Basil Okoye), and the business-savvy head of the Abounding Grace Ministries (Pastor Emmanuel Kalu). It is up to Kamil and Okoye to get the four points of the Dukyarian rectangle to stop antagonizing each other and, instead, team up to upend the WGO’s plans. The question is how?

Author Babs Soares, welcome to Hayati Magazine! How long have you been writing fiction and non-fiction?

BS: You could say I chose writing as a vocation the day I embarked on an academic career. I could not have risen to the status of university professor of public and international affairs without publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals and authoring full-length textbooks in the field. Of course, that warranted interrogating real-life, non-fictional, mostly, concrete, but perplexing, challenges. I am a late-comer to fiction. I tried my hand at creative writing in 2014. This was in an attempt at liberating myself from the constraints of robotic thinking, the kind imposed by contemporary science’s theory and methodology of knowledge.  

HM: How long did it take you to write Dukyarian Rectangle formerly known as Disvolution?

BS: It took me ten years. This is what you get when you combine a new passion with ongoing commitments!

HM: Impressive! Dukyarian Rectangle is a long story but the dark humor skillfully weaved throughout the plot kept us turning pages or should we say swiping the pages from right to left on our reading device. So this brings us to the next question. Do you outline your stories or do you just go with the flow?

BS: Writing a story is like building a house from the ground up. You have to start with a sketch of sorts. You need an architectural drawing. But that is probably where the analogy ends—at least, in my own case. I keep changing the drawing as I move along. I may find myself in a super market where a person’s appearance, comportment or utterance rings a bell. What I generally do in such circumstances is to note how that might move my story along. Many writers get inspired at night. My own inspiration comes early in the morning. I have lost count of the number of times I woke up at dawn to capture an overnight inspiration. I also learn a lot from conflict and tension, more so, as both help me challenge my own assumptions and modify my architectural drawings!

HM: Right. Inspiration is all around us, and writers are anthropologists of some sorts. While the writing muses often strike at night for most writers like you said, it often happens at other specific times during the day. Good stuff, masha’Allah. Now, when will the new edition of your book, Dukyarian Rectangle, officially launch? Readers, you can read a brief review here.

BS: Insha’Allah, in May 2018.

HM: Insha’Allah. African countries had their own names before the colonialists swung into action there. After independence, many African countries reverted to old names or picked names befitting in the cases of Ghana, Burkina Faso, etc. How did you come up with Dukyaria as the name of this country?

BS: The Hausa word for wealth is ‘dukyar’. In what amounts to linguistic license, I stretched the word and ended up with ‘Dukyaria’, meaning, ‘public property’, ‘Commonwealth’, or, contextually, ‘a state owned by all the People’.

HM: Brilliant! Now, how has your publishing journey been?

BS: Fascinating!

HM: Alhamdullilah. When did the idea of writing Dukyarian Rectangle hit you?

BS: It came to me when I was on the staff of an international organization, travelling the world, and interacting with peoples from diverse backgrounds.

HM: All your characters were unforgettable. They were truthfully and sharply cunning. Will we read about Ekineta, Jamie, and the clever clone X300 Sly Fox again?

BS: I am counting on that! For now, let us wait for the readers’ verdict on Dukyarian Rectangle. If they want more, there is more (and better) where that came from.

HM: Sam was also another character with crafty skills. Did you have fun penning him?

BS: You bet! Sam really got my attention. It takes extraordinary skill to turn deviousness into fine art.

HM: That’s very true! The plight of Abu Mamba reminded us a bit of Samory Touré. Are we correct to think so?

BS: You are absolutely correct. Both have a lot in common.

HM: This concludes this interview. Thank you for being with us. The team at Hayati Magazine wishes you great success with your book launch and the book sales. Please share with us your social media links so our readers can get to know you better.

BS: Follow me on Twitter @BabsSoares1, on Facebook at 100004412059474@facebook.com and on LinkedIn.

This interview first appeared at Hayati Magazine here.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE UNVEILED EBOOK

You can get the eBook two ways :

1 - Download the FREE PDF here

OR

2 - Simply go to this link ---> https://www.djarabikitabs.com/bookstore/unveiled-ebook-format and add to cart. Check out and input your email and mailing address. You don't need to put in a form a payment. The fields are grayed out.

