VOL 09 ISS 03
SPRING 2022
OUR OUR ROARING ROARING 20s 20s
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
CONTENTS 6 Quran & Hadith Gems: Truth over Terror 9 Under the Microscope: Are Robots Going to Take Over the World? 10 Poetry: Dear Palestine 12 Feature: Over a Century 18 Recipe: Wholesome Hot & Sour Soup
Editor-in-Chief: Hareem Syed Head Editor: Ali Bukhari Assistant Editor: Haleema Ahmed Health & Science Editor: Isra lqbal 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: Ahmed Saleem Designers: Ahmed Javed, Aqsa Rehman, Asma Surangiwala, Noora Sahib, Saif Khan, Vania Amer
20 Hear Me Out: Coming to Terms with Feminism 23 MY Perspective: The Necessity of Uncomfortability
Dear Reader,
Assalamualaikum! As we ventured into this new decade, we were met with many unfamiliar challenges and changes. Alongside the onset of the pandemic, various social movements came to light, we witnessed political and cultural divides, underwent changes in mental health, and departed from loved ones while forming new connections. These experiences taught us many important lessons, and as we hope to approach a post-pandemic life in this new era, our curious minds wonder what the rest of this decade will look like after our reawakening as a society. In this issue, titled Our Roaring 20s, our brilliant writers speculate about the future, as they explore how we can go about building a prosperous society together and all of the new and exciting things this may entail. With the overarching lens of critical thinking and a glimpse into the past, they consider the steps we need to take in order to achieve our goals in this rapidly changing world. Our Feature takes a trip to the Roaring 20s and explores the state of the world 100 years ago, comparing it to our present-day circumstances. Our Under the Microscope piece considers the
possibility of an Artificial Intelligence takeover in this decade. Find a touching memory of a family trying to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr in our MY Memoir piece, as the author wishes for Palestine to find a reawakening in this new era as well. An Apple a Day teaches us the importance of eliminating toxic positivity from our lives so we can improve the future of mental health. While keeping in mind everything we have learned, we approach the future with curiosity, hope, and ambition. It is our wish that this issue will encourage readers to think critically and strive to make the best of our very own Roaring 20s.
Until next time,
Hareem Syed
Editor-in-Chief
1. How do we approach A rtificial Intelligence (AI) from an Islamic lens? Is it wrong to create technologies that replicat e God’s creations? Seeking knowledge is a principle that governs Islam. This is evident through numerous ahadith,1 such as, “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim and Muslimah.”2 The first word revealed to our Prophet (PBUH)3 is Iqra or Read, which is an invitation and command for humans to gain and use knowledge. Therefore, Muslims should be pursuers of knowledge and leaders in innovations that improve the world. During the Islamic Golden Age, Muslims engaged in creating inventions and innovations that still impact STEAM4 disciplines today. The term “Algorithm” comes from Muhammad Khwarizmi, who invented Algebra. Muhammad and Ahmad al-Hasan authored the Book of Ingenious Devices, which laid the foundation for robotics. Ismail Al Jazari is dubbed “The Father of Robotics” and “The Father of Engineering,” as he invented a programmable humanoid robot in 1206 AD, among other inventions.5
The foundations set by early Muslim scientists suggest that it is acceptable for Muslims to research and develop AI. A modern-day example is the Brain-Chip invention of Muslim scientist, Naweed Syed.6 It allows brain cells to connect with a silicon chip, making way for the first neurochip. Allah7 has created something from nothing, without any precedents. He simply says ‘Be’ and it is!8 Humans do not have this power, so there is no comparison between Allah’s creations and our inventions. AI cannot have a soul or be a “living” being. Robots are not humans, nor will they be held accountable as such. There is no inherent conflict between AI and Islam. Moreover, Muslims use gratitude to recognize that their knowledge is provided by Allah. We then fulfill opportunities that enhance our experience on Earth and help as many people as possible. AI has many applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and technology—all of which can help humanity.
