Monthly Archives: March 2015

Book Review: In the Land of Invisible Women by Dr. Qanta Ahmed

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Marahm

I read this book not so much to learn about Dr. Qanta Ahmed’s experience, but to recall my own. I wanted to say, “Yes! Yes! That’s the way it was!” at every turn of the page, and I was able … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Warning– Graphic Video

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Marahm

No, I am not going to post a graphic video. I am going to tell you my reactions to seeing two. I know you are not interested in my reactions, but you might be interested in my conclusions. I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Fitna, Life, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

In Defense of Visible Hair

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Marahm

My conversion and early years as a Muslim occurred in Saudi Arabia, where hijab was mandatory for everyone, whether we believed in it or not. Even non-Muslim women were well-advised to wear hijab while visiting certain neighborhoods of Riyadh. Scarves and … Continue reading →

Posted in Hijab, Saudi Arabia | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Moving to the USA with my Arab Husband

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Marahm

Cross-cultural marriages have increased during the last fifty years, and so has the ability to move between those cultures. Logic suggests that a stable such marriage should flourish regardless of which culture the couple chooses to establish their home.  Haven’t they both … Continue reading →

Posted in Cross-Cultural Relationships, Saudi Arabia | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

I Did Not Revert

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Marahm

When I meet Muslim people for the first time, they invariably ask me, “When and how did you revert to Islam?” I answer, “I did not revert. I converted many years ago while living in Saudi Arabia.” I wish Muslims … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Contemplating the Roller Coaster

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Marahm

Over the years, I have kept in touch with a friend I met in Riyadh. She is also an American woman, married to a Saudi (I was married to an Egyptian). We met at the Riyadh community college for ladies. We were both … Continue reading →

Posted in Cross-Cultural Relationships | Tagged , | 6 Comments

A Visit to the New Mosque, Uncovered

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Marahm

The community in which I live has just completed the construction of a new mosque, alhumdullilah. It was many years in the planning– from raising the funds to finding the site, then getting permission from the local government, followed by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Hijab | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Fun Photo Art

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Marahm

  This photo started out as my infant grandson in the bathtub. It was a cute photo but with one major flaw —his pose did not conform to Islamic standards of modesty. I had to camoflauge things.          

Posted in photography | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Between the Opposites

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Marahm

I was talking to my cousin in Italy recently. He is an atheist. He says he cannot believe in a god who allows the pervasive suffering that lies inherent in the lives of human beings.  The God who is called … Continue reading →

Posted in Depth Psychology, Religion | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Things Are Not the Same

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Marahm

My metaphorical Riyadh retains its character as the years pass, while the actual Riyadh evolves. My friend of many years still goes back and forth. She tells me about the ongoing construction, the ever-increasing concern with security, and the simple conclusion … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia, Travel | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments