HFW MAY 2011 {Day 2: Formal Event}

A formal event... is the chance to be glamourous! If I were to attend one I’d wear this one-sleeved Grecian-inspired dress designed by yours truly. I love its elegance and simplicity because it makes it all the more easier to style the outfit according to the type of event (e.g. wedding, dinner, black-tie event)

For this ensemble... I’ve chosen to be quite minimal with my accessories but I would totally pair this dress with chunky jewellery or statement pieces as well. In these photos I’m wearing a luxurious and gorgeous Schanaz Dubai Silk hijab by my fabulous Scarflet sister, Ami Schaheera of Sputnik Sweetheart. I love ‘em and I’m continuously building up my collection of ‘em (if I manage to catch 'em before they get sold out that is!).

{Want to see more styles from other participants? Click on the badge below}

HFW MAY 2011 {Day 1: Work Wear}

Muslimah work or office wear... is all about looking professional and neat while maintaining a good level of modesty. I would opt to be simple for the sake of practicality and if it means being around non-mahram colleagues for 8 hours a day then I should keep my appearance subdued in terms of make-up and accessories. Less is more, lovelies. 

At the same time... looking professional doesn’t mean looking boring. The trick is to wear colours that make you feel comfortable and confident. You don't have to wear black when you don't feel like it but you don't have to wear bright red either if the very thought of it makes you nervous.

The most important thing to remember is... keep it simple, comfortable, loose and practical.

{Want to see more styles from other participants? Click on the badge below}

Style Sunday: Fur Elise

I know it's been awhile since I did a Style Sunday post.

Between lectures, assignments, presentations and writing my dissertation 

I honestly don't have any spare time. Sometimes I don't even have time to sleep!

But with only one more research essay due next Friday 

and the fact that my good friend, Chloe, is in town and shacking up with me for the next week or so

I figured I should make an exception this weekend. 

BTW lovelies, HFW May 2011 starts tomorrow =)

Did you know that you can participate on your own blog or Facebook account? 

No? Well what are you waiting for? Find out more about it here! 

Desiderata

Desiderata

by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labours and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Muslims Against Terrorism - Where Are You?

Feel free to use this banner for personal use =)

I feel like I am stating the obvious but it needs to be said. 

There is no place for 'extremism' and terrorism in Islam. 

Islam does not encourage violence especially against innocent people.

It prohibits suicide be it for any reason. 

It is not allowed for Muslims to fund and contribute to terrorist activities.

"By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),

Verily Man is in loss,

Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy."
{Surah Al-Asr}

In Islam we are taught that we have nothing to lose by encouraging people - both Muslims and non-Muslims -  to be patient and constant in their good deeds. How can it be that Islam promotes violence against innocent people then?

"The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise."
{Surah At-Tauba: 71}

Muslims are to guide, not mislead, one another. A good Muslim would never encourage others to do sinful acts and would instead remind them about the rewards of carrying out good deeds and being kind.

"Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.
And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: 

But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.

And do thou be patient, for thy patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them: and distress not thyself because of their plots.

For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good."
{Surah An-Nahl: 125-128}

These verses sum it all. Yes, as Muslims we are supposed to invite non-Muslims to Islam with the best of intentions. We mustn't be forceful or get upset when people argue with us about our faith and most of all, we mustn't fight or be harsh with those who haven't caused us any harm. Only God knows what is best for everyone.

The next time someone says “where are the Muslim voices?”, or “why don’t the Muslims speak up?” do something about it. Quote the Holy Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Refer them to useful and credible resources.

You can make a difference.

Muslim Voices Against Extremism and Terrorism

Islam Against Terrorism

Islam Denounces Terrorism

63 Years of Nakba

'Youm an-Nakba' 

(Day of Catastrophe)

An annual day of commemoration for the Palestinian people of the displacement that accompanied the creation of Israel in 1948

Today marks the 63rd year of the illegal occupation of Palestine. It breaks my heart to see innocent civilians are still the victims of this crime. When will the suffering end for both Palestinians and Israelis who are caught in the middle of this war between the Israeli government and the Palestinian people? How many more will have to die before a real resolution is constructed? Why aren't the Arab nations united? So many questions run through my mind.

