1 | POETRY
1 | POETRY
CONTENTS CONTENTS
6 HEAR ME OUT: The Problem With Misrepresentation in Entertainment 8 CREATIVE WRITING: Where I Belong 10 POETRY: The Devil’s Game 11 AN APPLE A DAY: Exercise and Mental Health 12 FEATURE: Do We Need to Deactivate Activism? 17 RECIPE: Home-Style Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread 18 NOT IN THE NEWS: The True Cost of Fast Fashion 20 MY PERSPECTIVE: A Love Letter: To My Muslim Hijabi Sisters 22 NEWS AND CURRENT EVENTS: Zellenial Advocacy
Editor-in-Chief: Hareem Syed Head Editor: Ali Bukhari Assistant Editor: Haleema Ahmed Health & Science Editor: Isra Iqbal News & Current Events Editor: Sumaiyah Choudry
Lifestyle Editor: Zaina Khan Creative Fiction Editor: Yasmin Said Creative Non-Fiction Editor: Firdose Khan Spirituality Editor: Aamna Idrees Website Article Editor: Nura Rasoul Head Designer: Aqsa Rehman
Assistant Head Designer: Ahmed Saleem Designers: Ahmed Javed, Noora Sahib, Vania Amer, Saif Khan Cover photo: Zayna Siddiqui
Dear Reader, Assalamualaikum! From social media activism to protests in the streets, around every corner awaits a brand new movement taking our youth by storm. As young Canadian Muslims, where do we stand in this whirlwind of social and global change? In this issue, titled Think Globally, Act Locally, our talented writers explore the importance of taking action at the grassroots level in our local environment while considering the well-being of the entire planet in our goals. Starting on a local scale can initiate a domino effect. If we begin by improving ourselves and taking action in our immediate environment, before we know it, our families will follow suit to emulate our improvements. Eventually, we may be joined by our friends, communities, and so on. Once our individual goals become shared, global change is in motion. Our Feature delves into an overlooked yet important discussion about balancing activism with our daily lives and personal well-being. In a commentary on the entertainment industry, Hear Me Out outlines the steps we can take towards more accurate representation. Find a good reason to ditch the trends in our Not in the News piece, which explores the harsh reality behind fast fashion.
Moreover, make sure to check out our new sections! The Career Chronicles features interviews with professionals from different fields who offer excellent guidelines and sound advice on a diverse range of career paths. Our Poetry section opens the floor to all of the poetic souls out there who wish to convey a powerful message through this expressive and creative medium. With the turn of each page, seek motivation and inspiration in the works of our authors. We hope this issue encourages you to take initiative and set off that domino effect. Remember, change has to start somewhere—why not with us? Until next time,
Hareem Syed Editor-in-Chief
Q&A
JUST ASK
1. How do we explain the difference between culture and religion to our parents when they have been fused so strongly (e.g., interracial marriage, racism, etc.)?
It is essential to be patient and maintain a line of respect and kindness with our parents. We are reminded, in Chapter 16, Verse 125 of the Qur’an, that when we are speaking with anyone in matters of faith, we must speak with wisdom, knowledge and must use the best of manners—this includes our parents. Take time to understand that culture often precedes faith. During the time of the Prophet (PBUH),¹ some of the companions questioned leaving off previous cultural holidays and replacing them with the two Eids. Similarly, our parental generation may still be holding on to deep-seated cultural practices. To move forward, they need to learn about their faith and, specifically, to learn that adherence to faith supersedes adherence to culture. This is made clear in Chapter 2, Verse 170 and Chapter 5, Verse 104 of the Qur’an where it is demonstrated that following past cultural practices can prevent us from following Islam. Regarding racism and interracial marriage, looking at the life of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) provides a solution and it will be very difficult for a believer to deny the risalah² and sunnah3 after declaring belief in Muhammad (PBUH) as the servant and final messenger of Allah.4 First, the second wife of the Prophet (PBUH) and mother to the believers5 was Sawda bint Zam’ah and she was Black. Second, in the final sermon, the Prophet (PBUH) made it crystal clear that racism has no place in Islam, nor in the heart of the believer. Providing direct examples such as the above is a good method to shed light on facts when debating about faith versus culture.
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2. What should I do when I am anxious, depressed, and unable to share anything with my family? Mental health and well-being are important parts of our lives, especially as we grow through our adolescence into adulthood. During the growth process, it is normal for several hormones to be in flux which may result in anxiety or mental illness, such as depression. When experiencing regular and/ or unexplained bouts of feeling mentally unwell, seeking help is essential. Our parents or siblings often have a vested interest in ensuring we are safe, secure and healthy; however, there are times when one may worry about being judged or may feel that their family is not equipped to support them due to lack of knowledge, or even a lack of availability. So, where can you seek help in this situation? Anywhere in Canada, a person can call 211 or access 211.ca. This is a publicly funded service that provides access to local mental health supports. Another possibility is Naseeha Youth Helpline (Naseeha.org) or Kids Help Phone (kidshelpphone.ca) where you can talk to a live counsellor. There may also be other people who you trust such as a close friend, cousin, teacher, imam6 or doctor. The most important part of this process is taking the first step to seeking help and support when experiencing anxiety and/or unexplained, sudden sadness. ¹. PBUH: peace be upon him ². Risalah: messengership ³. Sunnah: the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 4. Allah: God 5. Qur’an, 33:6 6. Imam: Islamic leadership position. Questions answered by: Omar Zia B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed., OCT High School Vice Principal
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
CAREER CHRONICLES THE
About the interviewee: Sumaiya Nuur is a Canadian, Muslim woman of Somali origin. She has seen a slew of programs and industries during her undergraduate studies. Now, as a Pharmacy Technician at Pharma Plus, she looks back at her academic trajectory.
