Shereen Malherbe's Blog, page 24
August 30, 2016
a constant narrative of mine
No amount of yearning can ever bring you back. I watch you, running, skipping, I call at you “Ta3alee!,” Where are you dear child? I hear you from behind a tree, giggling, your sound warms my heart. Your dimples make me want to give you all that is within me, all that I can reach around me. Gift it to you. You keep running and I run after you. Don’t run far love, how would I be able to catch you?
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Jasmine Falling book sale marks a new chapter
To celebrate Eid 2016 and a new chapter for me, Jasmine Falling is now on sale.
After a time of celebration, recuperation and feeling re-inspired, I am now writing the sequel.
Embarking on the second book in some ways is harder than the first. With the first novel, there are no expectations. You begin alone with an idea, a story and a pen. It develops, it grows a life of its own but it remains in the dark. A notebook with scribbles, dreams and scenes locked away in a drawer. After countless revisions, edits, rewrites, tears and the end nowhere in sight, you pick yourself up, pull out the notebook and continue through sleepless nights and endless doubts.
I continued to write because the stories inside refused to stay silent and untold, they were slowly being eroded from history and those that remained evolved to take on different meanings for a different generation. For the voices who have no platform to speak, those stories have now been captured and shared. In a small way they have a voice, another narrative being shared with the world. To give the marginalized a voice, to alter people’s perspectives of a world they have never had the opportunity to experience for themselves is the most I could have hoped for.
An unexpected surprise has been my readers. They have shared with me their emotions as they read the book and attached their own interpretations of heritage, culture and belonging. They have reminded me that humanity is universal, that reading can open up new worlds and expose hidden ones. If you haven’t already, add your story and join me.
In a climate of increasing fear and misunderstanding, my characters will undoubtedly have to overcome new challenges in my new novel. They will learn to grow in a world that doesn’t necessarily understand them. Yet, it is a necessity that another narrative is told. As a story teller, I want to share hope; hope in the unexpected and hope in our future. With trepidation and excitement I begin another chapter that I look forward to sharing with you as I go.
For up to date news, events and the progress of my second novel, you can now subscribe to my newsletter.
Jasmine Falling book on sale
To celebrate Eid 2016 and a new chapter for me, Jasmine Falling is now on sale.
After a time of celebration, recuperation and feeling re-inspired, I have begun to write the sequel. Embarking on the second book in some ways is harder than the first. With the first novel, there are no expectations. You begin alone with an idea, a story and a pen. It develops, it grows a life of its own but it remains in the dark. A notebook with scribbles, dreams and scenes locked away in a drawer. After countless revisions, edits, rewrites, tears and the end nowhere in sight, you pick yourself up, pull out the book and continue through sleepless nights and endless doubts.
I continued to write, because the stories inside refused to stay silent and untold. I kept writing because I discovered stories that were being erased from history. Those that remained, evolved to take on different meanings for a different lifetime. For voices who have no platform to speak, those stories have been captured and shared. In a small way they have a voice, another narrative being shared with the world. To give the marginalized a voice, to alter people’s perspectives of a world they have never had the opportunity to experience for themselves is the most I could have wished for.
One of the highlights of my journey is my readers. They share with me their emotions and journeys as they read the book, attaching their own interpretations of heritage, culture, belonging, loss, hope and love. They have reminded me that humanity is universal. That reading can open up new worlds and expose hidden ones. If you haven’t already, add your story and join me.
In a climate of increasing fear and misunderstanding, my characters will undoubtedly have to overcome new challenges. They will have to learn to grow in a world that doesn’t necessarily understand them. Yet, it is a necessity that another narrative is told. As a story teller, I want to share hope; hope in the unexpected and hope in our future. With trepidation and excitement I begin another chapter that I look forward to sharing with you as I go.
For up to date news, events and the progress of my second novel, you can now subscribe to my newsletter.
August 29, 2016
Israel lures East Jerusalem schools to abandon Palestinian syllabus
Palestinian school children walk to school in the Ras Khamis neighbourhood of east Jerusalem. TAW
Jerusalem – The Israeli Ministry of Education is offering millions of dollars to underfunded East Jerusalem schools to abandon the Palestinian Authority’s approved curriculum and switch to an Israeli syllabus.
The ministry in January said it would give more than $5 million to schools that teach the Israeli curriculum instead of the Palestinian Authority (PA) teaching plan. The extra funding will not be extended to schools using the PA curriculum, although the money is from a general budget meant to serve all East Jerusalem students regardless of what they study.