Q&A
Questions answered by: Omar Zia, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed., OCT High School Principal
lims who have died? us M nno r fo a Du e ak m we n Ca 2. Du’a,9 or supplicating to Allah, creates a link between the believer and Creator without any intermediary, and provides hope, peace, and tranquillity. The believer earns the Mercy of the Creator and can maintain a good sense of self and a better sense of purpose. Supplication for other believers is also part of the believer’s credo. In one narration, the Prophet (PBUH) taught us that the Angels state, “and for you the same” when we supplicate for our brother or sister.10 Supplicating for a living non-Muslim is permitted and encouraged so long as it is for their guidance and the Creator’s mercy. This is evident in the Qur’an where Prophet Ibraheem (PBUH) supplicates for non-Muslims: “My Lord, they have led many people astray. Whoever follows me belongs with me; and whoever disobeys me—You are Forgiving and Merciful.”11
Supplicating for non-Muslims who have passed away while in a state of disbelief, is not supported by Islamic edicts. The Qur’an makes it clear that it is unbefitting of a believer to supplicate for anyone who dies in a state of disbelief.12 Prophet Ibraheem (PBUH) stopped supplicating for his father because he died a disbeliever. Therefore, it is advisable to do so for any non-Muslims while they are living. Ahadith: a collection of of traditions containing sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 2. Sunan ibn Majah 3. PBUH: Peace be upon him 4. Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics 5. 1001inventions.com 6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naweed_Syed 7. Allah: God 8. Qur’an 3:59, 36:82, 2:117, 16:40, 40:68, 6:73 9. Du’a: prayer 10. Sahih Muslim 1.
11.
4 | JUST ASK
12.
Qur’an 14:36 Qur’an 9:113
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
“Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers” Q: What motivated you to become a pharmacist? Almost everyone in my family is a doctor, so I planned to study either dentistry, optometry or medicine. Culturally, we think lowly of other healthcare professions. It’s almost like if you are not a doctor, it does not count. So I started out by shadowing these professions. During my work in a vision centre, I was offered a parallel position at the pharmacy. Within a week, I knew I was going to apply to pharmacy school. I never thought I would be that boring person counting pills, but when I started working there, I found that it was so much more than that. Q: What excites you about your job? Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers. We are the first door to the community. People will drop by whether they have a rash, eczema or a sore throat, and we might suggest over-the-counter medicines. We do not bill anyone if they stop by for our services. That was the first time I realized that I could really make a difference and help people without them having to go through all the hoops, like phone calls, appointments or wait times. Q: What are some highlights of your work? We were able to make a lot of impact during Covid-19. Doctors and nurses would have been really short-staffed and would not have been able to keep up with the demand without us. Pharmacists are also making a big impact when it comes to medication management. For example, if the patient goes to four different specialists, the doctors are not really communicating with each other. Because all the medications come to us, we notice when drugs are interacting with each other and we give the doctor a call.
Q: How rewarding is your profession? I’ll share an incident during my oncology rotation. One time, there was a chemotherapy patient who said her mouth was really dry. We went through her drug profile, and I asked some probing questions. It turned out she was taking one medication four times a day when the doctor had only prescribed it twice. I suggested talking to her doctor about it, but also considered that this could be a side effect of the medication. Doctors don’t always have time to ask in-depth questions, but helping someone in that moment when they feel hopeless and don’t know why something is happening is so rewarding. Q: What comes next for you? I’m trying to apply for a job in the Federal Drug Administration. If you’re in a particular role with the FDA, you can talk to them about commercializing halal vitamins, medication or meat. Once you make it to the regulatory bodies, you can make changes. It is time to take action now because we are the fourth or fifth generation of Muslims here, so we need to level up. Interviewer: Saamiyah Ali-Mohammed HBSc, MPH, MSW(c) Community Health & Education Specialist, CAMH
About the interviewee: Gohar Qadeer is a Muslim American of Pakistani origin. He completed a Doctorate of Pharmacy at Manchester University and works as a Pharmacist at Walmart. He shares with us his foray into pharmacy.
THE CAREER CHRONICLES
THE CAREER CHRONICLES | 5
TRUTH OVER TERROR: HOW THE QUR’AN GUIDES HUMANITY Ali Ashhar, 23 The Holy Qur’an is a book that God revealed for all of mankind. Ironically, its teachings have often been misinterpreted for preaching terrorism instead of peace. In reality, the Holy Qur’an is the opposite of a terrorist manifesto. It delivers peaceful instructions to all of humanity, stating, “Whoever kills an innocent human being, it is as he has killed all of mankind, and whoever saves an innocent human being, it is as he has saved all of mankind.”¹ How can a holy book preach hate and extremism while stating, “Good and evil can never be equal. Repel evil with what is good”?² An example of how a Muslim is made steadfast on righteousness is through the five pillars of Islam. These include the instruction to pray five times a day so that one may become God-conscious, or abstaining not only from food and water, but also from the evils of desire, in order to develop righteousness. Within the Holy Qur’an, we find many similarities between Christianity and Judaism. The tales of 25 prophets of mankind are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, all of whom come from different tribes and nations. The Holy Qur’an states, “Say we have believed in Allah, and in whatever was sent down on us, and whatever was sent down on Prophet Abraham, Ismael, Isaac and Jacob, and the grandson (the tribes) and whatever was bought to Moses and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between any of them.”³
The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 5, Verse 32 The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 41, Verse 34 3. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3, Verse 84 4. The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 16, Verse 90 5. Salim Al-Hassani, Muslim inventions that shaped the modern world, CNN (Inside the Middle East) by Olivia Sterns, http:// edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/01/29/muslim.inventions/ index.html 1. 2.
