Updates On Madandloud

Well it’s been a little while since I informed you all that I am moving and the time has arrived.

My new site is: madandloud.com, put that in the address bar and come visit me there.

For now, I will be keeping this site going but I do not know how long for.

Update 2: I wrote on here that I would be doing an assembly at kiddo’s school and the event happened two (2) days ago.

I was so nervous when I walked into the school and suddenly I had butterflies going through my stomach. But it went very well, the head and I were very happy with the response from the teachers and students alike.

I did an interview about what it means to me to dress “typically” like a Muslim woman, why I wear a veil and I did a slide show showing the many variations of wearing veils, the different styles from around the world, answered questions on the array of colors Muslim women wear, I showed the students the different combinations of wearing Khimars, veils, abayas, jilbabs etc.

A student helped me to demonstrate how we put on head scarves, a male teacher tried on a thobe and the head herself, tried on one of my gowns (abaya/ jilbab) depending on what you call it.

All in all it was a brilliant experience and I did not feel nervous once I got into my stride.

I was given a beautiful bunch of flowers as a thank you and had lots of students since then come up to say hello, ask more questions and generally, just to say they enjoyed the talk.

Thank you to the head for allowing me the time to talk with the children, thank you to all the children for behaving so well and listening to what I had to say and all the teachers too!

Last update: I have finished enrolling on a new course today, which I start in September.

I am very excited. I met a lovely girl who is doing the same course but she is doing the full-time course whilst I’ll be doing the part-time equivalent, she gave me an insight as to what to expect from it, I got fitted for my uniform (which I will be tailoring to suite my religious needs), so roll on September!

Now all I’ve got to make sure is that I’ll have transport and a  child minder for the evenings when I’ll be studying.

I hope to maintain this site for a while longer, but the new site will be more focused on some of the popular topics from here like Beauty Therapy, Islamic Nation and a new topic titled Misconceptions, breaking some of the twisted news articles published on Muslim women’s issues into their correct context.

Hope to have plenty of comments and feed back from you all.

Peace!!!

 

I Am Moving

Not house but from wordpress.

I will give a finale notice soon.

I have decided to re- start madandloud focusing on a more specific topic rather than my usual rants.

I will give more details before the move and contact details.

See ya’ll there!

 

Swimming Whilst Muslim

Sigh, the furore is so tiresome but you know, when an issue is raised, it’s better to address it than to sweep it under the carpet.

So let me try to give a few tips especially to any one who is non-Muslim who has read this story.

The point here is the propaganda being stirred up by the headline alone.

The words “forced”, “darkness” and “Muslim women” are used to stir up anger for a story that in reality does not hold much water.

Why? Because, no one is being forced to use the swimming facilities, the people requesting tinted windows were not ALL Muslim women or men, the council had a choice to meet the request put to them or to reject it. They, as a whole thought it would be better for their community to tint the windows so you cannot blame Muslim women for that, so why use such a scare tactic to sell a non story?

Reality Check!

1) Many councils have noticed that there is a demand for women only swimming, gym and other sessions. These do not cater purely for Muslim women or the Muslim community.

Having taken my kiddo swimming on many such occasions, I have listened to the comments and banter around me. Most of the women who choose women only sessions, like it and go to places that offer such services.

Women only sessions are also run by women only staff so the point being raised that there would be men life guards or swimmers are unfounded in my opinion.

It would defeat some of the reasons behind wanting tinted windows to preserve modesty.

2) Tinting the windows does not stop the people who use any of the facilities from seeing out.

It’s only there to stop people from seeing in, so visually, no one is being hindered.

3) Even on bright days, for health and safety reasons, there are lights switched on so I doubt that anyone is being forced to swim in darkness.

Over exaggeration is putting it mildly!

4) What is wrong with wanting to protect ones modesty?

If catering for that need brings such upset, I can only wonder why?

5) The only “political correctness here”, is the fact that the council saw that tinting the windows does not take away from the modern look of the building, does more to protect public decency, allows more of the community to use it than not and more over, is allowing a group of women who would be restricted in getting excercise to have a place to get it outside of their home.

And that is a bad thing??

HA!

Why such anger over something that could have just as easily been rejected?

As one commenter on the newspaper site pointed out, if as an individual you find the tinted windows such a problem, the protest by not using the service!

Do not sit on your back side and use Muslim Women as scape goats for another media fueled load of bile.

Khalas!

Fin!

End!

On a last note, I saw some commentors making the assumption that a non-Muslim person would not be catered for (ie, wearing bikinis, swimming in an “open” environment etc) if they visited a “Muslim” country.

FYI, countries that are predominantly Muslim do cater in those ways for non – Muslim visitors.

A Prime example of that would be Saudi Arabia.