The Palestinian Authority described the plan, first reported by the Israeli daily Haaretz, as an outrage. Palestinian parents said it was a violation of students’ human rights and an attempt to create a future Palestinian generation with a “Zionist mind”.
“Israel wants to teach our…
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August 28, 2016
Powerful Writing Techniques
By Henry Herz
Take a moment, close your eyes, and recall a story that truly engaged you as a reader – one whose world and characters became completely real for you. Got one?
Now, take off your reader hat and don your analytical writer hat to think about what makes that story so captivating. What writing techniques did the author use to bring the story to life? Was it the wrenching appeal to your emotions, the vivid and brutal action scenes, or the high stakes facing a character? Mastering these and other storytelling methods is the key to writing your own engaging tale.
Just as a lion is the product of all the zebras it has eaten, a writer is the product of all the books he or she has read. Reading the works of skilled writers is a fabulous way to hone your craft and learn how to effectively…
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Book Review: Jasmine Falling
Jasmine Falling by Shereen Malherbe My rating: 5 of 5 stars I found Jasmine Falling a beautiful work of art which was emotionally moving and will stay with me for some time to come. T…
Source: Book Review: Jasmine Falling
July 28, 2016
Jasmine Falling books are donated to schools & universities in Palestine
This summer, a stack of my books are being distributed back to the country and people who inspired me to write it. This novel was written with the sole purpose of sharing an alternative narrative and capturing Palestine as I experienced it.
Roaming around the old City of Jerusalem, my husband and I found maps being sold that erased parts of Palestine that sadly now only exist in people’s memories. With its history being eroded , significant media bias in reporting events and a misunderstood narrative being shared worldwide, the timing of this novel is more poignant than ever.
I often wonder what Palestine our children will experience whether it is this year or during their lifetime. There is almost a certainty that it will not be the Palestine we experienced half a decade ago. This novel aims to capture my experience but deliver it to the world whilst removing as many barriers and preconceptions as possible from an author with unbreakable ties to its land and heritage.
In our youth we must have hope, on both sides of the apartheid wall.
I want to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to read and share the book. To share this story and produce a different narrative of Palestine is worth so much and I am grateful to you all.
For further enquiries visit my main Jasmine Falling page.
Burkini Bans: Revealing or covering should be a woman’s choice
My latest piece for Muslimah Media Watch:
Swimwear is often a contentious issue with women around the world and with summer upon us in the northern hemisphere, this year is no exception. From body consciousness to practicality, what swimwear you buy for the summer season can often be a difficult decision. But at least what to buy and wear remains your choice. Well, for some. This season may be even harder for women who choose to wear Muslim or so-called modest swimwear in Europe. As The Express has reported, Austria has now banned burkinis in a swimming pool, and the precedent of niqab bans suggest there may be more such measures taken in other countries.
Modest swimwear isn’t just the choice of Islamic women who want to cover. Surfers have long worn rash vests and leggings, marketed by cool surf brands such as Billabong & O’Neill. Many who are concerned about skin damage and sun exposure wear long-sleeved, long-legged swimwear made from the same fabric as burkinis with most having an inbuilt sun protection factor of fifty plus. All this leads me to ask: are men and children banned from covering up in surf wear or is it just women? And if the issue with the burkini is not the covered skin, is it just the extended swim cap that covers the hair that is causing offence because this identifies the women as Muslim? Describing the ban as a ‘health issue’ is a disguise at what this really is; Islamophobia. There is no reason a burkini, made from the same materials as surf swimwear, poses a health risk. Instead, the ban further isolates Muslim women in Europe and beyond for being made to feel that their dress sense is not compatible with society.
I myself made the shift from a two piece to an all in one burkini. It is my choice to try and cover whilst poolside so I can feel comfortable and make the most out of my love for swimming, and my faith, as well as being involved in family activities and with our visitors who in the summer heat spend most of their time in the pool.
My burkini has received mixed opinions; from my teenage sisters looking shocked to nods of approval for those who want to wear more modest clothes around the pool. Mostly from those running after young children and being forced into flume rides, slides and other embarrassing activities that kids make you take part in. Recently, I have been enjoying these activities without the swimsuit mishaps that often occur when in smaller pieces.
If you fight for women’s rights for equality to wear what they want, then it has to work both ways. Those outside of the Muslim community have often joined in the debate about whether or not burkinis should be banned without asking for opinions of women who wear them. Articles such as those in The Telegraph commented on how a woman wearing a burkini looks like a ‘pregnant elephant seal’ further reinforcing the idea that women are supposed to look a certain way. The article itself is full of assumptions and incorrect misconceptions that I could write an entire separate post on, but for now I will leave it at this: a woman should be able to choose how much skin to reveal and how much to cover in public places as she deems fit, whether that is for religious purposes or not.
