Authors
Aaliyah Umm Ibrahim
If you can't be good at anything else, you can always become an example of how not to do things. I'm a blogger, a moderator and a mum (which means I got three jobs and ain't getting paid for none). You can read my blog at: http://www.sunnapolku.com/proselyytti - what would be the winner of the "most annoying blog of the year"-award, if there was one.
Abeer Binte Rehana
I am Abeer Binte Rehana, a final year Medical student of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. Writing has always been a passion for me since childhood. I used to write fiction stories but never got them published. Now writing for a reason makes me feel happy inside. Alhumdullilah I would like to thank Aaila magazine for giving me a chance to get my writing published.
Aisha’tu S. Mohammed (PR)
My first name is pronounced without the ‘tu at the end. I am a university graduate at 28 with a degree in International relations. I am child number 4 of 12 and of Nigerian origin. I am a wife to Mustapha and mother to three children, Safiyyah who is nearly 4 and Ibrahim-Hanif who has just turned 2 and my baby daughter Ameena who is only 6 months old, alhamdulillah.
Professionally I am a housewife; socially I am a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I have many dreams and aspirations including being an active participant in bringing about world peace, opening an orphanage in my home land Nigeria for disadvantaged children and raising my children as sincere and real Muslims.
In my spare time I like to write poetry and all my thoughts and I love to read particularly books that inspire and guide me to being a more useful and beneficial individual. I dream of one day being able to bake and master the art of calligraphy!
I blog at http://aishaswall.wordpress.com/
Ameenah Gaffar
Ameenah Gaffar is an aspiring writer and artist. Presently attending middle school after several years of homeschooling, she is adjusting to public school life. In her spare time, she reads and draws.
Ayesha Aslam
Ayesha Aslam (Umm Emaani) is a professional Psychologist, an Integrative Psychotherapist and an Islamic Counsellor, she is BACP registered with years of experience of working with Muslim women. She supports the community by providing a Muslim Counselling Service. For further information and her qualifications please visit www.sakoon.co.uk
Aysha Ahmed
I live in East London with my husband and 2 beautiful children, who keep me on my toes. I am a dentist having qualified from Guys Hospital and currently work part-time in a busy family practice.
I enjoy reading, family get-togethers, shopping and fun things with my children.
I am really happy to be writing for Mum and Muslim; I feel it is an interesting and informative e-magazine so far and I am sure will be read and enjoyed by many. I used to love writing at school but did not pursue it any further. I went into science and then into dentistry. I do like a challenge so contributing to this magazine will enable me to unleash my creative side and express my thoughts and write about topics I care about and that matter, inshallah. Hope you enjoy my articles as much as I enjoy writing them.
Bint Ahmed
I am a South African and am an educator (currently a stay at home mother). My aim is to serve the deen of Allah (SWT) by imparting the knowledge I have to others and in the process to learn, practise, better myself and ultimately strengthen my imaan and gain closeness to Allah (SWT).
Cordelia Gaffar
Since the age of nine, I have been captivated by literature and composed poetry. During high school, I spent sleepless night reading and memorizing Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe and Voltaire. While writing has always been my passion, I studied French and Philosophy at the University of Vermont on track to become an international attorney. However, during my tenure at the University of Vermont, my mother who suffered renal complications, fell completely ill and I left school. For several years I stayed home to attend to my aging mother and father working full-time. When they passed, I was left searching for truth, the meaning of life and the correct way to worship God and found Islam. I then returned to my studies and became an accountant and wife.
After working for a few years, we decided to home school. For the past five years, I have dedicated myself to educating our four children. I enjoy reading and writing about topics close to my heart: holistic living, Islamic traditions, and nurturing and healing through nutrition. A few of my articles have been published in the Muslim Link newspaper but am saving the best for the book that insha'Allah one day will be published.
Dr Laila Caunhye
I'm a GP trainee, currently working in A&E in a busy London teaching hospital. I enjoy working with children, and so I often find myself in Paediatric A&E, where I try to make it fun and exciting.
In the spare time I have, I love reading, especially all things Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell. I also try to improve my deen by attending intensive Islamic courses. I enjoy socialising with my friends, who are a mixture of medics and non-medics, married and single, with and without children.
I live at home with my parents, who help to keep my feet on the ground, by imparting their wise wisdom on a daily basis.
Dr Subohi Alam
I am a British born Muslim and qualified GP. I studied at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London and trained part time to become a GP. At present I am enjoying being a mother of 4 beautiful girls. The challenges are great and I hear they don’t get any easier.
My goal is to gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in any way I can and raise children who will endeavour to do the same inshallah. I hope to give the readers of this magazine an ease way to access medical information. Through my knowledge of medical issues readers can equip themselves with an insight into their problems and concerns. I am sure I myself and the readers will learn much together that will help and guide us all in our life challenges.
I am also involved in a few voluntary community projects. One of these projects is teaching emergency life support to the community for free. The organisation is affiliated by the British heart foundation and we call ourselves Heartstart Ummah. For more information please contact me at heartstart_ummah@yahoo.co.uk.
May this magazine be blessed for its endeavours in helping parents raise the next generations of Muslims to gain Allah’s pleasure.
Emma Waller
I was brought up in a Christian family, the eldest of three siblings. I studied Law at University and have worked as a legal advisor for both profit and charitable organizations. I reverted to Islam five years ago.
In January 2007 I gave birth for the first time. My life changed forever. Initially overwhelmed by the huge responsibility that lay in my arms, I was determined to bring up my son to the best of my ability. To teach, encourage and nurture him in the way that Allah (SWT) commands. I started reading and researching and haven’t stopped, Insha’Allah I never will.
I hope to share with you what I have learned, experiences that I have had and things that I would like to try. I advocate a healthy, organic and simple way of life wherever possible. Cooking from scratch, growing my own food and crafting are all things that I do and are things that I hope to share with you too. I currently live in East London with my husband and three young children.
Faiza Dean
My name is Faiza Dean. On a professional level, I am a Learning and Development consultant for a multi-national company based in South Africa, and my field of specialization is adult learning. I have qualifications in Project Management and Business Administration and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology. On a not-so-professional level, I love spending quality time with my family and I’m passionate about good food – I love experimenting and whipping up a storm in the kitchen! I love to write, and Alhamdulillah, some of my work has already been published. I am involved in various community upliftment projects, such as the Kids of Faith Support Group that I assist with – this is a support group for the parents and care-givers of children with special needs. I also facilitate training interventions for the Youth Identity Forum, whose main aim is to inculcate an Islamic identity in South Africa’s youth. I enjoy travelling and in June last year, I successfully summated Kilimanjaro as part of a fund-raising initiative to create awareness and raise funds for Worldwide Maternal Health. I am on a journey to discover my purpose, and in so doing, I pray that all my efforts are accepted, Fi-Sabeelillah.
Farhana Moosa
I am a mum to three awesome kids (Firdows (my pillar of strength), Shakeel (my responsible baby) and Shaheen (my determined and spirited little soccer player) and married to an awesome husband Riaz, who is the fun and laughter, light and spirit of our home. Writing has also been a passion but also an escape and after being diagnosed with Ankolysing Spondilytis four years ago it has really proven to be my little enigma of hope. I am a fun-loving, passionate, spirited being fulfilled by all things wonderful and the not so wonderful, I enjoy meeting new people and learning about different cultures, I am a couch potato cook who can watch the BBC Food Network channel the entire day and not feel guilty J
Grandma Jeddah
In 1977 during her youth, Grandma Jeddah moved to Los Angeles, California and attended University of Southern California. During her sophomore year, she converted to Islam and married. She is the mother of 11 children and 10 Grandchildren.
Over the last thirty years, she has worked as a teacher at Al-Madinah School in Los Angeles, California. She is also a freelance writer and has written a variety of articles related to children’s issues in numerous magazines and newspapers including Al-Jumuah, Sisters, and InFocus. In addition, she’s had children’s stories published in several juvenile magazines.
She is the author of Discipline without Disrespecting: Discover the Hidden Secrets of How to Effectively Discipline Your Muslim Child—And Keep Your Peace of Mind While at It, launched March 1st, 2011. She also published the e-Workbook to supplement the original e-Book. She maintains a website in which mothers can submit their questions on parenting issues and view an excerpt from her latest e-books. Grandma Jeddah also publishes a free quarterly online Newsletter called Grandma Jeddah’s Porch. You can also follow her blog at – grandmajeddah.blogspot.com. And you can find her on Facebook.
For more information on accessing Grandma Jeddah’s resources, visit her website at: www.grandmajeddah.com
Hadia Himmat
I'm a mother of three lovely children. I studied law and worked in a law firm for a couple of years, until I had my first child. I then decided to dedicate my time to my newborn baby, and to his siblings who followed in the years. Meanwhile I continued my studies pursuing a Master in International Law and Comparative Legal Studies. I never went back to a full time job as I felt that my role as a mother is essential in the early years of my children. In this age I can give them all the love an support that they need to be able to develop their own character and become confident and happy persons. I decided to become the boss of myself in order to be able to work at my own rhythm and to be able to balance my motherhood and a professional development in an area of my interest. I started Bellissima Scarves, a small company, that produces stylish scarves in Italy and sell them on an on-line boutique www.bellissima-scarves.com .
