As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I thought now is a great time to share my crocheting progress, now that I have made my first Granny Square!!


A little after Ramadaan I had some time to crack open the book "Happy Hooker" By Debbie Stroller. Every day I read a little and practice a little. I've manged to try out all 12 stitch patterns.. my favourite one is the Spike Stitch, because it looks so cool using different colours. I've also made a circle and as you can see above, a square. Insha'Allah now to learn tapestry (jacquard crochet), the afghan stitch, adding decorations, and sewing pieces together.. then I can finally start on making something useful.

Overall I found crocheting to be really easy, and be warned.. it's very addictive! Anyone who wants to give it a try, I really suggest getting the same book and have some fun.

Labels: crochet

A school in the South is helping poor young Muslim women continue their education despite the odds

Without desks and chairs, the students sit on the floor to study.

by Yingyong Un-Anongrak

There is a Muslim teaching that says "be the hand on the top rather than the hand below".
Maryam Samoh, the founder of the Muslimah Centre of Pattani for young women who are orphans or destitute in the southern province, loves to challenge her students to say what they think the phrase means.

She lets them discuss it before revealing the hidden meaning of the phrase. That the hand which does the giving will always be on top of the hand that does the begging. And God wishes his followers to give more than to take.

A devout Muslim, Mrs Maryam, 50, knows this teaching by heart for her hands have done both.
When she was young, her parents could not afford for her to continue studying after secondary school. But her wish to continue in a religious school was too strong to accept this easily.

As the eldest daughter-with seven younger siblings-she told her parents she would work for her education fees, but she wanted their blessing to allow her to pursue her education.

"It was a real struggle for children in a poor family like me to be able to continue a proper education as I wished," said Mrs Maryam.

In 1969, she was accepted into Yayasan Pengajian Tinggi Islam Kelantan, a religious school in Malaysia, where she could complete grade 10, the highest level of Muslim religious study.

"As the day for me to depart to Malaysia was due, I had only one baht in my pocket. I had to borrow money from the school where I was teaching (Satri Pattana Suksa School) and I received 1,000 baht for my travelling fees," said Mrs Maryam, now a mum of four.

From then on she never asked for money from home. She worked as maid, babysitter and teacher while she studied to try and make ends meet.

Teachers at the Malaysian school also helped provide financial support until she completed her studies in 1974. (The religious study combines religious texts and other formal school subjects like geography, health education, mathematics and even inheritance dividing.)

Mrs Maryam greatly appreciated everyone who had given her so much support and she told herself she would do anything to give that support back.

When she returned home she taught at various schools. And at the same time she persuaded a group of her close friends to start a project to provide educational support to orphans and poor Muslim children.

"I knew there were many children out there who needed help just like me," Mrs Maryam said.

"At first our group had 15 members. Since we all came from similarly poor backgrounds, the cost to start was a problem but we agreed we wouldn't give up," said Mrs Maryam.

In 1984 the group decided to start a pre-school centre. From the tuition fees the school earned they started to save money to buy a plot of land for their project.

After a few years of slow fundraising, the group finally concluded each of them would find 20,000 baht in addition to the money already raised to get the project off the ground.

With additional donations from their friends in Malaysia, the group bought a seven-and-a-half rai plot at Bana subdistrict in Pattani Muang District for 400,000 baht.

A multi-purpose two-storey brick and wooden building was constructed and members began looking for young women who urgently needed their help.

The centre started with 25 students in 1990 and now cares for 119 students aged between 12 and 20. The students usually stay for five years until they complete grade 4 religious studies and the non-formal study of mor 3 (secondary school). No tuition fees are required.

A five-by-ten metre room on the upper floor serves as the classroom while other rooms serve as dormitories. A small space on the ground floor is a tiny office.

The students are divided into four groups, with each group taking a corner of the same classroom, sitting on the floor in their uniforms which include the traditional Muslim veil or hijab. Although there are no chairs or desks, the school has brought new hope for many young women.

