Muslimah Voices

Sex and Love: "...I'm an unmarried, Muslim non-virgin..."

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

If you think good Muslim women wait for marriage to have sex, think again.

"I'm an unmarried, Muslim non-virgin," declares Insiya Ansari, a writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. "I've said it aloud."

"And no, I wasn't married or engaged to be married, or even in an exclusive relationship," says Zahra Noorbakhsh, a comedian and the daughter of Iranian immigrants.

"'Ohhhh,' I think to myself, 'this is what sex is like for most people,'" writes Najva Sol, recalling her first sexual encounter with a woman, when she was 18, after several mostly ho-hum sexual encounters with men.

Those are some of the revelations in "Love InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women," a new collection of stories about flirting, dating, lust, sex, marriage, and divorce by a diverse array of 25 Muslim women.

In "Love InshAllah," released Jan. 24 by Soft Skull Press in Berkeley, Calif., the writers bare their most intimate emotions and sexual encounters, and unload brutally honest criticisms on parents, ex-boyfriends, and themselves.

Together, the stories paint a different picture of Muslim women -- with the same yearnings, dilemmas, joys and frustrations as non-Muslim women, while shattering stereotypes of Muslim women as oppressed chattel whose sexual lives are decided by men.

Such candor is not the norm in Muslim American communities, and the book's two editors, Ayesha Mattu and Nura Maznavi, said they were surprised that, after casting about for submissions on list-serves, blogs, and social media sites, they got around 200 entries.

"I felt like we hit a chord. I felt like women were ready to talk about these stories," said Mattu, 39, who recounts her own story about flirting with her future husband (a non-practicing Christian) in a Boston dive bar, moments after resolving to date only Muslim men.

"One of my greatest desires for this book is for it to break down the barriers between the generations, and to really be a tool for discussion within families," said Mattu.

Maznavi, a civil rights attorney who wears a hijab, said there "really hasn't been the space to discuss these issues publicly, and openly and honestly." Her own story is about resisting the temptation to give up her first kiss, at 25, to a chiseled Catholic fitness trainer from Sri Lanka.

"There's been a lot of fear in the community -- fear of judgment, fear of disapproval," she said, "and I think that has manifested itself in a lot of self censorship and people not feeling comfortable to talk about these issues, even with very, very close friends." Read more here...

Long Distance Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:51:00 +0000

Long distance relationships are challenging and can even be frustrating for the parties involved. But they can be successful with a bit of imagination and creativity; and loads of communication.

A sister asked a very good question in response to my last post entitled 'My Top 5 Tips when Seeking a Spouse' posted a few minutes ago -18th January, 2012.

Question
"...How do you successfully accomplish some of these things if you are talking to someone in another state or country...?"

Response
Good question. My husband and I had the same challenge, but I think the following are important to consider:-

1. Keep in regular contact via whatever means possible

Even though you don't have the luxury of physically meeting and being able to observe facial expressions and body language, you can still make observations and make your assessment of the other person. For instance, it's amazing how much you can actually pick up about a person over the telephone, but you have got to pay keen attention; and ask the right questions even when you're having a good laugh about something.

2. Visit each other if possible

Let your next holiday/vocation be to visit that person whom you think is your potential spouse. I think from consistent contact you will have some indication whether this person is in the running for 'potential spouse.' However, there is no guarantee that he or she will be 'the one.' But that unknown will only be confirmed by allowing yourself to experience the other person's reality- it's a risk you have to be ready and willing to take. And if during or after the visit you decide that you're no longer interested, then look at it this way - you've made a friend and seen another country that you probably would not have seen in your life time had you not met this person lol...

And yes, you will not be able to observe everything, but it can open your eyes to many things and may be able to confirm whether that's the person you can see yourself being married to.

Note as well, you may have great chemistry with the person over the phone and conversations flowing nicely. Hence, you click so to speak. But as soon as you physically meet you realise that the chemistry is gone or just not at the same level - struggling to find things to talk about or feeling awkward in each other's company. lol O gosh hope that doesn't happen to anyone.

3. Do not get too emotionally attached before you answer the all important question - is this the person I want to spend the rest of my life with?