Can you describe your career path into pharmaceutical sciences? I tried out a lot of different courses, but settled on a major in Biochemistry at the University of Guelph. If I had to pick a reason, it would be to challenge myself... I wanted to see if I was dedicated enough to pull through. There are two ways really to get to the technician role: You can take a two-year diploma at a college, or you can take certain science courses as part of your undergraduate degree. I took the second route. It’s a regulated title, so you have to be registered with the College of Pharmacists and write a licensing exam. What does your current role involve? I graduated and started working during the pandemic, which was a challenging time to enter the workforce, to say the least. The field is super hectic right now, especially if you’re working in a hospital or retail, like me! I’m always on my feet and interacting with clients. But there were also more opportunities due to Covid-19. I was able to support preparing vaccines as a placement student, and as a graduate, I can even administer the vaccine. How does spirituality drive your work? Deen was a big motivator for me. I think a lot of people have this idea: We won’t have a place in the world as women or we won’t be contributing members of society. I didn’t want to use religion as an excuse to sit at home and not do anything. According to religion, we’re supposed to be gogetters and people that bring positive change. And whatever you do, do it with excellence, no matter what profession.
What’s your advice for students entering the field? I would advise them to have thick skin. Unlike doctors, you’re interacting with patients for a longer period of time. You might face pushy patients that will rush you or demean you, or there might be microaggressions. You have to hold yourself back and not react to them.
Whatever you do, do it with excellence. My second piece of advice is to have something planned for the future. Being a pharmacy technician can be limiting in terms of promotions. I’m looking right now for other ways to grow. For example, you can take your experience as a manager and become a project manager in any field. Do you have a motto that you live by? I always tell people, ‘don’t be afraid to make changes.’ Don’t let external pressures stop you from making the decision you need to make. People might ask: Why are you hopping around? But according to research, the longer you stay, the less chance there is to get a promotion. It’s kind of counter-intuitive. Don’t be afraid to switch a job or program that isn’t working for you. Interviewer: Saamiyah Ali-Mohammed, HBSc, MPH, MSW(c) Community Health & Education Specialist, CAMH
THE CAREER CHRONICLES | 5
THE PROBLEM WITH MISREPRESENTATION M IS REP R ESE NTATIO N IN ENTERTAINMENT Nura Rasoul, 19
Diversity in entertainment is essential because it allows the media to account for the diversity of their audience, while creating inclusion for those seeking acceptance. It also provides the audience with an opportunity to educate themselves on a multitude of cultures. So, why don’t streaming services include more diversity? The answer is simple: they do. However, this diversity does not equate to accurate representation. Instead, it is riddled with racist connotations, perpetuates negative stereotypes, and rather than solving the problem of lack of diversity, seems to make it worse.
The prevalence of misrepresentation in entertainment does more harm than good, as it conveys the wrong message to society.
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The Spanish drama Elite (2018-) showcases teenage Muslim Nadia, who takes off her hijab on multiple occasions throughout the show in an attempt to ‘fit in’ and even impress a boy at her school, all while being portrayed as ‘empowering.’1 This not only disrespects women in the Muslim community, but it adds to the negative stereotype that they are oppressed. It can be discouraging to see one’s religion being demeaned in such a blatant manner, especially for the youth. Another example of misrepresentation would be how Black women are typically portrayed as aggressive with no vulnerability or layers of personality.
Khalife, L. (2019, September 9). The female Muslim character on 'ELITE' perpetuates all stereotypes. StepFeed. 2. Harris, T. W. (2015, July 3). "Oh, girl, get up. you got this": Why the "strong black woman" stereotype is an albatross. Salon. 3. CBC/Radio Canada. (2008, October 22). The 'drunken Indian' stereotype and SOCIAL Healing. CBCnews. 4. Mukkamala, S., & Suyemoto, K. L. (2018, July 26). Asian American Womens' experiences of discrimination. American Psychological Association.
This archetype stems from stereotypical views of African Americans.2 Indigenous men are also misrepresented and have negative connotations attached to their characters.3 Asian-Americans are not only over-sexualized, but they are also often regarded as intellectuals and nothing more.4 These stereotypes negatively impact the real world, as people who are not part of certain ethnic groups may truly believe the negative representation. The prevalence of misrepresentation in entertainment does more harm than good, as it conveys the wrong message to society. Although there are positive representatives of ethnic groups, such as Nabila and Siddiq in The Walking Dead (2010), or the popular Indian teen, Devi, in Never Have I Ever (2020), it is essential for us to take a step forward and educate others in order to eliminate inaccurate representation. Some of these steps include: 1. Educating peers on real and more accurate issues to ensure that they do not believe negative stereotypes to be realities. Try raising awareness on actual topics that relate to ethnic groups. 2. Stop giving negative media attention. An example of this would be “hate-watching,” the act of watching a series or movie only to see how ‘bad’ it could be. This not only allows the industry to profit off of misrepresentation, but gives it more attention in the media. 3. Engage in discussions and local clubs to encourage diversity. Reaching out and educating yourself on other religions and cultures can reduce negative stereotypical thought processes.
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6 | HEAR ME OUT
Finally, make an active effort to amplify the voices of minorities. After all, why shouldn’t the audience look forward to having their stories represented rather than fear these tiresome stereotypes? Showrunners need to take a step back and realize that their shows have real-world implications.
