Originally uploaded by Izzy Mo
Asalaamu alaikum everyone,
It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. The reason was of course, Ramadan, and the fact my order for internet access has not come in yet. So I’m too busy at work to blog plus the shortened hours for Ramadan left me with little internet time.
So many things have happened, good and bad. I was silly to think that my first Ramadan in the UAE would be uneventful. Dubai is certainly a place where almost everything can happen. God Most High has enabled me to meet so many nice sisters. I’m adjusting to this fast-paced city each day. Culture shock is there at times but it’s not as harsh as before. And I’m actually going back home for a few days to visit the fam. Honestly, I’m looking forward to seeing my family but the news from the States doesn’t look to great. I don’t know what’s more depressing.
That Sarah Palin and John McCain could get as far as they have…
Or that Muslim children were recently gassed at a mosque in Dayton, Ohio…
Or that Bush and his administration has sufficiently screwed up our country for years to come…
Now, this doesn’t even include that terrorists decided to raise all kinds of Hell during Ramadan by attacking people in Pakistan, Yemen and other parts of the world. Really, when will they learn that whatever political or social aim they are trying to achieve, they certainly won’t achieve it through violence? There’s nothing like eating iftar at one of your new Pakistani friend’s house as you both watch the evil carnage on a Urdu television station. @@ Subhan’Allah….
But these days, despite any stress or frustration I feel, I feel like I’m swimming in baraka these days. Or maybe I’m learning how to appreciate my blessings more. Here…there are no weird looks for wearing or not wearing hijab. Here, you can go the mosque or the club as the mullahs of the NYT have mentioned. Your deen is your responsibility.
Insha’Allah, I will start a tajweed class soon. And my bosses have been introducing me to different dialects of Arabic. When I come back, insha’Allah, I hope to enroll in some Arabic classes. But if you want a lquick ist of what I did during Ramadan (other than praying and fasting), here it is. 
I watched a Qur’an recitation competition on Sama Dubai TV. Two reciters, one from Burkina Faso and the other from Kenya, had the most beautiful voices.
I hung out with friends on Dubai creek at night. Tres cool.
I went to the Sharjah Ramadan festival.
I also went to Islamic lecture given at the Dubai Ladies club.
I ate tons of dinners at my friends’ and coworkers’ homes. (Note: Dubai, I believe, is an awesome place for single Muslims).
I visited the Sharjah Art Museum and central souq where there’s tons of good shopping.
This about sums it up. I wish I could write more but…ya know. Maybe I’ll catch up while I’m in the States. Oy, I’m not looking forward to the gas shortage problem in Georgia.
I can’t believe it. I survived my first few months here without ripping my hair out.
But for now, it’s Eid in Dubai! And I’m taking pics of that too. Let’s hope I get something good.
Redwan Ahmed said,
September 30, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Eid Mubarak!
gess said,
September 30, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Eid Mubarek!!
Bint-eh Adam said,
September 30, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Salam!
Kelly!
Alhamdulila
Eid Greetings honey x x x x
Wishing you an Accepted Ramadan and many more to come.
InshaAllah a lot of great openings comes your way very soon.
Wasalam, duas and love
Not forgetting some Pink Falooda from England
iMuslim said,
September 30, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Wow, for the first time in, like, ever, I am tempted to check le Dubai Nouveau (I went around 16 years ago, when it was far less developed!).
Is your new job on the Tourist Board? hehe
* Apologies for the misuse of the beautiful French language, if there are any Francophones reading!
iMuslim said,
September 30, 2008 at 5:29 pm
{kicks herself for failing to close the italics tag}
Fatemeh said,
September 30, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Eid mobarak!!
shaz said,
September 30, 2008 at 8:38 pm
eid mubarak!
Ann said,
September 30, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Eid Mubarak! May your fasting and worship be accepted, and may the spirit of Ramadan stay with you throughout the year.
thelegacymaker said,
October 1, 2008 at 3:52 am
I always appreciate your pictures…Eid Mubarak!
Izza said,
October 4, 2008 at 3:07 am
Eid Mubarak from Indonesia!
visit my blog in http://binaizza.wordpress.com
Umm Zainab said,
October 6, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Salam sis,
I am enlightened to find your blog.I also recently moved to dubai.I am searching for Tajweed classes.If you can kindly give me the contacts of your class,I will be soooo happy.Thanks a lot.