You will be prompted to download your PDF format eBook after your free purchase. If you close the window by accident, please check your email to download the PDF from there. The access link will expire in 24 hours. Therefore, please download the book within 24 hours.

Thank you,

The DKP Team

NEW RELEASE : TIGHT TOPE by SAHAR ABDULAZIZ

Below are links you can follow to get your copy and help us reach best selling goals iA.

Amazon’s eBook link : https://www.amazon.com/Tight-Rope-Sahar-Abdulaziz-ebook/dp/B071Z6M86N/

Amazon paperback link : https://www.amazon.com/Tight-Rope-Sahar-Abdulaziz/dp/0996709495

Fofky’s Link : https://www.fofkys.com/buy-books-coffee-sweets-and-tea

TIGHT ROPE

Assalamu aleikum – Peace be unto you,

DKP’s new author Sahar Abdulaziz has written a powerful novel that needs to be read by all. Tight Rope will be released soon insha’Allah. It centers on an American Muslim Woman named Nour Ibrahim. She is an activist who has earned the attention of unsavory people while also dealing with personal issues. As she deals with all these tests, she wonders what has been ordained for her; the end game. Will she prevail or will she be another martyr fighting oppression from islamophobes, racists, bigots and what not?

Stay tuned tofind out!

Wassalam,

Papatya*

The Phantom of the Library

Now available on Amazon in '...Centric : A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories'

©Papatia Feauxzar 2016

https://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0

Prominent Americans of Foreign Descent Who Make America Great

President Trump has tried and still trying to put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia.  Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries.

We can all agree that family dynamics in the US are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-denominational members in their mix and such measures and restrictions like visa ban would split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It goes against the inherent values of the country.

Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

What has been happening since Trump reached the White House suggests that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he aimed to put a visa ban on.  These people made and still make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.

So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.

 The late Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have been somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?

Hamidi Ulukaya

Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.

To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani.  He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.

Abdullah Hammoud

Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!

Tariq Farid

Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.

Sadia Faruqi

Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.

Fayez Sarofim

Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL’s Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.

Shahid Khan

Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.

Originally published at AboutIslam.Net .

SEVERAL PROMINENT AMERICANS OF FOREIGN DESCENT THAT MAKE AMERICA THRIVE

Trump put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries. We can all agree that family dynamics  are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, Seculars, and non-denominational members in their mix and this visa ban will split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It’s favoritism, un-American, it and goes against the inherent values of the country.

Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Tump’s supporters are going to great length to defend his actions and even claim it’s not a Muslim ban. The denying game can go on but deep down we all know what it is about. It’s a Muslim ban period. From Trump’s actions, we can infer several things. One of which is that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he put a visa ban on.  These people made and make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.

So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.

 THE LATE STEVE JOBS

Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?

HAMDI ULUKAYA

Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.

To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani.  He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.

ABDULLAH HAMMOUD

Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!

TARIQ FARID

Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.

SADIA FARUQI

Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.

FAYEZ SAROFIM

Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL's Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.

PAULA ABDUL

Abdul is a singer and a dancer but she became well known after American Idol first aired. The show was copied all around the world. Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent from her father side. Syria contributes again to American entertainement.

SHAHID KHAN

Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.

Above all, this ban needs to be overturned because it will impact America in all domains as we’ve seen above. It’s also imperative that we don’t fall in the traps of division. Some citizens of Saudi Arabia had something to do with 09/11 but there was no ban on the country. We shouldn’t point that out because it will create a divided ummah and that’s the goals of the enemies of justice and Islam. Let’s put our differences aside and stay a united front. #NoMuslimBan !

Written 02/03/2017

Meet the Millennials That Are Anchoring Black History Forward

In the United States of America and Canada, Black History Month is celebrated every year in February. In the United Kingdom it’s in October while in places like Brazil that has the largest population of black people in the world, it’s observed on November 20th. There, it’s called Black Awareness Day. Therefore, while we can say that Black History Month should be year round and I agree, we should also keep in mind that other places in the world with more Blacks don’t have that privilege.