Yasmin Said, 19
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
Ironically, I realized I had my wish all wrong. For it to come true, it first meant turning that wish into implementable actions, which would gradually create a better world. You see, the problem was not the world itself. The problem was the collective mindset that we all wished to see something better when in actuality no one was taking the steps to get there.
Upon realizing this, I felt a sudden urge to not only want to do better but be better. “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” they say. Instead of critiquing and just seeing the world, we individuals ultimately have a moral responsibility to shift the way our shared society functions so that as a whole, it will favour good and steer away from harm. I believe that we are not there just yet, but it is within reach. No matter how hard we try, I realize that we will never live in a perfect world because this world was not created to be perfect. It was never supposed to be an exact image of what we crave from this life. The creation of change should not be absent from the lives of those who want to see change.
The responsibility to create a better world and to be better starts with us—all of us. So that instead of seeing perfection we
It was the idea that I was sitting and wishing for the world to be different; to simply change itself and be better instead of going out and making change.
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I once believed that a perfect world consisted of a place where everything was almost equal, if not completely fair. It was almost humorous, as I could not tell if that was my hope for the world or if I wished to fool myself into thinking it was already present. The more I thought about it, the more I realized why I found it so funny. It was the idea that I was sitting and wishing for the world to be different; to simply change itself and be better instead of going out and making change.
Artwork by Aya Taji, 22
will start to see progression, shifting our ultimate goal to one that we can actually attain. Living in a perfect world and being your best self only means acknowledging that the world needs to be better and pushing yourself to create that change. Yet, in this progressing world, perhaps the hidden beauty is in just that, so perfectly imperfect.
HEAR ME OUT | 7
WHERE I BELONG
Aleesha Merchant, 15
They say that the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. Some people spend their whole lives trying to figure out who they are and why they are here. For me, it was never really a choice. “Amaria! We’ll be late for the choosing!” my mother scolded. Ironically, they call it “the choosing” when we have never made a choice in our lives. This is the life I have endured for 18 years, but today, I will get a new life—whether I like it or not. This is all thanks to the LC199, a machine that is guaranteed to find the perfect life for you. I make my way into the auditorium as the crowd sits silent and perfect. Most of my friends could not understand why I did not reveal that all my choices were made for me. I can not blame them. When you spend your life believing that it is supposed to be a certain way, you never question things. Despite hating the machine for stripping me of my freedom, I sat down, trembling. It processed my information as I held my breath.
“I had never been allowed to make decisions for myself; yet suddenly, I had all the power.”
“Future found. Occupation: Head Chairlady.” I froze in my seat. The crowd gasped. The last chairman was chosen 50 years ago, and never since. He was the only person who got to make decisions along with a few advisors. Now it was all up to me, the Head Chairlady. I had never been allowed to make decisions for myself; yet suddenly, I had all the power. The worst part is that I had no idea what to do with it.
8 | CREATIVE WRITING
I distinctly heard the clock tower chime in the square, signifying the end of the workday. The townspeople moved in a line towards home, as guards lined up to keep everyone inside the borders, preventing them from escaping—a chance at free will. A life without choice. Without risks. Without true happiness. The door opened, snatching my attention as I saw Alex Diorman, an advisor who had escorted me here yesterday, entering my room. Immediately, I said to her, “Free them.” She stared, confused. “Free them,” I repeated, “The people. Tell them that they don’t have to do the jobs they were assigned by the LC199, which I want destroyed. They deserve to be free.” I expected her to argue, but surprisingly, she grinned. “Will you inform the rest of the council or proceed regardless of their votes? You have the power to make decisions without their input,” she reminded. “This has to be done,” I replied confidently. Many people did not know what to do with this new freedom. However, that was the beauty of the unknown. I resigned shortly after. I was not going to let anyone decide for me. They say that the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. I am ready to find out why.
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
LIFE’S ELEVENTH HOUR
Hareem Syed, 20 It all began with climate change. As temperatures increased across the globe, ice melted and sea levels rose. There were fires, heatwaves, and droughts alike. These disasters took away humankind’s basic necessities, but ignorance and indolence remained. The earth was crying out, but the human race refused to listen. On one of these sweltering hot days, many were laying on their lawns, their bodies soaking in the warmth of the burning sun. Others rested silently indoors, inevitably defeated by the harsh weather. Countless animals were also sprawled across the eerily noiseless landscape, and healthy vegetation was nowhere to be
found. They had all been unable to tolerate the blistering heat.
Seeking refuge from the dire state of the earth, one living being sat in a small patch of shade. Through the smog, he observed the terrain before him: dry, dwindled grass, and barren trees, some of which were still blazing with red hot flames. As he inhaled the smoky, polluted air, he realized he had become long accustomed to the putrid stench that filled his nostrils with each laboured breath. Drenched in sweat, he lazily rotated his head as he continued to view what had become of the world he once knew. He tried his best to take his mind off of his parched tongue and dry throat. He conjured thoughts of blue skies, lush greenery, cool water, and fresh air, realizing that dehydration was slowly getting the best of him.
“Earth was a gift to humanity, but they had taken their home for granted, and now it was melting into nothingness right before his eyes.”
Hope turned to despair. Thinking with a clouded mind, he desired for it all to be over. He wanted to shut his eyes and awaken in a different realm. Nevertheless, he kept trying to find a reason to hold on. He was seeking something to elevate his spirits, awaken his curiosity, and motivate him to survive. Perhaps there was someone like him out there.