You don't want to get to emotionally attached because it can be really devastating and emotionally draining experience to build your hopes up, only to discover that it just wouldn't work out. So here again you got to think more with your head and keep other options opened.

My Top 5 Tips when Seeking a Spouse

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:31:00 +0000

Salaam ya'll just want to share with you my top 5 tips when seeking a spouse. Let me know what you think ok...

1. Think more with your head, not your heart
This is easier said than done right? But you've just got to try. Yes, the person may make you feel like you're on cloud nine during the 'getting to know you process', but you need to be sure that you're choosing someone who'll keep you on cloud nine and on a consistent high. So be sensible, real and brutally honest with yourself about yourself and about the other person.

2. Be a good observer

Pay keen attention to the way he or she treats his family, parents, friends and even strangers
How they relate and interact with your family and your parents in particular
Note the type of friends
The type of things that interest him or her

3. Don't choose a partner out of desperation or frustration
because it may blind you from reality. Yes, you may be frustrated and tired of not finding 'the one,' but have confidence and faith that Allah will send that person to you when He thinks you're ready to receive that blessing.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions that are fundamentally important to you
By this I mean, enquire about things you know for sure that if they are absent from the marriage, there is NO WAY you can reasonably see yourself wanting to be with that person for LIFE. For instance, POLYGAMY may be a definite NO NO for you as the woman so it may be fundamentally important to you that your potential spouse has no intention of getting a 2nd, 3rd or 4th wife. Find out his views and feelings about polygamy (you might be surprised at his answer). And whether this is something he is interested in.

With that in mind, don't make too many compromises on your values and what are fundamentally important to you with the hope that the person will change once you get married. Yes they may change, but may not be the change you were hoping for (I think compromising is a good thing, but when too many compromises are made, you risk losing yourself in the process).

5. Seek advice from those you trust or from other married couples.
But be wary of bad advice and negative people, in my experience and observation, most married couples tend to say all the negative things about marriage giving the impression that marriage is committing yourself to a life of boredom and unhappiness - your marriage doesn't have to be this way, so be sure to sift out the good from the bad advice. And remember, not everyone wants what is best for you or to see you happy.

In the end, don't be afraid to say SORRY, BUT YOU'RE NOT 'THE ONE' and 2. Everyone may not agree with your choice, but in the end IT'S YOUR CHOICE.

Update on Aisha Khan

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:19:00 +0000

Aisha Khan has been found! Subhanallah! Subhanallah! Read about it on NBC Action News...

Help Find Aisha Khan

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:31:00 +0000

Please spread the word and let us all keep her in our duas. May Allah protect her and bring her home soon inshallah...

Click here for more info.

Mary doesn't get the Respect and Recognition she Deserves!

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:34:00 +0000

A new billboard has been stirring up a lot of controversy. The St. Matthews-in-the-City Church in Auckland, New Zealand, has a new billboard, which shows Mary, mother of Jesus holding a pregnancy test showing a "positive" reading. Vicar Glynn Cardy is quoted as saying, that this year St. Matthews wanted to focus on what it was like for a real mother with a real child. "It's about a real pregnancy, a real mother and a real child. It's about real anxiety, courage and hope."

Apparently, this Church is known for controversial billboards. Back in 2009, the Church erected a Christmas billboard featuring Mary and Joseph in bed with the tagline, "Poor Joseph, God was a hard act to follow." The Church released a statement saying said it had intended to provoke debate. But several Churches, including the Catholic Church condemned it as "inappropriate" and "disrespectful".

We as Muslims must condemn such depictions of our beloved Mary (peace be upon her) and Joseph (peace be upon him). Such billboards are disrespectful and misrepresents what both Mary and Joseph stood for...

Mary (p.b.u.h) is held in high regard in Islam and her status is one to be admired and praised.

She was a chaste woman and her nakedness has never been seen by any man, nor has she been touched by any man. Hence, she was a virgin in he true sense of the word. And from an islamic perspective, Joseph(p.b.u.h) and Mary (p.b.u.h) were never a 'couple, ' which makes the birth of Jesus even more miraculous because there was no man on the scene so to speak (ponder on this for a moment). And she is also considered one of the most righteous, honoured and respected women in Islam - she is amongst eight people who have an entire chapter named after them in the Qur'an (surah 19 is called Maryam and the 3rd surah is named after her father Imran). It speaks about her life and the birth of our beloved Prophet Isa (Jesus) (p.b.u.h). Hence, in the Qur'an, no other woman is given more attention than Mary and the Qur'an states that she was chosen above all other women:

"And when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! God hath chosen thee and made thee pure, and hath preferred thee above all the women of creation."