If we want it to be year round, we shouldn’t wait for it to be official. We should just honor the Blacks that deserve to be cheered on our own with regular blog posts, articles, videos, you name it. Let’s be their cheerleader on any platform that will get them known to those that have no idea of their existence. It could be a reminder to those who have forgotten. Repetition is pedagogic. Even Islam vouches for the fact human nature is often forgetful.

So check out the blend of new people that anchor Black History forward.

BLAIR IMANI

Imani is a convert to Islam who is prominent in the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM). She is also the founder of Equality for HER (Health Education Rights); a non-profit organization she created in 2014 that seek to raise awareness on a wide range of issues femmes (women) face. Imani Blair was arrested during the protests following the death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with other 50 plus protesters in July 2016. An Alumni of Louisiana State University, she is also a Muslim community activist.

PATRISSE CULLORS

Co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Cullors is also an African American activist. She also stands against discrimination of all kinds as a queer, a woman, and a black person. She has received several awards for her work including the 2015 NAACP History Maker.

OPAL TOMETI

Tometi is also a Black Lives Matter movement co-founder. Of Nigerian descent, Opal Tometi is an American writer who lives in New York. She also strongly advocates for immigrants’ rights with Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI). The feminist is also involved in several other African and Pan Africanism organizations. In 2015, she was named New Civil Rights Leader by the LA Times.

DERAY MCKESSON

Mckesson is a leader in the BLM movement as well. His symbol is a blue Patagonia vest he wears all the time to keep warm. Inadvertently, the vest became the mark by which people recognize the activist. He was also arrested during the Alton Sterling protest in July 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Deray Mckesson is a key player in the formation of Campaign Zero and the project MappingPoliceViolence.com .

ALICIA GARZA

Part of the queer trio that founded the BLM movement when the killer of Trayvon Martin was set free and the teenager was put on trial for his own murder while being already dead, Garza is Mexican-African American and a writer. She lives in Oakland, California. Some of her awards include the Root 100 2015 list of African American achievers and influencers between the ages of 25 and 45. She was also highlighted in the Politico50 guide to the thinkers, doers and visionaries transforming American politics in 2015.

KARIMAH GRAYSON

Grayson is an African American writer and educator that advocates against anti-black racism, Muslim profiling, and discrimination as a whole. She also pens books that highlight the realities on the field. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

There are tons of Blacks that deserved to be featured during Black History Month but with not enough time to so. So which ones are you going to honor and put on the spotlight year round?

Peter Thiel’s Donation and What It Means for Minority Groups

The recent donation declaration of Peter Thiel, a German-American businessman and the co-founder of Paypal, minorities- Muslims, Jews, Women, Disabled people, Blacks, Asians, and Mexicans- targeted by Trump are feeling uneasy for their turnout if he were to win with such an amount of money to back up such an unfit presidential campaign. Needless to say that the monetary support funding a dictator in rising is making anyone with a conscience worried and uncomfortable. For minorities though, this donation spells more trouble.

MUSLIMS

All Muslims from all races are minorities under the banner of Islam and they are expendable to Trump and his supporters. Muslims as a whole have a multi-billion buying power and they hear, “I will use your money to support someone whom you don’t support but I will 100% vote for.” The message is loud and clear; Thiel is supporting hatred, violence, and islamophobia. To retaliate, many Muslims business owners who use PayPal feel like this is intolerable and are considering closing their PayPal account. They are other alternatives they rather use. Only time will tell how this switch pans out.

JEWS

Jews, you are also expendable. Trump has made swooping accusations toward Jews. Like there are bad Muslims, there are also bad Jews. However, delivering anti-Semitic speeches about ‘elites’ fosters a high anti-Semitic movement and feeling from his brainless supporters toward innocent Jew victims. Thiel by donating millions to Trump is saying to them that he doesn’t care if pogroms are committed against them.

WOMEN

“Women, you deserve disrespect and sexual harassment around the clock.” This is what I take from Trump’s immature comments about women. Thiel by endorsing Trump is confirming that he hates women and sides with the misogynist point of views of Trump. Just because he isn’t attracted to women doesn’t make it ok to be passive toward the disrespect and blatant discrimination this gender is subject to. A woman gave birth to these two ‘geniuses’.

