The Scent

2026-03-21T12:59:46.776-04:00

On the heels of the grand jury decision against indicting (former) Officer Darren Wilson of murdering Michael Brown, Sheik Yaser Birjas holds a mirror up to Muslims in the past and present and how they perpetuated racist ideals as well as how they fought racism.

About Sh. Yaser Birjas

is originally from Palestine. He received his Bachelors degree from Islamic University of Madinah in 1996 in Fiqh & Usool, graduating as the class valedictorian. After graduating, he went on to work as a youth counselor and relief program aide in war-torn Bosnia. Thereafter, he immigrated to the U.S. and currently resides in Dallas, Texas. He is also an instructor at AlMaghrib Institute, where he teaches popular seminars such as Fiqh of Love, The Code Evolved, and Heavenly Hues.

Temari Balls

2013-11-30T13:39:00.001-05:00

Temari, originally uploaded by Just Leon.

About 7 years ago, I featured this post on the Japanese craft of temari. Well, it seems as though it's finally catching on and I'm excited. What are temari balls, again? Read a brief synopsis here or read all about it in The Craft of Temari.

Detroit: Large-scale farming projects in the city

2013-01-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

Morning in Downtown Detroit

There's talk about large-scale farming projects in Detroit, and I hope it's successful. I traveled to Detroit a couple of summers ago and it was so vacant I could do twenty cartwheels in the street without getting hit. The thing about that city, is that is has so much potential. It still has the bones of a city. It has a light rail system. There are a lot of great buildings there in need of renewal. My visit was short, so all I really saw was hot dogs and casinos, but the people? They were really fantastic and deserve a successful new start. It may take a long time for them to reinvigorate the place, but I hope it happens soon.

AZIZAH MAGAZINE'S 10th Anniversary GALA!

2011-02-25T05:00:00.030-05:00

Support our magazine. You can get your tickets or find more information here.

You can check out Azizah's new website at azizahmagazine.com.

Ramadan/Eid Template on Google Docs

2010-12-11T17:10:00.003-05:00

As salaamu alaikum, all,

Did you know that you can draw in Google Docs and save those drawings in common image formats such as, JPEG, PNG, GIF and SVG?

Loving to try new things, I worked up a super simple Ramadan/Eid Kit. It is freely available through Google Docs Templates.

The graphics are scalable free to use. Ad them to any documents used within Google Docs. I think they can be downloaded as well, but I'm not sure. The colors and text are customizable. I've also updated the by adding yellow starbursts. These starbursts are info bubbles and can be easily deleted.

Here's the Ramadan/Eid kit:

Simple Ramadan/Eid Kit

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A very simple Ramadan/Eid kit

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Agnostic Jew on the Quran

2010-12-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

Movember Desktop Wallpaper Tile!

2010-11-13T13:32:00.002-05:00

Movember Desktop Wallpaper Tile!, originally uploaded by Dynamite.

Like the wallpaper? Download, then DONATE as a sign of your support!us.movember.com/mospace/1240306/

Fine moustachery and immaculate grooming doesn't grow on trees. Pls donate to #Movember!

I created this wallpaper to promote the Movember movement and promote awareness regarding cancers affecting men.

Behind every great man, there's a woman raising funds to help fight cancers that might target him

Bring Your A Game - Watch the Documentary Film for Free | Watch Free Documentaries Online | SnagFilms

2010-11-02T13:45:00.001-04:00

From the Bring Your 'A' Game (22mins) video site:

To generate a national conversation on the plight of Black men and boys, the Twenty-First Century Foundation (21CF) has partnered with actor–director Mario Van Peebles and producer Karen Williams to create BRING YOUR A GAME — a groundbreaking documentary film that, in Van Peebles’ words, “sheds light on the resilience and influence of Black males.” BRING YOUR A GAME is a film that will use screenings accompanied by community discussions as a catalyst to transform the lives of urban youth. Using a cinematic style influenced by popular culture and employing innovative technologies, the film detailsstrategies that have improved the lives of Black men and boys. It underscores how essential educational achievement and high school graduation are to survival and success in today’s world.

