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Editorial Summer 2021

sometimes think about who was living on the part of earth I am living now. What did they do? How did they

live? What language did they speak? But it all boils down to the fallibility and shortness of life. No matter how full of a life they lived, they had to leave. One day it will be the same for me too. I just wonder what would happen if we internalized our helplessness and the greatness of the universe. Would we realize deeply that this (Continued on page 3)

(Continued from page 2)

are also given a specific amount of life

world, in, out, and beyond, belongs to

to live, like us. They are also provided

someone Great? Would we understand

and sustained by the One who is sus-

that this world is not a place to reside

taining us. They are as fallible and vul-

permanently? Do we heed that the way

nerable as us. They, as we are also sur-

we live has consequences inside and in

rounded by the whispers of Shaitan and

the hereafter? Do we heed the signs? Do

his followers. No one is inferior or supe-

we see the oppressed and vulnerable -

rior to others. We are given free will, and

whether they are humans, animals, or

so are others.

our planet - and do something about it?

Would learning to be moderate, humble,

But more often than not, we get stuck in

and conscientious help? Would internal-

the busyness of life, its demands, its at-

izing that Allah is our Sustainer,

tractions, its plight, its shallowness, and

and Judge, enhance the love and obli-

we forget our job. We forget that this

gations towards Him and His creations?

universe belongs to Allah and we are His

Would looking inside our hearts, seeing

creation. It slips from our minds that we

the clutter and dust build up, then clean-

can live here and use the blessings of

ing it, help? Maybe. I hope so. Then

this world, but only for a period.

again, I wonder if I leave this world like it is now, do I have something to say to Al-

We ignore that the other humans, ani-

lah? What I have done here? Have I left

mal, and this planet has right over us

the place and people better or worse

and we ignore that we are not allowed

than what I got? Can I defend my choic-

to disturb this delicate balance “That

es to Him?

you do not transgress within the balance” (55:8) created by Allah to sustain

I just wonder!

us, nourish us, and help us through life. We also forget that our fellow human

(Continued on page 4)

beings are also created by Allah. They 3

O (Continued from page 3)

nce again, I would like to extend my thanks to all the

writers, editors, proofreaders who share their writings and skills to bring this issue to life. I would also like to thank our readers, for reading, sharing and liking our work. Your kind words give us energy and hope. This issue you will see a lot of unique pieces from Sensing Injustice to Gut Feeling and more; I hope you’ll enjoy this issue as well. Keep us in your prayers, read, share, and comment; we are listening to you. Reach us @ northwestmuslim@gmail.com Thank you all of you!

Editors: Ayesha Nasir, Beenish Khurshid Proofreaders: Harris Nami Writers: Ayesha Nasir

Our Team

Beenish Khurshid, Rabia Saad, Shaista Khurshid

Editor-in-Chief,

Layout, Design & Illustrations: Shaista Khurshid

Content Editorial ·····································································02

Sensing Injustice························································08 Let’sTalk Loneliness ··················································14 Self-Respect ···························································20 Editosaurous ···························································28 Gut Feeling ···························································32 Orange Chicken·······················································40 Friend Indeed ···························································44 Food or FAD ···························································48 ThoseTen Minutes···················································52

Back Cover ···························································58

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Quran and Hadith Quotes https://quran.com/ https://sunnah.com/ 7

Critical Thinking

Sensing Injustice By: Ayesha Nasir , Hamilton Ontario Photo by Ingo Ellerbusch on Unsplash

only from Allah (SWT), and it

henever I

provides insight into Musa

read the

(AS)’s sense of justice and his

name "Moses" in the Quran, I

determination to do the right

find myself intrigued about

thing.

what is to come. I read the passages with a lot of curiosity be-

We know through the story

cause I learn so much from his

told in Surah Kahf, that Musa

experiences each time I read

(AS) sets out to meet Khidr

about him.

(AS) at a junction between two seas (Qur’an 18:60) to learn

The story in the Quran which

that the special knowledge that

details the interaction of

he had as a prophet was only a

Prophet Moses, Musa, (AS) and

fraction of what God had given

a man blessed with some Di-

to someone else from Allah.

vine knowledge, Khidr (AS), has

Musa (AS) is very keen on find-

recently become one of my fa-

ing this man that Allah (SWT)

vourite stories. It reflects the

has given special knowledge to.

sense of right and wrong pre-

sent in all of us which comes 9

(Continued on page 10)

(Continued from page 9)

that Musa (AS) is clear that the true

In Musa (AS)’s example we see the

wisdom did not belong to Khidr (AS)

passion and determination that any

inherently. Rather, he too has been

student of knowledge should have.

taught from the One true Source: Allah SWT.

Students of knowledge know, like

Musa (AS) did, that the journey to

In the Quran, Allah (SWT) said that

knowledge can take a long time

when Khidr (AS) meets Musa (AS),

(Qur’an 18:60). Hunger and weari-

he believes the latter will not have

ness overcomes him and his com-

the patience to be the former’s stu-

panion but in the end it all comes

dent. He asked Musa (AS): “How

together as this event brings them to

could you be patient in matters be-

the man they were seeking.

yond your knowledge?” (Qur’an 18:68)

When they finally found the man, one of the first things Musa (AS) did

This is a kind of foreshadowing into

was to seek Khidr (AS)’s permission

what will follow. As we know, the pa-

to be his student.

tience being talked about here is not

an ordinary one. Musa (AS) and his Musa (AS) said to him, “May I follow

companion have made a long and

you so that you can teach me some

arduous journey and understand

of that which you have been taught

what patience usually means. But

of sound judgment?” (Qur’an 18:66)

what Khidr (AS) is hinting at, seems to be beyond the capacity of a

Here, it is important to acknowledge

(Continued on page 11)

(Continued from page 10)

sa (AS) insists that making a hole in

prophet of God.

a ship to drown its people is a cruel

“And they found a servant from

and wrong act. He forgets his rules

among Our servants [i.e., al-Khidr] to

of engagement discussed before the

whom We had given mercy from Us

lessons even began, with Khidr (AS)

and had taught him from Us a

entirely and when he was reminded

[certain] knowledge.” 18:65

of it, he said: “He (Musa) said, “Do not hold me responsible for what I

“O Musa! I have knowledge from Al-

forgot, and do not make my course

lah that you don’t have that, he

too difficult for me.” (Qur’an 18:73)

taught me. And you have some knowledge from Allah that he

Musa (AS) does not apologise for his

taught, which I don’t have.” (Part of

shock and reaction. He expresses

a long Hadith-Sahih al-Bukhari 3401)

what is natural and finds strength in himself to keep going and witness-

A determined Musa (AS) insists that

ing these gruesome acts. Next, when

Khidr (AS) will find his patience sat-

Khidr (AS) kills a boy; Musa (AS)

isfactory and that he will not pose a

calls it a heinous act and asks: “Did

challenge to what Khidr (AS) does or

you kill an innocent soul while he did

demands of him. All of us who have

not kill anyone?” (Qur’an 18:74)

read the story know what follows. Musa (AS) is, as Khidr (AS) said, not

Khidr (AS) once again reminds Musa

able to keep the terms of their

(AS) of the agreed terms and condi-

agreement and wants answers to

tions. To which the latter says: “If I

why Khidr (AS) did what he did. Mu-

(Continued on page 12)

(Continued from page 11)

tell Musa the reasons of his ac-

ask you about something after this,

tions He explained the significance

do not keep me in your company. You

of each action, as well as clarified

have had enough excuses from

that each action was a direct com-

me.” (Qur’an 18:76)

mand from Allah (SWT).

