You may not know this about me, but music plays an outsized role in my life. I have consumed it as sustenance, medicine, and stimulant ever since I stole my first couple of tapes from my brother (Def Leppard’s Greatest Hits and Michael Jackson’s Dangerous). I am one of those annoying characters who will give you a … Continue reading The Soundtrack of Loss
A Memento
A few years ago, my uncle and I spent hours at the Library of Congress looking for a book written by my late grandfather while he was a professor of Islamic history in Karachi. The book was listed in the library’s enormous archives, but we couldn’t find it that day. I forget the reason the … Continue reading A Memento
An August Birthday
Today, we celebrated my dad’s birthday for the first time. You see, my dad has never known which day he was born on. Like many of his generation born in India, he doesn't have a birth record, and the first time his birth date was officially recorded was years later in his school register. The … Continue reading An August Birthday
A New Path for American Mosques
Previously published on Patheos AltMuslim. On this rainy Friday afternoon, more than 200 men and women fill the banquet hall of Dunya Restaurant in Alexandria, Va. They sit cross-legged on colorful plastic prayer mats on the carpet, listening intently to a speaker at the podium. A dark-haired man in a crisp suit and tie speaks … Continue reading A New Path for American Mosques
Pakistani, Female, and Living Alone in America
--Published in Dawn-- Often unable to find personal and professional independence back home, more single Pakistani women are choosing to make their home in the West – alone. For Asnia Asim, who grew up on army bases across Pakistan, moving to Washington was a no-brainer. It wasn’t the first time she would be away from home in Islamabad. … Continue reading Pakistani, Female, and Living Alone in America
The Three Trillion Train
The first thing I noticed about the apartment was its three large windows. The second was the neon display at the deserted gun store outside the windows. As the landlord carried on, I stared at the sign until the train arrived. Faint at first, then loud, it blared past the trees partially blocking the view … Continue reading The Three Trillion Train
After scoring big at home, aspiring astronaut gets a chance to pursue her dream abroad
To 16-year old Aiman Fatima, self-motivation came at a young age. She remembers when she was about 11, and came in fifth in her final exams at school. Her scores were above average, but Aiman was crushed. She vowed that day to top her class next year, and began studying harder. Fast forward a few … Continue reading After scoring big at home, aspiring astronaut gets a chance to pursue her dream abroad