Today we saw uprisings by hundreds of Palestinians living in Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. So far 13 people were reported killed by Israeli troops during the protests. Although Nakba is officially commemorated on the 15th of May every year the reality is everyday is Nakba for Palestinians. All we can do is watch in disbelief.

But some choose to get creative like the mysteriously famous graffiti artist, only known as Banksy, who went to Palestine in 2005 to make a rather unique political statement.

Although the paintings themselves are not overtly political, his feelings about the wall are apparent from his statement: "The Israeli government is building a wall surrounding the occupied Palestinian territories. It stands three times the height of the Berlin Wall and will eventually run for over 700km - the distance from London to Zurich. The wall is illegal under international law and essentially turns Palestine into the world's largest open prison."

{Source: The Guardian}

 {For more: Banksy at West Bank Barrier}

Osama Wasn't Devout. Please!

I think I will scream the next time I hear someone say that Osama was a devout Muslim.

Dear non-Muslim friends, Islam does NOT condone the killing of innocent people.

Please don't ever mistake Osama for a devout Muslim.

If there was any truth to that I wouldn't choose to remain Muslim.

Yes, I, a Western-educated, peace-loving human being, choose to be a practicing follower of Islam.

Not the Islam you see in the media,

but the Islam I've come to love through my own initiative

and through the beauty of the Holy Qur'an.
Most of all, through God's blessings. 

Being a Muslim is a choice I make every single day

and I'm proud of my faith

whether you like it or not.

"On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land."

{Surah al Maidah, verse 32} 

Got Til It's Gone

Hijabi Fashion Week {May - June 2011}

Assalamualaykum lovelies, 

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't been posting Style Sunday for a while. 

Well's that's because...

 I will be participating in Hijabi Fashion Week!

I'm super duper excited because

a) I love fashion

b) I have something else to look forward to aside from assignment due dates

c) This is my first time taking part in HFW

d) My fave girls from the blogging world will be joining in too!

Please go to the official HFW website for more details.

Also, don't forget to click 'Attend' on their Facebook event page.

xox, Sha

A Delicious Affair in Melbourne (Pt. 2)

I'm being a very cheeky girl today. I shouldn't be blogging but I miss it so here I am writing the sequel to my post about Melbourne. During my second day there Fairuz took me to one of her favourite cafés for breakfast - Sugardough. It's a stone's throw away from her apartment, lucky her. 

Sugardough is a quirky little place with waitresses who are dressed in 60s reminiscent style complete with the red lipstick and all. Except they look a bit more eccentric with their facial piercings. One of them asked if I wanted to try their European hot chocolate drink and being me, always keen on something new, I was all up for it.  Let's just say I wouldn't exactly call it a drink because it was literally as thick as chocolate syrup! I'm not saying it wasn't good but I got the feeling that I would get diabetes if I had finished it. Nevertheless, I really liked the café. The pastries were well-made and there was a different feel to the place. Ooh, they even have a secret garden at the back ;) 

Fairuz took me to Brunettis as well. We didn't have time to try anything. 

I had to be at the airport  in 2 and a half hours! 

But there's always time to buy chocolates from Koko Black and to pose for pictures.

I was given a quick tour of Melbourne Uni. It was the second day of orientation I think and students were scattered everywhere. They have such a pretty campus and to be honest I am a tad jealous even though my uni's campus is beautiful as well. 

I tried churros for the first time. Spanish doughnuts dipped in chocolate = mouth watering yumminess! 

I was snapping pics as I walked and I didn't realise the guy with the peace sign until later on.

Not long after I was dropped off at Melbourne airport and then it was time to say bye bye! =( 

What an awesome city to be in. I really do miss it and hope to visit Fairuz and her family again sometime soon. For now I should get back to my mountain of books and I'm not exaggerating. My friend saw them and said, "I think you checked out the entire library. They have no more books now." Ha ha. 

Persians vs. Arabs

Now that I spend 90% of my time in the library the only way I entertain myself is through YouTube. I'm a fan of stand up comedy and my friend told me to check out Maz Jobrani today. He's hilarious! Ever wondered how to know the difference between Persians and Arabs? Jobrani tells us how.

Meow!