Musa (AS) knows it is not right for a

I truly love Musa (AS)’s questioning

man of God to act the way Khidr

of the injustices he perceived and

(AS) did. He wants to know the ra-

witnessed.

tionale behind Khidr (AS)’s actions, because he realises there is no way a

I love that, despite Musa (AS) run-

person of God could do this on their

ning out of patience and taking it

own.

upon himself to recommend what he deemed to be right and just, us-

In the third and final part of Musa

ing the knowledge and judgement

(a's ) journey with Khidr (AS), he

given to him by God. I also love that

was stunned to find that Khidr (AS)

he acknowledged his strength or

mends a damaged wall in a

lack of it, that keeping up with Khidr

city where during their journey, peo-

(AS)’s tasks (also given by God) was

ple were hostile and inhospitable to

quite difficult. Some of us try to be

them. He said to Khidr (AS) that he

like Khidr (AS), without recognising

could have charged the city money

that Khidr (AS) only did what he did

for his labour. At this, Khidr (AS) said

because of the knowledge God gave

it is time for them to part the journey

him.

and as the end note, he proceeds to

(Continued on page 13)

(Continued from page 12)

Musa (AS) in this story has taught me alot and I think we've got to be more like Musa (AS) we should seek teachers whom we respect and

acknowledge as givers of knowledge we don’t possess, but at the same time hold them to the standards of care, wisdom and justice that our faith teaches us. Recognize the limits to our knowledge. Be vigilant. Speak up. Seek

clarity. Remain curious. Believe there are right answers, even if we'll have to wait for them. Be aware of our own limitations; as If we break a promise, apologize for doing so. Understand that patience isn't easy and being

overconfident about our capacity, knowledge or strength isn’t a wise choice and can backfire badly. Trust God.

Society

Let’s Talk Loneliness: “I Want to be in Your Shoes” By: Rabia Saad, Karachi, Pakistan

Photo By Judson Moore on Unsplash

siderable reporting of the consequences in terms of people increasingly suffering n multiple occa-

from heart disease, mental

sions while surfing through

health disorders, and even

YouTube, I came across di-

dealing with suicidal

verse talks, from all parts of

thoughts. But there is less re-

the world, on the idea of iso-

porting and emphasis where,

lation. As I further observed,

if somebody complains of

there’s a growing focus to

being lonely, it comes with

distinguish ‘being alone’ from

social stigmas.

‘being lonely’.

This stigmatization equally

This is more so due to health

extends to Muslim and non-

experts being concerned with

Muslim social setups. Unfor-

a growing number of people

tunately, common rhetoric

feeling lonely. There is con-

keeps Muslims attributing (Continued on page 16)

not listened to.

(Continued from page 15)

loneliness to non-Muslims and west- The reason is not any rivalry or enmiern social setup where family struc- ty towards each other but purely a tures are either absent or weak. As a

lack of empathy (when one cannot

matter of fact, these perceived no-

feel what the other person is feeling).

tions make them oblivious of the in-

I was able to talk to a friend about her

equity and disconnect within their

notions of loneliness. To maintain

own Shahadah reciting homes, void of husn-e-ikhlaq in their interpersonal relationships.

loneliness. This year will mark her

there are women who might not want

40th year of married life. She has led

to start their mornings - they feel a

a life with the full load of responsibili-

lump in their throat. There are men,

ties and engagements of a family;

and also women, who do not want to return to their home after work. There gry as if their mind would explode.

There are young children who only know how to shout and protest. All of these characters are distant from their own family members within the shared walls. All of them can’t talk to each other because they fear being

her as ‘F’. The case of ‘F’ is of abuse-victim-

In these same Muslim households,

are silent adolescents who are so an-

confidentiality, I would rather refer to

with husband, 5 children, her own family with 13 siblings and a similarly large family of in-laws. But when she talks about her life-long association with her partner or parents or in-laws, she only feels disowned. Today at the age of 55, ‘F’ only follows escapism. Despite being in the middle of many relationships, situations and in-depth (Continued on page 17)

judged, ridiculed or simply heard but 16

being heard.

(Continued from page 16)

family engagement, she has zero

At the age of 22, she started feeling

self-confidence or trust in any per-

physically weak, aged and numb.

son. She is under constant stress -

She had gotten married by this time

believing that she’s not a good wife,

but was only performing always in

not a good mother and not a good

search of an ear to pour out her

daughter.

feelings into. She couldn’t get that

Her major complaint is that there

ear, rather she got hit by her hus-

has been no capacity or effort

band on demanding that ear, not

shown towards her, for her to be

once but repeatedly. The door to es-

heard, understood or acknowledged.

cape closed when she got married,

She dropped out of school in 5th

‘F’ says, “Once you know there’s no

grade because she felt greatly insult-

returning to the parents’ house, you

ed, when her teacher scolded her

also know it’s useless to tell them

mercilessly. The next day, when she

anything.”

simply stopped going to school, no-

I think her choosing not to approach

body in her family bothered or

her parents regarding marital abuse

asked her ‘why’. Maybe young girls

could have been different, if they

at home add more support to the

had bothered to ask in the first place

household, by doing chores, some-

about her leaving school. Because

thing traditionally more appropriate.

nobody asked or guided her; she

Her feeling of inadequacy began.

was left only with a 5th grade educa-

She was only taking care of her huge

tion; least prepared, both socially

clan with 12 siblings, which more

and academically, for the life ahead. (Continued on page 18)

and more restricted her chances of 17

(Continued from page 17)

versation’. This definitely indicates

‘F’ says, “It already isolates you from

the need to hold all forms of conver-

your surroundings, because most of

sations about people, situations and

the time you are embarrassed to be

society, so that people and issues do

the least educated or knowledgea-

not get stigmatized.

ble.”

According to ‘F’, the burden of being

While sharing her views, ‘F’ also

alone is so heavy that you want to

mentioned her struggles with one of

quit all the time but with the same

her differently-abled child. But she

rigour you have to put up the honor

was not limited to the idea of herself

and stake of relationships. And lone-

being alone in the struggle, she was

liness hits hard when it is only the

also able to seek through the loneli-

job of the woman to maintain that

ness of individuals with mental or

honor and stake. The complaining of

physical challenges. So much so that

being lonely will only make her inap-

while talking for this interview, she

propriate for the job, lesser of a

was able to empathize with

woman.

transgenders on the streets of Kara-

‘F’ thinks that is why men cannot

chi, and their experience of aban-

even imagine hinting at their loneli-

donment by their own families and

ness. They cannot afford to be less of

the society at large.

a man. Rather, they blame the wom-

And just after this, ‘F’ realized that

en for their feelings of inadequacy.

she had never ever before been able

And the women add this blame as

to empathize with the loneliness of

another challenge in their already

stigmatized people, but now she is

long list, to be met with the same (Continued on page 19)

able to do that, as part of ‘this con18

(Continued from page 18)

begins at home. Our homes have

vigour that she is expected to dis-

become more vulnerable with loss of

play.

lives, loss of jobs and loss of normal-

Because of COVID, the year 2020

cy. And the best charity for the fami-

brought the harsh reality of house-

ly members would be the beauty of

holds in the limelight suffering from

attitude.

perpetual marital discord. Domestic

COVID-19 has pushed some signifi-

abuse rose exponentially. Not only

cant conversations and let’s hope

were women victimized, but children

that empathy for each other takes

and men suffered as well. The vul-

precedence.

nerability of the times highlighted the loneliness within, and the intol-

erance outward. COVID did not make us lonely, the loneliness was already there. What was not there was the empathy, care and softness of Husn-e-Ikhlaq towards each living species in our sur-

rounding. The pandemic has exposed the widening of the divide in more intense ways. The Muslim population was hugely mobilized towards charity in these times, which is an encouraging aspect, but charity 19

Thought Provoking

egging you on - “come’ on magine you are

girl. Chug. oh you can’t han-

at a party. The

dle it? Don’t be such a wuss”

people from your

school are there. Your class-

When most Muslims think of

mates. Maybe a guy you like,

a situation like this, they

or a girl you want to be

think: no. No, my daughter is

friends with. Everyone is

never going to be in this situ-

laughing and having fun. And

ation. No, this is wrong. No,

a guy pulls you into his lap -

this should never happen.

“Hey sit down, watch this”.

But it does. This does hap-

You don’t know what to do

pen. I’ve watched guys pull

and you don’t want to cause

girls into their lap at school

a scene, so you sit in his lap -

as they squirm. And I’ve

very uncomfortable at the

watched them sit there,

situation. The guys start tak-

ing shots. And then they start 21

(Continued on page 22)

(Continued from page 21)

“Satan threatens you with poverty

smile and laugh pretending to enjoy

and orders you to immorality, while

it.

Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-

I have also watched women bend

Encompassing and Know-

over backwards trying to make their

ing.” (2:268)

insatiable husbands and in-laws happy. Nothing was good enough.

That is why I have come to believe

I’ve watched girls pucker their lips,

the most important thing for a

and show off their most appealing

young woman to know is self-

angle on social media. I’ve watched

respect.

young women change who they are,

slip down their hijab, ‘tone down’

What is self-respect? Merriem-

who they are to be more

Webster offers two definitions:

‘marriageable’. Because there aren’t

‘a proper respect for oneself as a hu-

a lot of men in the world and we

man being’

have to really sell ourselves to have

a shot at married life.

‘regard for one's own standing or po-

sition’ Sell ourselves. That is a theme I’ve noticed about womanhood. Sell your

What is the position of a woman?

looks. Sell your body. Sell your heart. Sell your life. Sell who you are. For

Well the religious propaganda will

what? For whom?

tell you that women are precious as (Continued on page 23)

(Continued from page 22)

will leave you and cheat on you

pearls and that is why we cover and

and it will be your fault.

protect them. •

Don’t go out alone at night,

Let’s be real. This is what our every-

you’ll get raped and get preg-

day life teaches us about the posi-

nant and your life will be ruined

tion of a woman: •

You have to get married. You

•

If your mother in law isn’t happy

have to sell yourself to get mar-

with you, she’ll convince your

ried. You have to look beautiful,

husband to leave you and you’ll

talk nicely, and get people to

be alone

like you. Otherwise you will stay

single forever What we’ll find in all of these state•

You don’t have any likes? Wow.

ments is that our sense of self-worth

okay. Well, show yourself off a

is dependent on others - on how

bit. Share your life. Well if you

others see us, on how others see us,

had a bit of concealer on. A little

and what others give or take away

more gloss. If the camera angle.

from us. That is who we are told we

If your hair was showing a bit

are.

more. Right. Now, you look good. You look hot girl!

But what if I told you that all this, it's rubbish. What if I told you that the

•

If your husband isn’t happy, you

most important thing about you,

aren’t a good wife. Your husband

(Continued on page 24)

(Continued from page 23)

thrive and live by their validation.

what defines you, is who you are on

We revere our perceived status and

the inside. When you look inside

what others think of us. We think

your heart when you are alone, who

that is who we are.

are you? What do you feel? What do you hope for? What do you think

But just like prayer begins with Tak-

about? What do you aspire to, and

bir Tahrima (it is said that this raising

what do you believe? When you

of hands to the ears was meant to

know no one is with you but God,

expose and release any idols that

what choices do you make? When

one was holding on to), and shaha-

you have not a care in the world, not

dah begins with “There is no God”,

a worry, who are you?

we must first purge ourselves of our

false idols to be grounded, true and This is you, and this is what defines

free.

you. Respect it. Imagine yourself as a doll. Each of There will be plenty in the world

the people from whom we seek vali-

who will tell you you are nothing if

dation has tied a string to us - our

you don’t do as they say. These are,

arm, our wrist, our leg, our ankle -

in Islamic parlance, false gods. Demi

till we are little more than puppets.

-gods we have set-up for ourselves.

Willing to turn this way, and smile

Gods we don’t realize we worship,

that way for the ones in charge of

but we do. We worship our hus-

us.

bands - we obey them above all else. We worship our followers - we

(Continued on page 25)

(Continued from page 24)

further in life? God himself says:

But we are not dolls. We are hu-

“No disaster strikes upon the earth or

mans. Fully capable, intelligent, free-

among yourselves except that it is in

willed people, exactly as God alone

a register1 before We bring it into be-

has designed us. It is time we cut our

ing - indeed that, for Allah, is easy -

strings. One by one. Until we experi-

In order that you not despair over

ence what true freedom and em-

what has eluded you and not exult

powerment feels like.

[in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone

God does not teach us to be subju-

self-deluded and boastful - [Those]

gated and debased. In fact God

who are stingy and enjoin upon peo-

states: “We have certainly created

ple stinginess. And whoever turns

man in the best of stature” (95:4). So

away1 - then indeed, Allah is the Free

then why do we debase ourselves?

of need, the Praiseworthy.” (57:22-

Why do we bow to these false gods?

24)

God teaches us to worship, to bow to none but Him alone - the true

So then why do we focus all this en-

Sovereign, Creator, Master of All

ergy begging others to give us what

Things, Source of Love, and Source

we want, when they hold no power

of Power.

to grant us such? “Yet they have adopted other gods, beside Him, who

If we seek power, no one can grant it

do not create any thing, as they

except Him. If we seek love. None

themselves are created, and they

can grant it except Him. Do we really

possess no power to cause harm or

believe that our antics will get us

(Continued on page 26)

(Continued from page 25)

go for coffee, hug them, all in good

benefit even to themselves, nor do

fun, just friendly, fitting in. What

they have any control over death or

you’ll be surprised to learn is that it

life or resurrection.” (25:3). Why do

is easy enough to say no. It is em-

we instead not look within, see that

powering enough to say no. It is in-

God has put a light inside each of us.

spiring enough to make your own

A shining lamp. A lamp of inspiration

choices. To not get pressured by

and beauty. A lamp of hope and pur-

what they think or what he wants.

pose. A lamp of creation and love.

But instead choose to be who you

And why do we instead not focus on

want to be. Choose to be who you

shining that lamp as bright as it can

are. Choose to follow your own path,

shine. Feeding it, nurturing it, and

your own purpose, your own life.

pointing it in the best direction. It can feel like an empty road someThe judgments of others do not mat-

times. But the beauty of an empty

ter. What does matter is our own

road is that there is much to see in

judgment of our own behavior, and

the future. God populates that road

how well that aligns with our internal

for you, if only you choose to have

beliefs. Stop chasing. The attempts

faith. Courage. You need a little bit of

to fit in anywhere except inside your

it. But it leads to eons of self-respect,

own self are futile. There will always

peace, and strength like no other.

be judgment. God be with you my women. I too have been in positions where boys have asked me to do things -

(Continued on page 27)

(Continued from page 26)

Some, Article Post-notes: Hijab is a touchy subject. There is a lot of judgment that gets thrown around. I want to make clear here that the purpose of this article is to say that my judgment about *you* does not matter.

What matters is what you see when you look inside, and how well you feel *you* are aligning with your *own* moral compass. We all (constantly) find that we are misaligned. That process and desire to self correct has to come within - and for the purpose of becoming closer to Allah and purifying oneself for the Akhirah. *Not* to fit in and be liked, and to avoid judgements of people.

Humor

By: Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta Photo By Larisa Birta on Unsplash

ing. It needs to be kept up to o one has

date or else the function and

asked me

clarity can be affected tremen-

yet, but I am going to say it any-

dously. Whose? That is another

way: how does magazine edit-

question.

ing work? Let me summarize:

When a writer submits his or

the magazine goes through

her work, it needs to be initially

multiple editors, writers and

read, then it is shared with edi-

proofreaders, of course. Also,

tors to go through and to ask in-

not to mention, because we live

itial questions about the piece.

in a digital age, it also goes

This is followed by a painstak-

through multiple software and

ing, patience testing, (from both

programs. Of course again. This

sides) process. It is to go back

sometimes ends up in frustrat-

and forth with the writer, to en-

ing, hilarious, serious, or devas-

sure that the writer’s perspec-

tating effects on the pieces.

tive is clear and is apparent in

There are many factors which

the piece. ‘Lost in translation’

affect magazine publishing. The

literally, while passing back and

most ominous one is my glass-

forth is very easy, as pieces pass

es. Importance lies on which

through both humans and soft-

number of glasses I am wear29

(Continued on page 30)

takes the plunge from the machine

(Continued from page 29)

to the internet, things get murky. It

ware, simultaneously.

happens that, more often than not,

Then pieces are passed onto the de-

some software glitch eats up the

sign and illustration team who must

chunks of pieces from the stories

fully capture the sense of the piece

and adds randomness into it.

into a picture or illustrations ‘thus,

literally adding an extra 1000 words

Here comes the ability, clarity of the

into it, so the reader enjoys the per-

human who is transferring this con-

spective and its effect two fold.

tent onto the net. It depends upon what pretenses this poor gal is going

The next step is our design team’s

through. The hindrances are not just

nightmare or hidden obsession (no

specific to these. For example, how

comment). Let's face it, our design

caffeinated is she? Is she in a word

team loves colors, textures, and

coma? Overworked? Is she sleep de-

movements a little more than neces-

prived? Or can she not pick up mis-

sary. Not to mention their sheer fas-

takes, because reading and re-

cination with flowers (no offence in-

reading, (in every platform she

tended). But designing and fitting

moves this stuff from and to) has put

pieces into the page with proper font

her into a zombie state. One, more,

and sizes is just a small feat. The ma-

or all scenarios may be relevant.

jor hurdles come when the pieces go through the machine to the net, to

When glitches happen, and an AI

be published.

(artificial intelligence) cannot solve it, we as humans are considered su(Continued on page 31)

When a fully designed magazine 30

it.

(Continued from page 30)

perior in this case. Or to say, you

Though, unlike the day of judge-

(human) took the job, now face it -

ment, where we can only wish we

too bad, so sad (smirk face). To cut

have not done the deed, or rather,

to the chase, the story you see in

misdeeds, thankfully, this content

your mobile devices, is transferred

can be edited and redesigned before

paragraph by paragraph, quote by

publishing. The million-dollar state-

quote and if there is Arabic or any

ment is ‘before publishing’.

other language, and the software

Worth it or not, painstaking - yes, an-

deems it unreadable, forget it. This

noying at times - absolutely, a test of

multi dimensional transfer is annoy-

fragile patience – no doubt, but

ing, time consuming and a test of

when it is published, and we see it

the fragile patience of this human.

on the net, we editors, designers,

Quarterly, every year I beat myself

and proof-readers, feel like a proud

up for taking this task at hand. "What

mother who, after going through a

is wrong with me?" I ask myself. (I

painful labor, gave birth. And in the

am sure the other team members

end we feel blessed with a little, oo-

feel the same, but they are polite

ey- gooey, bundle of joy.

enough not to mention it). I think:

But!

why do we like long pieces, compli-

Unlike a human mother, we go

cated design, multiple graphics,

through this intense labour four

enormous detail?

times a year.

Was it worth the effort?

Go figure!

I do not know. You be the judge of 31

Health & Wellness

Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of the author. This is not medical advice.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

found. I knew I had an ovarian torsion his article is about ab-

well before any doctor admitted the

dominal pain.

case (maybe because they were avoiding liability on account of failure

I was born a colicky baby (a baby who

to treat?) and I knew I had an adverse

cried a lot). Therefore it may come as

reaction to radio-imaging iodine be-

no surprise to you that my familiarity

fore they told me it was nothing and

with abdominal pain is intimate. Doc-

administered a second dose, causing

tors, parents and aunts did everything

me to go into anaphylactic shock.

they could to treat me, get me to eat

(You can see after my experiences

and stop complaining about stomach

why I thought it important to share

pain to no avail. It was only twenty or

this article).

so years later that I figured out that I

was likely lactose intolerant, and

These seem like extreme examples,

asked my doctor for a test. The test

but they prove a point. As the old say-

proved my theory and finally ex-

ing goes: You know your body best.

plained my childhood colic pains. Now doctors and tests can do a lot for Our bodies often give us signs that

you. But they can only help when you

something is wrong well before some-

can describe the symptoms in a way

thing bad happens or we can put a

doctors clearly understand. The case

name to the issue. For example, I had

has to be eloquent, descriptive, in-

pain in the appendix area years be-

formed, important yet moderate

fore a large cyst was found in my ab-

enough for a doctor to take you seri-

domen. I knew I had water filling up in

ously. The case can be especially bad

my belly months before the cyst was

(Continued on page 34)

(Continued from page 33)

There are a few topics we aim to ad-

for women and "female issues", where

dress in this article:

pain, even severe pain, is considered

1. How to listen to your body and

"normal" by doctors, and when ab-

catch issues early

dominal discomfort and pain can mean

2. Breaking down the term

anything from flatulence to ovarian

"bloating" and using words to ex-

cancer.

plain the difference between flatu-

lence, IBS, menstrual cramps and Worse yet if you have a ring on your

other abdominal issues

finger. Well then, pregnancy tests ga-

3. A word of advice to doctors

lore! Before evaluating any other possibility, whether or not a child is possible A few words of caution: This article or not at this point, you’ll find doctors

does not constitute official medical ad-

deferring to the possibility of pregnan- vice. It only contains advice and behavcy at the earliest possible convenience. iors learned from my own personal exWhile it can be important to rule preg- periences and that of the writers of this nancy out, doing the pregnancy runa-

magazine.

round can sometimes prevent identification of the real issue, especially in

Listen to your Body

systems where there is no single point of care, and instead, care is provided by In the humdrum of life, it is easy to get a team of doctors and nurses (the last

swept up in one task and goal after the

thing a doctor sees is the pregnancy

other. We don't often devote time to

test, not the complaint that led you do

take a break, listen to our body, and

the test).

check up on our physical health. (Continued on page 35)

that you don't feel it anymore?

(Continued from page 34)

5. Do you feel pain anywhere as you But just like adult women are encour-

breathe in and out? Discomfort?

aged to regularly perform a self breast

Where? What kind of pain is it?

palpation exam to help detect breast

6. Perform a gentle massage over

cancer early, we should regularly exam-

areas of your body that feel tired,

ine all parts of our body to ensure our

ache, or feel pressure.

bodies are running in good condition.

7. How does it feel after the massage

A few tips:

Get in the habit of doing these self

1. Pick a quiet time. Maybe early in

check-ups regularly and practice noting

the morning after Fajr when every-

down issues you notice to bring up with

one is sleeping, there are no com-

your doctor on your next visit. If you

mitments, and stress levels are low.

use a menstrual tracking app, many of

2. Lay down and breathe deeply. As them provide space to allow note takyou breathe, feel every part of your

ing of health symptoms. This is a great

body.

place to journal your health since it al-

3. Does any part feel tense? Why is

lows your doctor a quick and easy way

that? Can you relax it? Why not?

to see your symptoms and relate them

4. Does any part feel tender or

to your menstrual cycle, helping them

ache? Palpate (feel) it with your

determine if the issue is gynecological

hands. Press slightly. What do you

or otherwise.

feel now? Where is this pain or ache? Have you been feeling it for a Your doctor has some advice or knows while, but are accustomed to ignor- something that will help you with what

ing it in the wind of life, so much so

(Continued on page 36)

(Continued from page 35)

abdomen, sometimes accompanied

you are feeling.

with abdominal distention, can mean a lot of things of which only one is

Breaking down Bloating

flatulence.

Learning the right words to use in front of your doctor to explain what

Let's start with the most basic form of

you are feeling is an important step to

abdominal discomfort:

getting the right care and treatment that you need.

Menstrual Cramps Menstrual cramps in their most pure

Bloating is an example of a loaded

form feel like your uterus is squeezing

term that has many meanings and us-

(because that is what it is actually do-

ing it will likely not help you get the

ing). Sometimes that may be accom-

care you need. When you say bloating,

panied with a kind of pain that feels

the first thing people, and your doctor,

like sweaty exhaustion - often as your

think of is flatulence - a build up of

lining is shedding. Sometimes the pain

gas in your abdomen. If you say bloat-

is sharp and pointed. And sometimes

ing to your doctor, you'll likely hear

it is a dull ache in the pelvis. These

something along the lines of: "avoid

symptoms depend on your body, may

swallowing air when eating, avoid

be similar to your mother's menstrual

foods such as beans, lentils, and broc-

symptoms at your age, or may be a

coli" and so on - great advice, if you

sign of other issues.

are actually suffering from flatulence. In your early years, pain can feel very But often bloating - a feeling of pres-

severe as your body isn't used to deal-

sure or abdominal discomfort in your

(Continued on page 37)

(Continued from page 36)

pressure in the abdomen from pent up

ing with the pain of menstruation.

gas. There are a few easy ways to know

Over time, menstrual pain can feel like

if the pressure in your abdomen is be-

it has disappeared. Though if you listen cause of gas. closely, the pain is still there.

Try Belly breathing. When breathing through your belly, expand

Take note of what your usual pain

your belly when you breathe in,

symptoms are, and be sure to describe

contract your belly when you

your pain and talk to your doctor

breathe out. Doing stomach

about what your pain feels like and if it

breathing gives gas a bit of room

is normal. Very severe and debilitating

to move, and the expand/contract

pain (inability to play sports or func-

pushes the gas around a bit. If you

tion) may point to issues such as endo-

feel the centers of pressure chang-

metriosis.

ing or moving as you do belly breathing, it is a sure sign your

To some people, menstrual cramps on-

bloating is actually flatulence

ly exhibit themselves in a feeling of

Walking. Walking, similar to belly

mild pressure throughout the abdo-

breathing, gently exercises your

men (avoid the use of the word bloat-

abdomen enough to allow gas to

ing).

move and pass. 3.

Fennel seeds. If eating fennel

Flatulence

seeds allows your gas to pass, you

Flatulence can be most easily de-

were likely suffering from flatu-

scribed as the overproduction of gas.

lence.

When that gas isn't allowed safe pas-

sages, this can lead to bloating, or

If you don't have much fat on your (Continued on page 38)

treatments with your doctor before

(Continued from page 37)

belly, pressing on your abdomen, trying anything. you should be able to palpate (feel) pockets of gas in your abdo- Chronic IBS feels very different from men.

acute IBS. It feels similar to flatulence in that your belly feels very full and

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

pressurized. It is different in that the

I've experienced two forms of IBS:

tests provided above for flatulence

acute and chronic.

fail. Belly breathing may initially move some gas, but further belly breathing

Acute is easy to identify. It feels like

provides no relief. Your intestines may

your stomach is cramping - similar to

also feel tight. Some ways to know if

menstrual cramps except in the upper what you are feeling might be related

or mid abdomen, or that your stom-

to intestinal swelling/IBS: if your bowel

ach is turning very tightly, like some-

movements change during IBS bouts,

one is wringing your intestines. Acute and either reduce in volume, or beIBS can feel very disturbing and debili- come thin, this is almost a sure sign of tating. While there isn't really a treat-

some sort of bowel obstruction - ei-

ment for acute IBS, pain killers are of- ther intestinal swelling or some other

ten prescribed (painkillers often don't form of obstruction. If this is coupled work as well, if at all for gut pain) one with rectal bleeding, this is a sure sign thing that has helped me through

you should get help from a medical

bouts is a herbal remedy called

professional urgently.