Mustering up the little strength left in his feeble body, he managed to let out a weak sound. Amongst the crackling noises of the burning trees, he felt as though his voice echoed across the otherwise silent world. In reality, it was nothing but a measly “caw.” He waited, downheartedly, for a response. Any noise would have sufficed. Two minutes passed. Then five. Ten minutes later, he made his final decision. Through blurred vision, he looked at what remained for one last time: lifeless bodies, deserted buildings, futile vehicles and shrivelled up vegetation. Earth was a gift to humanity, but they had taken their home for granted, and now it was melting into nothingness right before his eyes. At last, he decided to allow himself to rest. Surrounded by the fires that had extinguished his will to live, the last sentient being on earth let his heavy eyes and burdened shoulders collapse. The crow fell off his perch. His spiritless body landed on the tawny blades of grass below, making a soft thud noise as his feathers collided with the scorched ground. With his fall, the eleventh hour came to a close.
CREATIVE WRITING | 9
THE
DEVIL’S GAME DEVIL’S Hania Jafri, 15 The world is black and white. White pawns have no choice but to fight. Their king tells them, “Our cause is just and right. Go. Start the charge to spread the light.” They make their move to destroy the night. Black Queen turns to her people to dispel their fright. “Just because we’re dark, they call us the night. They proudly claim to be the light. God created us different but equal, yet they decided they’re better. Are we going to take this anymore?” Pawns raise their fists, bishops clap and rooks roar. “Are we going to allow a repeat of history? Will we let them call our freedom a felony?” Knights rise up on their hind legs and neigh like fire. “Well done, my queen,” smiles Black King. “You always inspire.” Black Queen stands tall, lightheaded and strange. To her soldiers she nods, “Be the change.” Thus rise her bishop, pawn and knight; Hard and decisive our attack! The trusty triad, always ready to smite. Let them know, loud and clear, that the future is black!” Raising his head, Black Knight They raise their fists and stomp their feet, locks White Pawn in his sight. “Black is victory. White is defeat!” White King sneers when he sees her faithful stallion, While Black Knight tramples over a pawn, dispatching troops from his battalion. White Rook ends Black Rook’s song; “A small sacrifice,” he murmurs, “for the greater good.” White Bishop obliterates Black Knight; “To such lengths you go,” Black Queen mocks, “to fortify your many fall on both sides of the fight. falsehood.” The White Queen sees a chance to surprise Blazing with anger, White Queen advances. a distracted Bishop and ensure his demise. She plays, she teases, with the black triad she dances, But Black Rook reaches her in a flash, before putting an end to their hopes and chances. Turning her into ash. Black Queen, livid, rallies her troops. “No more holding back! A shout of triumph in the air, Black soldiers cheer, white soldiers stare. Black Queen laughs and proclaims, “Behold! Black Rook has changed the game!” Chaos unleashed as everyone fights harder, Death after death, martyr after martyr. Finally, White King is surrounded. Black Queen moves in; the trumpet is sounded. “No…” White King pleads. But she reminds him, “The harvest of your seeds.” She kneels on his neck, whispering, “Today we are freed.” “I…can’t…breathe…” Checkmate.
10 | POETRY
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
EXERCISE & MENTAL HEALTH Safa Khan, 13
Studies have shown the countless ways in which exercise can improve your mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and help decrease addiction, to list a few. When you exercise and get your body moving, you increase the blood flow to your brain, which enhances your body’s production of more norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate stress. Exercise also helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Anything that gets your blood flowing, like something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can help reduce stress.1 Similarly, exercise may decrease anxiety or depression. Science has shown that when you exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are natural hormones that make you feel good and help you feel less pain. When you exercise, you also increase your release of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that can help you feel happier. One particular study showed that when people either ran for 15 minutes or walked for one hour, they had increased self-reported happiness, which was correlated with less depression. 2 Exercise can also decrease addictions and temptations to various stimuli. You could be
Many people around the world struggle with their mental health, but educating people about the positive aspects of exercising could make a huge difference.
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Exercise, as we all know, is good for your body and brain. What benefits does exercise provide for our mental health, alongside our physical well-being?
addicted to anything—drugs, alcohol, maybe even chocolate! When your body wants that substance, it is looking for dopamine, which helps you feel relaxed or at ease. When you exercise, and your body is producing endorphins, that can give you the feeling you want. 3 In fact, one Hadith supports this claim. In this Hadith, Abu Hurairah mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good.”4 This particular Hadith outlines the importance of being physically healthy and strong. In order to exercise, you do not need to put on expensive gym clothes or do a strenuous workout. You can do something as easy as going for a quick run or walking to meetings to strengthen both your body and Imaan. Many people around the world struggle with their mental health, but educating people about the positive aspects of exercising could make a huge difference! If we start by motivating our family, friends, and neighbours to get up and do a simple physical activity, then, in the long run, we can get the whole city to be physically active! If we want to make change globally, we can start by acting locally. YouTube. (2021). 7 Mental Health Benefits Of Exercise: How Exercise Improves Physical and Mental Health! 4. HalalTrip, A. F. (2018, August 3). Keeping Your Body Fit: What Does Islam Say About Keeping Fit? 1. 2. 3.
AN APPLE A DAY | 11
DO WE NEED TO DEACTIVATE ACTIVISM? Rahima Adeel
Sahih Muslim, 49 Allah: God 3. SWT: Subhanahu wa ta'ala (Glorious and Exalted is He) 4. Surah at-Tawbah: ninth chapter (Surah) of the Qur'an, titled 'The Repentance' 5. Qur'an, 9:71 6. Ayah: verse in the Qur'an 1. 2.