A Pattani native, Maehsong Kuteh, 16, was an outstanding student although she had to work to help support her family in which there was 10 children. At harvest time she worked in the rice fields for 30 baht a day and at other times she tapped rubber trees.

She was distraught when her parents asked her to leave school after she completed prathom six, three years ago. A teacher who knew the centre took her there and she was accepted.

An active young woman who studies hard, Ms Maehsong was voted head of the 119 students. "When I first came, it was hard for me to get up so early in the morning. But now I'm happy and glad to have the chance to continue my studies. I hope to complete grade 10 of religious study and teach," Ms Maehsong said.

Pasiya Radaeng worked as a fruit vendor after leaving school with grade two a few years ago. A teacher in Pattani's Yarang District brought her to the school three years ago.

"I've learned more here and also I've been taught how to be self-sufficient. I can make things I never could. I can cook, care for fish and ducks and I know how to sew and make batik. If I left school, I could earn a living to support my family. The teachers have taught me to have confidence," said Ms Pasiya.

Nuramah Arong, 19, came from Narathiwat. Her mother died and her father's small earnings from tapping rubber trees were too meagre to provide a comfortable life and education for his five children. Her aunt brought her to the centre when she was 12 after she completed compulsory education.

"I'm glad I got the chance to continue my studies here," said Ms Nuramah, who is the only one in her family to get higher education.

She finished last year, but wanted to continue her religious studies further. The centre has allowed her to stay. She earns some income by sewing Muslim veils and making handicrafts to cover her tuition fees.

"I'd like to continue my non-formal education too. But I need extra income to realise my wish," she said.

She hopes when she completes her studies, she can help support her younger siblings back home.

The centre runs on 25,000 baht per month-a very limited budget. This money includes a salary for seven teachers who get 1,000 to 1,500 baht a month, and other running costs like water and electricity bills and food.

Meals are simple. Breakfast is khao yam. And lunch leftovers are often reheated for dinner. "If we have fish, we share two fish for five people. If there is chicken, we make sure each of us enjoy one small piece," one student said.

Since they have a flock of 100 ducks there are eggs and the students have eggs as an extra dish. The students who are accepted into the school are asked to provide eight litres of rice and some pocket money for products like soap and detergent. But those who cannot afford even these simple requests are not turned away.

"We would like to increase the teachers' salary but can't do right now," said Mrs Maryam.

The students get up at 4:30 a.m. for daily prayers and to read the Koran. Then they do chores such as cleaning the rooms and watering trees. Then they take a bath and have breakfast. Morning classes start at 8:15 a.m. with religious studies and the afternoon session is for the non-formal curriculum.

Vocational training includes batik and dress-making, which are taught by experts from the Vocational Development Centre in Pattani and the Continuing Study of Prince of Songkhla University (Pattani campus).

The students make batik, key chains and hijab for sale. This provides extra income for themselves and the centre. But money is tight and extra development demands a bigger budget.
The classroom roof leaks when it rains and the dormitory on the first floor floods. And extra sleeping space is needed to allow increased student numbers.

"And sometimes it would be really nice to have a desk to sit at," said Asanah Wangni from Songkhla.

"We raise funds by having a charity tea party once a year. Those who visit us also give donations and those who know about our project also provide support," said Mrs Maryam. "We collect support little by little, so it takes years before we can make any big developments to the centre.

"We'd like to see the students have a library as well as better education kits and better living quarters."

Saripa Doloh has been teaching at the centre for nine years. Though the salary is low, she says she is happy to be with the children. "They talk to me when they have a problem. I'm glad I can give them some consolation. It's a warm experience between us."

She has also learned much from skill training sessions.

Mrs Maryam comes to the centre twice a week. Altogether she teaches at 19 institutes in the four provinces in a month, as well as attending meetings concerning women and children's issues and political matters. Her workload means constant travelling and working seven days a week.

