Kuralgal by Nadyanna Majeed “Half Indian, half Chinese, how come Muslim?” “Your IC what race?” Indian, following grandfather. “Mother tongue what then?” Malay. “Huh?! Why?!” The questions never end, even from myself. 老师，早安。 Selamat hari, Cikgu. Why can’t I complete that last one-third? “Indian cannot speak Tamil? How can liddat?” “Take Malay because easy, that’s…
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By anonymous I. The Period Party The Muslim equivalent of the legal drinking age is when a woman has her period for the first time. It is when you become truly human, Woman so when I first had my period: I heard that God started a countdown. I heard there was a party involved. I heard…
Read MoreExiting the bathroom stall Sweat drips from forehead absorbed by cotton hijab Red drops drip from skin absorbed by cotton pads I lift my jumper and check my butt in the mirror Leggings stained with spots The marker of my womanhood It is here. I scurry outside to the sea of white and blue Clenching…
Read MoreBy Diana Rahim My body is the world because – You won’t let me be myself. History won’t let me be myself. Cultures won’t let me be myself. My skin holds down blood that does not know which ocean to return to. Creases on my skin demarcate borders between countries. When I shift my bones, continents…
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By Zubaida Ali My head is so wrapped up with silken lies As I walk this flimsy path of truths and untruths Will Allah love me more just because I cover my hair? Will Ibu, Ayah, all look up to me? I get burdened with so much guilt just because of this piece of fabric…
Read MorePhoto: http://30masjids.ca/night-1-masjid-toronto-at-adelaide/ By Filzah Sumartono Because I’m a Muslim Girl I pray behind a wall I pray behind curtains I pray behind men Because I’m a Muslim Girl I don’t go to the mosque on Fridays I don’t go to the mosque on my period My presence is not necessary So I shall go home.
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