6 | QUR'AN & HADITH GEMS
Therefore, the Prophets and all of mankind, are meant to be united under the shared teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
" In today’s world, humanity can only prosper if every person, irrespective of their gender, colour, race, or status, is cherished" The Holy Qur’an creates an indispensable link between people, as it states, “Allah orders justice, kindness, and good conduct. He forbids injustice, immorality, and oppression.”4 There have been Muslim doctors, scientists, poets, athletes, and others following the real teachings of the Holy Qur’an to contribute to mankind. Surgery was invented by a Muslim doctor, Al Zahrawi, while Fatima al-Fihri founded the first degree-granting university in Fez, Morocco. The first medical center was founded in Egypt in the 9th century by Muslims. Athletes like Muhammad Ali were well-known for their philanthropic services during their lifetime. The teachings of 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi, inspire millions around the globe even today.5 In today’s world, humanity can only prosper if every person, irrespective of their gender, colour, race, or status, is cherished, and this is what the Holy Qur’an has always preached and what countless Muslims have practiced.
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
A phrase that is often heard and brings much comfort. Then why may we still feel traces of unease? As humans, we naturally crave knowledge. To know of what is to come—that next step. Anything that will ease in the comfort of knowing that we did our best so that, in the end, we can be content. Yet, as humans, that is our biggest flaw: the idea that we deserve to know instead of trusting Allah¹ as Al-Aleem.² He knows, and will forever know, the beginning, the middle, and the end.
“ He knows, and will forever know, the beginning, the middle, and the end.” If the Prophet of Allah refused to do his part, would Islam currently be the fastest growing religion practiced by billions worldwide? The beautiful reality is that when we act to the best of our abilities, everything will go according to Allah’s plan, the Best of Planners. Therefore, you must trust the one who sees all ends, extinguish any trace of unease, and simply… Leave it to Allah. Allah: God Al-Aleem: the All-Knower 3. SAW: May peace and blessings be upon him 1. 2.
Yasmin Said, 19
We can never reach an end result ourselves, and similarly, we cannot hope for the best outcome by solely relying on Allah. Allah wants us to reach our potential and strive for a prosperous future that is fueled by the remembrance and worship of Him. This success comes from Him and is only announced to us when He wills. Regardless of our personal expectations, as long as we do our best, the outcome Allah will reveal is the best possible one.
READY, SET, TRU
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)³ once alerted a man to tie his camel and put his trust in Allah. Here, when we tie our camels, we are tying down the security of knowing that we did our part. However, trusting Allah is what enables that tie to never come undone. Trusting Allah as a higher being is not meant to be easy, hence its great reward. When you trust Allah, you acknowledge that the power of each result is beyond your control and yet, this does not negate one’s personal contribution. The Prophet (SAW) never isolated ‘tie your camel’ and ‘put your trust in Allah’ from one another. Instead, he emphasized the two together. Like an equation waiting to be solved in order for you to get the end result, you cannot just rely on one value present. You need to have an equal balance between both sides of the equation. Likewise, a balance between trusting Allah and doing your part is necessary for any outcome.
READY, SET, TRUST
Leave it to Allah.
QUR'AN & HADITH GEMS | 7
Rahima Adeel
Last year, we witnessed harrowing images and videos of Afghan men gripping flying airplanes in a wild attempt at fleeing their country and mothers tossing babies over barbed wires in split second decisions. What could provoke such risky actions? Readers born in the new millennium will have grown up unaware that certain dates are historic. On September 11, 2001, commonly known as 9/11, four airplanes were hijacked. Two were deliberately crashed in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the third hit a side of the Pentagon, and the fourth missed its intended mark. Millions around the world were in shock and dismay. In fact, 9/11 is one of those events where everyone remembers where and what they were doing that day. For months, images of the airplanes crashing into the Twin Towers encapsulated newspaper front pages and every channel on tv. Who would do such a thing? You may have heard of Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, and the Taliban. In short, they claimed responsibility for the attacks, declaring a War on Terror on the US. Since then, there have been scores of conspiracy theories as to who may really have executed the attacks. Soon after, under the authority of the former U.S. President George W. Bush, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan and neighbouring Iraq to target and claim justice for the attacks on American soil. A twenty-year crossfire took place between the Taliban and American soldiers up until the Taliban took over Afghanistan. A lot of people are left wondering, what will happen to Afghanistan now?