"I love to do it. It gives me happiness," said Mrs Maryam. "The core of our project is to teach the students to be self-sufficient and to be willing to help others who are less fortunate. So far 300 girls have completed their studies at our centre. "And I hope at least some teachings will stay with the students when they leave us to pursue their own lives," said Mrs Maryam.

Info for donations
:: Name of organisation: The Muslimah Centre of Pattani
:: Address: 45 Moo 1, Bana subdistrict, Mueng District, Pattani 94000.
:: Contact person: Mrs Maryam Samoh
:: Tel: (073) 333-837
:: Savings Account: 2670615844, Bangkok Bank, Pattani branch.

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Before pumpkin season runs away, I thought I'd share a Pumpkin Bread recipe with you. The same wonderful people who brought me tomatoes, brought a pumpkin a few days ago. I'm sure the recipe would work just as well with canned pumpkin.. but I try and stay away from things with preservatives! (who knows what you end up putting into your body)

Oh.. the bread is pretty moist.. some would even call it cake, as my dad did. You can taste the pumpkin, which I like about it.. some pumpkin breads, you'd never know had pumpkin in. And of course, it's delicious.. otherwise I wouldn't bother to share it with you. If anyone tries it out, let me know how it goes..insha'Allah.


Makes 2 loaves

2 1/2 cups (20oz/592ml) (stemmed and mashed) pumpkin
2 cups (16oz/455g) sugar
1 cup (8oz/237ml) water
1 cup (8oz/237ml) vegetable oil
4 eggs
3 1/3 cups (27oz/766.8g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup (8oz/227g) pecans - chopped
1/2 cup (4oz/114g) raisins

:: Pre-heat oven to 350°F (180°C).
:: In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil and eggs.
:: Beat until well mixed.
:: In a seperate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and cloves, pecans, raisins, stir well.
:: Add pumpkin mixture to dry ingredients, mix until well combined.
:: Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans and dust with flour.
:: Evenly divide the batter between the two pans.
:: Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
:: Cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove from pans by inverting onto a rack and tapping the bottoms.
:: Slice and serve plain, buttered, or with cream cheese, or ice-cream. (yes, yes.. I ate my first slice with ice-cream)

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

With the Chocolate Chip Bath Cookies I gave my sister for Eid, I add this as well... a chocolate chip hijab pin. I think it turned out rather cute, and now that I know it works (and people will wear it.. hehe) I hope to make more interestings ones, insha'Allah. She really liked it :) *alhumduliLlah*


The chocolate chip at the top of the pin and both cookies are made out of polymer clay. I also found a book (ie. online, I have not purchased it *yet*) that looks like it might great for a project like this:


What do you think?... edible looking hijab pins
Would you wear something like this?

Labels: jewelry

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Look at these nifty cookies! My sister loves chocolate chip cookies, so to add a few extra things to her Eid gift I decided to make her some Chocolate Chip Bath Cookies. I even tested one out before I gave it to her... I can't explain how weird it is to bath with a cookie..hehe especially when you are fasting! They are pretty easy to make, makes a really interesting and unique gift, and work pretty well (like a solid bath salt). Here is the recipe for anyone who wants to give it a try.



Makes 30 cookies

2 cups (16oz/227g) sea salt - finely ground
1/2 cup (2oz/114g) baking soda
1/2 cup (2oz/114g) cornstarch
2 tblsp almond oil or canola oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
chocolate chips
(optional) food colour - if making a different cookie

note: you can use any oils you like, I even added vanilla extract to give it a more cookie like scent. And I'm sure you could add other things that are good for your skin, like oatmeal or cocobutter or olive oil, etc.

:: Pre-heat oven at 350°F (180°C)
:: Lightly beat eggs, then mix in canola oil and vanilla - set aside
:: In a separate bowl, stir together salt, baking soda, and cornstarch
:: Add the dry mixture to the egg mixture and combine to cookie dough consistency - do not over mix!
:: Roll the dough gently into 1 inch balls, no need to flatten, push in some chocolate chips, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet
:: Bake approximately 5-7 minutes - do not need to be browned, just spread and well set
:: Allow to cool completely before storing in a sealed container.
:: Wait 24 hours after baking before using.
:: Drop one or two cookies into a warm bath and allow them to dissolve slowly.