Recently, a campaign over ‘Are You Beach Body Ready’ in Britain invited an angry backlash. The ads were discussed as objectifying women. I agree. Women are too often judged for their bodies, and the campaign furthered the idea that you have to look a certain way to go to the beach. Although the debate about the “beach body” campaign was about body consciousness, the discussion over whether or not the campaign was appropriate is relevant to the banning of burkini swimwear. Revealing and covering are both associated with how society thinks women should look and how women are judged. Neither should have anything to do with anyone else, except the woman’s choice of what she feels comfortable to wear.
I am based in Dubai, so this hasn’t been an issue for me as modest swimwear and swimsuits usually coexist quite happily side by side over here. But I have to wonder, when did it become acceptable to force women to wear something they might see as akin to underwear or if they refuse to do so, be legally excluded from a public swimming bath? Accepting these kind of bans just reinforces racism and isolation from society.
It is about time that Islamophobia is taken for what it is. In this instance, it is being used to further limit woman’s rights and to make women feel pressured into revealing more skin in order to ‘fit in’ with society. There are arguments that so-called modesty wear reinforces an oppressive rhetoric, but I believe this comes from those who haven’t ever made the decision to wear something that isn’t readily available and accepted from mainstream society. Denying women who want to wear what they believe to be modest clothes that choice clearly does nothing for the argument about oppression, it just adds a different form of oppression.
Integration into society should not be about what women wear. Women are constantly attacked, criticised and judged on their bodies and clothing. If you truly want to fight for women’s rights to wear what they want and not to be treated as objects, then this has to work both ways. Whether we are talking about how much to reveal or cover, this should remain a women’s choice.
June 12, 2016
A Newbies Guide to Surviving a British Summer Time Ramadan
Written & first published for Muslimah Media Watch
This guide is a light-hearted insight into some of my experiences embarking on Ramadan for the first time. It goes without saying that this might not apply or be relevant for everyone, but I wanted to share it nonetheless, so others who might be fasting for the first time don’t feel alone in their Ramadan experiences. Please share away or print out and pass it on to any newbies you might spot. Better still, invite them over for Iftar! Ramadan Mubarak.
Day one, you will be very enthusiastic. You will wake up an hour before dawn and try to consume two litres of water and three meals before the adhan sounds on your phone. This probably isn’t advisable. I was sick before fajr.
If you are praying, be aware that the prayer times are not standardized in the UK so choose a main mosque and download the prayer times so you don’t accidentally eat during daylight hours.
Try to make your prayers wherever you are. My brother made his prayers in a stationery cupboard one year…yes, that tiny closet in your office that stocks spare staplers.
Bring your prayer stuff to work if you need to, however, it might be a good idea to let people know you will be wearing something different if that is the case. Somebody told me I looked like a ghost in my white prayer shawl. I will sew a floral one this year.
Ramadan does not have to curtail your social life, but you should also not feel pressured to socialize if you are just not in the mood. For example, you may receive multiple invites to the beer garden – if you don’t feel like it, it may be best not to go. Sometimes it can hard enough saying you don’t drink alcohol, never mind saying you can’t drink water.
You may have to get used to solitary meals late in the evening. This can be difficult, but on the other hand, there is a blessing in all this extra time for dua and prayers. Plus that first glass of water never tasted so good.
If you have decided to begin to wear hijab, you may decide that now is the month to try it out. Go for it, but don’t be fooled; three years in and I’m still struggling to wrap it right. Watch plenty of YouTube tutorials before you start.
Try and get to your nearest mosque for some congregational prayers so you don’t feel alone. Last year, I watched the Taraweeh prayers via YouTube just so I could pretend to have someone to pray with.
And/or if possible, visit a 24 hour supermarket in a bigger town and see if it has run out of yoghurt and has stacks of dates at the door. If the answer is yes, there are fasters about. Hang around after iftar and make some friends.
Prepare a stock answer for the following frequently asked questions;
How do you survive by not eating or drinking for 30 days and nights?
Aren’t you hot in that?
‘The enthusiastic non-Muslim faster’. Last year my sisters wanted to fast with me for a day. It felt good to not be alone and they came away with a new appreciation of what it feels like.
If you are feeling up to it, (and if this is something you support and are interested in) this could be a perfect time for Dawah and introducing people to the beauty of Islam.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to learn everything there is to know for your first Ramadan. But add ‘research Layla Al Qadr’ to your list as this is one you probably don’t want to miss.