Ibrahim Mahmud
Salaam. I'm Ibrahim. I'm a med student from Bangladesh. Soon to become a doctor inshaAllah. Although as a soon to be
doctor, I need to study a lot, I like to do so many other things! I like reading, drawing, playing, travelling, even sleeping. I also like to try out
new things, recently I'm into cooking:)
I'm always struggling to become a good Muslim. I need all the motivations, even by writing my own writings. I've only started to write and Aaila is the place where I got the chance to share, for which I'm grateful to Allah.
Pray for me so that I can become a better Muslim and a good doctor.
You can contact me at ibrahim01@gmail.com
Kaouther
Salam, my name is Kaouther, a happy mom of three. I am an Algerian by origin, currently living in Malaysia.
I'm an English graduate and part time English and French teacher.
Some of my passions include traveling, collecting ethnic craft souvenirs and reading literature, linguistics and history related books.
I have been a foodie blogger for the past four years, but only recently I have decided to go global and start a brand new English blog.
Being thousands of miles away from my country and raising kids who grow up eating more rice and noodles than bread and couscous , I
try to note, recreate the tastes of my culinary heritage , pass it to my children and share it with faithful readers out there!
You can visit by blog at: http://simplyalgerian.wordpress.com/
Memona Ahmed
My name is Memona Ahmed and photography is my passion. I love to capture the beauty and diversity of nature, city life and anything relating to Islam and share my view of the world through my images. I come from a traditional British-Pakistani background with the colour, intensity and many contradictions this leads to and hope to bring some of this experience to my pictures too. You can see my images on this website or at my flickr showcase page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61151479@N05/ ) For permission to use my images or to commission work, please contact me at: memonaahmed@hotmail.com
Misbah Akhtar
I am a 31 year old single mother of 2 cheeky monkeys who make me both cry and laugh at the same time! Parenting is not something I took too easily; I had to find my feet but alhamdulillah I'm getting there now. I am currently on a mission to promote awareness for single Muslim mothers who have no support, a problem I know all too well. I love writing: stories, poems, angry letters; anything! I also love learning about new things, although you'll probably catch me playing Super Mario Galaxy more than anything else! I would love to further my knowledge of Islam insha'Allah one day, and for my children to be prominent members of the Islamic community. The one thing I have learnt more than anything else from having a difficult life is how to fight and stand up for what I believe in; we have to be the change we want to see. Never stop having faith in Allah swt, you never know when your turn to shine is. If you are interested in reading more of my work then please follow me at http://singlemuslimmums.wordpress.com/. Jazakhallahkul khair for your time and please make dua for me and my kids!
Moshiur Rahman
I am a single brother who is an uncle to an ever-growing list of 9 nephews and 2 nieces. My experience in secondary teaching and mentoring of young Muslims has allowed me to develop an understanding of the issues faced by teenagers as well as the various influences from the society that they live in. I currently host my own site, coldmocha.com providing an insight into the life of a typical Muslim living in Britain.
Myriam Nel
I am originally from South Africa, moved to the UK in 1995 where Alhamdulillah I was introduced to Islam. I took my Shahada more than 10 years ago and am still on my journey to Islam striving to improve my knowledge and strengthen my Imaan, currently attending an Arabic and Islamic Studies course.
I am a full-time working mum, with two beautiful children, my daughter is 18, my son is 4 and I work as a Systems Administrator within an IT Department. I have a passion for anything IT related; love cooking, reading, photography, gardening and spending time with my family. Insha'Allah I hope to share with you my thoughts and hope you enjoy my articles.
Nabila Fowles-Gutierrez
I am a Venezuelan-born, London based Muslim Midwife, activist, musician, producer, writer and broadcaster. I work as a midwife in Kings College Hospital in South London, and have a special interest in breastfeeding, women & mental health, and postnatal problems. Outside of midwifery, I am an active member of the Muslim community, where I engage in dawah projects, interfaith and peace activism.
Nafisa Anvar
Originally from India, but currently living in Melbourne, I go to Minaret College as a secondary student (Year 7, as of 2011). I live with my parents, brother and sister. An interesting fact you should know about me? I've lived around the world....well, almost if you count India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Australia as 'around the world'.
