You Have Breast Cancer
Last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A routine mammogram led to a more in-depth one and then to a biopsy. I was certain that nothing would turn up
Revealing the Humanity of Pakistan
One of the most inspiring places on the Internet is “Humans of New York” (HONY), a blog started in 2010 by Brandon Stanton that features photos of every day
30 Days 30 Deeds: A Ramadan Blog
In an effort to share the essence of the month of Ramadan with my children, we’ve been keeping a “30 days” blog for the past three years
He's Still the One
On our 27th wedding anniversary today, I wanted to share this post from ’30 days 30 gratitudes’. Anniversary celebrations don’t necessarily have to mean romantic dinners for two.
Cancer journey in letters
Dear friends,We weathered hurricane Sandy better than expected. Lost electricity for a little while and part of our rain gutter crashed to the deck, but apart from that we’re all intact
Si and a Smile
Before we left home, I had a long conversation with Zayd, our nine year old. I explained to him that we were going to Staples to shop for school supplies for underprivileged children
The Lessons I Learned from Wangari Maathai
Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai was an extraordinary woman. As the world mourns an indefatigable champion of human rights, democracy, and the environment
Girls in Pakistani Schools Speak For Themselves
Like millions, I’ve been mesmerised by humanitarian Greg Mortenson’s story of compassion, commitment and courage. Like so many, I am heartbroken by everything that I am reading about the current controversy.
Muslim Women's Vital Voices
On March 10th, alongside philanthropist Melinda French Gates and human rights activists Panmelo Castro from Brazil and Rebecca Lolosoli from Kenya, three Muslim women were honored
Not My Mother's Ramadan
It’s predawn on the first day of Ramadan, 2009. My husband and I are seated, with our two children and other family members, in my parents’ suburban New Jersey kitchen
Best of Both Worlds
This year, Ramadan started with a bowl of oatmeal chock-full of blueberries and walnuts My 13-year old daughter Saanya woke up early to set the table and hang
Rock and Roll Jihad for Peace
Salman Ahmad, founder of South Asia’s most successful rock band Junoon, has been on a rock and roll jihad (struggle) ever since his first concert at 18 – a medical school talent show in Lahore, Pakistan.
Faith after the Quake
Four years ago today, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake devastated Kashmir. More than 80,000 people died. 3.5 million were displaced. 9,000 schools were destroyed.
Muslim Americans Answer the Call to Serve
Washington, DC - This year, 11 September was proclaimed the National Day of Service and Remembrance, symbolically concluding a nationwide summer of service movement, United We Serve.
Send Thousands More Tea Drinkers to AfPak
Washington, DC - US President Barack Obama's recently revealed counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan is likely to precede a more aggressive campaign in northwest Pakistan
Hope Amidst the Chaos
In about a week, InshAllah, I will be traveling to Pakistan. My ticket is booked; visa arrived this morning; shalwar kameezes are at the dry cleaners.It’s not the ideal time to be going to Pakistan.
Paradise Found
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir is said to have written about Kashmir, “Gar firdous bar rue zamin ast hamin ast, hamin ast, hamin ast” (If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.)