We should all aspire to be modern day Mary's!

Donning the Hijab: My Day As an Undercover Muslim Woman

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:43:00 +0000

The Muslim Women of Maryland invited my group, Sisterhood of Unity and Love (SOUL), along with the female student body of University of Maryland to wear a hijab or headscarf for a day. Their focus was to relieve the misconstrued beliefs that people may have about being of Islamic faith, and fully understanding the choice that Muslim women make to wear the hijab. Remember that “choice” is the key word here.

I was looking through my email the night before and saw that this event was offered. Of course, as I always do, I took the opportunity to try something new. I looked at Youtube videos, to see how this thing would fit and stay on top of my head, then I grabbed my favorite scarf, cut up some leggings and a handful of pins. I can’t imagine going through that every morning. I would have to say that that was my first appreciation that I noted. I posted a photo and wanted to see what kind of reactions I would get. Knowing that everyone knew who I was online, from friends to family, I got a more positive response than I had anticipated. Some stated how beautiful I looked and were proud of what I was doing. Others took the liberty to crack some stereotypical jokes, which I took no offense to and charged it to them being comfortable with me to say those things. Common sense would tell me, that they would never say those things to a real Muslim, right?

However, it is a common misconception to think everyone has common sense. So the jokes made me think about how many Muslims go through degradation and ridicule in America. Especially post 9/11. I believe what struck me the most was my cousin. I love my cousin, he knows that, but what he said first stung a little then confused me. He stated “ Go learn that lesson then take it off ASAP. And make sure they ain’t teaching you how to wrap explosives in that head wrap.” If this was anybody else, I would have been on their ass like shit on a stick! So I just asked if it was a joke and assured him that everything being done was in good merit. He replied that is was a joke but he had a friend that was blown up by a Muslim woman that had a bomb under her garments, but was open to getting educated. Read more here...

Why not have your Wedding Dress/Outfit Customised?

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:40:00 +0000

I say forget the traditional wedding gown, why not design your own - customised to your every taste and fancy; and one that's just right for your body type and shape.

I think it's also cool that your gown is made in such a way, that it can be worn some other time like some posh event, rather than be packed away in your closet.

I remember when I was getting married, I wanted something contemporary, Islamic looking, not over the top, something that can be worn again and again and something that said wedding. And I thought that since I adore Indian wear, I should choose something Indian.

My first thought was to wear a Sari, but then I fell in love with the idea of wearing a lengha with a dupatta. And I have no regrets.

The best part about customise wear, is that you get the opportunity to select the fabric, design, style and every last detail

Here are a few images of my gown on my special day. Thanks Lily and Frank for these fabulous shots! And thanks to ami-london for my gown.

These photos have been cropped...

don't forget matching accessories

real flowers are a wonderful element of any wedding

Ah man! What's life gonna be like as a 30 year old? lool

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:54:00 +0000

My surprise birthday cake from my husband. Thanks baby!

My mum's decision to embrace Islam and Hijab...

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:29:00 +0000

I am so over joyed. My mum has made the life changing decision to completely embrace Islam and to observe hijab. She has been down this path before, but never fully embraced it. So I'm thinking of interviewing her at some point for my blog to share her journey from Christianity to Islam with you all.

Her journey has been a long one and I am confident that there is no turning back for her, unless Allah so decides. May Allah continue to guide her and strengthen her imaan inshalah. Please keep her in your duas; and for those of you who know her personally, please visit her and give her your support.

My New Favourite Quote

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:57:00 +0000

Loving this! “If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.” Ivan Turgenev

Personal Coaching Course - a life changing experience!

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:21:00 +0000

What an inspirational, refreshing, elevating, eye opening and empowering weekend this has turned out to be!

Me with my new friends on the last day of a personal coaching course hosted by the Coaching Academy (the largest UK school for coaches and now the largest coach training school in the world).