By the will of Allah, I am memorizing the Qur'an and am nearing closer to finishing it, Alhamdulillah. I enjoy reading, baking and writing a lot. I also enjoy a few sports such as netball, tennis, badminton and soccer.
Aaila magazine has been my first opportunity to publish my work anywhere and I am thankful to Allah for giving me this chance. My goal and dream is to finish memorizing the Quran, get my work recognized in as many places as possible and publish my first novel, all as soon as I can, Insha-Allah.
Nilufa Choudhury
Alhamdulillah I am a mother of two cute little children. I am a law graduate. Currently I am going through training to become a solicitor Insha-Allah. I love learning about parenting and issues related to it.
Rayhaanah Omar
British-born haafidha Rayhaanah Omar is an international award-winning radio personality, certified life coach & consultant for Muslimaat, assisting them to develop their lives spiritually & emotionally.
An established, motivational speaker, Rayhaanah has successfully consulted to thousands of women on: confidence building, time-management, goal-planning & emotional healing. She is a mom to her 8 year-old blogging son, Mu'awiyah.
Corporate Profile: ‘Fee Qalbee’ (meaning: In My Heart), is a unique company specialising in tahfeedul Qur'aan & the spiritual development of women.
Email: rayhaanah@gmail.com
Roshan Raffique
I graduated from the London College of fashion in 2004, where I studied for a degree in Fashion & Textiles. I have also attended various health and beauty courses where I have gained the necessary skills required to excel as a make-up artist.
I have gained invaluable experience through working within the fashion and interior design industry. I have specialist skills in silk screen printing, transfer printing, embroidery, fashion styling, beauty and make-up. Since graduating, I have worked as a freelance designer within various spectrums of fashion and textiles as well as a freelance makeup artist. The two aspects have been merged together to create a brand called Roshic.
I have my own textile label and am currently working on a range of hand printed textile pieces as well as creating individual pieces commissioned by clients. I use a variety of unusual fabrics, texturing and detailing with a fusion of styles and a patchwork of embellished fabrics to create a palette of rich colours. I have also worked as a makeup artist for two years, and done bridal make-up as well as make-up for other special occasions to create a natural look using her diverse creative ability.
By writing for Aaila magazine, I would like women to know the importance of creating an individual look with an array of colours, prints & style. I also intend to help women create the perfect look with a good skin routine and the art of makeup.
Safura Houghton
I studied Islamic theology at a girls’ Islamic boarding school for four years, after which I went on to do a Diploma in Nursery Nursing. I worked at Islamia Primary School in London for six rewarding years, Alhamdulillah, after which I took a break to go on maternity leave.
My husband and I have lived in Cairo, Egypt for six months where we studied Arabic.
I am a mum to three beautiful girls and live in Milton Keynes. I currently work for Milton Keynes Council and the Early Years Service, working closely with schools and children's centres to support ethnic minority families with children under five.
I am also an organiser and presenter for Milton Keynes' first Islamic radio station, Ramadan FM, and have been involved with several other community projects.
Serena
Between being a wife, a mom, working at home, and homeschooling - I quite literally teeter on the brink of insanity most days.As any mom (and wife) knows - there are no days off. There is no break from being a wife and mom. You can’t call in sick if you don’t “feel like” being a wife or mom. I blog at http://www.survivingmadness.com/
This blog is my haven! My own special place where I can discuss the madness of my life; my frustrations, thoughts, creativity, goals, projects, etc... Essentially I’m just throwing it all out there in an effort to survive the madness that is me and my life!
Shaki Hussain
A business graduate, I am a wife and mother to my first born child – my son, Alhamdulillah. I moved to Doha, Qatar last year with my husband, a day after our Nikah.
As a Success Coach for Women, I see myself as the “Torchbearer – Illuminating your way with Guidance”. My coaching tools are based on the Quran and Sunnah, as Islam has the solution for all situations. My clients are purpose driven women who are motivated to want to attain Ihsan. A wanna-be writer and an avid learner, I pray that writing articles for Mum & Muslim Magazine will not only help the reader(s) but also help me get closer to my Deen, with understanding.
An ambitious individual striving to secure my place in Al-Firdous, I have lots of B.A.G.s (Big Audacious Goals). My motto is: I aim to reach for the Moon so that if I fall, I’ll land amongst the stars! I am a member of Toastmasters International and an Ambassador representing Qatar for World Leadership Day. Inshallah these organisations will help me improve my public speaking and leadership skills so that I can improve myself in the area of Dawah – both within my family and outside of my family.