Illusory Victory

{source: The Telegraph}

"For me, this type of celebration would have been justifiable in only two circumstances: 1) if we had captured Bin Laden or 2) if we had somehow managed to “win” the war (ha). This event may have provided “closure” to some, but it’s essentially illusory– and we’re admitting this fact when we say it was a “symbolic victory.” Killing Bin Laden doesn’t hammer any nail into the terrorist coffin– in fact, I think it’s safe to say things are going to be even more volatile now than they were before. Someone else is going to try extra hard to step up to the plate in his absence.

And… killing Bin Laden doesn’t change the fact that we are fighting wars for extremely questionable reasons. Or the fact that we are fighting enemies that can’t ever be fully defeated.

I respect the vigils. I would have had more respect for the cheering and singing and the drunken antics if we had captured the man rather than put a bullet through his head. As it stands, all we are really celebrating is someone’s death (and for the record, I’m not one of those people who is saying, “he was a person too, it’s horrible to celebrate anyone’s death”– he was a bad guy. I’m not sad about it. But there’s still something morbid about the whole ordeal). If it feels like closure, it’s because it’s vengeance. It’s not because we won anything. We’re celebrating like we won because there isn’t going to be another V-J Day at the end of this thing (if we ever get there). There is no closure in this type of war– we’re celebrating because we know there won’t be a celebration.

(and because we want to feel like we did when Obama got elected)

But maybe I’m just cynical."

Reader comment from NYU Local

Obama on Osama

Osama's dead. Finally. 

Obama said, "Justice has been done."
(read other reactions here)

Really?

Is this what justice has come to?

Millions of people are dead in the name of God/freedom/democracy.

Livelihoods destroyed. Futures ripped apart and torn into pieces.

And the death of one man constitutes as justice?

I want answers. I want the truth out. I want the name of Islam cleared of all he has done.

But I guess that won't be happening now.

We'll have to wait for Allah's Court of Judgement.

Style Sunday: Royal Newlyweds

Why all the fuss? What is the significance of Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding?

For starters, it represents a history in the making. There will never be another Prince William. On top of that, the Will and Kate love story is a modern-day fairytale. This is the kind of stuff Disney movies are made of. Every girl dreams of meeting her own prince charming and Kate, now Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, met a real prince, who happens to be actually charming. What could explain the attraction between them? Apart from the obvious fact that Kate is beautiful and bright they are from different worlds.

I think she offers him a sense of normalcy in his life and that is something he didn't truly experience until he met her. As they say, he is his mother’s boy and the typical pretentious and constricted royal life isn’t for him yet it is inevitably a part of his life. Deep down inside I think he wants what his mother wanted for herself. You can tell a lot about a man from the woman he chooses to be with. Kate is his breath of fresh air and Will is her knight in shining armour.

After hitting some highs and lows the couple finally tied the knot. Their every move has been carefully recorded and reported in the press ever since their first official appearance together. It's no surprise that the wedding even has its own website and that it was televised in 180 countries. The wedding was a television phenomenon and  I would say it was very 'stylish' too. It pushed as many boundaries as it could.

Kate is the Princess Diana of today. 

The British people love her and are even more fascinated and enchanted with her now than ever before.  

She looked resplendent and that dress, oh the much anticipated dress, it did not fail us. All eyes were on her and only her. (Sorry Wills, you looked dashing but that's just how it is)

I loved the maple and hornbeam trees which respectively symbolised humility and reserve, and resilience. I think they helped create a friendly ambiance as without them Westminster Abbey would look majestic but also very intimidating. I also think its transformation signified a fresh, new start for the royal family or as some like to call it, the modernisation of the royal family. 

Speaking of  family, don't you think Prince Harry and Kate's younger sister, Pippa, looked great as well? Some even thought Pippa stole the show with her white dress.

The bridesmaids were cute but I  thought the page boys looked even more adorable. Little boys dressed up in adult men's clothes always make me go "Awww!".

  The royal wedding cake. Now that is what I call a wedding cake.

Kate's simple and classic reception dress. Look how tiny her waist is!

Unfortunately, I think the newly-wed prince donned a boring-looking suit. 

Nevertheless, I still think they are a great looking pair.

This was taken yesterday after it was announced that they won't be going on their honeymoon this weekend.

There are many speculations about where they will be heading for their honeymoon later this year;

Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, and even Jordan is on the list. 

I guess we'll have to wait and see!