8 | NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS
Under a suppressive, regressive, and violent so-called religious government, it is Afghan citizens who are, once again, the real victims. Amid the U.S. invasion, over 335,000 innocent civilians died.1 This means: homes, livelihoods, schools, recreation, and hospitals demolished and destroyed. The War on Terror severely set the nation back and, now, an extremist militant group threatens Afghan human rights, peace and freedom. Under the control of the Taliban, girls are compelled into marriage as children, children are being sold in order to feed families, and families are suffering from poverty. The trauma, PTSD, and suffering is immeasurable and indescribable. This is a country that was attacked, destroyed, and left abandoned. What will you do for Afghanistan? In an age of digital awareness and advocacy, surely we can raise our hands in protest and prayer. The time for action is now. Do not sit idly and wait for law-makers and decisionmakers to do something. Sign petitions and write to your Municipal and Federal governments. Demand reform and action. Send donations and volunteer with disaster and emergency relief organizations. Give your time, energy and talents. Most importantly, raise your hands. Raise your hands in protest and in prayer. Ask the Most Merciful to shower our Afghan brothers and sisters with His infinite mercy. Ask Him to shower them with protection against the wrongdoers. Ask for Afghanistan.
1.
Ygal, I. (2020, April 11). How many civilians did the US kill in Afghanistan? Retrieved January 12, 2022,
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
We all grew up watching movies and reading comics with robots taking over the world until our beloved superheroes stopped them. An alien takeover has also been on the table, although that one might take a bit longer to shape into reality. 40% of people’s jobs are predicted to be taken over by artificial intelligence in the next two decades, and it is unlikely that Captain America will come to our rescue.1 Suddenly, these made-up stories do not seem so far-fetched. After the industrial revolution that began in 1760, we became more efficient and connected on a global level.2 However, we are slowly seeing that jobs that are considered to be repetitive, are being eliminated. In fact, by 2030, it is predicted that 11 million jobs will be taken over by AI in China, and 1.5 million in the U.S.3 Therefore, it is creativity and innovation, the ability to be a problem solver, along with a certain amount of social intelligence, that are of interest to companies and investors, because they are attributes that cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence. Although talk of a UBI4 is a prominent solution to this issue, if automation was boosted to 30%, global GDP would increase by 5.3% that year, which is currently an additional $4.9 trillion per year.5
Aleesha Merchant, 15
While most media outlets are sentencing us to our doom by the year 2030 in almost all aspects, including global warming, poverty, world hunger, and the ever-looming AI takeover, one network is singing a different tune.6 They believe that both, the optimists and pessimists of AI, need to take a “chill pill”. They maintain, “There is still a long way to go before robots will be able to match several fundamental human skills.”7 They go on to explain that scientists are far from recreating the detailistic aspects of human hands, perception, control, interaction, and reason in their technology. In short, they think that for the next 20 years, robots will merely be sophisticated machines as they always have been, if not slightly more advanced.8 So, do not go and book your ticket to Mars just yet. The world is not being taken over by robots… for now.
Troy Pospisil, “Council Post: Robots Aren't Taking over the World (Yet) - Artificial plus Human Intelligence Is Still the Best Combo.” (Jersey City: Forbes Magazine, 2021). 2. Adam Zeidan, “Industrial Revolution.” (Encyclopædia Britannica). 3. Chloe Taylor, “Robots Could Take over 20 Million Jobs by 2030, Study Claims.”(Englewood Cliffs: CNBC, 2019). 4. UBI: universal basic income 5. Chloe Taylor, “Robots Could Take over 20 Million Jobs by 2030, Study Claims.”(Englewood Cliffs: CNBC, 2019). 6. 7. 8. Norbert Krüger, “Five Reasons Why Robots Won't Take over the World.” (Melbourne: The Conversation, 2018). 1.
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE | 9
DEAR PALESTINE Alina Khan, Khan, 21 Alina 21 DEAR PALESTINE, We have not forgotten you, not now, not ever. The most precious land across the earth is nourished from your soil. You’ve comforted the bodies and bones of the righteous who had fought for you. You supported the farmers who harvested olive trees in your soils to survive. You welcomed those who wished to seek refuge on your soil, but Oh, what they had done to you. They had taken your love for granted, they spilled your people’s blood on you. They had oppressed THE WORLD your children to claim rights on you. But MAY BE don’t you worry, you will never lose your title to such fools. The world may be silent, SILENT, BUT YOUR but your Master protects your rich grounds. MASTER So don’t you weep, we are united all PROTECTS around. Days will pass and nights of YOUR brutality will come to an end, on the day RICH your humans will walk freely. On the day GROUNDS you will be you, again. You will reclaim your title, you will protect those within. You’ll be prayed on to the Master, you’ll be Falastin, soon again.