Note: Don't smash or crumble them, or you'll get floating crumbs

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah I have already started my Eid baking!

So far it is turning out great.Every year I like to try a few new recipes, and then of course the rest are family favourites... which, if not made you are sure to hear about it!

This was my first try making Vanilla Crescents, and I am so happy with the way they taste and look, so I thought this would be a wonderful recipe to share with you, insha'Allah. It is also pretty easy to make, so even 'beginner chefs' can take a stab at it. And my nephew (Abdullah) helped me shape them, so it's kid friendly. I think they would also make great wedding cookies, because they look so pretty with the sugar on.. like little crystals.

I look forward to any feedback and/or questions. And if anyone has any cookie recipes on their blog.. please leave your prints, so I can check it out, insha'Allah.



Makes 50 Cookies

1 cup (8oz/16 tblsp/227g) almonds
6 tblsp sugar
1 2/3 (13oz/369g) cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup (6oz/12 tblsp) cold unsalted butter
1-2 tsp vanilla essence
Approx. 1 tblsp whipping cream (or whole milk)
Granulated sugar - to roll cookies in

:: Put almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.
:: Add sugar, flour and salt to almonds.
:: Cut butter in, either using your hands or with a food processor, until crumbly.
:: Add vanilla essence and cream and knead until a smooth dough forms. (you may need to add more cream, but be very careful!! - make sure to knead it well, before adding more)
:: Shape dough into crescents, and place on a baking sheet. (if your dough is too soft to shape at this point, put it in the fridge for a little while)
:: Once all shaped, put the whole tray into the fridge for 45 mins.
:: Preheat oven at 350°F (180°C).
:: Bake for about 15 mins, making sure they don't get too dark.
:: Carefully roll warm cookies in sugar.
:: Cool before packing away in an air-tight container, and hiding.. ready for Eid.
:: Say bismillah and enjoy!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

After finally taking a little time to actually sort through all my recipes and getting most of them into a binder, I've decided to re-sort and write them out on recipe cards, because they seem like they'll last longer, and recipe cards look pretty! But now I'm not sure, because I have a lot or recipes... *that's going to be one huge box!* and some recipes are really long.


How do the rest of you sisters organize your recipes? Please let me know.. and any pro's and con's you find.. because I don't ever want to do this again :)

Labels: ideas, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi Wa barakatuhu

Oooh.. let me tell you about today!!.. what can I say about today, except I just received the most beautiful package in the mail!! Really.. look, I even had to take a picture of it :)


My wonderful swap partner UmmLayla sent me so many amazing things!
:: Happy Hooker (it's a crochet book people... jeeez)... and that is just what I wanted to learn :)
:: 2 balls of pretty yarn.. which I can felt too.. (I've never tried that before)
:: some very cool crochet needles.. look at them!!
:: and the most pretty glass hijab pins (handmade by mom..masha'Allah) they really are so pretty, she should market them!! sorry I couldn't get a close up of them.. just take my word on how pretty they are.


Jazak'Allah Umm Layla, I don't know what to say.. I am so happy with everything. I am very familiar with how good the 'Stitch n' Bitch' books are, and I can't stop looking through this one.. now to learn something so I can make stuff!!

May Allah reward you for your kindness and give you success in all that you do. Ameen.

My package to you should be on it's way. Not as exciting (sorry).. but insha'Allah I hope you still like it :)


How is everyone else's Eid Book Swap going?? Any constructive feedback is welcome.. so I know what to fix up for future swaps, insha'Allah.

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I made me some Apple Pie Muffins yesterday, to enjoy for suhoor... and I sure did enjoy it!! They are also good for potlucks, picnics, and children's lunch. I look forward to hearing from anyone who decides to make them.