Muslimah Flicks (Repost)

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:00:00 +0000

If you were to write a caption for 1 or more of these pics, what would it say?

1. ha ha! look at the expression on that girls face. I wonder what was going through her mind...

2. A picture can speak a million words - what about TRADITIONAL V/S MODERN?? Is there such a thing when it comes to hijab?

4.
3. The woman on the right is Peggy Wood dressed as a Nun for the her role in the Classical Movie 'The Sound of Music.'

5.
Hypocrisy isn't it?

Football Practice for fun and exercise, London

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:55:00 +0000

This was my first session and I have no regrets at all. The sisters were really friendly and welcoming - felt like I knew them for ages. And a part from the fun and the great work out, attending the session also provided the opportunity to meet and interact with other sisters...

Here are a few photos of the session ( more pics to come soon).

Warming up

We are looking for more sisters to join us, so if you're interested I can give you the contact details of the muslimah in charge who will give you the details or you can keep checking with muslimah voices events page on Facebook for the details whenever they are made available to me inshallah.

The Way forward for Muslimah Voices

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:15:00 +0000

I am currently in the process of making long term plans for Muslimah Voices and trying with the help of Allah to make my vision and ideas for the group become a reality,
but of course I have to give every idea a great deal of thought and to discuss them with friends, my supporters and anyone who genuinely wants this group to blossom into something meaningful and of value to the Muslim community. Such ideas include:-
- Group Logo
- Monthly newsletter
- Group Registration etc...
- Recruiting other like minded muslimahs to assist with blogging and managing the Facebook page etc.

If any of you have any suggestions or ideas for moving the group forward please feel free to share and discuss with me - you can do so via the Facebook page or contact me directly by using the contact form located on the upper right hand side of the blog.

Having a Poor Self Concept/ Self Esteem can Hamper our Success...

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Clips from the upcoming documentary exploring the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color---particularly dark skinned women, outside of and within the Black American culture - directed by Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry.

It's a really sad reality, not only for African Americans, but other ethnic groups as well. Many dark skinned women are told and made to feel inferior because of the dark complexion of their skin not only from other races, but from within their own communities and race. This has a spiralling effect not only for the individual, but for their family and friends and friends...
Please, if the issues discussed in this film affects you, please seek advice and support - talk to someone - reach out to someone and have your voice heard.

No Sex in Heaven!! Did I hear Correctly??

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:49:00 +0000

I was listening to a debate yesterday between a Muslim and a Christian and at one point the Christian guy makes the statement that there will be no sex in heaven because Jesus debunks it in Luke Chapter 20 34-36. - something about there is no marriage in heaven, and that everyone will be like the angels...

I couldn't stop laughing, not because I was mocking what he said, but I just found the whole thing hilariously funny (sex or no sex in heaven is that really important) and still do. And his statement has really stirred my curiosity and raises a few questions for me like why would God not allow something that beautiful which, He himself ordained in heaven? Is it that it wouldn't be necessary because people in heaven would no longer need to procreate? The interpretation of that verse cannot and should not be seen as a definite interpretation, but merely an assumption.

But whether or not we'll be having sex in heaven is really not important as far as I'm concerned. And what I don't understand, is why some Christians make the idea of sex in heaven sound so perverted and nasty. I think it's rediculous to think that way, when sex was ordained by God for us to derive pleasure and procreate, so why shut out the possibility of us having sex in heaven!

Islam gives far more physical detail as what will happen in heaven, but still Allah hasn't revealed it all - whatever he hasn't revealed in Qur'an is either not important or withheld because it's just beyond our human comprehension...

Are you sure you still wanna go to heaven LOL ??

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:11:00 +0000

My condolences go out to all those who lost loved ones and friends 10 years ago today Sept.11...

Have you ever been asked: Why are you passionate about Islam?

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:13:00 +0000

I know I said I will update my blog after ramadhan, but I couldn't resist not blogging about this week's encounter with a non-Muslim. It all started with a video of a film I shared about the virgin Mary, mother of our beloved Prophet Jesus (may Allah be pleased with them both). The film (The Blessed Saint Mary, Eng. sub.) begins with the birth of Mary and ends with the birth of Jesus - recreating the major events which Mary went through as well as that of Prophet Zachariah (PBUH). I shared the very film on my blog some months back.