10 | POETRY
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
OVERCOMING THE HATE Yasmin Said, Yasmin Said,1919 I pick up my microphone,
Do I wish the world would see?
I wish the world would see.
I remind myself that if you want to be a leader, You must be willing to lead, Succeed, Help the world be at peace.
Turn on the radio, Getting ready to shout.
I look at the mirror, Sitting quietly as I stare at my demeanour, Making sure that the next word that would leave my mouth was right. Relax, not too tight, Upright. Posture straight, Remembering it's ok. Or hoping it would be okay. I wish the world would see. The pressure from the stress, Making sure that I was perfectly dressed, So that people would take me seriously. So, I'm not speaking wishfully, As all I cared about was if they would respect me.
For not me, For not you, Then who? I had an advantage, A superpower That set me worlds apart. I could laugh because where do I start? Yet I know it won’t be easy, Cause I’m not trying to please me, But the world around you and I. Yet, I had all the things in my grasp, So, what more could I ask? So, I picked up the microphone, Turned on the radio, And got ready to shout.
I wish the world would see. With all the pressure after, I remind myself that it will be okay. That the road to change Was one not easy to take. POETRY | 11
OVER A CENTURY The 1920s were a glittering reward for the tragic decade prior, and people were ready to leave everything behind them. This led to a social shift towards progressive ideologies, alongside an economic boom after World War I. As we mark the two-year anniversary of COVID-19 on our delayed start to this new decade, I cannot help but notice that nearly 100 years ago, the world was marking the ‘end’ of another pandemic. The 1920s, also known as the Roaring 20s, began two years after the Spanish Influenza.¹ Being one of the deadliest pandemics in history, it killed 20-50 million people in under 3 years. Like COVID-19, this airborne virus spread quickly with no drug treatment or vaccine. By 1919, the Spanish Influenza had spread across the globe, and a natural immunity was developed. Strains of the flu were still prevalent in the following years, however, the effects were much less severe. This sickness never really went away, with thousands of people still contracting it yearly.² As we hope to see the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wonder what the coming years have in store for us. They say that history repeats itself, as we have seen throughout, well, history. In the 1920s, a household automobile manufacturer released their most affordable model yet.³ This led to nearly every American family owning a car, and therefore, the
12 | FEATURE
construction of highways. Similarly, in recent years, we have witnessed the rise of electric cars, as they become increasingly affordable. We have seen more electric car charging stations pop up due to the increased prevalence of the modern-day novelty.4 The 1920s were a time of innovation with new industries, such as aviation and ‘modern electronics,’ blowing up because of increased wealth and labour. The producers of older products took on the aforementioned car manufacturer’s idea of the assembly line to produce more products and employ more workers.5 Working-class citizens who previously lived in the countryside moved into cities with the promise of finding jobs and wealth—the promise of living the ‘American Dream,’ which was just coming to be after World War I. New jobs were created due to industrialized mass production, and because of this mass production and influx of wealth, more people could participate in capitalist society.6 Today, social media is filled with individuals who have chosen to return to self-employment. We see a rise of small businesses and content creators opposing the assembly line idea. It seems as though the changes in manufacturing over the last century are facing a downfall. While mass production is profitable, overproduction and overconsumption are detrimental to the environment, which is of
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
increasing concern. Also, with the increase in people choosing to work for themselves and the shift towards a service economy over a manufacturing-centred economy, we see the assembly line model in decline.7 Taking place in the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance was an important time for Black history. Harlem was a place of artistic and cultural exploration, and the 1920s are considered a golden age of African-
horrific outcomes have not. Moreover, after World War I, the Ottoman Empire fell and was conquered. The Ottomans lost power over the Muslim world, and the European powers gained control and split it to their liking.10 The West then chose leaders for the newly divided land. Although these new leaders were not imperialists, there was still very heavy Western influence steering away from Islamic influence in governing. The Muslims found themselves asking if this Western way of living was right for them. They were not rejecting modernity, which at the time was a wholly Western concept, but finding ways to balance it with Islam.
,,
THEY SAY THAT HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF, AS WE HAVE SEEN THROUGHOUT, WELL, HISTORY.