12 | FEATURE
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
I am writing this article in late August 2021. This year alone, we have globally witnessed: farmers’ strike in India, forcible evacuation of Palestinians from their own homes, the kidnapping of thousands of children in Nigeria, and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. How many horrendous events have not reached this list? By the time this article has been edited, free of grammar errors and improper sentence structure, and ready to send to the printer, chances are, an editor or two will have reached out to me to update the aforementioned atrocity list. Grim, is it not? How are we to balance it all? How are we to think locally and act globally? How are we to balance mental and emotional well-being, personal goals and dreams, and obligations to self and others, all on top of social activism? Each day, news bulletins alert us of some new emergency, genocide, or civil uprising in another part of the world. It is difficult to enjoy our day-to-day lives with crimes against humanity taking place in the background. Not to mention the guilt of having ease while others have hardship, along with the guilt of not being able to do enough, or anything at all. So, this begs the question: do we need to deactivate activism? We often hear of the old adage, “all things in moderation.” Can this be said for social activism?  May we enjoy our day-to-day routines without the pressure of attending rallies, signing petitions, and/ or boycotting each and every product that supports war-funding corporations? Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; if he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.”1 Muslims are social activists by doctrine. Allah2 (SWT)3 commands standing up in the face of evil and wrongdoing, being the voice of the voiceless, and the maintenance of a just and equitable society. Muslims must help everyone in need, irrespective of faith, class, gender, and more. What do we do when we turn on our televisions and see thousands of displaced people, demolished homes, and destroyed livelihoods and dreams? By the time we address one calamity, it seems a half
dozen others arise. It is natural, and in fact, normal, to feel helpless. But, one must not be hopeless. Allah says in Surah At-Tawbah4, “The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: They enjoin what is just, forbid what is evil, 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.”5 From this beautiful ayah6, we may deduce other forms of social activism. Social activism includes prayer and charity. Being blessed with safety, we can send our prayers and donations to the oppressed locally and globally. I know the state of world affairs is distressing. I know you feel guilty, despondent, and helpless. I understand you may even feel afraid or ashamed about feeling these sentiments without being the one directly afflicted. Fear not. At the end of the day, as Muslims, we must remember Allah (SWT) tests us as He wills. So, while He is testing an individual with exile and hunger; perhaps, Allah wants you and I to show gratitude for our ease and do our parts by engaging in civic leadership and acts that will ease the plight of others on a local level. So, go easy on yourself and remember, it is okay to deactivate activism every now and then.
May we enjoy our day-to-day routines without the pressure of attending rallies, signing petitions, and/ or boycotting each and every product that supports war-funding corporations?
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FEATURE | 13
14 | COMIC
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
Written & illustrated by Saif Khan COMIC | 15
1 | POETRY
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
HOME-STYLE CHOCOLATE CHUNK BBANANA A N A N A BREAD B READ
Arub Syed, 16
A delicious and dense sweet treat filled with flavorful chocolate chunks and glazed with a unique topping for a sticky-sweet finish! Ingredients 2-3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better!) 1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine 1 tsp baking soda A pinch of salt ¾ cup of sugar 1 large or 2 small eggs, beaten Vanilla extract (to taste) ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 1 and ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ to ¾ cup of chocolate chips/chunks Topping (optional) Splash of milk Handful of chocolate chips Powdered sugar
Extra tips for the perfect banana bread! * Do not overmix your batter. Although tempting, using a stand-mixer, hand-mixer, or a whisk can incorporate too much air into the batter and leave your final product dry and less enjoyable. * Since the mixture is so dense, you may have to tent your banana bread with tinfoil some time into the baking process. This may be necessary if you feel that your banana bread is well-baked at the top, but still raw in the center. This happens depending on the size of your oven and other factors, but you can cover the top and bake for longer.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl. Stir in the melted butter or margarine with a spatula. 3. Add in the baking soda and salt. Mix. 4. Add in the sugar, beaten egg(s), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. 5. Slowly shake in the all-purpose flour and combine. Make sure to scrape the bowl to eliminate any pesky flour pockets! 6. Add chocolate chips/chunks. 7. Line your pan with parchment paper (8 x 8 cake pan or standard loaf pan) and pour in your mixture. Bake until a tester comes out clean, which can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Topping (Optional) If you want to give your banana bread a special kick, you can glaze it with a simple topping: 1. Add a splash of milk and a handful of chocolate into a small, microwave-safe bowl. 2. Microwave for 20 seconds, then mix to combine until the mixture is a thin, smooth consistency. 3. While your banana bread is warm, spread the mixture across the top and sides with a small spatula. Let it settle in. It should be a little drippy as the bread starts to absorb it. 4. Let cool, sift on some powdered sugar, cut into slices, and enjoy!
RECIPE | 17
Now, everyone “needs” a new outfit to post online, and with so many trends created yearly, the demand for new clothes at cheap prices has grown.