After the exchange of several emails, I was asked a question, which no non-Muslim has ever taken the time to ask (no one has as a matter of fact) - I guess solely because they were all too busy trying to convince me that I was on the wrong path.

Question: Why am I so passionate about Islam?
Response:
I am passionate about my way of life for many reasons. I'll just give a few. First and foremost, Islam teaches, clearly emphasises and reinforces what I already believe - that there is one God and that He has no partners. So whenever I pray, I know exactly to whom I pray without the need to go through any medium or person before I can reach Him. I pray to my Lord directly! This is the core foundation of Islam - the Oneness of God.

I also love the fact that Islam is a practical and logical way of life. Allah (God) encourages us to read, ponder, reflect, question, analyse, reason and think about whatever we read in the Holy Qur'an and not to follow blindly. Not that we are in doubt about what we are being commanded to do, but this is the only way that we as Muslims can truly have faith, understanding and defend our way of life. And by doing this as well, we come to know God even more by us seeking to understand his wisdom. This I totally and whole heartedly embrace - it's practical, especially in this day and age when there is so much false propaganda and false claims that infiltrate religion. Hence, with understanding comes enlightenment and with enlightenment comes increased faith and conviction and a stronger unified brotherhood and sisterhood etc.

Islam is a complete way of life - it provides answers to so many questions and provides practical guidance for my life and how I should live my life on a daily basis - from politics, finance to business. This is what I believe religion should offer - clear guidance. It even offers answers and guidance to the wider community as a whole and provides practical solutions to many modern day issues...

In addition, as a Muslim woman, Islam reinforces my personal view or perception of how a woman should carry herself, especially when in public; and how a woman should dress. It empowers me and allows me to put more focus and emphasis on my mentality rather than the physical. This I totally embrace.

Has any non-Muslim ever asked you this question? What if they did, what would you say? Do some of us even really know why we follow this way of life?? Give it some thought and trust me, it will really help you to reflect and put things into perspective...

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:03:00 +0000

Sorry for not updating my blog for a few weeks now, but I was on vacation and now it's ramadhan. So just taking a break - will update as soon as ramadhan is over inshallah.

Ramadhan Mubaraak everyone! May you all have a spiritually uplifting ramadhan inshallah!

Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Wow! I love this country, especially the hospitality of the people and I would love to visit again someday inshallah.OOO wish I could live there, but jeezzz it's way too far away from friends and family.

Hubby and I spend about 11 days in Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi on our honeymoon. Whilst in KL, we stayed in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and at the in Langkawi at the Tanjung Rhu Resort. Both Hotel and Resort were awesome and the service was great. I would definitely recommend both places for honeymooning and of course shopping and site seeing.

The people are so friendly and humble and willing to assist. And thank God many of them we came in contact with spoke English. I will double check my videos to see what I can upload because the pics don't do this place justice at all.

Taken from the Tanjung Rhu Resort

In Kuala Lumpur

Pool at the Hotel

Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:27:00 +0000

Here is a glimpse of Dubai. I have loads of photos and videos but too many to upload. I will try to label the photos later because at this moment I cannot remember names ... I will also share my thoughts on my observations and general feelings about the place and it's people inshallah...

My Diary of Life Entries

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:38:00 +0000

My Diary of Life Entries

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:50:00 +0000

Dear Diary

I think I finally got this figured out. But I'm no expert on men at all OH NO! And I do recognise that like all women, all men are different. However, I believe that there are certain things, which are common to all men and that’s what the list below represents.

I think it's really important and necessary for us women to understand the men in our lives so that we may be better wives or girlfriends - we will be more patient, understanding, forgiving and have longer happier marriages and relationships. Men often read us like a book, so we need to do the same to be better able to meet their needs...

Here are my top 21 in no particular order:-

1. A man wants an ambitious woman, but she must not be excessively ambitious

2. A man wants a woman who is willing to step back and let him lead no matter how independent she is

3. A man wants a woman who is an independent thinker, but whose willing to compromise

4. A man likes to feel needed by a woman. Hence, a woman with too much independence may put a man off

5. A man wants an industrious woman - no laziness is tolerated

6. A man wants a woman that likes to party and have fun, but a man doesn't want a woman who is out of the home a lot partying, especially if it's without him. And if he's religious, then she betta like going to the Mosque, Church, Temple etc...

