#Abi reads Binti

[the-knights-who-say-book]

These books came a while ago! So far I’ve only read Binti (which I liked) and I’m a little put out that Blood of Olympus came without a book jacket lol

[thespeedyreader]

Black Lives Matter: A (By No Means Complete) Reading List

“Books are a form of political action. Books are knowledge. Books are a reflection. Books change your mind.�� - Toni Morrison

It has always been, and always will be, vital to educate ourselves on the world around us. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, I hope that this blog can become a platform for sharing resources on black history and literature, in a conscious effort to educate both ourselves and those around us. It is our duty to continue to amplify the voices of people of colour, because it is through education that we can make lasting changes in the world.

Here you will find a list of books and essays by authors of colour, and which speak about the experiences of people of colour everywhere. By committing to read even one of these books, you are expanding your consciousness of the lives around you, and giving people of colour a voice.

(Please reblog with your own book recommendations - keep the chain going!)

Classic Fiction

The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison

Beloved - Toni Morrison

Another Country - James Baldwin

Go Tell It on the Mountain - James Baldwin

The Colour Purple - Alice Walker

Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe

Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys

Kindred - Octavia E. Butler

The Lonely Londoners - Sam Selvon

Small Island - Andrew Levy

Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Contemporary Fiction

Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Girl, Woman, Other - Bernadine Evaristo

An Orchestra of Minorities - Chigozie Obioma

White Teeth - Zadie Smith

Red at the Bone - Jacqueline Woodson

An American Marriage - Tayari Jones

Queenie - Candice Carty-Williams

A Brief History of Seven Killings - Marlon James

Black Leopard Red Wolf - Marlon James

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong

The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett

Sorry To Disrupt the Peace - Patty Yumi Cottrell

Freshwater - Akwaeke Emezi

The Fifth Season - N.K. Jemisin

My Sister, the Serial Killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite

What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours - Helen Oyeyemi

Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi

The Underground Railroad - Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys - Colson Whitehead

The Girl With the Louding Voice - Abi Daré

We Cast a Shadow - Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Washington Black - Esi Edugyan

The Black Flamingo - Dean Atta

Just Mercy - Bryan Stevenson 

The Icarus Girl - Helen Oyeyemi 

Poetry, Theatre and Graphic Novels

A Raisin in the Sun - Lorraine Hansberry

Citizen: An American Lyric - Claudia Rankine

Night Sky With Exit Wounds - Ocean Vuong

I Am Alfonso Jones - Tony Medina, illustrated by Stacey Robinson & John Jennings

Your Black Friend and Other Strangers - Ben Passmore

Say Her Name - Zetta Elliot, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Silencer - Marcus Wicker

Don’t Call Us Dead - Danez Smith

How ro Be Drawn - Terrence Hayes

The Black Unicorn - Audre Lorde

Coal - Audre Lorde

Passion - June Jordan

Children’s/YA Fiction

Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi

The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas

Akata Witch - Nnedi Okorafor

Binti - Nnedi Okorafor

You Should See Me in a Crown - Leah Johnson

With the Fire on High - Elizabeth Acevedo

Refugee Boy - Benjamin Zephaniah

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X - Ilyasah Shabazz

Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness - Anastasia Higginbotham

A Is for Activist - Innosanto Nagara

New Kid - Jerry Craft

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work - Tiffany Jewell

Non-Fiction and Autobiography

The Miner's Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming Democracy - Lani Guiner

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World - Layla F Saad

Don’t Touch My Hair - Emma Dabiri

Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging - Afua Hirsch

The Good Immigrant - Nikesh Shukla

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge (available for free on Yorsearch)

The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander (available for free on Yorsearch)

Sister Outsider - Audre Lorde

So You Want to Talk About Race - Ijeoma Oluo

The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin

The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Malcolm X

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism - Robin DiAngelo

Divided Sisters: Bridging the Gap Between Black Women and White Women - Midge Wilson & Kathy Russell

They Can’t Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America’s Racial Justice Movement - Wesley Lowery

Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America - James Foreman Jr.