There, they have compounds for ex pats where Muslims are not allowed, drinking is allowed, wearing shorts, bikinis, no headscarves, mixing of the sexes, celebrations of religious festivals etc (to give a very short and broad list) is all allowed.

To get into those compounds, a person has to have a permit or be invited by someone who already lives within one. And there are many of them!

These compounds have slightly different rules to that of the rest of Saudi Arabia, are there to allow a non – Muslim to feel as free as they wish, are minded by security and are normally run by ex pats.

Saudi Arabia is one of the first places that pop into people’s minds when it comes to issues like this. The problems arise for ex pats when they wish to take this “freedom” into areas that have been made clear to them that it would not be accepted in.

If that happens, the person usually ends up having to admit that they knew the area in which they were caught breaking a law in,was off-limits and they were at fault.

So yes, Muslim lands do cater for non – Muslims, you just get to hear about the few who choose to break laws in those countries.

I have expat friends who have emigrated from here to such countries, as Muslims and non – Muslims, and none have experienced any problems adjusting to life there, following the laws there and being a part of the community there.

The problem here, is that no matter what Muslims do to be a part of society without compromising their religious beliefs, it is not accepted.

 

Niqab Blog Link

I’ve found this great blog written by a group of sisters and I wanted to add them onto my blog roll (but being still rubbish at this thing, I could not do it).
But to cut a long story short, I’m linking them here as I have  just spent the last few hours trolling through their articles and loved them all!

Masha Allah, I think the sisters have written some beautiful stories and enlightened me on the universal dislike of women who veil. Rather than the angry rants which I write ( there are a few other articles which I have not linked), they have given calmer responses and tips on the life of a veiled woman.

It’s worth the read (in my opinion) and I pray that they all continue to strive in the path of Islam, doing what is pleasing to Allah, striving to be patient in times of strife etc etc Ameen.

I found them through a brother’s blog link (they are on his blog roll) and I truly enjoyed reading it. Although I have not commented on either blog, I hope that they do not mind me linking them here, as I will continue to read their blogs from the side lines for now.

 

World Cup Drama

My heart has been in my throat for over ninety (90) minutes and it’s still stuck there now.
It’s extra time with my team tying with Uruguay and the atmosphere is electric.

For the past twenty-four (24) hours, I’ve noticed that the hope of all Africa is not only pinned on Ghana, but the world as a whole has taken stock of how well the team have played.
This match I think is one to beat the rest.
Both teams have not only played exceptionally well but there is not much to separate them in terms of determination, fight, hope and eagerness to win.
This is so intense!
I have to say, if we do go through, history will have been truly made!

COME ON GHANA!!!!!

Will update after extra time/ maybe penalties etc.
The dream is still alive right now and I hope it is kept alive for the next round.

COME ON TEAM!!

Update:

One (1) missed penalty and now we’re in penalty shoot out!

I can’t take this!

We are one (1) nil down and Gyan is about to take the first (1st) penalty.
Appiah takes the next and it’s still tied!
Mensah takes his and misses!
NO!!!!!!!
Uruguay misses their next shot and we still have hope!
Adiyah misses the next penalty! WHY??????

Uruguay win!

Africa is heart broken!

Oh man.
GUTTED

We are out.

They have all played very well but we are gutted.

 

Am I Only English When It Suites You

It’s funny how color can mean a lot depending on which side of the spectrum you fall.

I mean when it comes to loyalty to a person’s country of birth or competitions, to traditions or the lack thereof, when it comes to skin tone, accents, tastes etc, a person can either be easily accepted into different circles or have it used as a prodding stick to push them aside.

During my meetings with kiddo’s head mistress about my upcoming interview, one of the questions that kept popping up in the survey was  “What country are you from?”

“Do all your friends come from the same country as you?”

There were quiet a lot of questions that not only shocked the head but astounded her. She realized that even with such a diverse range of colors, cultures and backgrounds running around the play fields, a particular group of them could not get past skin difference.

Even at such tender ages, racial differences play such a major role in opinions of others and the way we treat them.

I asked the question that was burning in the head’s  eyes. : Why do people presume that every person that it not like them is from somewhere foreign?

She looked at me with despair in her eyes.

But the reason why I ask this question is more to do with identity.

White South Africans (the only group I can think of right now) have felt the same rejection that I am talking about. They have for many years, even though born there, not been accepted by their Black counter parts. And they don’t understand why.
Well, I can tell them why.
Because “you’re not black enough!”
Sorry, that’s the bare-faced fact.
Born and bred here, many Black people get the same thing.
When asked: “where do you come from?” and the person answers:”from xyz”, their white counterpart usually corrects themselves by saying: “where were you born” or “where are your parents originally from”?

It does not matter if you are a third (3rd) generation or what ever and you have never traveled even to the coast for a holiday, you are still not “English” enough.
You never will be.