Chances are, you have often seen clothes on sale for under $15. While it may seem like snagging a great deal, the true cost is much darker. We first need to understand fast fashion, which is when big brand names create copies of popular designs at breakneck speeds, selling styles at a fraction of the cost.1 The price you pay for clothes directly correlates to the low wages paid to those who make the clothing. 1 in 6 people work in the fashion industry, mostly in developing countries, and are underpaid for their work and stuck in poverty.2 Of the final selling price of many articles of clothing made in foreign factories, only 1-3% is given to the person who made the piece.3 There are over 8,000 garment factories in Bangladesh, and the country is the second-largest clothing producer in the world, bringing in billions of dollars a year due to the industry alone.4 Four million Bengali citizens work in these factories.5 Employees often work long hours in terrible working conditions. Workers also have very high quotas to fill daily, and if they are not filled, their jobs are at risk.6 Why are so many clothes needed at such a fast pace? Enter social media. The reason fast fashion
has become so popular is because of wider media influence. Now, everyone “needs”a new outfit to post online, and with so many trends created yearly, the demand for new clothes at cheap prices has grown.7 On social media, you just need an outfit to look good in a picture. Then you can throw it away, right? Wrong. The environmental impact of fast fashion is devastating. Globally, 4 billion pounds of textile waste goes into landfills each year. The fashion industry is also responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions.8 Clothes are shipped multiple times in pursuit of cheaper labour and material. Freshwater is also used to dye clothing, and chemicals are dumped back into water, typically near factories in poor areas. So what are the solutions? While most fast fashion is not made to last, we can try to get more wear out of our outfits. We should also buy clothes on a needs instead of wants basis, be more intentional shoppers, and invest in long-lasting, quality pieces that we will wear regularly.9 We can also try to thrift clothing, and give our own excess clothing to people in our circles as hand-me-downs. Many things sent to thrift stores end up in landfills or back in the developing countries they were made in as waste. To truly extend clothing lifespans, we can keep them in closets longer. Become in control of your fashion, don’t let fashion trends control you.
Minhaj, H. (Director). (2019, November 25). The Ugly Truth Of Fast Fashion | Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. Netflix. 2. Teen Vogue (Director). (2018, September 21). The Problem with Fast Fashion. 3. 8. Fast Fashion’s Effect on People, The Planet, and You TEDx University of Mississippi [Video file]. (2017, March 08). 4. 6. Barrientos, M. (2021, May 24). The impact of fast fashion in Bangladesh. The Borgen Project. 5. Thomas, D. (2018, April 24). Why won’t we learn from the survivors of the rana plaza disaster? 7. Tan, Z. (2016, April 10). What happens when fashion becomes fast, disposable and cheap? 9. Rauturier, S. (2021, July 26). What is fast fashion? 1.
THE TRUE COST OF FAST FASHION Firdose Khan, 14
18 | NOT IN THE NEWS
THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF OPPRESSION ON HEALTH
Zaina Khan, 16
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
Though it is nothing new that illnesses, and even viral outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately affect racialized communities, this fact should not be dismissed as ‘normal.’
While the sociopolitical repercussions of racism and discrimination are often covered in the media, the detrimental impacts they have on mental and physical health are rarely discussed. Not only do news channels and social media activists ignore the adverse health implications these injustices can have on racialized communities, but they almost perpetuate them. People of colour are constantly bombarded with harmful depictions of members of their own community being brutally attacked online, which can take a significant toll on their mental health. This may result in psychological trauma and cause problems within one’s personal life and relationships, but it can also lead to mental disorders like chronic anxiety and depression.1
Moreover, substance abuse and addiction are often linked to the psychological manifestations of racial discrimination.2 A decline in mental health can serve as a segue into issues concerning physical health as well. Victims of racial discrimination often experience an increase in blood pressure and can even contract cardiovascular disease.3 Racialized and typically impoverished communities lack adequate healthcare services as well, putting them at a further disadvantage.
Not only do socioeconomic barriers create disparities in healthcare, but so do educational institutes that produce future health practitioners. Students in medical school are not sufficiently taught to recognize certain medical conditions on darker skin tones, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to diagnose an illness on a person of colour.4 This may allow otherwise identifiable symptoms to go unnoticed, putting black and brown individuals at risk. Medical textbooks and images depicting symptoms of disease online also rarely include dark skin, which contributes to the issue of racism in the healthcare system. The medical community is littered with dangerous misconceptions surrounding people of colour.
Some allow their political views to cloud their judgement and proceed with the notion that certain races have a higher tolerance for pain and, therefore, require less medical attention than non-racialized groups.5 Outdated textbooks even contain entire sections explaining the various thresholds of pain that certain ethnic and religious groups can withhold, which does not reflect factual evidence. Though it is nothing new that illnesses, and even viral outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately affect racialized communities, this fact should not be dismissed as ‘normal’. We, as a community, must take action against the inequalities surrounding the healthcare system and start advocating for change within it. It is important to note that although our end goal should focus on global change, local action is a significant first step.
Paradies, Y., Priest, N., Ben, J., Truong, M., Gupta, A., Pieterse, A., Kelaher, M., & Gee, G. (2013). Racism as a determinant of health: A protocol for conducting a systematic review and metaanalysis. Systematic Reviews, 2 (1). 4. McFarling, U. L. (2020, July 20). Lack of darker skin in textbooks, journals harms patients of color. STAT. 5. Sabin, J. A. (2020, January 6). How we fail black patients in pain. AAMC. 1. 2. 3.
