Stem of my belief

On certain occasions, when discussing ethical or particularly controversial issues, I have occasionally thought, “I wonder what Islam says about this,” with the obvious intention … Read more

Immaterial girl

“You have got to be kidding me!” I say to my sister.

She shakes her head. “It’s fine. It’s pretty much average. They’ll be happy with that price.”

I look at the gold necklace, bracelet and earrings laid out in front of me. “But that’s three months’ salary! How can anyone possibly justify spending that much on useless tat?”

She gives me her best ‘Keep-your-voice-down’ look. “It’s not like we’re paying for it,” she says.

“I don’t care who’s paying for it. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I don’t even wear jewellery.”

“It’s tradition,” she tells me. “Whether or not you wear jewellery is immaterial.” I start thinking about pawn shops.

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Chic geek

Hi all. Firstly, I just want to apologise for the silence last week. I’ve been crazily busy. Those of you who tuned into the BBC Asian Network interview will know that I’m having to juggle a full-time job (where I’m having to create a web database that does everything but cook you dinner), promoting my first book, writing my second book, salvaging a social life and planning a wedding! It’s enough to make me go all Girl, Interrupted, but I’m managing ok. 

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