What is Your Interpretation?

This is one of my more abstract pieces of artwork. What do you guys think it means? Ponder over it. Let it challenge you for a few minutes. Remember, art only means what you make of it, so there are no wrong answers. But, to get you on the direction that I had hoped it would, it does deal with some of the topics I discuss on my blog. Have fun analyzing! Hopefully it will allow you to view a different perspective for a little bit.

Asalaam-O-Alaikum [May the peace and blessings of God be upon you].

Celebrating Diversity

Sometimes I don't understand how it is possible for people to be so close-minded. How can people bar themselves from understanding cultures and religions that are different from their own? The world is full of people who are different from you. When one is close minded, he cages himself up into a small space with only the same things to experience again and again. Diversity is so beautiful and refreshing!

I also do not understand how anyone in the world can possibly find himself as superior to another, specifically regarding race. One could just as easily have been born black as white. Then his lifestyle would be completely different from what it is now. This truth rationally explains why we should treat each other equally. We are all humans! Instead of thinking of people in group form, look at the individual and you will see how close we are to each other.

This is why I don't like it when people say they "are tolerating of others." It makes it seem as if diversity is something to be tolerated . We should celebrate our differences; they allow us to gain perspective and knowledge, even if we personally do not agree with them.

While I understand that this may all be wishful thinking, I believe that living in a diverse environment is an effective way to overcome prejudice. Because actions are more effective than words, watching people of different races, genders, and religions live their day to day lives helps us understand one another better and break internal biases we have due to our backgrounds. Eventually, there comes a point where differences combine to form a beautiful mosaic, in which all the different pieces fit each other perfectly. Gaps are bridged by common factors which increase understanding, leading to the overall advancement of humanity. So I am not exactly dreaming, am I? It seems like "the perfect world" may not be so hard to reach. 

(Note about images: Not all of the images in my blog are mine, and credit goes to those who own the pictures.)

Salam [Peace]. 

A Land Called Paradise

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to post a video made to break stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. It is really well worth your time. Enjoy!



Khuda Hafiz [May God Keep You Under His Protection].

You Don't Celebrate Thanksgiving, Do You?

I have been asked some variation of this question many times. Yes, I do! Why wouldn't I? Thanksgiving is an American holiday, not a religious one. Now comes the next question: "You aren't American, are you?" Yes, folks, I have most definitely have been asked this question. Despite the fact that I've lived in America since I was a few months old, received all of my education in America, and have an American passport, because I don't look like a typical (read middle class Caucasian Christian) American, I can't possibly be one. Look at the picture below. What do you see? A typical Thanksgiving dinner.

(Note about images: Not all of the images in my blog are mine, and credit goes to those who own the pictures.)

These are the things that make me feel alienated in this country, the things that make me feel like maybe I shouldn't be American, because I certainly am not seen as one; I get treated like a second class citizen all the time. Sometimes I feel like there is something wrong with me; who I am is not enough. I have to fight off the stares and the comments everyday. I continually find myself having to defend my beliefs, which are just not accepted. Nevertheless, I know one thing for sure: I will not give up. I will continue to look up at the sky and remember the big goals. I will continue to fight off stereotypes and try to educate people about who I am and what I believe in. I will continue to smile, and look at the bright side, and I am thankful for being given the patience to do so.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.


Salam [Peace].

My Fellow Americans

I beg you to please watch this video so that you can get a tiny glimpse into my world. Please. I stumbled on it on YouTube, and at first I thought the voices used in the back were recorded and put in, but they are actual excerpts from YouTube videos of public figures. Also, if this video moves you to do so, please visit this website and check out some of the background; you can even take a pledge if you would like. Make of it what you will. I hope it allows you to see from a different point of view.

Salam [Peace].