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE | 19
A LOVE LETTER:
TO MY MUSLIM HIJABI SISTERS Fardowsa Ahmed, 25 Dear sisters, Recent events in Canada have probably taken a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health— such as the cold-blooded murder of a Muslim family in London, Ontario who were simply taking a stroll around their neighbourhood on a Sunday afternoon (May Allah1 have mercy on their souls). You needed the chance to breathe, to slow down, to process your emotions. But then, a sudden onslaught of Islamophobic attacks primarily targeting Muslim women occurred. I wish I could draw attention to the injustice faced by each and every person—but that is not the point of my letter. Wherever we turn, it seems like we are under attack. We are the chosen scapegoat for Islamophobic, xenophobic, and bigoted individuals who perceive us to be an easy target for their hate. On top of that, over the last few years, popular Hijabi influencers have increasingly opted to remove their hijab. This is not to condemn or cast judgement on their decision, but it does overwhelmingly leave girls who continue to wear hijab with a sense of abandonment: that the very limited number of people who visibly represent us no longer want to do so. One may therefore falsely conclude that no one really wants to wear hijab. That it has become passé—a burden. Why should you want to continue to wear it?
Hijab gives us spiritual beauty, an enduring light that transcends time, age, and era.
“
20 | MY PERSPECTIVE
Whatever the world and our ever-shifting social norms may be, there are still a few eternal truths: the beauty of hijab remains whether every single Muslim woman in the world were to wear it—or to forsake it. Not because wearing Hijab makes you better than anyone else or even morally superior— because truly, only Allah (SWT)2 can judge between us. It is beautiful because Allah chose it for us, and in doing so, chose to have us visibly represent our religion without us having to even utter a word. Hijab gives us spiritual beauty, an enduring light that transcends time, age, and era. It is present whether or not we wear makeup, the most fashionable clothing, or the latest hijab style. Know dear sister, that you matter and belong to our Beloved Creator in whose presence you are seen, heard, and appreciated, regardless of what anyone else thinks. We were not promised an easy life in this world. However, Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.3 Having support and approval from Hijabis and others feels good. Yet, like all things in this world, it is inherently flawed. Acts of worship like du’a4 are one of the best ways to address any anxieties, insecurities, and fears you may experience. Remember that there is no better supporter and protector to have than Allah. “Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.”5 Through trusting Him and making du’a, He can transform our fears and worldly dangers into a means of attaining true closeness to Him. With love, Your fellow Hijabi sister. Allah: God SWT: Subhanahu wa ta'ala (Glorious and Exalted is He) 3. Qur'an, 2:286 4. Du'a: The act of remembering Allah and calling upon Him 5. Qur'an, 3:173 1. 2.
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
THE ULTIMATE
QUEST FOR JUSTICE Karbala is about resistance in the face of oppression, injustice, and corruption.
Travelling back 1400 years in Islamic history, somewhere in the vast Arabian desert, we come upon the story of our dearest Prophet (SAWW)’s1 grandson. Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) has said, “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. Allah 2 loves whoever loves Hussain.”3 When exploring the concept of starting with oneself to make a bigger impact, Imam4 Hussain (AS)5 is one of the greatest examples. There is much to learn from his nobility and sacrifices. To this day, his refusal to pledge allegiance to a corrupt tyrant and the events of Karbala continue to have everlasting effects on a global scale. From his 6-month old son to his beloved young nephews to his lionhearted brother, he painfully lost many loved ones and companions in the battle of Karbala, and eventually his own life. Deprived of sustenance for days on end, the children and adults alike fought with bravery and faith against Yazid’s6 army of thousands. These virtuous descendants and supporters of our Holy Prophet (SAWW) were martyred in brutal ways and their bodies continued to be defaced even after their pious souls had returned to Allah. Those who remained, notably including Imam Hussain (AS)’s courageous sister, Lady Zainab (SA)7, were taken prisoners and carried on his legacy by spreading word of his message. Why did Prophet Muhammad (SAWW)’s family selflessly endure such hardship? Imam Hussain (AS) said, “I revolted not for wickedness nor for fame. Verily I rose only to seek for rectification in the nation of my grandfather, The Messenger of Allah.”8 He also said, “Don’t you see that the truth is not followed and the falsehood is not discouraged? (The situation is so severe) that a believer wishes to meet Allah (i.e., to die). Today I don’t see death but prosperity, and living with tyrants is nothing but disgust and disgrace.”9 Karbala is about resistance in the face of oppression, injustice, and corruption. By standing up against tyranny and unIslamic practices, Imam
Ahmet Polat / Pexels
Hareem Syed, 20
Hussain (AS) collapsed Yazid’s rule and preserved the beautiful religion Allah sent down to us. Undoubtedly, his sacrifices rescued Islamic teachings and paved the way for generations to come. People around the globe still commemorate Imam Hussain (AS)’s integrity and resilience. He reflected on the teachings of his beloved grandfather and acted on the principle of justice, which continues to inspire millions. Despite tragedy and loss, Imam Hussain (AS) is ultimately victorious. The message he hoped to convey through faith and courage has travelled throughout history and made its way to us, as we follow in his footsteps and strive to build morally just societies.
SAWW: Salla-llahu ‘alayhi wa-alihi wa-sallam (Blessings of God and peace be upon him and his progeny) 2. Allah: God 3. Al-Tirmidhi, Jami' at-Tirmidhi (3775) 4. Imam: Islamic leader 5. AS: Alayhi as-salam (peace be upon him) 6. Yazid: Second tyrant ruler of the Umayyad Caliphate 7. SA: Salamu-ilahi 'alayha (peace of God be upon her) 8. Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project Team 9. Shaykh Abu Nu'aym Ahmad al-Isphahani, Hilyat ul-Awliya wa Tabaqat-ul-Asfiya. 2, (p. 39) 1.
