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This feels all too familiar, but yet it is so very different. When my grandparents and mother-in-law passed away, I felt the same feeling as I do now. A feeling that weighs heavy on the heart and has the ability to disable you from finding peace and purpose, at least for some time. This is how the past two months have been as a Palestinian grappling with the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

With the natural passing of loved ones, we learn to accept, find our new normal, and are reminded that this is the way of life. “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return” [2:156] But this is different. This hits different. To witness the mass murder, genocide, and ethnic cleansing of my people, this is a grief that penetrates deeper.

It is one thing to lose loved ones to the natural causes of life, sickness, accidents and so on. But losing entire family lineages because of an intentional, targeted genocide is beyond human comprehension. I think I can speak for the vast majority of Palestinians, we never thought we would live to see the remaking of another 

How does one live? How does one function halfway around the world?

This is the type of grief that will forever weigh heavy and never be mended or healed. It will never make sense. But still we know, and we are certain, and we believe, “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.'' This 

, life, is a test and with it come trials and tribulations that will surely rock us to our core. But still we remind ourselves that “We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life and crops. But give glad tidings to those who are patient and steadfast.” [2:155]

A protest for Gaza and Palestine in Charlotte, N.C.; photo credit: Deda Photography

The initial weeks of this war felt like an everlasting funeral at home. I found it hard to carry on with my day-to-day tasks. My two young children’s needs were the only thing pulling me to go through the motions of our daily routine. My mind, heart and soul were in a different space than my body. I couldn’t comprehend or understand what was happening, what is still happening, so I held on to the only thing I knew to be true.

One thing that I know will never fail me. Only one thing mattered to me in that phase of processing my grief, and that was to turn to the promise and reassurance of the only one who has full control over all affairs, Allah (S). In my despair, confusion and heartache, the words of Allah (S), 

“Verily in the remembrance of Allah (S) do hearts find rest.” [13:28]

“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” [3:173]

I have to make an intentional effort to remind myself that some things in this life, we were never meant to understand. Allah’s hikmah, His wisdom, is there in all that He facilitates. But sometimes we were just not meant to understand it, not yet. Not now. Maybe not here, in this life. But also - we are human, and Allah (S) created us with feelings and curiosity, and it is our right to feel the way we feel.

My feelings are valid, your feelings are valid. Allow yourself to go through the emotions, because what we are witnessing is not normal. Let’s not normalize it and become numb to the images, the videos and the noise.

During these times of confusion and rocking of faith, many of us turn to circles of knowledge, our favorite religious speakers, or own teachers for guidance and words of reassurance and calm. With that being said, something I have found interesting and a constant trend, especially during this specific war on Gaza, is that the views of those in religious circles and scholars of faith are often seen through rose-colored glasses.

As a global community, we are looking at the images and videos, the strengths, weaknesses, suffering and calamity in Gaza while on a spiritual high, approaching the suffering as a way to reassure ourselves that Allah (S) will take care of it. And while Allah (S) will take care of it, we tend to romanticize their pain and idolize the Gazans who have stepped up to be heroes in their own right, but against their own will.

Instead, our approach should always first and foremost be in the 

, “I want the world to see us as humans.”

The press, civilians, journalists, photographers - they did not ask to be heroes. They did not ask to be looked up to in the way we are doing.

“We are a people of dignity, not accustomed to this disgrace.” 

Somewhere between the dehumanization and the glorification, we are losing their humanity. And that, that is an injustice to the people of Gaza. To the people of Palestine. “We are not superheroes like the media makes us to be. Our children are hungry, our men are lost. We have nothing in our power to do but move from place to place to seek shelter. We are not able to do anything for ourselves, this is our situation.” says 

(While this list is limited, it highlights some of the

 who are working selflessly and courageously every day to show us what is unfolding. Follow them, amplify their voices, and share their content.)

The things we are witnessing were never meant to be broadcasted to the world. The fact that you are seeing such suffering circulating is humiliating. The fact that this is what they have to resort to in order to show the world the atrocities being committed against them is desensitizing. Do not put a melody over it and romanticize it. We Palestinians take pride in ourselves, the way we present ourselves, the way we dress, the food we eat, the culture we work so hard to preserve as to not be erased and ethnically cleansed!

