I was exchanging messages with my friend R the other day over our concerns about men running our Mosque boards, councils, finances and Sunday school programs, and the lack of female representation in the 'big picture' decisions. We decided that change was almost impossible so we came up with this brilliant idea: why not create our own mosque from scratch?
Our Mosque however will be nontraditional. Men won't be the sole decision makers. Women will have equal access and say on all matters concerning everyone.
Mosque Layout:
Main Prayer Space: Our first order of business will be to reconstruct the layout of the mosque. The main prayer hall will encompass both men and women. They will be able to visibly see the Imam and participate during the congregation in the same space as the Imam. There will be an overflow space available (first come, first serve) which will serve both genders (which will be equipped with screens that transmit the sermon and prayer services). In addition, the prayer hall will be high tech, equipped with screens for audio and video presentations.
Women would pray on one side, and men another side with a fair distance in between. I spoke to Hijabman (hijabman.com) about distance issues and he mentioned a knee barrier in between. I don't see a reason why women must be behind men (I am sick of staring at men's boxers!). Side by side works better to keep modesty and equal distance from the Imam. I would like to pray in the first few lines for a change.
Also, the same prayer space will eliminate disturbances found in traditional mosques where women and children are secluded in a basement or back room.
Accommodations: Special accommodations will be available. For example, Braille Qurans, Large-print Qurans, chairs for seating, and permanent ramps for easy access to all mosque facilities will be available. Also, the parking lot will be equipped with handicap parking spaces to be utilized by members of the community. Additional accommodations will be available upon request!
Nursery: The nursery will be free of charge for all children and will be run by parent volunteers. The nursery will give parents with small children the freedom to use Mosque facilities without disturbing others and boring their own children.
Kitchen: Food is an important aspect of the Muslim community so naturally a safe, highly equipped kitchen is needed. The most important aspect of this kitchen is the ventilation system because we don't want to end up with a Mosque smelling like curry.
Dining/Cafe area: The dining area will be equipped to hold 200 people for big celebrations such as Eid parties or Ramadan dinners. Recycling bins will be distributed throughout to maintain the greenness of the Mosque. There will also be coffee/refreshment center for families to socialize between classes or while children are in class.
School Facilities: The Mosque will have an area for either a weekend or full-time Islamic program.
Gym/Play area: A mosque is more than a place to worship God in the West, it's also a place for the community to come together. A gym and play area for young children and adults interested would make the Mosque a fun experience for the entire family. The space also provides opportunities to hold different classes such as karate, wrestling, dance lessons, etc.
Community Garden: The garden will be run by Mosque volunteers and a place where people of the local community (Muslim and Non-Muslim) will get to enjoy. This can extend to a weekly Farmer's market when large enough!
Other services such as interfaith services, funeral services, employment opportunities, food shelters, etc could be implemented with sufficient volunteers and funds.
Internal Organization:
Elected Board: Non-profit status which requires democratically elected board members and officers. It also assures that the members of the Mosque will have the final say on how the Mosque will run unlike many of the traditional mosques that are privately owned and are run like a dictatorship! In addition, the bylaws will note a 50/50 gender divide to ensure equality and representation of all genders!
Full-Time staff: Volunteer run organizations means sloppy work and non-professionalism. With staff on the payroll with precise job descriptions, the organization will run much smoother. (read accountability!)
Imam: The spiritual leader of the Mosque must be well acquainted with current Muslim issues in the U.S. and a fluent English speaker. In addition, the Imam should have credentials in Islamic studies.
Counseling Services: The mosque can contract with a family counselor for Muslim couples in need of counseling or other individuals with need for counseling. The service will be provided at a minimal fee.
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I realize that these are big dreams and my design is elementary, but there is no shame in starting small. I would like to hear your ideas.
Let the revolution begin :)
March 26, 2010
My Dream Mosque: Equality at Last
March 15, 2010
March 7, 2010
March 6, 2010
I Fancy the Independent Genre
One of the coolest features of Netflix is the 'Watch Instantly' feature that comes with my account free. My favorite genre on Instant Play is the Independent genre. The films strike me as real, raw and genuine versus the traditional Hollywood setup (crappy).
The following movies are some of my latest likings:
1) Peter and Vendy: Jason Ritter (son of Late John Ritter) gave a stunning performance in this intriguing film. If you've ever been in a relationship you will relate to this movie. It takes its audience on a journey of the up's and down's of Peter's and Vendy's relationship. It's a real portrayal of couples without the cheesiness. It answers the question many couples have: "How did we get here?" 9.5/10
2) Amreeka: A unique tale of a single Palestinian mother who moves to the U.S. to seek a better life for her son and self. I found the story touching, romantic and fulfilling. A beautiful piece of art. I would like to see more Arab tales portrayed in the same way. 9.0/10
3) The Visitor: Richard Jenkins delivers an outstanding performance in 'The Visitor." As a lone widower, Prof. Walter stumbles upon a young Muslim couple living in his New York apartment without his knowledge. The professor tired of his mundane life is intrigued by the couple's life filled with music, love and freedom. A beautiful story about love, commitment, loyalty and friendship. P.S: The supporting actor in this film is SUPER cute! 10/10
4) Satin Rouge: The film is set in Tunisia. The lead actress is Hiam Abbass, a famous international Arab actress. After the death of her husband, Lilia's life revolves around her daughter. One night she stumbles into a cabaret to look for her daughter and instead gets drawn into the night life. 8/10
5) Bella: A touching tale of two hardworking people that lives intertwine. 9/10
6) Never Forever: Heartbreaking drama about a couple that are unable to conceive and the lengths the wife takes to make a baby happen. 8/10
7) Keith: The movie reminds me of 'A Walk to Remember.' The only thing different is the solid performances of the two lead actors. You won't believe it, but Jesse McCartney can act y'all! And he isn't a pretty boy with a soft voice. He's all grown up and CAN act. Warning: tearjerker 10/10
8) On a Clear Day: A simple inspiring movie set in Glasgow, Lanarkshire. The lead actor attempts to swim the English Channel. I was moved. 9/10
9) Stolen Summer: A heartfelt story of a young Catholic boy who is on a quest to take his Jewish friend to heaven. A story about tolerance, peace and faith. 10/10
10) Sweet Land: Set in the 1920's this is a tale of a young mail-order bride from Germany sent to a Minnesotan Norwegian farmer but because of the war with Germany everyone rejects the new wife-to-be. Simply beautiful 9/10
March 2, 2010
What Do Muslims Use to Wipe their Bums?
