In this time of isolation, uncertainty and the arrival of what will be a Ramadan like no other, one recurring theme has shown up consistently. The feeling of ‘missing’. Be it normality, routines, our loved ones, our colleagues, the luxury of ordering a coffee in the mornings and that first sip as we head to … Continue reading ‘Missing’ during Isolation and Ramadan
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Ramadan and Burnout
I’m used to working throughout Ramadan and simultaneously upholding all of my Ramadan Ibadah and other responsibilities; as a daughter, friend, sister, member of the community, passion project/not for profit worker etc. I’ve always believed in ‘continue as you are’ and that Ramadan wasn’t a time to slow down and get lazy. I found that … Continue reading Ramadan and Burnout
Working during Ramadan!
Alas the month of Ramadan is here! And although many of us are excited and can’t wait to embrace the month whole heartedly, some of us (like myself) are a little anxious. I would also like to add a disclaimer, it does not make you a bad Muslim if you are anxious. Abstaining from food and … Continue reading Working during Ramadan!
Inspiring the next generation
Sadiqa Jabbar is an architect and a MWC school speaker. The first ever public speaking gig that I did was back in March 2016. It was a stand in for a couple of Thinking Development colleagues unavailable for an undergrad Geography lecture on Pursuing Sustainable Post-Disaster Reconstruction at the University of Manchester. Thinking Development's Centre … Continue reading Inspiring the next generation
Being Muslim at Work (Christmas Edition)
Being a Muslim in a non-Muslim work environment means that we are faced annually with the Christmas celebration dilemma. To some of course, this isn’t a dilemma, however Muslim Women Connect were recently inundated with messages confirming that an overwhelming majority struggle with alcohol during Christmas in the work place. Generally, Christmas in modern work … Continue reading Being Muslim at Work (Christmas Edition)
Service, Solitude and a Return to Nature
As I sat there on the train, watching the world go by, I wondered whether I had made the right decision. I was on my way to a small seaside town in Norfolk where I would be living and volunteering at a youth hostel for a few weeks. I hadn’t really given it much thought … Continue reading Service, Solitude and a Return to Nature
Ramadan Reflections
Alas, here we are in the final days of Ramadan. Some of us have struggled immensely this month. Indeed the struggle has been real. For many of us it is not the lack of food that we found difficult but more to do with our relationship with Allah. I find that every Ramadan I am … Continue reading Ramadan Reflections
Making Parliament Ramadan Woke
I joked with a friend before embarking on making Parliament Ramadan conscious that my aim was to ‘get Parli RamaWoke’. Did I succeed? To some degree, I think I did. I’ve worked at Parliament for over a year, within that time I swiftly moved from one role to another, jumping from the Commons to the … Continue reading Making Parliament Ramadan Woke
How you can become a journalist too
Written by Layla Haidrani Since graduating with a History degree from University of Kent in 2014 and Press Association Training in 2015 in multimedia journalism, I’ve written for national magazines and newspapers including VICE, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, The Pool, The Debrief, Time Out London, The Pool and Grazia and have made appearances on BBC Radio and … Continue reading How you can become a journalist too
Against all odds
Today marks the celebration of International Women's Day, a day that highlights women's contributions and achievements. I'd like to narrate the story of Muniba Mazari, her story is one that undoubtedly deserves special recognition and admiration. Aged 21, Muniba was involved in a serious car accident whereby she suffered serious life-changing injuries. As a result … Continue reading Against all odds