Interviewees include such Black male icons as Richard “Dick” Parsons, Chris Rock, Spike Lee, Dr. Cornel West, Ice Cube, Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Lou Gossett Jr., Lupe Fiasco, Hill Harper, Damon Dash, Kevin Powell, Melvin Van Peebles, Geoffrey Canada, Bruce Gordon and former NBA star Alan Houston, among others.

The Magnetism Of The Ka'ba

2010-10-30T23:28:00.000-04:00

Iron Fillings by Ahmad Mater

Here are some very beautiful artistic interpretations of the Kaba in this November 2010 issue of Emel magazine. I loved the various ways these artists depicted the same subject. All of them seem to capture some essence of circumambulating the Kaba.

Strafe - Set It Off (Original Club Remix)

2010-03-06T18:42:00.002-05:00

One of the best songs, ever!

Liza Garza - frequent flyer - "thumper"

2010-02-13T14:45:00.004-05:00

You gotta hear this. Also visit her blog http://lizagarza.wordpress.com/ to read the lyrics to Thumper, download the song, and keep up with this strong Muslim poet and singer.

Bell Peppers

2010-02-13T14:32:00.003-05:00

So I'm at home. Nadia is testing out her new walking skills as usual. She picks up a book I just bought her from Barnes & Noble and walks around.

Since she's just 13 months old, she is really into everything. Every single thing she can get her hands on. Her tendency to explore her world often causes me to stop her and provide alternatives to the dangerous items and areas of play.

Back to the book...she's walking with her book, and heading for the refridgerator because it's open (she likes the fridge). Why? I was preparing something to eat or drink at the time. I can't remember which.

So as Nadia heads toward the refriderator, I almost instinctually stop her and redirect her, but this time I decided not to.

You see, Nadia didn't put her book down, she held it in her hand as though she were really into it. Usually, if she is attracted to one thing, she drops the other thing immediately. Not this time. So what was she doing? She was matching the bell peppers in her book with the bell peppers in the fridge!

I thought that was so cool so I took a pic.

Eighteen Surprising Uses for the Dishwasher

2009-11-20T12:19:00.002-05:00

Do 18 things with your dishwasher! Now why hadn't I thought of this? I think I've seen it done with toys once or twice, but it didn't really register."

From Divine Caroline:

Cleaning is a real pain in the neck. It’s a never-ending cycle that dries out my hands and strains my back, and I’m always looking...
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Getting Back to Blogging

2009-11-19T14:16:00.004-05:00

After getting a job, getting laid-off, getting pregnant, and getting to know my new addition (above), I think I'm ready to get back in the blogging game.

The reality is that I've tried Facebook, but it falls short. I'll still be there, but my blog is where I would rather share my news, opinions, and communicate with others. So I'll be asking my little "punkin" to move over, because I'm getting back in the saddle.

Google Fast Flip: Like Sunday Morning

2009-10-31T12:24:00.002-04:00

Google Fast Flip

All I need is some coffee and a comfortable chair. This web app can make my day, every day. Too cool.

Why Are Southerners So Fat?

2009-07-15T00:16:00.001-04:00

Being from Atlanta, and having lived in Alabama and Miami, I already know the answer.

As a youth, I had to walk to buses and trains. I had to walk to the grocery store and during other errands. I lost a lot of weight by walking to my destinations, and carrying 5-15 lbs in each hand on the way home. When you're young, you can always find a friend to walk and talk with.

As an adult, it becomes harder. You're married with children, you've worked all day. Your family needs your attention at home. Plus it's too hot or too cold outside to do anything out there! So your waistline gets thicker and your arms get flabbier. Ask me how I know!

My plan is to use my Wii Fit. My birthday is coming up in a month or so, and I want to tighten things up.

I'll let you know what happens insha Allah.

Life in Marvelous Times...

2009-06-13T00:48:00.001-04:00

An interesting mix of images. Video Collage.

New Girl in Town

2009-05-04T12:54:00.002-04:00

Where have I been? Basking in the glow of history. Having a new baby, and stuff like that! Her name is Nadia. Masha Allah, she is a joy to have around.

During the inauguration Nadia was only 21 days old, so we watched history at home(pictured above). Perhaps we can go to the next inauguration when she turns 4 pending President Obama does a decent job running the country during this current term.

Brand New Day

2008-11-07T10:46:00.002-05:00

I am in no hurry to move out of this historical moment. I've hardly settled into it yet. I am still wrapping my head around it. So no, I won't be rushing past this moment. I don't think this will hit me until I see President Obama on the White House steps.

This song is one of the songs which come to mind at this moment. Additionally, I have ~~a playlist comprised of a number of songs which summarize my feelings~~.

Everybody look around
'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let's commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the hope that we've been waiting for

Everybody's glad
Because our silent fear and dread is gone
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness

Hello world
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony
And show the world that we've got liberty

It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness
Hello world
It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony
And show the world that we've got liberty

It's such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Obama For the WIN!

2008-11-05T19:03:00.001-05:00

I'm 30 yrs old. I am from the Hip Hop generation. I hail from Atlanta, a historic city for African Americans. I am from the deep south.

I've been called a "Nigger" to my face at young age. I've witnessed how my intelligent, college-educated husband has been treated by police versus White treatment. I have seen the disdain that Black people have for each other. I've met a Black person who couldn't pronounce "Africa", but was a school teacher in an old confederate state...

I've seen some crazy things, some sad things, some outrageous things. One thing I never thought I'd see is a Black president. Maybe I thought I might see one when I became really old and grey, but never while I was a young woman.

In a previous post, I laid out what an Obama presidency meant to me. I look at my 10 yr old son, and I become even more firm in my decision to vote for Barack Hussein Obama. I contemplate, that God-willing, my daughter will be born and a Minority as president will be normal to her.

But is it all about the kids? No. Selfishly it's all about me...and you...and them.

Me First: I'm only 30 y'all. I can be President. 2028 y'all!

You: "...this nation shall rise up, and live out the true meaning of it's creed." - MLK

Yes Nation. Yes You Did. You are composed of so many types of ppl from so many different walks of life. It is time you had a leader who relates to you, or is willing to find a common ground with you. Yes Nation. You freakin' rock. Now your job is to keep rocking. Be accountable and hold "them" accountable.

Them: The politicians need to know that they need to keep their promises, and that we will hold their feet to the fire. They need to know that nasty attacks is not how we like to roll. Lastly, they need know that there's nothing wrong with having intelligent people in their party (read: Joe the Socialism expert wannbe).

Okay, so that's it. I'm happy. I'm hopeful. I need to be pinched.

Remember Rappin Duke?

2008-10-25T01:07:00.001-04:00

Da Ha Da Ha, You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far...

Rappin Duke better known as Shawn Brown has altered his musical focus. Today Shawn entertains young children with his music. He make educational songs which are infectious and fun to hear. Shawn's show is called The Super Fun Show (formerly the Shawn Brown Show). The show visits daycare and pre-schools to educate and entertain the little ones.

I've seen Shawn and his crew in action and all of the kids love him, and they make the teachers play the CD all day!

Shawn may have retired Rappin Duke, but the munchkins still think he's a star!

Shawn currently resides in the Metro Atlanta area with his wife and children.

A word about Imam Warith Deen Mohammad

2008-09-12T22:02:00.000-04:00

When I became a Muslim, four of the Muslimahs who adopted me were from the Warith Deen community. I have benefited from the Warith Deen community so much in my 10+ years of Islam, yet it only dawned on me when the news of the Imam's death reached me.

I taught at a Clara Muhammad school and was paid a fair wage. My son attended the school as well. At that school, the principal was from Sudan, and the attendants of the masjid (located on the top level) were of many nationalities. The people were caring and the community was strong. They held fish frys on Fridays, and invited non-Muslims to come by and eat while we played cards and listened to jazz on the lawn.

When I moved back to my hometown, there was WD's community again. There was a primary and high school, a masjid in a plaza with small Muslim-owned businesses, not to mention a halal meat market where the operator has given me the BEST kefta recipe!

When I look at the dedication of this man, I can tell the work he and his community intended to do. Even my aunt who is a non-Muslim knew the reputation of Warith Deen. He made being Muslim in America "not so hard".

There was so much work to be done, and he was able to garner enough support to get those important things done. May Allah have mercy on Imam Warith Deen and forgive his sins, make the space in his grave wide, and grant him paradise, Ameen. May his community continue to move forward in the deen, continue the work of community service and outreach to their fellow citizens, Ameen.

I thank Allah for the work Imam Warith Deen has done.

Bigger than him.

2008-08-29T22:53:00.001-04:00

Some people may call Obama an "empty suit". Some may dislike him because he was not raised by an African-American, or in an African-American neighborhood. Some think that his ego needs to be put in check, while others think that he is all talk. I don't care what people think of Obama, his presidency could change the way People of Color, are perceived by their fellow citizens, and across the globe. Black people are not the only group to find encouragement and inspiration in an Obama presidency.

My son is who I want to benefit from an Obama presidency. I want people to stop being so surprised by our intelligent children, as if they are an exception. As if they are breaking some kind of rule. I want the possibility of my son being harassed by law enforcement to decrease. I want the expectations of my son and his peers to skyrocket. I want for regular decency and respect to be restored to the Black male, and Black family.

I have a lot of wants, and there are a lot of things I will not hesitate to fight for. I feel that my son is just as valuable as any other kid. He deserves to feel a sense of hope. He deserves to see a Black kid with an "peculiar" name be the leader of the "free world". A nickname largely earned by the struggle of Black people in the first place.

I know that none of this may be accomplished by an Obama presidency. I know that Barack might not win, or may worsen our reputation. I know that there must be radical changes is the way that some people think. True, I have lived through Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and W. Bush presidencies, but I am still here, and so is my son. We are determined regardless, but there is hope.

You can be the Butler...

2008-06-29T06:30:00.001-04:00

Okay...

In an extremely nice neighborhood of a loved one is where I chose to allow my son to swim. All was well. Kids were playing. My son kept to himself as he is prone to do, whatever. Or is it really whatever, because the only kids in the pool at the time were 4 White kids who basically ignored him until they warmed up to him a while later.

Too late!

My son played along with the kids for a while, but it was only to decide whether or not he liked their little activity. He liked the activity, then left them and proceeded to do it on his own. He finally catches back up with the kids who feel like playing with him some more. They plan what they are going to do and the group of White kids begin to delegate which "job" my son is going to do...

"Butler!"

"Elevator guy!"

Loved one: "No! He will NOT be the Butler! YOU can be the Butler! He will be your DOCTOR!"

"Ordinary guy on the side of the road!"

"DJ!"

These kids completely ignore the recommendation of "Doctor" nor do they consider another job similar to it. Instead they like the "blue-collar service worker" type for my son, because he is Black of course. I hate that my son was subjected to such BS. I hate that this wont be the last time. My kid is worth just as much as any kid, so it really pisses me off that the next generation still can't get it right. It's okay though, because God-willing, my son will blow those kids out of the water (pardon the pun) when he is an adult. They can rest on their laurels and complain how he only got his 3 degrees and million dollar salary through Affirmative Action or Welfare or something.

Whatever helps them sleep at night. Sing children...

Headscarves 'R' Us

2008-03-06T09:34:00.003-05:00

I ran into an interesting video on YouTube. Although I knew about the hijab ban (among other oppressive policies toward both Muslim men and women) in Turkey, it was cool to hear a non-Muslim woman's thoughful commentary on the issue.