Tag Archives: Family

Learning to Say, “Yes.”

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Marahm

Growing up, I was taught to obey. My father’s favorite words, when talking about child-rearing, were, “Discipline!” and “Obedience!” I was expected to say not only, “Yes,” but, “Yes,” with a smile, or at least with no expression of displeasure. … Continue reading →

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The Best of Both Worlds

Posted on January 28, 2023 by Marahm

I lived in Riyadh for twelve years, from 1986 through 1998— the first six in the King Faisal Hospital women’s housing compound on campus (men lived off campus), and the second six in the city, amongst working class expatriate Arabs. … Continue reading →

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The Convert Trap

Posted on September 25, 2017 by Marahm

Evidently, American converts face difficulty integrating into an accepting Islamic community.  It’s bad enough that Islamic practice often conflicts with the American cultural milieu. Community provides the cushion and the impetus for all successful adjustments, yet instead of finding open … Continue reading →

Posted in American Converts | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

My Conversion Story

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Marahm

I’ve been asked to write my story. Immediately, I thought about the day I said shahada in Anis’s apartment. Then I thought about the day I said it in front of a Saudi sheikh,  making it publicly official. Both accounts … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Hyphenated Names– for Women Only?

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Marahm

I’ve wanted to write this rant for months, and now I’ve succumbed to the urge.   Hyphenated names for non-Muslim  women make no sense to me.  They are long, phonetically awkward, and cumersome to write. They suggest that the poor woman didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in children, Family, Life, Marriage, Rant | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Sweet Hasan, and Why I Work

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Marahm

A few weeks ago, while visiting my grandson, he said, “Stay with me, Gramma. Don’t go to work tomorrow.” “I have to go to work,” I replied. “I’d love to stay with you, but tomorrow is a work day, and … Continue reading →

Posted in children, Family, Home Life, Life | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Apples for Eating, Apples for Cooking

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Marahm

When leaves turn yellow, red and orange, and the temperature dips, I look forward to buying apples from one of the area orchards. I love eating apples, but only if they are crisp, sweet and juicy; my favorites are organic … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Life | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Ya Mamma, Ya Babba

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Marahm

Ya Mamma, Ya Babba When I read Bedu’s recent post, Saudi Arabia- Understanding Umm’s and Abu’s, I became inspired for this post. I suppose I should say it is a rant, but I am genuinely curious about how the following … Continue reading →

Posted in Arabic Language, Family, Home Life, Rant, Saudi Arabia | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Cabin Fever in Riyadh

Posted on February 11, 2009 by Marahm

Cabin Fever in Riyadh 0R Living in Riyadh Before the Internet My daughters have near-native fluency in English, but sometimes they ask me about phrases they’ve never heard, like “cabin fever”.  Last week, one of them asked me about this … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Home Life, Islam, Life, Memoir, Saudi Arabia | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Christmas Commentary

Posted on December 26, 2008 by Marahm

Christmas Commentary Many of us grew up celebrating Christmas, and some of us still celebrate. I often wonder how people feel about Christmas, once they have discovered its antithesis– loss, despair, alienation, anxiety, and grief. Yesterday my family celebrated Christmas … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Home Life, Life, Memoir | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments