1441 AH (August 2019 – August 2020)

January 10, 2019 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

Assalamu aleikum!

Looking for reviewers for the next Muslim year insha’Allah. If interested, please email bookmanager@djarabikitabs.com .

Amazon link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947148230

Jazakh’Allah khair and wassalam,

Papatya*

PRESS RELEASE : 'THE ISLAMIC, ADULT COLORING BOOK' BY THERESA CORBIN

July 16, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT ( 5 B4 5), DAILY LIFE

"The Islamic, Adult Coloring Book" is 130 pages. It was compiled in an effort to teach the non-Muslim about Islam and to combat the rising tide of stress in the modern Muslim's life, while still being beneficial in this world and the hereafter. The designs chosen for the book are intricate works that the adult colorer will find both challenging and soothing. The pages include detailed mosque architecture, calligraphy, hadith, dua, Quranic verses, and quotes all to allow Muslims to relax and refocus on deen. Each coloring page has a corresponding short, descriptive page for non-Muslims who want to join in on the relaxation and learn something about Islam along the way.

Prominent Americans of Foreign Descent Who Make America Great

February 17, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE, SPORTS

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

February 15, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE, History

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

ABDULLAH HAMMOUD

TARIQ FARID

SADIA FARUQI

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

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

February 06, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE, History

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

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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

TRUMP'S PRESIDENCY : SOURCE OF GREATNESS OR CHAOS ?

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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.

Martin Luther King Day: A Timeless Dream To Keep Alive

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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.