The Wretched of the Earth - Frantz Fanon

When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir - Patrisse Khan-Cullors & Asha Bandele

Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower - Brittney Cooper

Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race - Debby Irving

The Hidden Rules of Race: Barriers to an Inclusive Economy - Andrea Flynn, Susan R. Holmberg, Dorian T. Warren, & Felicia J. Wong

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race - Beverly Daniel Tatum

How to Be Anti-Racist - Ibrahim X. Kendi

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh): The Conquest of Makkah and Afterwards

The Conquest of Makkah: Part 5

Abu Sufyan Watches the Islamic Army

The Messenger of God did not let Abu Sufyan to leave and go to Makkah at once. He had belief but it was possible that he would be affected by the notables of the polytheists and make preparations against the Islamic army. It was necessary for Abu Sufyan to see the Islamic army so that he would have the view that the Qurayshi polytheists did not have the power and strength to resist the Islamic army. It was necessary for him to see the magnificent army so that he would try to dissuade those who would think of resisting the Islamic army, which would earn them nothing but would shed their blood.

Therefore, the Prophet said to Abbas, “O Ab­bas! Take Abu Sufyan to the narrowest place of the valley, where the horses pass with difficulty so that he will see the magnificence of the army of God.”

Upon this order of the Prophet, Abbas took Abu Sufyan to the narrowest place that overlooked the passage of the army.

Abu Sufyan watched, in amazement and fear, the magnificent Islamic army that was passing in groups; he asked Abbas who they were one by one. Abbas gave him the necessary information. Abu Sufyan’s eyes were dazzled by the mujahids who were proceeding like luminous waves.

How did Muhammad, who managed to escape from them by the help of God when they decided to kill him, succeed in entering the hearts of tens of thousands of people and in making them obeying every order of him? Those who had fought together with them against Muhammad until yesterday became loyal to him, loved him so much, shared their feelings of distress and happiness with his feelings.  

Abu Sufyan was carefully looking for the Messenger of God among the troops that passed in groups. Whenever a troop passed, Abu Sufyan asked Abbas, “Did Muhammad (pbuh) pass?” He knew that his passage would be more magnificent.

Finally, the troop that the Messenger of God was in was coming fully armed. The Messenger of God was on his camel, Qaswa, with his magnificence, dignity and solemnity peculiar to him. Ansar and Muhajirs were around him. Sa’d b. Ubada, from Ansar, was carrying the standard. They were passing in front of Abu Sufyan making him shiver.  

Abu Sufyan asked curiously, “Subhanallah! O Abbas! Who are they?”

Abbas said, “The Messenger of God, Ansar and Muhajirs.”

Abu Sufyan was more terrified and he shivered; he said, “What a great sultanate has been given to my cousin! I have never seen any king having so much sultanate!”

Abbas said, “It is not sultanate; it is prophethood.”

Abu Sufyan confirmed him, “Yes, it is prophethood.”

Abu Sufyan realized that nobody including Makkans could resist this magnificent and luminous army, which, beat like a single heart, acted like a single hand and spoke out like a single voice. He said, “O Ab­bas! I have never seen such an army or congregation.”

After that, Abu Sufyan was allowed to go to Makkah so that he would inform the polytheists about the situation, he would prevent them from attempting to resist and he would advise them.

Abu Sufyan in Makkah

Abu Sufyan returned to Makkah and declared that he had become a Muslim. He said, “O Qurayshis! There is Muhammad! He has come near us with an army that we cannot resist. Become Muslims so that you will attain salvation.”Then, he shouted, “Whoever enters Abu Sufyan’s house will be safe. Whoever stays in his house and closes his door will be safe. Whoever enters the Kaaba will be safe.”