Decorate your house/room/space with some reminders on the Holy Month and follow some Muslims on social media so you feel part of the community.
When you reach the end of Ramadan you may feel so happy that you buy everyone gifts whether they are expecting them or not. You may be hoping that in some way it makes it easier when you tell them you won’t be buying Christmas presents this year… it probably won’t.
After Ramadan, you are going to seriously appreciate that first cup of tea in the morning (for non-Brits, you can replace ‘tea’ with ‘coffee’).
Remember, when the winter comes around, you will have one of the shortest fasting days in the world. Think how much easier that will be!
June 11, 2016
Life as a female artist in Saudi Arabia: An interview with Light Studio
This post was written & first published for Muslimah Media Watch
At the recent three-day Film & Comic Convention in Dubai, I was struck by the number of young, female collective art groups from the Gulf region. One example of such a collective, Light Studio, has members who travel from Saudi Arabia to attend conventions such as this in order to sell and promote the work they do as artists and storytellers. Curious about what it is like to be a woman artist in Saudi, I caught up with some of the members to talk it over with them:
Thank you for giving us an insight into Light Studio. How was your experience at the convention?
Fatima: It was great but overwhelming at the same time. It was great meeting all those amazing artists who were very nice and helpful. However, it was overwhelming because you see all these talents around you and you start wondering if you can get people to notice you.
SM: Tell me about Light Studio and your aspirations for it
Fatima: Light Studio is a creative space focused on: art, animation, development (games & apps), and interior design. We love what we do and are passionate about it. I hope that one day our work will be recognized globally so that the world can see the amount of local talent we have. I also would like the world to see works that truly reflect the Islamic & Arabic culture without all the misinterpretations around these days.
SM: Why did you choose to set Light Studios up rather than working individually?
Fatima: I started the group because I see a lot of talent around me that no one knows about. Talents who could do so much in this world if only they had the space, tools and the environment to flourish. I give them encouragement and guidance so that they keep going and improve. I think being part of a group is like being a piece of a puzzle; together we can make a beautiful scene and each one completes what the other lacks.
Layla: I chose to be part of the group to show people who think art is not a job that they are mistaken. Creative people have so many things to offer. We also we want to enrich the Arabic content of animation and games, as it is clear there are few animation, movies and games by Arabic talents.
SM: Are there any downsides to it?
Fatima: It is a responsibility. Now you have people who believe and share the same vision as you, it means you have to work harder to make this vision become a reality.
SM: Where do you get your artistic inspiration from?
Fatima: From life!
Layla: I get inspired by a lot of things, from different artists around the world, architecture, nature inspires me in many ways, books, movies. The list goes on!
Zainab: For me it is human nature.
SM: Your art works featured above are anime/manga which is originally from Japan. How is it being received in Saudi and the Gulf region?
Layla: “Anime & manga” artists don’t receive the same treatment from society or even from fellow artists who have different styles. I won’t say that we are in the shadows, instead we have come a long way in proving that we are here and we have a lot to offer to people.
SM: Have you ever planned to go to Japan to visit the birth place of anime?
Fatimah: Yes, I have thought about it and I would love to go one day when I can afford it, not just for the sake of anime but it just seems like a great place to visit.
Layla: I agree with Fatimah!
Zainab: I have thought about going there, not for anime itself but because I think it is a unique country.
SM: Do you draw on inspirations from Saudi Arabian culture or art as well as anime?
Fatima: I write stories and I take inspirations from my local culture as well.
SM: What is it like being young female artists in Saudi Arabia?
Layla: Art in general in Saudi Arabia is very welcomed and supported in many ways which you can see through galleries and events that encourage artist’s participation.
Fatima: There are definitely struggles, but I don’t think these struggles are specific to female artists only. I see them as struggles for all artists. It would also be good to have more academic institutions that provide specialized art programs and courses and to see an increase in spaces to showcase young artist’s work.
SM: How is the landscape changing in regards to young, Muslim female artists in the Middle East?
Fatima: Social Media, just like everywhere in the world, is a powerful tool that young people in this region are definitely using to get their voices heard. Artists have built online communities to connect with each other wherever they are in the world they are.
SM: For those reading who may want to embark on art as a career, what advice would you give them?
Layla: Art is a journey you have to live through all of its ups and downs so no matter what happens, don’t stop, always practice and seek advice and critiques from artists around you. Don’t be ashamed about your work and hide it because then you will not learn and improve.
Fatimah: Practice and never give up. There is no such thing as “I can’t do it” or “I don’t know how to do it”, everything can be achieved by hard work and determination.
If you would like to find out more about Light Studio and their work, visit their website .