“Verily! Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves...” [Quran 13:11]
Sumaiya Umm Imran (Editor)
I am a Sociology graduate and worked as a mentor and teacher (primary, secondary & AS level) for a couple of years. Alhamdulillah I am married and been blessed with three children. Writing is my passion and I try to write on a regular basis at http://sumaiyasreflection.blogspot.com/
My goal is to be a better Muslim by being a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend inshaAllah. I am very passionate about this magazine. I hope Insha-Allah through this magazine we will be able to raise our children as good Muslims and leave a legacy of ongoing charity (sadaqa jariya). May Allah (SWT) accept this humble deed, ameen.
Taskina Binta Mahmud
Taskina
Binta Mahmud is a happy married muslimah. She is also a mother of a beautiful
daughter. She works as a lecturer at International Islamic University,
Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Tasnim Nazeer
I am a Freelance Journalist/Writer and SEO copywriter who has written extensively for a variety of print and online publications. I am currently a Journalist/Reporter for Business Media Group’s Global Islamic Finance Magazine where you can find my articles about Islamic Finance in the print and online version of internationally reknowed GIF. My work has been featured in many International and Islamic orientated publications such as CNN , The Muslim News, Productive Muslim.com, Productive Ramadan.com, How to Books and blogs on the Telegraph and Guardian ‘We been there’ sites amongst many others . Most importantly I am a mother of two toddlers and one on the way inshallah. I currently running my own Portal of Islamic inspiration iMedia from the renowned Islamic brand iPoet.
Visit her website on: www.tasnimnazeer.com
Umm Aalia
I am a fulltime mother of three children. I love reading and writing about parenting issues.
Umm Belal
I am a 25 year old university graduate with a degree in English and a proud mother of one. I have always had a passion for teaching and I am currently pursuing a career in this field. I do various volunteer works mainly working with Muslim youth teaching and mentoring.
I feel my most important and valuable role in life is raising my son who is a blessing and one that should not be taken lightly. Initially my working life started in Childcare and I have experience and qualifications in this field. Inshallah I pray that this magazine is a beneficial source of knowledge for myself and our lovely readers.
Umm Salihah ( Deputy editor)
Hi, I’m Umm Salihah and I am mum to three dirty-faced angels (Little Lady - 7, Little Man - 5, Gorgeous - 3 years). I write for www.happymuslimah.com which I began in order to share my experiences as a Muslimah working mother and to learn from other sisters about how they manage the different aspects of their lives without compromising their faith. I also blog at www.positivemuslimah.com because I believe we need to share more of our positive stories.
I read Psychology at university and then went on to work for the public sector for the next 10 years, first in central government and now in local government because I wanted to contribute to the community I had grown up in insh’Allah. My passions include crafts (cards, banners and jewellery), books, bargain-hunting, writing, dawah and the English countryside.
You can contact me at umm_salihah@yahoo.co.uk
Umm Siham
I’m a Muslimah living in Belgium (Dutch speaking part of Belgium, also known as Flanders). I’m a full time mother of three, a boy (6) and two girls (4 and 2), alhamdulillah.
I’m born in a mixed marriage. I have a Belgian mother and my father is from Mauritania. My husband is originally from Morocco. So we are truly a multicultural family, alhamdulillah !
I have a university degree in political and social sciences but when I got my first child I decided to put my professional career on hold for a while. Being a full time mother is probably one of the most under estimated jobs in the world! But alhamdulillah, it’s a great job with an even greater reward.
I have a passion for food! I love cooking and most of all baking! Two years ago I discovered cake decorating which is so much fun! I also love spending time with my family and making trips with the kids.
I got to know ‘Aaila’ through the wonderful blog of Umm Salihah. I immediately felt attracted to this mashallah great initiative. Insha Allah I can contribute to this initiative by posting some of my recipes and maybe even some articles.
Zakia Hussen
I have lived in London since 2002, when I moved with my parents and three brothers and sister from Sweden. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia and fled the country with my family just before the outbreak of the civil war. I have recently completed a degree in Development Studies & International Relations at the London Metropolitan University, and completed a Masters in International Relations & Globalisation & PGCert in Diplomacy in Islam. During university I was also involved with several university societies, ranging from the Somali Society to the Middle East Society. But I was most heavily involved with the Islamic Society, serving as Vice-President. The society helped me spiritually, socially and academically.
A happy, social person, I like to meet other people from other cultures and religions. My commitment in life is to be an honest and inspiring person, empowering others and myself to be our best and to achieve our dreams and ambitions. My motto in life: "The best of people, benefit people". I blog at http://zakisworld.blogspot.com/
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