Spring
Beatuiful day
Flowers time to bloom
Beatiful time for spring
Precious.
-Livngstone
The Piano
Love this:
What was said to the rose
A poem of Rumi recited by Coleman Barks
Beautiful…
What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me here in my chest.
What was told the Cypress that made it strong
and straight,
What was whispered the jasmine so it is what it is, whatever made
sugarcane sweet,
Whatever was said to the inhabitants of the town of Chigil in
Turkestan that makes them
so handsome, whatever lets the pomegranate flower blush
like a human face,
That is being said to me now. I blush. Whatever put eloquence in
language, that’s happening here.
The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,
chewing a piece of sugarcane,
in love with the one to whom every that belongs!
-RUMI
The P word
Having (briefly) read Imam Zaid’s article on whether Muslims should use the N word I saw the “P word” pop up somewhere else.
I was just thinkning, maybe its just me and how I see things, but does anyone else find it disrespectful or perhaps even offensive when they hear people use the “P” word whether its used by Pakistanis or not? I just saw a Pakistani sister call a non Pakistani sister a P*** because she married one. Now although they may be friends and joke around like that (like many people do) I didn’t feel comfortable seeing that. And as you can see I ‘d rather not write it either.
Just like the N word, the P word has a history, it (still) carries negative, racist connotations of when skinheads would racially abuse Pakistani immigrants in 70’s or so. That’s why I find it absurd to see people using the word as a joke and even in a derogatory way towards each other.
Much can be said about the use of the N word by black people within their own communities (see above article) and it maybe empowering to them somehow but still, to use a word that signified the subjugation and racist treatment of your people so lightly is something I don’t understand.
As far as I know, the P word is not a big deal for American Paksitanis… perhaps it doesnt have the same history as over here? I don’t know, maybe someobody could help me on this.
I’ve never liked the P or the N word and wouldn’t use them, what’s wrong with just saying “Pakistani” it’s only two more syllables, but I’d like to know what other people think; are you ok with using these words, am I just making a big deal?
I hope I didn’t offend anyone.
God Bless
Usma 
Valentines day
Sal says: I was going to send u some flowers on St valentines day
Usma Sal says: aww
Sal says: but then I thought I will make a “Usma day”
Sal says:
which is EVERY day
and I will give u a flower every day
Sal says:
forget st valentines day
Sal says:
I mean people set up some day to give gifts?
Usma Sal says:
lol
Sal says:
I mean men r happy because they say “wohoo one day, they [women] are brainwashed into expecting it one day”
Sal says:
or on their bdays and anniversaries, thats it
Sal says:
but u know what
Sal says:
FREAK THAT
Sal says:
my usma deserves better
I’m not putting her into the useless “valentines lot”
Sal says:
anyway
Sal says:
how r u?
Charity Week 2007!
Salams all
That time of year of again when students grab their buckets, put on their costumes and come up with weird and wonderful ways to raise awareness and money for our orphans around the world.
This year, along with the official charity week taking place the week begining 22nd October, we’ve also set up an online JustGiving page where people can donate.
So, in the last few days of Ramadhan, it’s a perfect oppurtunity to get those extra good deeds in.
Please visit and donate, even if only a couple of pounds:
http://justgiving.com/charityweekfororphans
Oh, and if you’re not from one of the “rival” unis, please write “Westminster Uni” in the comments box as there’s a competition between the universities [and seeing as I'm from Westminster.. ;-)]
For the past couple of years Charity Week fell in the last week of Ramadhan and the dedication and hard work that everyone showed and the vibe was just amazing. I won’t be here to take part in Charity week this year but everyone else, make sure you do, it’s great fun!
Here’s a video of last years CW:
Jazakallah Khair!
God Bless
Usma
The Muslim Jesus
Howdy.
I think I’m still hibernating but there was a great documentary on last night about the story of Jesus (peace be upon him) as narrated in the Quran. I thought it was a good and balanced film, with the right kind of people involved including Shaikh Hamza Yusuf and Shaikh Abdal Hakim Murad (who was not featured on screen) along with some Christian theologians. So I thought I’d share it.
The documentary also featured parts of a talk given on Jesus (peace be upon him) at my university during our Islam Awareness Week .
Part 1
the other parts are here.
Enjoy.
God Bless and Du’as!
Wasalam
Time Out
I think I need some Time Out.
Need to Drift off away into another Galaxy, Milky Way, whatever.
Think about the Bounty’s bestowed upon me, and take a break from the norm.
Not likely to Twirl though.
Don’t want to be a Flake, perhaps a Ripple…
But I’ll stay away from Mars , don’t want to be told it’s “not for me”.
May meet a Lion or two on my way but hope I don’t have to pick up a Penguin!
This shouldn’t cost a Dime, but will be a needed Boost, hopefully to the Fountain itself. Yes.
Oh, and if I see Terry on my way, I’ll be sure to tell him they’re not his; they’re mine!
Rightio then,
God Bless and Du’as
Usma