,,
American history.8 However, Black people in America were still far from free in what, for many, was the only home they had ever known. The ‘Red Summer’ of 1919 describes a series of antiblack violence in the north by white people, fuelled by a ‘fear’ of Black people who were anything but a threat.9 This parallels the anti-Black violence we still see in America, and around the world, today. While things have changed for Black folks in America over the past century, the core of the issues and their
Movements in Muslim countries are still trying to overcome the effects of colonialism and the fallout after the colonizers abandoned operations.11 In the West, we strive to create a new Muslim identity, amid a new modern world. The 1920s were a decade of change. Some areas, such as technology, have evolved dramatically throughout the century. Others have not. In this decade, I hope we can wok together to ensure the echo of our roaring twenties will be heard will into the next century.
Firdose Khan, 14
Coy, Peter. "The 1920s Roared After a Pandemic, and the 2020s Will Try." History.com Editors. "Spanish Flu." History.com, A&E Television Networks. ³. Ford. "The Model T." Ford Corporate, Ford, corporate. 4. Rowlatt, Justin. "Why Electric Cars Will Take over Sooner than You Think." BBC News, BBC, 1 June 2021. 5. Course, Crash, director. The Roaring 20's: Crash Course US History #32, YouTube, 16 Mar. 2021. 6. Crashcourse, director. The Great Depression. YouTube, YouTube, 4 Oct. 2013. 7. Indeed Editorial Team. "16 Trends Shaping the Global Economy (and How You Hire)." Indeed, Indeed, 22 June 2016. 8. Course, Crash, director. The Roaring 20's: Crash Course US History #32, YouTube, 16 Mar. 2021. 9. Crashcourse, director. The Red Summer of 1919: Crash Course Black American History #25. YouTube, YouTube, 12 Nov. 2021. 10. History.com Editors. "Ottoman Empire." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 3 Nov. 2017. 11. “Timeline of 20th-Century Muslim History.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Dec. 2021. 1. 2.
FEATURE | 13
14 | COMIC
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
COMIC | 15
16 | COMIC
•
• WHOLESOME
& SSOUR HHOT OT & OU R SSOUP OUP A hearty, delicious, and easy soup to warm your belly this cold season.
INGREDIENTS
Broth: 12 cups of water 2 lb of chicken (with bones) 1 garlic pod 6 1-inch pieces of ginger 5 peppercorns 2 bay leaves Few sprigs of parsley
Soup: 1 cup of corn ½ cup of mushrooms 4 tbsp of sriracha sauce 6 tbsp of ketchup 2 tbsp of soy sauce 2 tbsp of vinegar 6 tbsp of cornstarch 2 eggs 1 cup of tofu, cubed ½ cup of cabbage, moderately sliced ½ cup of bean sprouts ½ tsp sesame seed oil 2 sprigs of green onion
RECIPE
Broth: • In a pot, add water, chicken, garlic, ginger, peppercorns, bay leaves, and parsley. • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for one hour. • Turn off the heat. Using a colander, strain the broth into a new pot. • Once cool, discard everything except for the chicken. Remove chicken pieces from the bones. Add the chicken pieces to a new pot. Soup: • In the new pot, add the corn, mushrooms, sriracha sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar. • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. • Mix cornstarch in half a cup of water. Slowly add to the pot and stir simultaneously. • Beat eggs, but not until the yolk and whites are fully mixed. Slowly add to the pot and stir simultaneously. Do not over stir. • Add tofu, cabbage, and bean sprouts. To maintain texture and crunch, do not overcook. • Turn off heat and drizzle sesame seed oil. • Garnish with thinly sliced green onions. • Serve hot and enjoy!
Rahima Adeel
•
•
* ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
FOR BES T RESULTS: •
uce, s ri ra c h a s a s s le h it w r. Add B e g in , and vinega e c u a s y o s k e tc h u p , a s p e r yo u r rs e c n a h n e ur these flavo . s taste bud
•
Serve with b
read.
RECIPE | 19
COMING TO TERM FEMINISM When I was younger, the word “feminism” was occasionally mentioned in the news, TV shows, and movies. At the time, I did not think much of it, aside from knowing that it was a movement that fought for women’s rights. If you asked me whether I was a feminist, I would hesitantly reply, “yes,” for was I not a female myself? It was not until much later that I became aware of those who advocated for the movement in the past, the most notable of whom was Susan B. Anthony. Despite her death in 1906, Anthony continues to be praised for her efforts that led the American Congress to pass the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, which ultimately granted women the right to vote.1
“If you asked me whether I was a feminist, I would hesitantly reply, “yes,” for was I not a female myself?”