QUR'AN & HADITH GEMS | 21
L A I N E L L ZE Y C A C O ADV
Maryam Shah, 18
Zellenial: (noun) A group of people who are neither completely millennials or generation Z. They were born at the time where one generation ends and another begins and/ or their upbringing is partly millennial-like and partly generation Z-like. They cannot completely identify as being part of a single generation and feel somewhat lost. A cornerstone of the zellenial experience is advocacy and standing up for what we believe in, whether it is through donations, education, or joining an organization. At the same time, the feeling of hopelessness is unreal. So many children are tied to their parents. So many people are restrained by governments, health, and financial abilities. We are not taken seriously due to age. Our passions are seen as trends; fleeting, impossible to pin down. Politicians will not take us seriously because many of these problems do not impact them directly.
“
Virtual activism has the power to draw attention to topics that are often ignored, like censorship. For example, on Hasan Minhaj’s comedy show, "Patriot Act," he openly spoke about Saudi Arabia's government and its flaws. Due to the popularity of the show, and its power to reach and influence mass audiences, the episode ended up being blocked in KSA, but ultimately led to the show's cancellation. By sharing news over social media, causing a buzz, and having the latest human rights crises go viral, we are forcing our governments to pay attention to these issues. For example, in early 2020, when the brutal murder of George Floyd went viral, people compared policies, educated themselves on racism and police brutality, and did not lay off until the officers involved were convicted for their crimes.
By sharing news over social media, causing a buzz, and having the latest human rights crises go viral, we are forcing our governments to pay attention to these issues. Today, a lot of activism takes place on a local scale; school clubs, small grassroots organizations, etc. But there is one form of activism that many have adopted that can educate millions across the globe: social media activism. This new wave of activism may seem minor, unhelpful, and overall a waste of time, but when most of our networking, education, and entertainment occurs on the internet, there is so much potential.
22 | NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS
Social media and the internet are the newest tools used to advocate for social justice, to pressure the adults to actually take them seriously, to educate, and to help work towards a solution for a brighter tomorrow. This is how we are taken seriously, how we will move mountains, and how we will do anything we can to ensure that we are actually able to reach our desired future.
ISSUE 02 VOLUME 09
SHOULD WE CANCEL 'CANCEL CULTURE' If you have ever been online, you have likely seen someone get cancelled by online users. Whether it is quote retweets on Twitter or private death threats, cancel culture does more harm than good. Cancel culture is when the public expresses their disapproval of somebody’s actions to exert social change.¹ It has existed for centuries, in the way of public trials and humiliation. However, the ‘society’ of cancel culture has grown considerably because of the internet, and cancelling someone on the world stage upends their entire life. Cancellers (those who try to end a career based on one’s previous and current mistakes) often seek public validation. They call offenders out with the intent to be seen as heroic and morally high and not to stop the actual issue at hand. In the court of public opinion, there is no real law for what is right and what is wrong —just people’s personal morals, which differ and develop.² Attacking and cancelling someone for saying something controversial or different creates a fear of speaking out.³ You are elementally telling toxic people that they will not get away with what they are doing, but you are also telling people that they cannot speak their minds or they will be ostracized by society.
?
on unestablished creators, and the effects are career-breaking. Unless the person being called out has wide influence and their actions could grow worthy of worldwide public shame, do not cancel them. In local matters, taking things to the internet can cost the offender their entire livelihood, and creates a severely disproportionate battle.4 What should be done instead? We should spark dialogue between conflicting parties, as well as hold people accountable for their actions without exaggerating the offence.5 We also should not bring local issues to a global stage. Instead, we should work things out within our own communities first. Even if something is a worldwide issue, reprimanding one person publically will not change the underlying problem.
Firdose Khan, 14
“ In the court of public opinion, there is no real law for what is right and what is wrong—just people’s personal morals, which differ and develop.” ¹. Webster, M. (n.d.). Cancel culture. ². demonofdreams. (2020, December 10). Cancel culture is not social “justice”. YouTube. 3. 4. CBSNewsOnline (Producer). (2020, August 13. CBSN Originals presents “Speaking Frankly: Cancel Culture” | Full Documentary 5. Let’s Replace Cancel Culture with Accountability | Sonya Renee Taylor | TEDxAuckland [Video file]. (2021, January 22). 6. JubileeProject (Director). (2019, May 29). Should We Cancel Celebrities for Their Crimes? | Middle Ground [Video file].
Cancel culture does not always change or address larger issues at play, because of its focus on the individual.6 For example, if someone makes a racist comment, they are racist but only because racism exists in society as a whole. The same resources should be put into solving the core issue instead of attacking a single perpetrator. If we resolve issues at a local level instead of instantly bringing them to a global stage, we can slowly fix the problem from the inside out.
Cancel culture is especially hard
NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS | 23
MWC Food A Division of Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto
Since our inception, combating food insecurity has been the driving force behind many of our programs, enabling us to be leaders in the frontlines of the fight against hunger in Canada.
Muslim Welfare Canada is on a mission to help those in need across Canada and globally through various initiatives.
MWC Wellness MWC Wellness provides access to medical services for those without insurance, ensuring health equity for all.
MWC Children Unfortunately, many children in Canada and abroad lack basic necessities including food and adequate shelter, hindering their success and overall well being. We aim to change that.
Get involved. Donate now. Help the needy.
MWC Homes Since it’s inception, thousands of women and children have stayed at the Muslim Welfare Home. MWC operates programs that offer shelter and safety to women needing a lifeline.
Serving Humanity. Since 1993 100 McLevin Avenue, Suit 4, Toronto, ON M1B 5K1 1-866-754-3111 | muslim@mwcanda.org 1 | POETRY
MWC Relief Basic survival needs are lacking around the globe. MWC has been at the forefront of providing relief to those in need for years.