7. A man wants a woman who believes in God, but not necessarily be religious. If she's religious then that's a plus especially if he's a religious man

8. A man wants a woman who is clean and tidy and keeps her self well groomed and looking good - she doesn't need to wear the latest fashion but still looks well presented in whatever she wears.

9. A man wants a woman who knows how to cook and keep a house. Those are essential in most cases. But if she doesn't know how to cook, she must at least be able to keep a tidy house even if he's a total slob lol

10. A man hates it when a woman nags, especially if it's frequent

11. A man doesn't like a 'YES' woman who nods her head to every damn thing he says and does. He wants a woman who can talk back and stand up to him so he knows what's on her mind (but not in a disrespectful manner)

12. A man is generally lazy and can be very insensitive at times, so they need a woman who can pick up after them, do all the cleaning and still meet his needs as well as the children's needs

13. A man wants a woman who is willing to satisfy him sexually - it's not all about her and what she wants - she must be willing to compromise

14. A man wants a faithful woman who only desires him, even if he's unfaithful and sleeps about with every skirt that passes by

15. A man wants to be pampered

16. A man wants a woman who makes him feel like he's on top of the world

17. A man wants a woman who laughs at his jokes and thinks he's funny

18. A man doesn't want a woman who likes to gossip and on the phone for hours talking about other people

19. A man doesn't want a woman whose male friends outweigh the number of female friends, especially if she's friends with an ex or two

20. A man who knows what he wants doesn't want a woman who is indecisive and doesn't know what she wants

21. A man wants a woman, not a girl

Marrakesh, Morocco - Vacation 2011

noreply@blogger.com (زينب Zainab) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Hubby and I really had a good time in the 'red city' as it's also known (because many houses and city walls are made of red clay); and we enjoyed experiencing the culture and food. However, there was so much more to do and see, but time was not on our side. Inshallah we would love to visit Marrakesh again, both the old (Medina) and the new (Gueliz) parts.

I think the place to kick off exploring, is the Jemaa el Fna Square (seen below) - the main square in the old part of the city. It's where we really got a feel of Moroccan culture and history. It's like this really huge theatrical space for storytelling, music, dancing, snake charmers and so much more can be seen here. Not forgetting at nights many food stalls can be seen And it's so busy and noisy especially at nights that it was sometimes tricky navigating through the crowds. I have never seen so many people in one space at the same time. It was amazing!

Ancient Moroccan music can be heard, men with large snakes can be seen trying to pursuade tourists to take a few pics with the snake of course at a price ha ha those guys...

Oooo and I love the architectural designs of the homes or riads there - everything from the vase to the mirrors where beautiful pieces of art, skilfully crafted, like I've never seen before. I absolutely loved it! I took photos of everything in the riad I loved. Even a simple thing like a mirror was a pleasant site, for it was not just glass stuck in a frame, but the hand carvings around the frame were beautifully crafted transforming it into more than just a mirror, but a beautiful piece of art.

The Riads

A riad (comes from the Arabian term for 'garden') is basically a traditional Moroccan home with an open garden/courtyard in the centre of the home and many have roof gardens. The riad we stayed had three floors with the roof garden above, a fountain on the lower floor and tables made out of marbles of different colours like a mosaic of colours.

Some riads have modern facilities. It's probably equivalent to a bed and breakfast accommodation type service. They are privately owned and some owners manage the riads themselves or lease it out. And they have clay or mud brick walls. Who knew clay could be so beautiful? Totally awesome!'

Dress

I think there were as many women in western wear as there were in traditional wear - the full traditional covering of the chadra (facial veil), the derra (hood like); and the the jellaba (long-sleeved, ankle-length, flowing dress). Some wore the jellaba but no kheemar (headscarf), while others wore a derra with a Western suit, dress, or skirt.

Language
Moroccans speak French.
Many of the people we met spoke very little or no English at all, which made communication challenging when out and about. Hubby speaks very little French and I am completely useless lol.

