The world wants Muslims to distance themselves from jihad. To legitimize our claims of being a peaceful religion, to be more authentic in our self-moderation. Something like that, anyway. And yet, how can I distance myself from jihad when I declare jihad every single day? I declare jihad when I decide to smile at someone … Continue reading Short note: Jihad
Category: Politics & Social Issues
From K-Dot to Kunta: the New Fate of Kendrick Lamar
First published in the Northeastern University Political Review Photo by John Francis Peters for the New York Times Compton, California has birthed its fair share of artists who have gone on to make a mark in the rap and hip hop industry, but it’s Dr. Dre’s protege, Kendrick Lamar who has taken the industry by … Continue reading From K-Dot to Kunta: the New Fate of Kendrick Lamar
To you, motherland – A Nation of Chronic Belittlers
Some things are so deeply ingrained in you that you do not become aware of them until you are faced with some kind of frame of reference. I always knew how deeply unequal Pakistan was - in a country where class is as apparent and omnipresent as rickety rickshaws alongside shiny new Mercedeses, you'd have … Continue reading To you, motherland – A Nation of Chronic Belittlers
Deah, Yusor, Razan
https://twitter.com/arabprodigy30/status/358020467065905152 Another day, another tragedy, and it seems like the tragedies keep hitting closer and closer to home. I have always identified first and foremost as a Muslim, and you can debate my religiosity all you want but it doesn't take away from the fact that I'm a fervent Muslim and a vocal one at … Continue reading Deah, Yusor, Razan
Two and a half thoughts from Thanksgiving eve
I always get a little bit emotional whenever I watch Hook. It reminds me far too much of my own childhood, where I could spend endless hours with my own imagination. I'd make a laptop out of my heavy blue notebook, following my mother around and pulling out it out whenever we had even a few … Continue reading Two and a half thoughts from Thanksgiving eve
Short note – Eid and human suffering
I can honestly say this is the first Eid I've been genuinely excited about in years. Maybe it has something to do with the henna on my hands - both hands, for once; usually I do my henna myself and due to the fact that I am possessed of only two hands, my right hand … Continue reading Short note – Eid and human suffering
Assorted thoughts over winter break
There's been so much happening that it's easier to make a big post filled with a lot of little things than one large disjointed post. I've been in Dubai for the past couple weeks and am slated to be back in Boston around 2:30pm EST on the 2nd of January. I legitimately cannot believe it's … Continue reading Assorted thoughts over winter break
This isn’t what you think it’s about
Okay, maybe this is just a little preemptive, seeing as how I have one last final exam in a little over 12 hours. Frankly, that's exactly why I'm writing a blog post; it fools me into feeling like I've been productive, and that staves off any guilt I feel at not studying (assuming, of course, that … Continue reading This isn’t what you think it’s about
“I swear this isn’t an accent!”: It totally is.
I don't think I have ever been more aware or conscious of my accent than in the United States. Frankly, I didn't think I had that much of an accent until I got here and started getting complimented on it. I always thought I had a general American accent with a slight Pakistani twang to … Continue reading “I swear this isn’t an accent!”: It totally is.
Assorted thoughts
It's so weird to have huge breaks between exams - my first A Level was yesterday, History, and it's my extra subject too, the one I self-study. There's always an added pressure to perform well in something you chose yourself. I managed to come out with an unprecedented A in history last year: and I … Continue reading Assorted thoughts
Neiha Lasharie 