But especially in the world of sport I notice this more.
If the team wins, everyone on the team is British.
As soon as they lose, them everyone’s background history all of a sudden becomes relevant as to the team’s performance (check out the world cup commentaries for good examples or the athletics).

As long as the person’s performance is of benefit to this country, then they can call themselves British till the cows come home. But woe betide the person who loses!

Are you not first and foremost whatever country you are born in?

 

Get A Grip!

Sometimes I have to really wonder what the agenda of this particular newspaper is.

Their articles can sometimes be so biased, inaccurate or so wishy-washy that it is almost dangerous to have an article printed about any particular group in it!

Take this one as another example. I got warned on several occasions to stop reading articles from them but the first one took such a liberty that I am actually doing a small piece on how stupid they are.

It could get ugly so be warned.

The article is talking about a very small percentage of Muslim parents choosing to take their children out of music lessons because it goes against their religious belief.
I did that too but with a compromise which as usual the article did not bother to mention.

Music is not forbidden in Islam, it’s the type of instruments used, lyrics and environment in which the music being used for that falls into question.
If that is addressed, there is no issue in a Muslim child being part of a class that is taught music.
The real problem for Muslim families is that the instruments being taught, all fall out of the permitted limitations of what the religion allows so rather than their child sitting idly in a corner, the parent has chosen to take them out of the lesson. So what??

It’s not that long ago that a parent chose to not let their teenage daughter attend a field trip to a mosque because the school had requested that all girls carry a headscarf (which would be put on whilst inside the mosque) and to wear long skirts or trousers for the trip. The parent and others, decided that even though the trip was part of the school curriculum, that it went against their religious beliefs therefor they pulled their children out of the trip.

If I, as a parent, do not wish for my child to learn certain aspects of a school curriculum, and make provisions for the child during that time, where is the problem?
When I found out that kiddo wanted to learn the violin, I sat her down, explained why she could not, gave her an alternative instrument, went to the school and explained to both the music tutor and the head why, gave them examples of the type of music she was allowed to play and that was the end of the matter. It did not disrupt the tutor’s planned lessons, it did not leave my kiddo being the “odd” one out and the school did not mind at all.
That was me having it easy.
Educational authorities do not provide the type of musical instrument that a Muslim child is allowed to play so the parent, if they choose to adhere to the tenets of their faith, must either provide the instrument themselves with some guidelines to what kind of lyrics etc the child can sing/ participate in or be left with no choice but to take their child out of the lesson.
Where is the big deal in that and why all the fuss?

There is no room for manoeuver if you are Muslim now a days and everything is up for debate.
Fine, I like talking and I do have time to explain things. You may not like what you hear but stop trying to make my religion seem weird.
It’s not. Your mind is just not ready to listen, hear and logically process some of the tenets within it at the moment. That’s cool. I don’t expect anyone to do that.
But if something is fundamental to me, like how I choose to raise my child, how I choose to dress, eat, associate with others etc, don’t make it seem like I’m in the wrong just because it goes against what you want for me.

Music is enjoyed in many forms but some are just plain stupid, dangerous and belittling.
Music can incite passion, love, hatred, anger, sadness,fear and many other emotions whether positive or negative in a person.

From a religious (more pointedly Islamic) point of view, some types of music are seen as leading to things that can be sinful.

As they saying goes, “prevention is better than cure” so if a parents feels that by listening or playing music, it can lead to a form of corruption that will lead their child to sin, is there a problem in them restricting their access to it?

By sticking to their religious beliefs, should a parent be demonized for it?

In fact, a point that has been missed entirely is that there are many Muslim artists out there who write music targeted at Muslim children and adults alike. Google the word “Nasheeds” or youtube it for your self and see/ hear the many diverse music written and sung by Muslims for Muslims!

So stupid is this article, that the conclusion can only be that diversion is needed on the political front (thus the Tory MP wanting to ban facial covering esp the “burqah”) to divert from the more pressing social issues, diversion from the other non stories (having a slow day darlings?) that will not sell their papers so it’s back to inciting religious division starting with the kiddies this time.

Upon a little further investigation, the editors, journalist and sources used would have realized that this issue (learning music) does not benefit the vast majority of people anyway. How many millions of students having learned to play an instrument, have gone on and forged careers within the music industry?
What percentage of this country rely purely on music as the only source of talent, income or progress that benefits this country as a whole?

Looking at some of the inane lyrics, actions of “artists” and the whole music scene ( the drug use, abuse, corruption, degradation of the women artists, the down hill moral stance of the said artists, “diva like” attitudes etc) what sane parent, wants their child to emulate any of the people topping the charts right now?

And what exactly are the children missing from not playing or listening to music?

Get a grip man!

 

Progeria And Nome Disease.