The Locals and the Souks (traditional market)

The locals were very friendly and always willing to assist.
I will never forget the men from the souks - those guys were such hustlers lol and they got a sweet tongue making it tempting and irresistible at times not to make a purchase - reminded me so much of the markets back home, everyone trying to persuade you to buy from them. But they were still nice to us even when we didn't make a purchase. Aww I felt right at home...

Riad Balkisse (our home for four days). I would recommend this riad - the new owners were really hospitable and helpful . The wife is from New Zealand and her husband is Moroccan. She speaks only English and her Husband speaks several languages. The helps were really lovely as well and very courteous, but they only spoke French (since they were locals they knew a lot more about getting around Morocco and the transportation fares etc. more than the wife, which was a huge help to us. And the advised well where we could shop for bargains. But in the end, it was the reviews on Trip Advisor that was the real big help to us in terms of what to expect from the riads and when out and about in the souks...

The rooms have adequate space and are nicely decorated.

one of the rooms upstairs

upstairs

The Court Yard

one of the mirrors just outside our room

Where breakfast is served

Part of our room - loved the bed

The reception area

enjoying some mint tea, Moroccon style

Out and About

Jemaa el-Fna square

Men in long red gowns and large hats with tassels and bells walk on the square with drums and rattles and want to be photographed and they expect to be paid for it - as a matter of fact, you need to be so careful when taking photos. I was so restricted because whenever the performers or stall owners saw us taking pics they demanded money (many of the tourists reviews we read said the same thing).

On the edge of Jemaa el-Fna square, horse-and-wagons are waiting for tourists.

I enjoyed the ride. These are way more expensive than taxis.

The scent of the square was awful because of the horses pee in the square. But all that was part of the experience and was not off putting at all.

Tourist waiting on the tour bus

more stores

Snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers, and open-air food stalls etc can all be found in this market. In the evenings this place is crazy busy and crowded and bursting with activities. And the best part, is that Moroccans come out and have fun with their families that was the one thing that stood out to me.

ha ha this is s cool

Koutoubia Mosque - Historical landmark - Construction of the minaret was completed under the reign of Yacoub el Mansour (Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansour), who ruled between 1184 and 1199.

stalls with dates, figs and dried apricots etc

the main square ( Djemaa el Fna )

It was always busy

the main square ( Djemaa el Fna )

It's a common scene in Morrocco - many women, men and children alike begging in the streets.

I remember one little girl in particular - she told me she was 6 years old. She was accompanied by another girl who seemed to be about her age.They were selling what appeared to be some sort of cake. And others can be seen selling a single pack of what appeared to be tissue/serviettes.

some of the shops

This is more of the commercial side of Marrakesh were several familiar stores like Zara can be found.

Yep, it's everywhere

Moroccan women waiting on the bus

Traffic was crazy

Moroccans are motorbike lovers - there were loads everywhere. A family of four can be seen on one of these bad boys speeding through the streets lol

Palmery

Camel riding - this was awesome! We were so hesitant to have Q on the Camel, but the locals were like no problem he can ride too - these guys are accustom to having three's and four's on a motorbike so of course it's no problem for them lol

NEXT ENTRIES - DUBAI AND MALAYSIA

Related articles

Muslimah Voices

Sex and Love: "...I'm an unmarried, Muslim non-virgin..."

Long Distance Relationships

My Top 5 Tips when Seeking a Spouse

Update on Aisha Khan

Help Find Aisha Khan

Mary doesn't get the Respect and Recognition she Deserves!

Donning the Hijab: My Day As an Undercover Muslim Woman

Why not have your Wedding Dress/Outfit Customised?

Ah man! What's life gonna be like as a 30 year old? lool

My mum's decision to embrace Islam and Hijab...

My New Favourite Quote

Personal Coaching Course - a life changing experience!

Muslimah Flicks (Repost)

Related articles by Zemanta

Football Practice for fun and exercise, London

The Way forward for Muslimah Voices

Having a Poor Self Concept/ Self Esteem can Hamper our Success...

No Sex in Heaven!! Did I hear Correctly??

Have you ever been asked: Why are you passionate about Islam?

Malaysia

Dubai

My Diary of Life Entries

My Diary of Life Entries

Marrakesh, Morocco - Vacation 2011