Additionally, there were the Canadian Famous Five: Emily Murphy, Henrietta Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby, who, similar to Anthony, took part in numerous campaigns fighting for the right for women to be involved in all stages of the legislative process in Canada.2 Recent events surrounding the pandemic have allowed us to become more exposed to concerns within our society. As a result, information has become more widespread. I learned that many
20 | HEAR ME OUT
of the past movements I believed in contributed to the issues we face today. To illustrate, in the early 20th-century suffrage movements, there was the exclusion of black women. In 1913, African-American activist Ida B. Wells was refused attendance to a suffrage parade since other suffragists said they would not march alongside her.3 Moreover, the Famous Five later sparked much controversy with their support of laws that forced sterilization on thousands of people, including Indigenous women.4 As I came to terms with the meaning of feminism, I realized that it not only fights for the equal rights of a single race or group of women, but all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, or any other differences. The significant progress of one movement does not automatically abolish all inequality in society. With Women’s History Month approaching during the pandemic, we must reflect on the suffragists that came almost a century before us and learn from both their accomplishments and mistakes. We, more than ever, should be champions of change and equality by being the voices of the silenced. Hayward, N. (2018). Susan B. Anthony. Retrieved from https:// www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ susan-b-anthony 2. Cavanaugh, C. (2006, June 01). Famous Five. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/famous-5 3. Women Who Fought for the Vote. History.com Editors. (2009, October 14). History. Retrieved from http://history.com/topics/ womens-history/women-who-fought-for-the-vote-1#section_5 4. Cavanaugh, C. (2006, June 01). Famous Five. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article famous-5 1.
Hana Eisa, 14
TO
RMS WITH Toxic positivity can be attributed to “insincere” positivity, which is detrimental to our mental well-being. As Dr. Zuckerman states, it is “the assumption, either by one’s self or others, that despite a person’s emotional pain or difficult situation, they should only have a positive mindset.”1 Optimism can be considered an “attractive behaviour in people that makes them seem more well-adapted,” said Dr. Preston, who specializes in empathy, altruism, and the way emotions affect behaviour.2
“Moving forward as a generation, it is necessary for us to acknowledge traits of toxic positivity.”
This topic is especially integral to discuss during the ongoing pandemic. In one survey, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioural health condition, including symptoms of an anxiety disorder or depressive disorder.3 During a time where people are more susceptible to developing a mental health condition, we must not be persuaded by forms of toxic positivity in our aspirations of recovery. Social media is flooded with toxic positivity that intends to lift people’s spirits. We are embraced by suggestions such as, “pursue a hobby” or “you have so much time—make use of it.” These notions are valuable ways for people to be engaged in their community and stay connected with themselves and their passions during the pandemic. However, “putting one foot in front of the other is an accomplishment for many during this global pandemic,”4 as Dr. Karoll states. To refrain from a mindset that is often regulated by toxic positivity, individuals must realize that this pandemic naturally causes interferences in their schedules and lives, thus amounting to stress at times. It is equally important to full-heartedly experience emotions, and then take measures to support oneself. One way to do this is by connecting with mental health resources. As per a UCLA study,
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
writing things down can “be putting feelings into words [and] reduce[s] the intensity of emotions such as sadness, anger, and pain.”5 Our word choices and thought patterns can greatly affect our approach toward supporting others. Instead of saying, “it could be worse,” say, “what are some positive things that you could surround yourself with?” When these steps are acknowledged in a person’s path to rehabilitation, without the hindrance of toxic positivity, they can truly digest their experiences and grow. Moving forward as a generation, it is necessary for us to acknowledge traits of toxic positivity. We must hold compassion for those who exhibit forms of toxic positivity and with the right amount of advocacy and learning, they can diverge away from this. We as a society must also acquaint ourselves with the tools we need to properly address these issues. We should encourage people to express and feel their emotions without feeling the burden of having to suppress them. We must create an environment that encourages feeling comfortable with the idea of being sad until one is able to reach happiness. TOXIC POSITIVITY - Connections Counseling. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.connectionscounseling.net/blog-andresources/2021/4/1/toxic-positivity#:~:text=Dr.,positive%20 mindset%20or%20’positive%20vibes 2. https://www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS/publications/articles/ Preston_deWaal_2002.pdf 3. Czeisler, M., Lane, R., Petrosky, E., Wiley, J., Christensen, A., & Njai R. et al. (2022). Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During COVID 19 Pandemic - United States, June 2430, 2020. 4. ‘Toxic Positivity’ is Real - And It’s a Big Problem During the Pandemic. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/ health/mental-health/toxic-positivity-during-the-pandemic 5. ‘Toxic Positivity’ is Real - And It’s a Big Problem During the Pandemic. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/ health/mental-health/toxic-positivity-during-the-pandemic 1.