Karmeena, often available at South Asian grocery stores, albeit I would

Chronic inflammation of your intes-

recommend discussing strategies and

(Continued on page 39)

(Continued from page 38)

A NOTE FOR DOCTORS

tines can lead to tissue death and may

Patients often know what they are

cause enough damage to end up re-

feeling, but just don’t have the words

quiring you to get a bowel resection -

to describe it. If they are coming to

surgery which involves cutting out a

you with a complaint, it means the is-

part of your intestine and stitching the

sue bothers them enough for them to

rest back together. It is better to work

bring it up. They have probably tried

with a dietician to find the foods that

solving the problem in different ways

trigger your IBS, learn to avoid them,

before coming to you. Instead of try-

and prevent IBS episodes all together.

ing to label the problem immediately, explore the problem space and pro-

But as you'll find when you talk to the

vide the patient the tools they need to

doctors, most of the work in finding

help you with a differential diagnosis.

what triggers you falls on you as the patient - by systematically trying dif-

One of the best things a doctor of-

ferent foods and listening to your

fered me during an illness was a

body and it's reaction. I myself have

means by which I could help her iden-

found the main irritants for my gut to

tify my illness. Armed with the symp-

be Canola Oil, and high-lactose milk

toms to look out for, and the potential

products (ice-cream, cream, milk).

diagnoses, I was able to point my doc-

(Little known fact, many dairy prod-

tor to the correct diagnosis, and re-

ucts are naturally lactose-free or low

ceive proper treatment before the ill-

lactose, such as yogurt, and some

ness got worse.

cheeses). Now that’s good medicine.

Food & Drink

By: Ayesha Nasir , Hamilton Ontario Photo by Drew Taylor on Unsplash 40

f you're eating oranges and looking for a way to utilise the peels, here's a recipe from “The Woks of Life” that I tried and adapted to my own liking:

INGREDIENTS* •

Chicken: Boneless but I used with bones

•

White pepper: Estimate. I used around 2 to 3 tsp

•

Salt

•

Canola oil

Red chili flakes: 2 tsp

•

Orange Peels: 2 oranges - finally cut or chopped up.

•

Cube of chicken stock: 1 - or chicken stock 1 cup (if you have it made)

•

White vinegar: 3 to 4 tbsp

•

Soy sauce 3 to 4 tbsp.

•

Spring onion: 1- optional

•

Red pepper / capsicum: 1 - optional

* You can adjust the ingredients based on what you think works best. I mostly used estimates. (Continued on page 42)

5. Add vinegar and soy sauce; gently

(Continued from page 41)

mix it with the chicken. Add the

INSTRUCTIONS

chicken stock cube and add around

1. First wash the chicken and mari-

1.5 cups of water. If you're using

nate it with white pepper, Garlic pow-

chicken stock directly then no need

der, and salt. Set this aside for 10 to

to add water. Keep this on low medi-

20 minutes.

um heat.

2.Heat the oil and on low heat, put

6. After 30 minutes check the water

the red chili flakes, some whole black

level. If the chicken is burning or

peppercorn, and chopped up orange

sticking to the pot add a bit more wa-

peel. Let it fry but be careful not to

ter. At this point, you can add the

burn them. It's mostly for aroma.

chopped capsicum and spring onions — this is entirely optional. Keep it on

3. After 10 to 15 minutes remove the

heat for about 10 minutes more and

orange peel from the pot if there's

then turn off the stove.

some residue in the pot then don't

Enjoy!

worry. Let that stay. Now add the

marinated chicken and all the marinade into the pot. Reference: 4. Mix the chicken and ensure that

https://thewoksoflife.com/orange-

the aromatic oil has touched each

chicken/

piece.

Social Issues

By: Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta

Photo by Yousef Espaniol on Unsplash

friendship or short lived, it inevitably tends to evolve as we grow. Some friendships turn into group friendships elationships are an

while some remain uniquely singular.

important part of a human life.

Friendships can also be particularly

Friendships are one of them. Friend-

different in meaning for different peo-

ships can be based on mutual love, or

ple. Regardless, all relationships are

based on selfishness or superficial

based on trust, empathy, truth, hones-

needs. Regardless, friendships have a

ty, helpfulness, and understanding

life and duration of their own. Like-

each other's strengths and weakness-

wise, it sometimes tests one’s pa-

es. This relationship is armed with

tience and can force us to look deep-

good, solid, and unbiased advice. It is

ly and learn about ourselves.

like when we help others conscien-

Since our childhood, as we love to

tiously and make seventy excuses if

connect; we tend to create a social

we encounter any ill about oth-

circle around us. This is usually

ers. This friendship is also to stand up

formed with having like minded

for their friend’s honour behind their

friends. In all likelihood, as we spend

back

a large part of our lives with friends,

‫ون‬ َ ‫ون َوٱلْ ُم ْؤ ِمنَ ٰـ ُت ب َ ْعضُ ه ُْم َٱ ْو ِل َيا ٓ ُء ب َ ْع ٍۢض ۚ يَأْ ُم ُر‬ َ ُ‫َوٱلْ ُم ْؤ ِمن‬ ِ ‫بِألْ َم ْع ُر‬ ‫ُون ٱ َّلز َك ٰو َة‬ َ ‫ون ٱ َّلصلَ ٰو َة َويُ ْؤت‬ َ ُ ‫وف َويَْنْ َ ْو َن َع ِن ٱلْ ُمن َك ِر َويُ ِقمي‬ ُ َ ‫ون ٱ َّ ََّلل َو َر ُس‬ ‫وَلۥٓ ۚ ُٱ ۟ولَ ٰـٓئِ َك َس َ َْي َ َُحهُ ُم ٱ َّ َُّلل ۗ إ َّن ٱ َّ ََّلل َع ِز ٌيز‬ َ ‫َويُ ِطي ُع‬ ِ ‫َح ِك مي‬ .

the companionship turns into a unique bond where our friends become someone whom we cherish and rely upon. The reliance could be in

The believing men and believing wom-

advice, help, difficulties, pains, in cele-

en are allies of one another. They en-

brations or in joy and fun. Regardless

(Continued on page 46)

of the reliance, whether it is a lifelong 45

(Continued from page 45)

something sinister such as, nepotism,

join what is right and forbid what is

gossip, or immoral or ill ethical behav-

wrong and establish prayer and give

iours; his warning system gets trig-

zakat and obey Allah and His Messen-

gered. He takes a high road by enjoin-

ger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon

ing what's good and forbidding what

them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might

is wrong, politely and firmly. These

and Wise. 9:71 (Sahih International)

friendships are based on helping each

other to do good and to spread good-

When a Muslim creates a community

ness.

around themselves, they create it based on what Allah has taught him.