Nothing epitomizes this agony of having to display one's suffering when dignity needs to be protected then 

, where a Gazan woman declared, "The entire world is looking at us, we are not an exhibit or show on display. We are the most dignified people on Earth! We don’t want anyone to record us, we have Allah (S) with us! We don’t want anyone to sympathize with us. We have Allah (S)!“

Don’t Forget The Reality Behind The Lens

Allah (S) chose the people of Palestine to serve their purpose, and that is to defend the Holy Land and fight to their death. Allah (S) has planted in them a seed of faith that is unwavering and will withstand the test of time until the promised day of victory, Insha’Allah.We see it in the videos and in their words and actions. The words “I am still alive.” introducing every daily update video from 

 will forever ring in our ears as a reminder for an unanswered cry for help.

We will never un-see the photos taken by 

, “I never thought I’d be documenting my people’s genocide, ceasefire now.” But do not for a second forget that despite their strength and heroism, they are still human and are breaking. Do not for a second forget that before and after every video of strength you see from them, there is a disastrous reality that extends beyond the artistic doodles and characters made in their honor.

Do not forget that there are those who are not on display, because they are truly suffering and lost. They don’t have an inspirational video or moment of strength to display for you; they are lost being human in this inhumane reality.

I take a moment to pause and reflect and I see that still, amidst the disparity, tragedy and suffering, I find myself inspired by my people’s strength and resilience in their most vulnerable state. Videos of children comforting each other and sharing the little food they have. Seamstresses inventing makeshift sewing machines out of bike wheels and gear to cover and dress those who have been exposed. Women refusing to leave orphaned babies and taking them in as their own. 

Men who have lost their entire families, lending their hands out to other survivors. Communities sharing meals they managed to cook with scarce ingredients and out of the mud made ovens they built. Youth singing songs of faith, hope and victory to muddle the noise of bombs falling from the sky.

It is hard to fathom we are surpassing over 70 days of war. Recently, I found myself entering a new stage in processing what is happening. I am able to think more clearly about how I can channel all my grief and anger into positive action. After my interview with Jumana from 

 I was inspired to take on small projects to raise money for donation. I took advantage of my latest baking hobby and made a small “Cake Jar for Gaza” campaign where we raised a thousand dollars, 

This week I am partnering with my sister-in-law to teach a 

, Palestinian cross - stitch, class for charity to our local community. My daughter and I have been busy making Tatreez Christmas ornaments that we gifted her teachers, our neighbors and loved ones for the holidays. This was especially new to me as I usually only gift during Muslim holidays. But this year, gifting during Christmas time was necessary. Actually, it was a duty.

Jesus was Palestinian. Bethlehem is in Palestine. We work hard to preserve our culture, our traditions, our existence. Through our actions, the world will learn to see the truth.

The world is listening, the tide is shifting. Palestine is not a foreign word anymore. We did this. Not the war, not the politicians, not the leaders, but US. The people. Palestinians who have been fighting for their voice, freedom, and right to exist for over 75 years. 

Keep doing, keep talking. Free Palestine.



'Somewhere Between the Dehumanization and the Glorification, We Lost Their Humanity'

By Nargis Rahman and Layla Abdullah-Poulos

We’re wrapping up 2023 with heart wrenching stories of hope and perseverance against the ongoing backdrop of the Israel-Gaza war. Haute Hijab is highlighting 10 notable Muslim women who are bringing awareness to the atrocities around the world, breaking barriers in sports, creating communities of care for women of color and so much more, all while holding onto great courage.

We are bringing you Muslim journalists, activists, judges and scientists from 2023 who are making a difference in the world – even risking their safety to bring people news from the ground. These women display what it means to have grace and dignity while practicing their faith, showing us that Muslim women are at the center of documenting history as it unfolds.

In compiling this list we agonized over who to ultimately include, because as is the inherent problem with lists like these, there are so many Muslim women who accomplished a variety of things and affected change in 2023. But we did our best! We also know that there's a chance that not everyone on this list is Muslim, such as some of the women journalists in Gaza. (Because we weren't able to confirm.) Nevertheless, their work is extraordinary in sharing the stories of Palestinian Muslims, Christians and Gazans alike.

So, who did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.

From L to R clockwise: Plestia Alaqad, Bisan Owda and Hind Khoudary.

 from the ongoing genocide according to the health ministry in Gaza. Palestinian Journalists 

, 25, have put their lives on the line to document what’s happening on the ground in Gaza. Through social media, they (along with other journalists) have updated the world on the deaths, realities and chaos, providing a crucial view into the chaos and violence Gazans have been subjected to on the ground.

Earlier in the conflict, Plestia showed videos from her home while there was shelling nearby, documented people moving about Palestine for shelter ahead of forced evacuations, and reported from inside of hospitals in dire conditions. She was one of five people 

 for their “vital role” in documenting what’s unfolding in Gaza. Plestia previously oversaw the English Media Club, part of 

, an independent, non-profit media institution that helps teach people English to cover media topics.

Bisan Owda, a documentary filmmaker, is known for updating the world with near-daily videos in which she begins with, “This is Bisan. I’m still alive.” She shares with her three million followers (across various social media platforms) the gruesome 

 of trying to report on the ground, while simultaneously seeking shelter, living in refugee camps, and nearly missing being hit by Israeli bombs.

Hind Khoudary works as a freelance reporter for Turkey’s Andalou news. She shares pictures of the ongoing conflict and destroyed markets, hospitals and neighborhoods. She told TIME magazine that it’s exhausting to keep up, and that “to report and live the same exact thing is very overwhelming.”

 where more than 60 journalists and media workers 

2. Professor Jackie Yi-Ru Ying – winner of the King Faisal Prize for Medical and Science Laureates.

Professor Jackie Yi-Ru Ying was distinguished as a

 recipient of the prestigious King Faisal Prize for Medical Sciences

, an accolade that honors exceptional contributions in science and medicine. A trailblazer in her domain, Professor Ying's groundbreaking research and innovations have significantly advanced the frontiers of biomedical science. Her work, which encompasses the development of novel nanotechnology platforms for drug delivery and diagnostics, has been pivotal in offering new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.

This recognition underscores Professor Ying's profound impact on the scientific community and highlights her role as an inspiration for aspiring scientists globally. Her achievements are a testament to her dedication to enhancing healthcare through scientific innovation, and her selection for this esteemed prize reflects the global significance of her contributions. 

Professor Ying's career, marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and application of cutting-edge science for the betterment of human health, makes her a deserving laureate of the King Faisal Prize, further cementing her status as a leading figure in medical science and research. 

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a prominent figure in American politics, has become widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to the Palestinian cause. As the first woman of Palestinian descent elected to the U.S. Congress, Tlaib's personal and professional journey is intrinsically linked to her advocacy for Palestinian rights. Her efforts extend beyond mere political rhetoric; she actively supports policies and resolutions that aim to address the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Tlaib's commitment is rooted in her own heritage, lending a deeply personal dimension to her political endeavors. Despite facing significant opposition and criticism, 

including censure from fellow members of Congress

, she remains steadfast in her mission. This resilience reflects her broader commitment to human rights and social justice, hallmarks of her career in public service.

Tlaib's stance on the Palestinian issue has not been without controversy, particularly within the halls of Congress. Her outspoken support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and criticism of Israeli policies have sparked debates on the balance between advocating for Palestinian rights and maintaining strong U.S.-Israel relations. These positions led to several censure attempts (one being successful) by some of her congressional colleagues, highlighting the contentious nature of Middle East policy in American politics. 

Yet, Tlaib's resolve in the face of such challenges underscores her dedication to what she perceives as a fight for justice and equality. Combining personal experience with political activism, her approach continues to shape the discourse around the Palestinian cause in the U.S., showcasing the power of representation and the impact of personal conviction in the political arena. 

4. Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur and basketballer Fitriya Mohamed

Muslim women in American sports are increasingly becoming prominent figures, breaking barriers and challenging long-standing stereotypes in a realm traditionally dominated by men. Their rising presence is a testament to their exceptional skills and symbolizes a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity in sports. This change is being led by remarkable athletes like 

 in tennis and Fitriya Mohamed in basketball, who are excelling in their respective sports and changing the narrative around what it means to be a Muslim woman athlete.

Ons, a Tunisian tennis star, made headlines in 2023 for her groundbreaking achievements, including being the 

first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final

. Her success on the international stage has inspired many, exemplifying how talent and determination can transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

Both Ons and Fitriya, who founded the Toronto 

, have garnered significant attention, not only for their athletic prowess but also for their roles as cultural icons.