DISABLED PEOPLE

There are over 50 million disabled people in America. And for Trump, there are certainly ‘not great’ since he cracks jokes at them. Why would you support someone like that? Besides, didn’t he say he was so rich? It seems that Trump doesn’t need the money and that Thiel is perhaps doing this just to spite people or be noticed.

BLACKS

$1.25 million is less than 1% of the net worth of Thiel. America was mainly built on their backs but many still face poverty but they are seen as lazy people by the Frumpsters. Thiel, you could have put your money to better use! Trump and his flock are in favor of denying them equal opportunity rights when it comes to housing and employment. Again, this donation is money NOT well spent.

ASIANS

Thiel supported someone who spared no details in being an equal opportunity discriminator. Besides cracking un-funny jokes at women and disabled people, Trump made fun of Asian businessmen and made stereotyping comments like anchor babies goes with Asians. Thus, he also made fun of that community. At least, the people he referred to can speak some English. Can Trump or Thiel speak proper Chinese or even Japanese? I bet not! Trump and Thiel both share some German ancestry, making them foreign and you think that would make them a bit sensitive toward different nationalities. Nope! It doesn’t make them ponder a tad bit! It’s a shame but apparently, they have none.

MEXICANS

Mexicans were amongst the first groups targeted by Trump’s campaign. He called them rapists amongst other names. The money Thiel donated, will that go toward building ‘the great wall’ in question Trump wants to build in the Southern border to keep immigrants out now that Trump is President?

America belongs to the Natives but also to immigrants and minorities in case they hadn’t realized it yet. It was built on the back of immigrants and still continues to be so to some extent. Only time will tell if the minorities are wrong about TRUMP.

Written on 11/15/2016

15 Beautiful Churches and Synagogues in Muslim Countries You Should Know About

From the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to his rightly guided Caliphs to the Ottoman empire, the tradition of coexistence with other faiths has been passed down from generation to generation to these days. The idea that non-Muslims living in predominantly Muslims countries are persecuted is far from the truth.

In fact, many non-Muslim sites of worship thrive in majority dominated Muslim countries. And here is a fun fact, several of these churches, synagogues and temples have been renovated by Muslims. Check out these 15 beautiful churches and synagogues in predominantly Muslim countries.

1. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast

© panoramio 

2. The Algazi Synagogue in Izmir, Turkey

© Judaism-Islam.com 

3. El Ghriba Synagogue in Tunisia

© Judaism-Islam.com

4. The Synagogue of Kef in Tunisia

© Judaism-Islam.com 

5. The Neve Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul, Turkey

© The Times of Israel 

6. St Mark’s Cathedral In Cairo, Egypt

© The Library of Congress 

7. The Gracanica Monastery in Kosovo

© panoramio

8. The Cathedral Sacre-Coeur in Casablanca, Morocco

© tourismlandscapes

9. St Anthony of Padua Church in Istanbul, Turkey

©Tessera

10. The Patriarchal Basilica of St. George in Fenerbahçe, Turkey

©Tessera

11. St Nicholas Orthodox Church in Aktobe City, Kazakhstan

©Турлыхан Абдирейм

 12. The National Church of Nigeria in Abuja

© Skyscrapercity

13. The Virgin Mary Assyrian Church in Istanbul, Turkey

©Istanbul.for.91 days

14. The Church of Saint Benoit in Istanbul, Turkey

©Rybolt, John

15. Our Lady of Victories Cathedral in Dakar, Senegal

© panoramio

 Which would you like to visit one day? 

Originally published at MVSLIM.

TRUMP'S PRESIDENCY : SOURCE OF GREATNESS OR CHAOS ?

Donald Trump 45th President of the United States of America has been very busy making a lot changes within a week’s time.

We can understand a little why he is delivering on his campaigns promises rather quickly because Barack Obama only had two years to impose himself before he lost congress to the Republicans for the remaining six years of his presidency.

So, since Trump’s inauguration, several hot topics in American politics have ‘materialized’.