He also understands that relationships

He is fully aware of the rights of the

based on need, competition, selfish-

other human and has the strength to

ness, jealousy, and hypocrisy are not

say ‘no’ or pull themselves out of a sit-

friendships. Likewise friendships

uation when a friendship becomes

based on promoting wrong and sup-

toxic or abusive. A Muslim is fully cog-

pressing goodness are also not a

nizant that relationships can be a test

friendship. Though on the surface it

or a blessing. He makes sure that his

might feel like companionship, where

relation to other human beings does

one might help each other. It is a toxic

not become “I scratch your back and

conundrum from which one cannot

you scratch mine”, and instead he

get out of. In this type of friendship, as

treads carefully and is mindful of Al-

soon as one becomes dispensable, the

lah.

relationship evaporates. The Quran describes friendship in the following

A Muslim loves his friend and cares

Ayah.

about him or her deeply; but if he sees

ُ َ‫ون َوإلْ ُمنَا ِفق‬ ‫ون ِِبلْ ُمن َك ِر‬ َ ‫ات ب َ ْعضُ هُم ِمن ب َ ْع ٍض ۚ يَأْ ُم ُر‬ َ ‫إلْ ُمنَا ِف ُق‬

something wrong, and understands

(Continued on page 47)

that this friendship might pull him into 46

based on hypocrisy and self serve.

(Continued from page 46)

ِ ‫َويَْنْ َ ْو َن َع ِن إلْ َم ْع ُر‬ ‫إَّلل فَن َ ِس َيَ ُ ْم ۗ إ َّن‬ ُ َّ ‫ون َٱيْ ِدَيَ ُ ْم ۚ ن َ ُسوإ‬ َ ُ‫وف َوي َ ْقبِض‬ ِ ‫ون‬ َ ‫إلْ ُمنَا ِف ِق َني ُ ُُه إلْ َف ِاس ُق‬

One should be aware of what, and why we have made friends? Did we satisfy

The hypocrite men and hypocrite wom-

our superficial desires or is it based on

en are of one another. They enjoin what honesty and truth? Do we carry out the is wrong and forbid what is right and dignity of this relationship or drop it close their hands. They have forgotten

when our whims are met. Do we rely

Allah, so He has forgotten them

upon our friends fully to enhance us in

[accordingly]. Indeed, the hypocrites - it

goodness and help us navigate the

is they who are the defiantly disobedi-

process in this life to please Allah, or

ent. 9:67

not. Are we the friends who would up-

All those relationships described above hold justice and fairness regardless of have the same criteria of helping each

the situation or do we succumb to our

other, watching each other's backs and

desires or the desires of our friends?

doing and promoting collective

There is a lot to ask ourselves before

measures, but with opposite intentions

we deep dive into vast oceans of

and deliverables. So, which one would

friendships. Relationships can be bless-

be pleasing to Allah?

ings or tests. It's our job as adults to choose those which benefit us both in

Having friends is great, though, as a

this world and hereafter. Seek good

human we should understand that

friends, but also, become the friend we

even if we see friends as the epitome

always long for.

of our relationships, we should know that not every relationship is based on goodness for our hearts but instead

some are totally superficial and are 47

Health & Wellness

By: Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta

Photo by Kelsey Curtis on Unsplash

ous levels. The amount of food is enormous and no wonder our waistlines are getting bigger and bigger. ating is the process

We eat our meals and snacks in be-

of getting nourish-

tween with a dessert on the side too.

ment to survive. But it can be a joy

We assume if we burn our calories,

too. However, when we overstep the

we are good, because calorie in and

fine balance of food intake - between

the calorie out seems like a good val-

survival, pleasure and cultural de-

ue for indulgence. Unfortunately, it

mands - things get murky.

does not work that way.

In the past, food was used to nourish,

The food we eat goes through our di-

now we need food to indulge, enter-

gestive systems to be used as energy.

tain, grieve, celebrate and more.

But, when we overeat thinking we

Though agricultural advancement

can burn it off, we are putting our di-

has added ease to our food supply,

gestive system and its normal bal-

this ease has also given us a variety

ance at risk. The food, once eaten,

of ways to indulge in non-nutritious

passes through various organs, each

items. On average we might go

requiring its own set of enzymes and

through food advertisements multi-

hormones to be digested and to

ple times a day; not including several

reach the cells - not to mention the

videos on the internet. Our access to

physical labor the organs go through.

food has eased, but it has also in-

When it reaches the cells, it uses the

creased our pitfalls.

nutrition for various purposes of

Our mindless indulgence has in-

maintaining, managing, using nutri(Continued on page 50)

creased our portion sizes to danger49

(Continued from page 49)

plans. Their promise: to make you

ents and energy to help the body

lean. So as the world gives us con-

function properly.

flicting messages about food, from

When we eat more, we flood our di-

food advertisements to diet promis-

gestive system with macronutrients,

es, the main victim of all this com-

micronutrients, and junk; we put our mercialization is our body.

digestive systems on overdrive.

The environment, culture or com-

Thus, we push our bodies to over

mercialization has defined a certain

produce various hormones and en-

criteria for how a body should be.

zymes - to get rid of or use the items Whether we do it to look a certain we ingested. This continuous over-

way or are health conscious and we

eating or undereating or not eating

go to great lengths to achieve

properly pushes our body to be-

this. Adding insult to injury, our

come overworked and fatigued by

weighing machines, our waistline

constantly tackling food in the stom- measurements, our fitness trackers, ach and dealing with amounts which remind us of this criteria every day. it must digest, transfer, store or dis-

To maintain the above yardsticks,

card somewhere. Over time the

we adopt a diet regimen and follow

body's digestive organs start to fall

it religiously. We use diets of several

behind and become sluggish or just

kinds. Deprive ourselves, then binge,

stop working.

then feel guilty, and try it again, and

The world provides its solution to

later permanently give up. It does

this dilemma in the form of fad diets not work. The body suffers through and fad exercise regimens. The in-

our overeating, dieting and even (Continued on page 51)

ternet is filled with hundreds of diet 50

dulge it, we successfully push our

(Continued from page 50)

bodies to do things which it is not

over exercising.

designed for. As a Muslim it is im-

So, what is the solution to this co-

portant for us to understand the

nundrum? Health Canada recom-

rights of our bodies too. Keeping it

mends adopting 9-inch dinner plates

physically, mentally, and spiritually

with ½ plate for our non-starchy veg-

nourished, is one of them.

etables, ¼ for protein and ¼ for carbs, adding a small fruit and a

And after doing all this, we can still

glass of milk on the side to make it

get sick. We still might end up with

complete. Combined with 150

debilitating and deadly diseases. Re-

minutes of various activities per

gardless of the outcome, we must

week adds the physically active part

pay respect to our bodies as they de-

to this diet. As with food intake,

serve. On a side note, when our body

adopting portion sizes, exercising,

is active and absorbs nutrition with-

managing stress, or using our body

out being fatigued, stressed,

in different ways, whether it's walk-

stretched beyond limits, or sleep de-

ing, running, yoga, cardio, strength,

prived, it performs better. A rested

vacuuming, washing cars and dishes, and positive body, however big or small it may be, should keep us cleaning or helping our neighbors, healthy and away from the cycle of

you name it, moderation is the key.