Ons, in particular, has been vocal about the perception of female athletes, famously 

, "I'm not a model. I'm an athlete, and people should focus more on my athleticism rather than my clothes." This statement resonates profoundly in the context of Muslim women in sports, where athletes often face additional scrutiny over their appearance and attire.

Fitriya's emergence in professional basketball has been equally impactful. Her presence on the court challenges the conventional image of a basketball player, offering a new perspective on what Muslim women can achieve in sports.

Together, Ons and Fitriya are not just excelling in their fields; they are pioneers shaping a more inclusive future in sports, encouraging young Muslim women to pursue their athletic dreams while embracing their identity. Their journeys on the footsteps of Muslim women athletic pioneers like 

, symbolize a significant shift in how Muslim women athletes are viewed and celebrated in the American sports landscape. 

5. Noura Erakat – Professor of Human Rights and Palestinian Academic

When it comes to the Palestinian narrative, many Palestinian academics have come to the forefront to bring perspective and context to the war and to inform the American public about the long history of the Palestinian struggle. Professor of Human Rights 

 at Rutgers University, a social justice activist, and a human rights attorney who’s been speaking truth to power.

,” highlighting the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and the Palestinian struggle for freedom since the early 1900s. Noura is a board of trustee for the Center for Constitutional Rights. She’s also the co-founding editor of the Jadaliyya, the editorial board of the Journal of Palestine Studies and Human Geography. She’s also produced documentaries about Gaza and done numerous 

6. NPR and ABC correspondents Leila Fadel and Asma Khalid – asking the hard questions.

L-R: Asma Khalid and Leida Fadel; image source: NPR.

When it comes to putting news in perspective and covering national politics, Leila Fadel, Morning Edition anchor and host of news podcast Up First, and Asma Khalid, White House correspondent and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast as well as a contributor for ABC News have you covered. Leila is a Lebanese-American reporter who has covered race reporting and American Muslim stories and reported in the Middle East as an international correspondent.

Now she’s reporting on the Israel-Hamas war with stories such as the increase of 

, the psychological impacts of dehumanizing Palestinians, and the impacts of women not having access to reproductive healthcare in Gaza

 presidential campaigns, elections, and the intersectionalities of politics and demographics. She also covers President Joe Biden - including his response to the ongoing conflicts. Recently she has reported on 

pressure for Biden’s stance on the Israel-Gaza war

, and how Palestinians in Bethlehem are canceling Christmas this year. 

7. Digital Content-Creator Zainab Jiwa – winner of the U.K. Women in Media award.

London-based digital content creator Zainab Jiwa is no stranger to making a splash in the fashion world. Zainab was awarded the 

Women in Media award at the 2023 U.K. Muslim Women Awards

, which celebrates high achievers, role models and advocates in the Muslim world. Along with makeup videos and digital content creation, she’s recently served as the 

red carpet social host for the BAFTA TV Awards

 in the U.K.. Zainab has worked with brands like Nike, H&M, and Mac. 

8. Rahma and Muna – co-founders of the first ever conference addressing Black Muslim women's hair care needs.

) have become notable figures in the U.K. for their innovative approach to addressing Black Muslim women's unique hair care needs through their "

. The event was a pioneering platform dedicated to celebrating and educating about the distinctive hair types common among Black Muslim women.

Recognizing the often-overlooked intersection of cultural and religious identity in hair care, the conference aimed to 

empower attendees with knowledge, techniques, and products tailored to their needs

. Rahma and Muna's commitment to this cause goes beyond mere discussions about hair. They are forging a community where Black Muslim women can openly embrace and care for their natural hair, challenging mainstream beauty standards that often marginalize their unique hair types.

Through the conference, they provided practical hair care solutions and discussed topics like managing the rules of 

with textured hair. They fostered a sense of pride and solidarity among Black Muslim women, highlighting the importance of inclusive representation in the beauty industry. Their work exemplifies a broader movement towards embracing diversity and inclusivity in personal care and beauty in Muslim culture. 

9. Nusrat Choudhury –  first Muslim woman and Bangladeshi American to serve as a federal judge.

Bangladeshi American Nusrat Choudhury became the first 

Muslim Bangladeshi American to become a federal judge

 when she was named federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Court of New York in July of 2023. Nusrat was nominated to her seat by the Biden administration in 2022, a nomination supported by social liberty and Muslim groups. 