1. TRUMP MOVED TO REPEAL OF OBAMA CARE AND DEFUNDED PLANNED PARENTHOOD

The Affordable Care Act covers about 20 million Americans if not more. The goal of Tump’s party is to dismantle Obama Care piece by piece and replace it. So Trump’s signed executive order pretty much gives governors of each state carte blanche to decline parts of Obama Care’s coverages they see fit.

The defunded Planned Parenthood will impact many organizations like HER and Women’s Health domestically and internationally because Planned Parenthood also has global affiliates. While Trump and his party’s conservative pro-life efforts are laudable, there are many reasons why abortions are allowed religiously and could have had a budget cut instead from the annual $ 100 million it used to receive.

2. TRUMP SIGNED EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ALLOW KEYSTONE AND DAKOTA ACESS PIPELINE PROJECTS

His predecessor had declined the oil pipeline projects on the Natives’ land. Protesters had also shown their disapproval and supported the Natives trying to protect their lands. Trump resurrected the deal by signing an executive order and said he would create 28,000 jobs. Actually, these two pipeline projects will create many jobs than that but it’s at the expense of the climate, the environment, and the safety of human life. It’s a short term gain for the consequences these pipelines will create in the long run. A safer and green alternative should have taken place.

3. TRUMPS DEFUNDED SANCTUARY CITIES AND MAKES A STAND ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES

In these parts, a sanctuary city protects the rights of illegal and undocumented immigrants. In this municipality, they are not prosecuted. Trump moved to end that by defunding them and possibility ending the policy of Catch and Release where illegal immigrants were released.

The building of the wall to separate Mexico from the United States is officially in writing in the executive order Donald Trump signed. He intends to use tax payers money to build it and then turn around and push the cost to transactions the US will make with Mexico.

Trump also put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries. A religious test is not acceptable. It’s un-American and goes against the inherent values of the country.

Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

4. TRUMPS WITHDREW THE UNITED STATES FROM THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP

The TPP was a trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam signed on February 2016.  The United States like the others countries had joined for economic growth and for strong economic ties. While it was seen as a threat to America jobs for the opponents of the TPP, only the future will tell us if this was a smart move for the Unites States of America. For now, Trump says he wants to re-negotiate the agreement. So let’s look out to what President comes up with to replace it.

Picture credit: ©Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Martin Luther King Day: A Timeless Dream To Keep Alive

Martin Luther King was a pioneer, a civil rights activist, and many more honorable things. One part of his famous speech particularly stands out in my mind on this day we try to honor his work and legacy. It is:

“…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…”

There has been a lot of progress since then and a lot more to go because our great nation is still facing discrimination on all levels while many activists are raising awareness to keep his dream alive, true or simply fulfill it.

Having said that, we shouldn’t fall in the traps of the holy trinity of African-American history that only honors a handful of really well-known African Americans such as Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. Every once in a while others such as Carter G. Woodson, Maya Angelou, Federick Douglas amongst others will also be mentioned especially as we approach Black History Month.

On this day, let’s honor Dr. King’s predecessors, peers and many of his unsung legacy who also made and make it possible for America to have groundbreaking changes. Some of them include:

WARITH DEEN MOHAMMED

Warith Deen Mohammed was muslim and the son of Clara Muhammad. A world peace pioneer, he fought for racial unity as well.

MUHAMMAD ALI

Mohammad Ali doesn’t need any introduction and his support to the civil rights movement was major. His funeral was the epitome of unity he had advocated and portrayed his whole life on all levels as testaments from people of all faith poured in leaving us with teary eyes.

MALCOM X

On this day, Malcom X deserves to be mentioned for his work too. Though Dr. King and him didn’t always see eye to eye, they weren’t that different in what they wanted for the human race; equality and fair treatment.

CESAR CHAVEZ

He is perhaps the most well-known Latino civil rights activist in America. Even though there is a day designated for him; March 31st which is only observed in a handful of American states, this pioneer needs to be mentioned because part of his inspiration came from Dr. King. Chavez was also the first to coin the slogan ‘Yes, it can be done’ paraphrased and revived by the Obama administration.

GWENDOLYN ZOHARAH SIMMONS

A Muslim scholar with a Ph.D. in religion, she contributed in the civil rights movement during the 60s especially in the Southern states of America. Look her up to feel a glimpse of inspiration.