As my good friend Suroor often writes "Muslims have the cleanest bums in the world!" As many of you know, or to some this might be a shocker, Muslims tend to clean themselves after using the toilet with water. The good old TP method isn't enough in this situation. Many Muslims resort to using a water canister to clean themselves which is convenient in a home setting. The toilet paper acts as a 'drying' agent NOT so much as a typical 'cleaning' tool as known to many people.
Now, this method presents a problem in the Western world where proper bidets aren't installed in restrooms. So what is a Muslim to do? I've seen people get creative with their water bottles or wetting pieces of toilet paper or paper towel to get the job done. I've pondered upon this subject for many years and I think I've found the proper solution: Baby wipes!
They sell the travel packs in the store but recently I found the individually wrapped wipes which are great for men who don't carry purses around and can stick the wipes in their back pocket for easy access. And these little wipes are not only great for wiping bums but they come in handy when you need to give your hands a quick cleaning, wipe a dirty table or anything just for gigs.
March 1, 2010
What Going Green Meant to Me
Although I selected the title for this blog "Organic Muslimah' four years ago, I hadn't fully grasped the meaning until a year ago when I was asked to teach my middle school class a series of lessons on recycling and sustainability. So here I will like to share the changes I've made in my life to abide by the three R's: Recycle, Reduce, Reduce.
1) Reusable bottles: I used to be a big fan of the 24 bottle water cases but when I discovered the amount of money I wasted each week, I switched to a reusable plastic bottle from Walmart. A few weeks in the sun, I started tasting toxic chemicals. A friend recommended an alternative: the Target aluminum bottle. The bottle was great but the lid started smelling funky (moldy) and I read online that eroded aluminum could possibly make it in my water--and since I like my kidneys--I invested in an authentic Klean Kanteen bottle.
My verdict? I love it. It's perfect and it keeps my water cold regardless of the temperature. A great investment for under $20 from amazon.com.
3) Recycling Bins in the House: Since my area doesn't offer recycling and to privately recycle would cost a lot of money in the suburbs, I found a great community program that collects recycling--monthly--free of charge. And the best part of it all, all proceeds from recycling are used to plant new trees in the local park. I collect paper, plastic** and aluminum.
I've also become a regular volunteer at this recycling event. I've met some great people who are passionate about saving the world. They also have a book station where you can browse or drop off books, magazines, unused greeting cards, stationary, etc. I love coming home with a box full of semi-new magazines!
4) Reusable Bags: A few months ago, Target.com was giving out reusable canvas bags free as a promotion downtown. I fell in love with my 2 new bags. The bags collapse when empty and are easy to transport. I use the bags for everyday use: shopping, carrying things around-sometimes even laundry! I pop these in my trunk and I am ready to go.
If you happen to use plastic bags, many grocery stores recycle them for you, free of charge!
5) Food Waste/Food Share: A lot of times when I meet with a friend to lunch we have leftovers that we know we will never eat. So instead of tossing it in the bin, we create a small care package for the first homeless person we encounter. We ask, "Do you know of anyone who will be interested in some lunch?" It eases the process for both of us. Also, we give them food we would eat, that is untouched and enough for a good-portioned meal.
A lot of times I buy new products in the market (read chocolate cheerios, YUCK), so what to do with the rest of the box? Ask a friend or neighbor. Many times they will be willing to take on the free box of cereal :)
6) Scrap paper/Double Print: Many of my professors are happy about accepting papers on scrap paper or double-sided pages.
7) Lunch bag: I am in between lunch bags at the moment, but I find reusable lunch bags are a great value and some of the new designs make carrying a lunch bag in public a lot less like grade school. I really like the Built series that can be found here at amazon.com
8) Carpool/Transport: I carpool whenever possible to work or a social event. I've also started taking public transport more often as a way to save energy and money. Recently it was brought to my attention that an all-day pass in my city allows me to ride unlimited number of times a day which is great if you have to be in more than one place at a time (urban setting of course).
9) Eating Whole and organic foods: I plan to write a separate post on my favorite buys. But I make a conscious decision about my purchases. An itemized list in another post--God-willing.
10) Don't overbuy: I find that I used to buy a lot of fresh produce that never got consumed. So instead I've learned minimize my purchases and buy only when absolutely needed. If I do happen to overbuy, I follow my food share rule #5.
**Plastic: There is a number on most plastics. These numbers indicate the type of plastic the product is made from. For example, #1 bottles tend to be water/juice bottles. #2 are milk cartons, detergent, etc.#5 are yogurt, utensils and these are mostly not accepted for recycling (it cost more).
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