Prior to her new role, she served as the legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Illinois, where she worked on issues such as criminal justice, government surveillance of Muslims, and policing. Nusrat will now serve in 

one of the largest Muslim and Bangladeshi communities

10. Sudanese Muslim women leading humanitarian response in Sudan crisis.

Illustration source:  UN Women/Michael Lusaba

, Sudanese Muslim (and other) women have stepped forward as formidable leaders in orchestrating the humanitarian response, showcasing remarkable resilience and determination. Their leadership is most prominently exemplified by the 

Peace for Sudan initiative, a grassroots movement spearheaded primarily by women

. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, aiming to tackle the multifaceted humanitarian challenges that plague the country. 

It's purpose extends beyond providing immediate aid and relief; it is a concerted effort towards cultivating long-term peace and stability within Sudan. The initiative reflects a deep understanding of the local context and the specific needs of the affected communities, ensuring that the humanitarian response is effective and inclusive.

The involvement of Sudanese Muslim women in conceiving and leading the Peace for Sudan initiative, like those whose stories 

 holds profound significance. They represent a powerful challenge to traditional gender roles in a region where women's participation in public and political spheres is often limited. By stepping into leadership roles, these women are changing perceptions and ensuring that humanitarian efforts are attuned to the nuanced needs of all community members, especially women and children, who are often the most vulnerable in conflict situations.

Their role in the Peace for Sudan initiative underscores the importance of including women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes. This approach demonstrates that effective and sustainable solutions to crises are more likely when diverse voices, particularly those of women directly impacted by these crises, are included in the decision-making process. 

Who did we miss? There were so many notable Muslim to highlight. Share with us in the comments below!

Activists, Scientists, Athletes, Journalists – Meet 10 Notable Muslim Women in 2023

The way things are going, we will be hitting the streets and the polls for at least another month according to the latest hints from the right-wing government of Israel. In the meantime, getting our lawmakers’ attention to majority sentiments is not just our civic duty, but our civil right.

(Have you called your elected officials to demand a ceasefire? Here’s 

 talking about how to protest safely, having attended trainings and been a trainer for street actions in the past. While my expertise lies mainly as a medic, the basis of what I know about the history of direct action and action medicine is from my colleagues at Phoenix Urban Health Collective, to whom I am forever indebted.

While you don’t have to be a doctor or nurse to be a medic, I happen to be a practicing physician. One of my duties is to treat people who are sick, but when I see the same sickness happening again and again, my focus must shift to address the root cause of that illness. Putting 

 (we don’t use the J&J version in our house) on a problem is a quick fix, but not the final solution. Which naturally brings us to Palestine.

I Had to Learn For Myself – Why Palestine?

My whole life I wondered about Palestine and why people who were so oppressed didn’t just leave. Even when I protested for Palestine in college, I thought, well 

(migration) was better if it provided freedom of religion, but I’ll march because everyone else is. Obviously this details how little I understood of the region and history. 

Before medical school, I learned about Gazans from some Palestinian colleagues, who told me these were the strongest women in the world. But why be strong when their kids are being kidnapped (we don’t say “detained” in our house) and killed on a regular basis behind a dehumanizing wall?

I was stupid enough to ask a dear Palestinian friend about 10 years ago why Palestinians continued to stay where they were systematically being squeezed out or extinguished, and she answered, “Because that’s exactly what they want. They want us to leave our land, and we will die for it.”

Well damn, Gina. (Side note: You have to have watched the show “Martin” to get that reference.) That wasn’t her name, but 

, she remains my friend to this day despite my ignorance.

 In my lifetime, I was told by Brown, Black and the whole rainbow of people that it’s “complicated;” but I knew watching a 12-year-old unarmed boy on TV get shot despite his unarmed father’s best efforts to protect him was anything but complicated. It was simple. “One day” I would understand, and Gina made that day finally come.

Almost 30 years ago, before the blockade and genocide of Gaza, my hot-blooded friends and I protested outside the Israeli embassy in our college days. Since then, every Ramadan, and every couple of years when Israel “mowed the grass,” we continued to witness the brutality of occupation in Palestine..

Image source: Unsplash; photo by Merch Husey

And now as a mom of 4 of my own kids and khalto to 3 more Palestinian ones, I know quick fixes don’t work. Neither do calls, letters, protests or even educating people because at this point, the whole world knows what has and is happening in occupied Palestine, and they simply do not care. I’ve done all those things, but I never put my body on the line for Palestine, for my own holy land, the way Palestinians did.