Makes 16-18 muffins

Topping
1/2 cup (4oz/8 tblsp) packed brown sugar
1/3 cup (3oz/5 tblsp/85.2g) flour
1/4 cup (2oz/59ml) unsalted butter, melted
(optional) 1 teaspoon cinnamon
(optional) 1/3 cup (3oz/5tblsp/85.2g) oats

Muffins
1 1/2 cups (12oz/24 tblsp) packed brown sugar
2/3 cup (5oz/152ml) vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
2 1/2 cups (20oz/568g) flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8oz/237ml) buttermilk
2 cups (16oz) diced peeled firm tart apples
(optional) 1 teaspoon cinnamon


Topping:
:: In a small bowl toss together sugar, flour, butter, oats, and cinnamon until crumbly.
:: Set aside.

Muffins:
:: In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla, until smooth.
:: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt.
:: Stir oil mixture into flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.
:: Fold in apple, mixing just until combined.
:: Spoon into greased muffin cups filling 3/4 full.
:: Sprinkle topping over evenly.
:: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25 to 30 mins or until golden brown and tops spring back.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I actually managed to finish making an Eid card for this year!! Every year the idea comes and then I have no idea where it goes, but it leaves no print. I decided I wanted it a little different (because I like different!) so I went with a whimsical look (kind of).. which you never find for Eid greetings, and I decided to make it a Postcard. Now what happens when the printers print it on light weight card stock.. you have a floppyyyy card *yaaay*. Ah well.. I am happy with the picture.. it actually makes me smile every time I see it. And I am not good and therefore don't really like water paint, but this was fun to paint..and now I think I like water paint..hehe



I know a few others were going to make some Eid cards this year. How did it go?? Hijabi Apprentice? *grin*

UmmLayla you going to get to see it :) insha'Allah.

I think I should start next years, this year ... and make them real cards! not pretty flop!

Labels: art, paper

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Well well.. look what I have been busy making. Hijab pins!! A little time consuming, but pretty in any scarf :) The purple one (which looks black in the picture - sorry for the bad picture, you'd be amazed how much they shy away from the camera *modest pins..hehe*) is for my sister, and I think I shall keep the pink one. I have made a good number of them to date but have only kept one for myself so far.. they make great gifts, because they are practical and anything handmade is good.. right? (I know some people are shaking their head.. wait till I send you a handmade lint keeper :P ..hehe)


If sisters would like a hijab pin, I'd be happy to make one for you, I only ask that you donate some money to The Muslimah Centre of Pattani (Thailand).

:: Name of organisation: The Muslimah Centre of Pattani
:: Address: 45 Moo 1, Bana subdistrict, Mueng District, Pattani 94000
:: Contact person: Mrs Maryam Samoh
:: Tel: (073) 333-837
:: Savings Account: 2670615844, Bangkok Bank, Pattani branch.

Email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) if you would like one, and what colour, etc.

Labels: ideas, jewelry

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Ramadaan Kareem my dear brothers and sisters,

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

With few days left for Ramadaan, insha'Allah.. I managed to more or less finish any last minute shopping, so I can make the most of the blessed month. Today I had to opportunity to taste fresh dates (yellow and still on the stem)!



I know, I know.. doesn't sound very exciting.. but I do like trying new things..and every new experience opens a new window in life. I personally really enjoyed the dates, and if anyone else can find them, pick up a few.. and let me know what you think.

A little something I learned recently about this noble tree:
Shaykh al Islam Muhammad Abul Huda As Sayyaadi mentions on the hadith that Islam is built on five pillars that, ‘this good word is like a good tree whose roots are deep and whose branches reach out to the sky - the good word is La illaha illa Allah – which is deeply rooted in the heart of the believer and whose fruits are manifested on the limbs of the believer. The date palm tree is rather unique in that it only grows on pure soil. Similarly, the meaning of La illaha illa Allah only grows and gives fruit in a pure heart. As for a filthy heart that has either been completely blackened by disbelieve or is darkened by sin and heedlessness to the commands of Allah, this tree is stunted.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

After bumping into The Egyptian's Wife post on the wonderful Ramadaan Surprise Box she made for her dear children, I decided to try one out for my nephews, Abdullah and Umar.

