It has been slightly more than a month since I made the promise to Allah (s.w.t) that I’d put on my hijab for good from this Ramadan onwards. I started slightly earlier before Ramadan itself, on 11th May, right after I had arrived at Haneda Airport in Japan. Truth was that I was afraid. Of…
Author: Meryem Chin
Muslim Revert, Writer & Founder of The New Muslim Co.
Types of Stagnant Muslims… And How to Get Out of Becoming One
The problem with Stagnant Muslims is that they are the closest to shirk, if not totally committing shirk itself. Announcing that you’re a Muslim doesn’t mean that you are one. Actions speak further than words. If you’re blatantly sinning and not feeling an ounce of guilt or wanting to repent, then you’re neither a Muslim nor a Non-muslim. You’ve become a hypocrite.
9 Misconceptions of a Chinese Muslimah Convert in Singapore
1. We automatically changed our race when we became Muslim. “So you can speak Malay too?” “OMG, you can speak Chinese???” “I don’t get it… so you’re half-Malay and half-Chinese?” “Are you going to change your name to Siti bte…?” I’m Chinese, my parents are Chinese, my grandparents are Chinese, and my great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents are…
Developing Good Character
“It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet (know that) He sees you.” — Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.) I had a rather difficult time trying to tell my non-muslim colleague what exactly was the subject of the new series of lessons I was embarking…
It’s Our Fault for Making Islam Look Strict
As servants of God, we are representative of the teachings of Islam. Especially in the scrutinizing eyes of the society today, every little action we do brings across a message to others, even if we mean it or not. In fact, many of the presumptions that the non-muslim community has about us are actually a…
Muslims are Strivers, never Slackers.
After graduation about 2 years ago, my mind was made up to strive only for the best in my career- that was the only constant, my education. I had my journey planned out- experience different types of companies from small to big, different types of design specializations, and then finally become a famous designer. Didn’t know…
Backbiting & Slander
Don’t gossip. Don’t talk bad of others, even if it might be true. Don’t say things you don’t know. Or as Thumper (Bambi) puts it, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” Around sometime last year, I backbit someone, and at that point of time, I thought it was the right thing to do,…
In times of difficulty
I came across this post a few weeks ago. It tears my heartstrings every time I go back to reread it over and over, such is the strength of this woman! And I cannot help but feel that the difficulties that I face at this point can never- I emphasize, never- amount to the pain…
A Blessed Eid, Nonetheless
This Eid, there is still a cause to celebrate. Because with terror and evil, goodness and hope is not only just present, it becomes stronger. And as the lines of humanity in the world become more and more blurred, I’d just remember to look to the normal civilians, the kids, the everyday-people. The ones who smile despite all the hardship. They are the ones who are displaying the purest examples of love, peace and unwavering faith.
The Irony on my Newsfeed
On my newsfeed today was 2 startlingly contrasting headlines. The first was about the World Cup, posted by the majority. Second was about the mass bombings by Israeli forces on Palestinian innocent civilians, posted by the few of my Muslim friends. Having never been one to look at depressing news, the past me would have…
The New Muslim Co. 