So, when I received a message a few weeks ago, late on a Monday night, that a sit-in was being planned at my senator’s office with the possibility of arrest the very next day, my colonized brain quickly shot out, “Oh, but this could affect my work and record.” Followed by, “What if 

Getting Trained to Be Arrested as a Form of Protest

These types of civil actions are usually clandestine, on a need to know basis, and very few details about what and how are provided. I casually asked my husband if he was okay with me being arrested, to which he replied, “No, but be back home by Wednesday. I have to go out of town.” He didn’t ask for details, whats or hows. I love this man.

My intention was to force a ceasefire in Palestine, and I signed on at first, “to see.” I wasn’t yet sure that I was willing to be arrested for it. So I hit my prayer rug before bed with du’a for guidance and purification of my intentions, topped off with a tasbeeh of hasbee Allahs. Palestinians have shown us the power of that prayer. I went to sleep feeling butterflies in my stomach and in my heart. But I knew the best things I’d ever done, I’d done scared.

We’d been advised of what color to wear the next day so I entered my closet and immediately found the pants I thought I lost eight months before. I’d torn the house apart looking for them! These are the most comfortable pants in the world, and knowing I had them back so unexpectedly was my sign from Allah (S). He knows I’m very easy to please.

By the end of that morning’s training, I was sure I was willing to be arrested because:

1. The action was well organized with jail support and pro bono legal support.

2. Organizers had been arrested multiple times for civil disobedience and were pros.

3. At least three of us were Jewish anti-Zionists, and since I’d never met one before, I cried happy, overwhelmed tears.

4. The worst charge would be trespass, a misdemeanor, and for physician licensure, I’d have to report it, but it wouldn’t affect my renewal.

5. If Canary Mission doxxed me, I owned my own practices, and no one could fire me.

6. All the numbers I needed were written in Sharpie on my arm, because my phone would be taken in an arrest. 

I didn’t have to mark myself with Sharpie to be identified in death

Dr. Uzma Jafri being arrested and escorted by police a few weeks back. Image source: Instagram.

After 2-3 hours of peacefully taking over the small waiting area of the senator’s office, we were advised by his staff that we needed to leave or they’d “have to” call the police. The owners of the space at such actions warn protestors that they’re going to call the police, then the police come and warn everyone to leave or risk arrest. Then the police asks again to the effect of, “Do you understand you’re being arrested?” Ample opportunity to cease and not be arrested should be provided.

Did you know that we pay senators AND their rent through our taxes, 

 As my case is ongoing, I think that’s all I can say in addition to, as taxpayers we had a right to be inside the senator’s office as long as we wanted to, and I was sitting on a couch I bought. It was nice, too.

We knew the police had arrived when our phones slowed down because they had jammers to block signals. They also have software to pull data from phones, so we turned them off. Best practice. My last phone call was an incoming one from my son: “Ammi, I don’t think this is a good idea. Don’t do anything stupid. I love you.” At least I know he listens when I drop him off with his friends.

Everyone who didn’t want to risk arrest left the building to protest on the sidewalk, and two plain clothes officers came to warn us with the final rendition of “this is your last chance to get out.” I had my tasbeeh and just kept silently reciting hasbee Allah because the key to being arrested is, say nothing, say nothing, and then say nothing some more.

Once we were sealed inside the glass-walled office, about 20 riot-geared police officers entered and put handcuffs on us one at a time. They asked, “Do you understand you’re being arrested?” No Miranda rights are required unless you’re on a bad police sitcom. I didn’t answer so they shrugged and cuffed me. Resisting arrest can escalate charges to a felony, so we all complied because this was a peaceful protest, and we were going to maintain peace. Then a pair flanked and marched each of us outside past 20 more riot gear clad officers. 

We walked out chanting, “Ceasefire now.”

Our duos of officers led us to a long line of police SUVs surrounded by 20 or so more riot-clad officers, quite a reception for just 10 peaceful protestors AND such a good use of tax dollars! The very young officer in my pair asked if I had anything to poke him with and I assured him I did not. Short guys have never been my type, especially those who haven't even cut their wisdom teeth yet. That part I didn’t say because “peaceful,” right?