An excellent tutorial can be found at Islamic Parenting.
A few tips I'd like to share: If you cut the squares out with a utility knife you get a nice clean edge, use double sided tape to make your own stickers to fit your theme if you can't find stickers you like, and to fit my theme I just painted my box instead of using wrapping paper.

Although they are both young, (3 years old and 1.5 years old) I hope it would still be a means of them to learn a little about Ramadaan and make it a special month for them, as it is for us insha'Allah.



I decided to make the box look like a masjid since it is something Abdullah is familiar with and loves. Each box is filled with dates, a written message, and a little something, like lollipops, prayer beads, mini toys, lip balm (they love lip balm), and other things they like. The last two days have balloons and streamers in, which they can decorate the house with, for Eid insha'Allah.

Here are a few of the written messages I used that Abdullah should be able to understand. But you can change them to suit the age.

:: Muslims fast in Ramadaan.
:: After Ramadaan we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
:: We should make lots of dua' in Ramadaan.
:: It is good to give money in Ramadaan to the poor people.
:: On Eid day we say, "Eid Mubarak!" to everyone, which means "Have a blessed Eid!"
:: In Ramadaan we should pray "laa'ilaha illallah" a lot.
:: When we break our fast it is called 'Iftar'.
:: When we break our fast we should say "Thank you" to Allah for giving us food to break our fast.
:: Allah gave us the Qur'an in Ramadaan.

If anyone else decides to make one, let me know all about it! I'd love to see pictures of it, and hear any ideas you might have.


While on the topic of Masjids, I am hoping to paint one for my parents, insha'Allah. Help me out here, what painting would be more appealing to you, a Masjid that already exists, or a totally different Masjid? I look forward to any feedback, insha'Allah.

NOTE: above tutorial link no longer works... please visit this page: Ramadaan Surprise Masjid

Labels: crafts, paper, ramadaan

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I don't think there is anything more pleasing when trying out a new project, to see that the end result turned out perfect!

I just finished cleaning my room (we can now see the floor *grin*)... be warned new crafters: what is junk to others will follow you around like stink on a warthog! Anyway, I was attempting to tackle my closet when I got side tracked.. throwing away my favourite puke green shirt and 'boxing' t-shirt. So (light bulb moment) I decided to cut them up and make a pattern from them.

Today I sewed one of the patterns, (the 'boxing' t-shirt) and I also managed to make two hair scrunchies out of the left-over fabric.


The shirt turned out excellent, I'm so happy with it.. that it might just be safer if I don't end up cleaning out my closet.

Anyone who ever has not tried making a pattern like this before, go for it! It's really easy.. just be sure to take seams into consideration.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

That's what I spent my long weekend doing.. checking out the Canadian National Exhibition! I manage to go every year, and always have a wonderful time. There is sooo much to see and do, that you don't even get to see it all. They have a Craft and Art area, rides, games, different shows, etc.,

And my favourite (which is why I go) is the International Show/Bazaar.


Where vendors from all over the world come and sell things. Some places included, Germany, Russia, Thailand, Iran, Kenya, Egypt, China, India, Peru, Cuba, Cambodia, etc.

I however, didn't buy anything for myself... but managed to find a tasty treat for my swap partner, insha'Allah. But it was still fun.

My second favourite is checking out the animals... from goats to ostriches!


And for any sisters (and brothers) who don't know this.. when someone says salaam to you, it is your Islamic duty to reply! Isn't that one of the many wonderful things about being a Muslim. When you see another sister you can say salaam to her, even though you have no idea who she is, and may never ever see her again. Anyway, it just surprised me how many people (at the show) lack such manners, that's all.

Labels: reflection