Sanjana Karthik, 18
OXIC POSITIVITY
AN APPLE A DAY | 21
EID-ALFITR LOOKING FORWARD TO A BETTER YEAR
Khadeeja Farooq, 22
On Eid, as I got together with family members, we tried our best to make it a memorable day—at least for our nine-yearold brother. That day was filled with confusion. What can we do to help the Palestinians while sitting halfway across the world? Within days of the conflict, there were strikes hosted by various communities in my province, as well as in other places around the world. Many of us started to believe that the wide media attention had dissolved the issue to a certain extent. After all, these voices included international political authorities. However, the voices that undoubtedly stood out to me the most were a group
22 | MY MEMOIR
of passionate youth across various platforms, bringing recognition to the decades-old issue of the displacement of Palestinian families, culture and livelihood. TikTok is where initiatives started by youth really thrived, garnering expressions of solidarity from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. I am glad we live in a time where platforms exist to express our concerns. It warms my soul to see how inclusive the world is becoming by listening to opinions from all age groups— especially from the generation that will carry the decades to come. My generation brought my attention to how a longtime issue is still ongoing and has shown me that an impactful way to spread awareness is through education. We are resilient enough to combat multiple issues with the aid of the government, media, professionals, educators, and of course, the youth. A few weeks after the last Eid-ul-Fitr, there was a ceasefire
in Palestine. I remember people lighting fireworks around my neighbourhood—celebrations of small victories to make up for our lost Eid. My hope remains in education to build bridges between Palestinian communities and those who are curious about their situation, through the numerous platforms that we sometimes take for granted. As we awaken ourselves to the tragedies of this world, with education in this new era, we can hope and pray that Palestine finds a reawakening as well.
TikTok is where initiatives started by youth really thrived, garnering expressions of solidarity from Muslims and nonMuslims alike.
"
As Ramadan approaches, I cannot help but look back at our last Eid-al-Fitr. It was, by far, the most different and difficult one I have experienced in my life so far. As Ramadan came to a close, we were all expecting and hoping to celebrate with our families. However, just a day before, amid our last-minute preparations, the news lit up with the violence that had escalated near Masjidal-Aqsa in Palestine. I wondered what nations of the world were thinking about this conflict. Whose side were they on?
ISSUE 03 VOLUME 09
THE NECESSITY OF
UNCOMFORT -ABILITY Aleesha Merchant, 15 French writer Voltaire once said: “Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one.” Our familiarity with a certain way of life is often referred to as our “comfort zone.” From time to time, we are encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, but what happens when we are forced out by something far beyond our control? When faced with unpredictable circumstances, lack of control can have humans gravitating towards what they do have power over. Throughout the pandemic, we noticed a sense of unity and harmony simply because we were all shoved into the same boat. Protests, petitions, and media awareness are just a few examples of how various issues and crises across the globe were brought to light. For instance, when the graves of Indigenous children were found, it caused an outrage to erupt throughout Canada. I, among other Muslim and non-Muslim Palestinian supporters, protested and spread media awareness on the Palestinian crisis. Not knowing when we would be free of the pandemic resulted in global awareness of these issues that may not have occurred if not for the free time the pandemic provided us with. Humans are known to be the world's most adaptable species, so when we are free to go back to our original way of life, we come back with new perspectives and ideas that we would have never known without the uncertainty of an uncomfortable position. For example, new online businesses and non-profit organizations
were created because of the restrictions and new needs that came with the pandemic. E-commerce and online shopping industries boomed because in-person stores shut down, and people needed to adjust. When masks became mandatory in a public setting, it caused bruised ears, which led to the selling of mask extensions. Additionally, we were told to wash our hands and use sanitizer excessively, causing people to take more care of their health and get into the habit of washing their hands after being in a public space. All the issues that arose as a result of the pandemic allowed us to grow in our knowledge of the spread of disease and our overall wellness. The decline in positive mental health due to lockdowns across the globe helped us become more aware of the importance of social interaction. It demonstrated to us how important it is to be conscious of mental health and to normalize talking about it, especially when a large population feels a sense of unproductivity thanks to being stuck at home all day. Because of this experience, we became grateful for being able to go to school and see our friends and family without having to worry about getting sick. It is only when we are faced with a problem that we find a solution and grow as a society, so although an uncomfortable situation may feel terrible at that moment, it is only fleeting.
MY PERSPECTIVE | 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
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.