Each of us got our own police SUV. Again, excellent use of taxes. A police SUV has a hard plastic bench in the back with very little leg room for a small person, which I am not. There was a thick plastic shield between the officers and me. They asked for my name, date of birth and address, which I provided as advised by the legal team during morning training. I’d spent the whole day reassuring myself that I could handle the smell of jail pee and sleep sitting up, or just stay up for days on end because my medical training prepared me. I just wanted to get processed and to jail ASAP.

Processing usually takes place at a precinct. It was 8 minutes away from the senator’s office, but my young officers got lost for 25. In the process, their turns were not gentle and I swayed uncomfortably with my hands behind my back. But I maintained my posture with firm feet and composure, reciting hasbee Allah while I looked out the window. I knew they were watching me through the rear view mirror even though their conversation was about how they wanted nachos and how lost they were. No kidding.

By the time we arrived at the precinct, we learned that the printer there wasn’t working. We were seated in a conference room at tables in a U-shape, far from each other. The rule still was: Say nothing. And while a few officers furiously typed on computers, a pair of officers marched each of us out individually. We had no idea where they were being taken, and assumed it was to mugshots and fingerprints. One of the typers was actually wearing a pouch that read “This is the way.” Talk about not getting the assignment!

By that time, I was ready for jail or, really, anything. Even though my beads were on my cuffed wrists, prayer was on my lips. No one could take that away from me, and I was super relaxed.

It actually surprised me when I was lifted to my feet, uncuffed, asked to rub my index finger on a Sharpie (not enough taxes for ink pads?) and provide a single print. I was handed a paper (I guess the printer finally worked) and walked outside, flanked by my duo who said, “Okay.”

“Wherever you want. Just get off our property.” And they closed the door. 

Again, if my tax dollars are paying for it, it’s not theirs, but I was pretty shocked and headed to the sidewalk, which IS public property. As each one of us trickled out, we welcomed each other there. Pretty anticlimactic, but I was told by the seasoned ones that this can happen. 

We each got a ticket for trespassing and were sent home after a big show of force and probably several thousand in tax dollars. A court date was listed on the ticket for a long weekend. Our support and legal teams were already on their way to jail when we called them to turn around and pick us up. It only took them 10 minutes because they can read maps.

and get home in time for dinner with my family. My initial appearance in court was rescheduled by the legal team and will now be January 17th 

, with my nine new friends. Getting arrested together creates a bond I’ll be able to explain better after a few more arrests. For now, we’re family.

In the meantime, anyone who worries about a nebulous “permanent record” or ruining lives and careers with a misdemeanor, remember who can get elected POTUS and SCOTUS in this country. I think we learned these stories so we’d have an excuse not to act. 

But as Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.” [Sahih Muslim]

And because Palestinians have only ever shown us the strongest of 


Stay tuned to Mommying While Muslim podcast this month for our emergency series "What’s Going on in Palestine," publishing every Thursday at 6 p.m. EST, and email salam@mommyingwhilemuslim.com if you want to come on as a guest expert.

Dr. Uzma Jafri is originally from Texas, mom to four self-directed learners, a volunteer in multiple organizations from dawah resources to refugee social support services, and runs her own private practice. She is an aspiring writer and co host of

podcast, tipping the scales towards that ever elusive balance as the podcast tackles issues second generation Americans have the voice and stomach to tackle.

Step 1, Protest for Palestine; Step 2, Get Arrested, Step 3, Live to Tell the Tale

While the world's attention often turns to the most publicized international events, ongoing crises in other regions remain primarily unseen, simmering beneath the global radar. But they also require our attention, too.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan are prime examples, beset by complexities that demand international attention and understanding. These regions, rich in culture and history, face struggles deeply interconnected with global economic and political dynamics. From the extraction of minerals essential for our electronics in the DRC to the political instability in Sudan affecting global security, the challenges they face are not isolated; they have rippling effects on the international stage.

We all must understand why we should care about these distant lands. The oppression and suffering in the Congo and Sudan are not just regional issues; they are human issues. Our brothers and sisters in Islam and our brothers and sisters in humanity are suffering. In an increasingly interconnected world, the struggles of one part can quickly become the struggles of the whole.

What happens in these countries can impact global markets, migration patterns and even international relations. By remaining informed and empathetic towards these situations, we recognize our shared humanity and the global community we are part of.