Author Archives: Misty Karam

Look Beyond the Headlines!

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I always thought it goes without saying, but in light of recent comments left on my blog, I think it needs to be said: don’t believe everything you hear! Today there are so many sources of news and information, some reliable and some definitely not, that you must be sure you can trust the things you hear or read. It is also important to get beyond the news headlines. News is, by its very nature, sensationalized. Television stations gain viewers and advertisers by having highly controversial, “hot” stories. Likewise, newspapers and magazines sell subscriptions by having cutting-edge, sensational headlines. Good … Continue reading →

Things to Discuss Before the Wedding

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This week, we’ve been discussing marriage between a non-Muslim woman and a Muslim man. I realize that I may come across as negative in this area, and I don’t mean to. It’s just that I have seen many “mixed” marriages fall apart due to different ideas about marriage, raising children, and life in general. On the flip side, I’ve seen several of these marriages thrive. So, what’s the difference? Why do some interfaith relationships thrive while many others end in divorce? Is the issue love? Sadly, no, I don’t think that’s it. Of course, love does help and it is … Continue reading →

Islam and the Non-Muslim Wife

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In my last entry, I discussed the non-Muslim woman who is considering marriage to a Muslim man. I explained the role of Islam in a man’s life and in his children’s. Now, let’s discuss the role of Islam in the life of the non-Muslim wife. Yes, I know that sounds contradictory, but it isn’t. Really. First of all, Muslim men are free to marry “People of the Book.” This means that a Muslim man can marry a practicing Christian or Jew. If you are neither of these, run! Your marriage will not be accepted Islamically, and chances are good that … Continue reading →

Non-Muslim Woman: Should You Marry a Muslim Man?

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Okay, so you’ve met the man of your dreams, and he’s totally into you, too. He’s dark and handsome, and wildly exotic. He speaks of faraway lands in a way that mesmerizes and he looks at you as though you’re the only woman on earth. He has an intensity that has swept you off your feet. After a whirlwind relationship, he wants to marry you as soon as possible. Oh, and he’s Muslim. Should you marry him? [h]Does He Love You?[/h] That depends. There are several things you should consider first, though. The first thing to realize is that many … Continue reading →

Sex in the Muslim Marriage

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Allah created men and women as two halves of a whole, made complete through marriage. The Koran says, “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” (Ar-Rum 30:21) Marriage should provide physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual fulfillment. Although it is rarely spoken of, lovemaking is an important part of a Muslim marriage. Sex is made legal through marriage; sex outside of marriage, whether premarital or extramarital, … Continue reading →

“Believing as Ourselves”: Important Book for Muslim Converts

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I remember the joy I felt when I first became a Muslim. I felt truly happy and at peace, settled in a way I had never felt before. The best way to describe it is that I felt whole. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops; I couldn’t wait to share my excitement with everyone. I eagerly jumped into the local Muslim community, attending classes, halaqas, and Friday prayers. I met all of the Muslim women I could, eager to make friends who shared my faith. I was living, breathing, eating, and sleeping Islam. Then, reality struck. I realized … Continue reading →

More Muslim Girl Names

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We’ve already the discussed the importance of having a good Muslim name. It is not a particular language that makes a Muslim name; rather it is the meaning. Whether your name is English, Chinese, or Arabic, if it has an honorable meaning, it is a beautifully Islamic name! However, since most people are unaware of traditional “Islamic names” those are the ones I will focus on. I covered girl names from A – L in another blog. Here are some names for the rest of the alphabet: [h]”M” Names[/h] Maisa – A proud walk Majeeda – Glorious Manaar – Lighthouse … Continue reading →

More about Halal Meat

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When I discussed halal meat, I left out one very important part: the animal must be slaughtered in the name of Allah. Prior to the slaughter, these words should be said, “Bismillah. Allahu Akbar.” This means, “In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest.” These words are said to acknowledge the fact that Allah has given us the gift of food. Allah created the cow, goat, lamb, and chickens as food. We are given the task of taking good care of the animals, treating them humanely, and meeting their basic needs. Even on the day of their slaughter, we … Continue reading →

When I Became a Muslim

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So, how does a typical Southern girl come to be Muslim? It’s not a very exciting story, but I’ll share it… I was born and raised in Texas. We were Christian in name, but that was about the extent of it. Growing up, I was in and out of various churches of differing faiths– Baptist, Methodist, non-denominational. We would stay at a church for a while, attending with zeal. Then, my dad would decide that the church didn’t have “spirit,” it wasn’t “alive,” and we would leave. This was in between bouts of raging against all religion. Needless to say, … Continue reading →

Names for Muslim Boys

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Whether you are a Muslim convert interested in changing your name or a parent expecting a baby, you may be curious about names for Muslim males. Here are some Muslim boy names and their meanings: [h]”A” Names[/h] Abbas – Lion Abdullah – Servant of Allah Adam – Black Ahmed – Worthy of praise Ali – Noble Ameer – Prince Anees – Good friend Ashraf – Honorable Asif – Forgiveness [h]”B” Names[/h] Basel – Brave Bassim – Smiling Bilal – Person who calls the prayer [h]”F” Names[/h] Fadi – Redeemer Faisal – Decisive Fareed – Unique Farris – Knight Fuad – … Continue reading →