Having been inspired some years back by the story of Hailey, a young girl who suffers from Progeria, I was very happy to see a documentary recently updating the public on her battle to live.

Having already over come so many trails and obstacles, Hailey has grown into a very mature pre teen with a wonderful family net work and friends supporting her, standing up for her and doing their best to help her to live a full life.

Hailey is an inspiration to me.

When I even think of her, I cry. But never out of sympathy for her. Far from that, I cry with humility at her great strength of character, her beautiful smile, her maturity and trust in her family.
The documentary took us through some medical trials that hopefully will pro long her life. It took us through her journey starting secondary school and the adjustments she needed to make now she was an even bigger girl. It was so brilliant to see.

I am writing this article to bring awareness not on her but on the disease.
There are many unique genetic disorders out there that are so rare, they are unheard of by the vast majority.

Another illness I wanted to mention is NOME disease.
I did not know about it until very recently through another documentary.
A group of doctors and surgeons travel every year to Ethiopia to treat children with facial disfigurements so serious that most would never be able to eat, talk, function or in worst case scenarios, be accepted in their communities.
Nome disease from the studies carried out so far, had recognised that malnutrition babies were being infected by some flesh-eating disorder affecting their faces. And I mean, the flesh and bones were being eaten away leaving huge holes where their jaws, teeth and eyes should be.
Some children, would need several operations just to rebuild their faces a procedure that is life threatening for some,very complicated but life changing for those who managed to get it done.

The doctors who flew out there, did all the operations for free, traveled with as much equipment as they could carry, and relied on donations to be able to carry out their work. They had only a few weeks out there to try to see as many patients as possible, make the heartbreaking decisions as to who they could treat and do as good a job as possible with the lack of decent facilities available to them.
I have yet to find the link for the organisations raising awareness for this cause but once I do, I will post it up. Please donate.

 

Still In Melt Down

Hello peoples!!!

Man oh man, things are still not going too well. I still have not been able to replace my computer since it got blown up and I am now hogging my friends computer for the next few days to give you all a basic catch up on the saga of madandloud.

To begin with, I’ve got world cup fever! I never liked watching football before but the hubster and my countrie’s team have got me on tenter hooks for this world cup.

We have managed to get through to the quarter finals as the only African nation left in the competition but all hope is not yet lost!

I’ve been waving my flag, got my friends supporting us as honorary Africans and I have watched almost every match so far regardless of who is playing.

I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed the highs and lows, the last match had my heart going in the hope that “we” got through to the next round (and we did it!).

I could go on and on like I’m some sports expert (but I’m not lol) but we’ll see if we can beat the other teams to get through to the next rounds.

Go team!

Next on the agenda, I went for some entry exams to start a new course and I passed!

So chuffed with myself and very excited. Come this September, I’ll be a student again which is a bit on the scary side but, the motivation has not waned.

Also on the agenda in the next few weeks is a school assembly at my kiddo’s school to do a small talk on being a Muslim woman.

After having had a confrontation with some young students a while back, I dragged them (not physically!) into the head mistress’s office to make it clear that they were not allowed to abuse me nor would I tolerate such behaviour from them.

The head decided to use the incident as a focus point to interview me for the up coming assembly to bring more awareness to the students about Muslim women’s clothing policy (to put it nicely) and to give me a chance to clear some of the misconceptions that some students have in regards to the “image” of Islam, why women wear what we wear and a few other topics.

Since that initial meeting, the head and I have put together some slides, done a survey of what questions the students would like answered etc and God willing (Insha Allah), we are going to do an interview style assembly so I can answer some of them.

Looking forward to that a lot!

Kiddo can’t wait as it’s a source of pride for her to have Mum come to school and show her friends how nice I am lol. Hope I do her justice.

Hayfever has hit kiddo badly so, I’ve used it as an excuse to be away from a lot of things recently including hunting down a new hard drive, blogging, socialising etc.

Oh, so many little things has been going on, it’s amazing how much we all fit into short time spans.

But give me a few hours or so, I’m  going to write about a programe that I saw recently that has moved me (well actually it’s two different programs but I will combine them into one article).

See you soon.

Peace out.

 

Computer Meltdown (again!)

Just  a quick notice.

Unfortunately, lil Miss Kiddo has blown my computerby stticking a needle into the hard drive a few days back so I am having to borrow a friend’s lap top to  send a quick message.

I will not be doing any posts until I get a replacement computer (c/o Mr Hubster) so forgive me.

Hopefully, I will be back before the end of the week, but since it’s school holidays, I am planning to take advantage and just chill. I mean literally chill, no major house work, no shopping, no cooking (if only!) and defo no running around after Miss Kiddo.

Ahhhh, feeling the lie-ins, the laziness settling in, the mayhem………..

See you soon!

Peace