“The true north strong and free.” Ever since I was a little girl in elementary school, this has been my favourite line in the national anthem. This country where I was raised, where generations of my relatives were raised, has always been home to me. It is part of me. I am a proud Canadian and … [Read more...]
Muslim Kids Aren’t Getting Special Treatment In School
Would you be surprised to discover that the Peel Board of Education recently starting providing space for Muslim students to pray, supervised by volunteer staff? I would be too—because it is a practice that has been going on for two decades already. So why is it making news? Although the Peel … [Read more...]
When the Teacher is LEARNING the Lessons
Back in September, I wrote about some of the unforeseen mistakes I've made along the learning curve in my new job as a grade nine teacher at an Islamic school. I've played music in class, worn v-neck shirts, and grouped boys and girls together for in-class projects, all of which are no-nos, and all … [Read more...]
Reflections on Ramadan
It's now the 16th day of Ramadan, and our household has fallen into the routine of this holy season. We wake up before the sun rises, around 4:30am, and eat our breakfast. This quiet meal has been a great opportunity for my husband and I to sit and … [Read more...]
Eid lowdown
Yesterday we celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. This year was our turn to host the family lunch. Here are some of the highlights (I will post some pictures later this week). Waking up early to prepare kheer kurma, a traditional Eid dish made with milk, vermicelli, pistachios, … [Read more...]
Race Against Racism
Don't believe that it's not there. Because it is. Even if we don't see it every day, the hideous face of racism reveals itself in the cracks. It's there always, lurking under the surface. Two weeks ago, I traveled to Ottawa for a wedding and got detained by Air Canada, both ways, simply for … [Read more...]
5 Things I love about Ramadan
Ramadan started on Saturday. Wikipedia has a good, brief description of this holy month: Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان, Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Angel … [Read more...]
A Special and Unique Wedding in Ottawa
In early August, the Girl and I made a trip to Ottawa to attend my friend, Banoo's, wedding. I met Banoo in the summer of '91, while taking a summer course in Organic Chemistry at Dalhousie University. We lived in the same little rooming house and studied together. Since … [Read more...]
Ramadan begins
My kids went back to school on Tuesday. It's our third year at Petite Maison and it feels like home. My kids have the same teacher as before, and she welcomed us with hugs and kisses. I love this school and am thrilled to be beginning another year there - it's a very special place. Tuesday … [Read more...]
Next time I’ll fly WestJet
So we're in Calgary and it's wonderful. Visiting my in-laws is always a blast and we are fully enjoying the beautiful weather, company and scenery the city has to offer. Unfortunately, our trip got off to a rocky start when we arrived at Pearson airport yesterday morning. We were in excellent … [Read more...]