abuse our bodies have endured in

The critical thing to understand here

the name of fads and diets.

is that our body, though it serves us relentlessly, does have limits. If we

Reference:

overload our digestive system with

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

poor choices or over or under in51

Humor

Those Ten Minutes! ` By: Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta

Photo By Victoria Strukovskay on Unsplash

an appointment at a busy hospital. Due to continuous construction at the

ow many

site, I assumed there must be some

times in your changes at the site. I checked the

life have you lost your car in a parking hospital’s website to get the updated lot? Especially in a busy mall during a

details of the parking spots. The web-

special day or during a countrywide

site suggested parking on the newly

celebration? It is possible that this has renovated parking lot. Since I am a

happened to you many times.

conflict avoider, always trying to find places with no mess parking, I was

But how many times have you not

frazzled. I always avoid parking wars

only lost your car but also the parking

with fellow shoppers, or patients, as

lot itself?

in this case. This story talks about a day when I Finding parking in this newly built

lost, not only the car, but the parking

parking lot was easy, much easier

lot altogether. Seems odd. I thought

than the exit. As I learned later, the

so too. Let us continue.

hard way. After finding a designated Like any story, this story also starts

spot, I parked harmoniously. Realizing

with a sunny day. Except this sunny

my forgetfulness, I decided to take a

day was in a Canadian winter, so do

picture of the car with the lot number,

not get your hopes up. That day I had

(Continued on page 54)

(Continued from page 53)

not the same number of levels on

where it was parked. At that time, I

each side. This was done not be-

was only concerned with forgetting

cause of a need but rather because

the plate number, which was neces-

of the hill. Huh!

sary to remember, to pay for the

The naïve little me entered thinking

parking. I tied my proverbial camel.

the second floor was the one I

Smart!

parked my car in. But the second floor did not seem to be the floor I

Pat my back?

left the car in. So, I thought, let us Hmm, not so fast.

pop into the parking office and find

During an hour and a half long visit, I

out. They might be helpful.

met a nurse, a receptionist, and a

I asked the lone lady sitting there

very cheerful and friendly doctor. On

about the lot. She asked me which

the side note, I am not sure if she

floor I parked on. I told her it was the

was friendly to all her patients or was

second floor. She said these floors

happy to see me. I will choose the

are coded with color and not by

latter.

number. Odd. Yes. Huh!

Later, I marched back to the parking

I assumed that all floors are coded

lot. I checked the time thinking that I

with floor numbers like 1st, 2nd and

have plenty of time left for the park-

3rd and the alphanumeric codes

ing pass. Pleased and happy, I en-

were used to further define the park-

tered through the nearest entrance

ing space. To my naivety, the lady

door, not knowing that this parking

said that every floor has the same al-

lot is built on a hill. This meant it had

(Continued on page 55)

multiple levels on different sides and 54

(Continued from page 54)

pleasing color, I thought. I can give

phanumeric code for parking space

thumbs up to the designer for their

and only differentiation is color. I

color choice. At this point I did not

was stumped. What? If only the web-

remember the color of that parking

site had said that all floors are coded

floor, where I parked my car, since I

in colors and not in numbers, I would

was dead focused on parking num-

not be in jeopardy right now. Yeah,

bers and not colors.

that is what happens when you think

A life lesson: art is an important part

you are smart. She did not offer any

of the learning process; please learn

more help and let the lost patient, or

and understand it before leaving

in this case lost parking lot, be found

school and do not forget to learn col-

itself. I was left to wander in the vast-

or theory. Just in case.

ness of the multi floored parking lot. I wandered around the lot finding I asked myself, what can I do now?

my alpha-numeric code ‘J-10’ in the

Since I remember only going down

lot, as the lot was numbered like a

two floors in the elevator, meaning I

dewey decimal, I think. I never un-

haven’t climbed much higher. I de-

derstood the dewey decimal system

cided to search a few floors. I as-

though I love libraries.

sumed my memory is not that bad I felt like a lost child in the carnival. I

after all.

asked a few people; they were as Luckily the first floor was designated

confused as me. So not finding ‘J’, I

for employees, so I had one less floor

decided to go to the next floor. The

to search for the car. Climbing up to

next floor was coded green. I

the next floor revealed the color lav-

(Continued on page 56)

ender. It looks like an aesthetically 55

This is working, I thought.

(Continued from page 55)

checked the picture I took earlier in

L, M, N.

case maybe it reveals the same color. To my dismay, it looked more

No, J does not belong to the LMN

gray than I assumed. My phone cam-

group? Let's see it on the other side

era has its own soul and – no of-

of the lot.

fence to it - it takes pictures as it in-

D, E,.... K, P, what is happening?

tends, mixing up the colors. In this

I was confused. Is it a nightmare I

case, I was confused between the

cannot get out of?

colors.

Then I saw E and F. That must be it.

I figured out that green is a far off color for my camera capacity to turn

Go see, you will find it on the other

it into grayish. But I did try my luck in

side.

the green zone, ultimately deciding

Okay, there is J!

to move back and try harder in the

Yay! Found it!

lavender zone. To my luck the next floor was red and that was the last

There was J1, J2, j3…. J8, J9... where

one. Phew!

is the rest?

The search in the lavender zone con-

How does G start after J9?

tinued for several more minutes.

It was like a thriller where somehow

Though my step counter was con-

the floor vanished because some

gratulating me on my useless search,

evil spirit caused it to happen.

time was ticking, and it was making I decided to see what was on the

me more nervous. I decided to tack-

(Continued on page 57)

le it scientifically and alphabetically. 56

(Continued from page 56)

Yes!

other side of the J area.

I think this looks like my poor car, abandoned in the vastness of the lot

No! On the other side is K.

by a naïve and self-confident driver. Oh God! Is this a nightmare? What is

Yes, that was my little car safe and

happening?

sound in the same place where I left

I walked to the other side, checked

it a few hours ago, Alhamdulillah. I

there, and even asked someone.

could have done a sajda there but

Time was ticking.

decided not to because the snow had made the floor muddy and dirty.

Oh God! I need help.

The next time you park in the places

I asked one person and he politely

where you may or may not forget the

said he did not know. I thanked him

placement of your vehicle, use your

and felt gratitude for having good

phone to take non-dramatic but clear

people around me, even if they do

and effective photographs. In case

not know the answer.

you do get lost like me, you would

I walked a bit further. There was J-13

wander less, and would not look like

written on the pillar, besides a K. I

a complete fool. Other advice: get a

started walking fast and tried to find

phone with a better camera. No of-

numbered lots.

fence to mine though.

There was J 20 and I started count-

I love you, my camera!

ing: J 19, J 18 and so on. Oh God! I prayed silently, please let

this be the one. 57