GRACE LEE BOGGS

Boggs was a feminist, an activist, and an American author of Chinese descent. A friend to both Dr. King and Malcom X, she followed more in the steps of Dr. King’s strategies. She constantly denounced racial and economic injustice because she loved America like all the activists before and after her. They want change.

LAYLA ABDULLAH-POULOS

Abdullah-Poulos is the founder of NbA Muslims (Native-born American Muslims). Her work is pivotal as it highlights the societal issues all minorities in this great country still face. She is revolutionary!

This article is written by Papatia Feauxzar and originally published at MVSLIM.

Why I Give Obama a C+ For His Accomplishments

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the Unites States, is leaving the office today on January 19, 2017. And if I had to grade his achievements, I would give him a C+.

Why this grade, though? Some people might think he did a pretty good job, others might feel like he totally failed. Here are the factors that influenced my decision making:

1. His Economic Decisions

When Bill Clinton left the office, the country had an economic surplus which was used by the succeeding President to pay for the war in the Middle East. Normally, when you go to war, there are several ways to finance it and none of which are good for the economy of the country in the long run.

The Bush Administration didn’t really do those, at the expense of the economy of the United States that soon started to plummet. That and other decisions made by the Bush Administration caused the American Economy to enter into a free fall.

Obama stopped this by bailing out Wall Street, the housing industry, and the automotive industry. If he hadn’t, there would have been a domino effect once America had completely plummeted. And inevitably, the whole world’s economy would have followed.

2. His Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

This bill was major for many American women who thought that while they performed the same job as their male colleagues and had the same or more credentials, they were being discriminated against. They were paid less or sometimes, without their knowledge, there was a pay discrepancy.

Since the passing of the act in 2009, women in America who qualify can take their employer to court if necessary for fair pay. The act is equally supported by many men.

3. His Foreign Policies

While Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) helped many underage illegal immigrants become lawful it also had a flip side of mass deportation. The Republicans had called him soft with immigration laws so this mass deportation was his balancing act which caused a loss of supporters. He had to make hard choices and tough decisions. To continue, his use of drones in war also earned him unsavory critics, even from his own party because of the collateral damage they cause.

Obama had also promised to close Guantanamo Bay and that didn’t happen. This prison is a shame for the image of America and used as propaganda by real terrorists to recruits because supposed terrorists also dwell in that cage. This is where my reservations on Obama start.

Nevertheless, he is way better than the future mind the country will inaugurate soon.

4. Obama Care

This act is not perfect but it can’t be annulled because there is nothing to replace it. America, the most industrialized country on earth can’t provide free healthcare for all its inhabitants? It’s not acceptable.

Even the Caliphate centuries ago provided free healthcare to their people. Now, the main reason Republicans want to repeal this act is because Obama Care is pretty much wealth redistribution. For the Black people who complain too much about him, he did this for you!

Sure, his presidency was a small dent in the state of affairs of America but we can’t simplify his term into nothingness. The Obamas were always classy and not petty people. To paraphrase Michelle: “When people went low, they went high.”

Obama, khair! We will miss you for sure.

Originally published at MVSLIM.

4 Amazing People Obama Was Rooting For In His Last Presidential Moments

In his last days as the President of America, Barack Obama has named several people to fill key administrative positions in the government.  Many women have been chosen for key roles.

Here are some of the famous names that stand out from Obama’s nominations:

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Obama nominated Abdul-Jabbar as Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

The basketballer deserves the appointment based on his achievements. The player also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom recently, which is referred to as: ‘the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.’ 

2. Carli Lloyd

As an Olympic gold medalist, Lloyd was nominated as Member and Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. A brilliant soccer player, she was named FIFA Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.

3. Gabby Douglas

Also an Olympian gold medalist, Douglas was nominated as Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Douglas is the first African-American in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champions in gymnastics.

4. Ibtihaj Muhammad

This female fencer is the first American woman to have worn the hijab during the Olympics. She owns several medals as well.

Muhammad was nominated as Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Her nomination is also well deserved.

Originally published at MVSLIM.

...Centric

Now available on Amazon in '...Centric : A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories'

©Papatia Feauxzar 2016

https://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0