However, the notables of Quraysh and even his wife, Hind, insulted Abu Sufyan due to his words; and people like Safwan b. Umayya, Ikrima b. Abi Jahl even tried to provoke people into opposing the Messenger of God. However, people did not heed the words of those enthusiastic polytheists. Some of them went to their houses and others took shelter in the Kaaba as Abu Sufyan advised.[58]

Preparations to Enter Makkah

Before entering Makkah, the Islamic army gathered in Dhituwa valley. The joy of the Prophet and the Companions spread in waves. They gathered in Dhituwa Valley. There were smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.

The Prophet was on his camel, Qaswa. He was praising and thanking God Almighty, who made him see this blessed and magnificent day.

He bent his head due to his modesty so much that the tip of his beard was about to touch the saddle of the camel. With this attitude, he declared to everybody that the only being one can bow down before is God Almighty, the Creator of the universe; he also taught people that it was God who granted success and that what man needed to do was to work hard and make preparations.  

The Prophet Enters Makkah

The Prophet divided his army into four to enter Makkah:

The right wing... The commander of the right wing was Khalid b. Walid, known as “Sayfullah” (Sword of God). He was going to enter Makkah from the lower part of the city.

The left wing... The commander of the left wing was Zubayr b. Awwam. He was going to enter the city from the place called Kuda.

The third part of the army was under the command of Sa’d b. Ubada and it consisted of Ansar soldiers.

The fourth part of the army consisting of infantry was under the command of Abu Ubayda b. Jarrah. He was going to enter Makkah from the upper part of the city.

The Prophet gave the commanders the following order:

“Do not fight or kill anyone unless you are attacked!”

Some people were not included in this command. They were going to be killed wherever they were seen even if they took refuge under the covering of the Kaaba. They were the following people:

Ikrima b. Abi Jahl, Abdullah b. Sa’d b. Abi Sarh, Hab­bar b. Aswad b. Mut­talib, Huwayris b. Nuqayz, Miqyas b. Su­baba al-Laysi, Abdullah Hilal b. Hatal, Hind binti Utba b. Rabia, Sara the singer, Qu­rayna and Arnaba.[62]

The crimes that they committed were crimes that could not be forgiven: abjuration, excessive enmity against Muslims, torture, murder, satirizing the Messenger of God and Muslims insolently.

The Wings of the Army Entering Makkah...

It was Friday, the thirteenth of the month of Ramadan, 8th year of the Migration. The sun had just risen.

The Prophet was on Qaswa, his camel. He had a black turban made in Yemen round his head. One end of his turban was hanging between his shoulders. He was entering the blessed city in glory and modesty. On the one hand, he was praising and thanking God because He showed him that day; on the other hand, he was reading the chapter of al-Fath, which had given the glad tidings that Makkah was going to be conquered. It was one of the happiest moments for him and for his Companions.

The tongues did not utter bitter words; they pronounced only nice words that conquered hearts. The faces were full of smiles.

The mujahids were not in ecstasy, caused by great victories and magnificent conquests. They controlled their hearts, souls and tongues.

Sa’d b. Ubada is Dismissed

Meanwhile, Sa’d b. Ubada, the commander of the third wing was affected by the dazzling victory involuntarily and said, “Today is the great day of fighting. Today it will be permissible to fight in the Kaaba.”

The Messenger of God was informed about his statement. This statement was contrary to the aim and spirit of entering the Kaaba without fighting and shedding blood. He ordered that the standard be removed from him and given to Qays.

Attack against the Wing of Khalid b. Walid

The Islamic army was entering Makkah in waves, without swinging their swords against anybody, and with respect as the Prophet had ordered.

However, meanwhile, the wing commanded by Khalid b. Walid was attacked. Some people like Ikrima b. Abi Jahl, Safwan b. Umayya and the people that they gathered attacked them.

Khalid did not want to respond at first because the order of the Prophet was clear. However, when he saw that the polytheists increased the attack and threw a lot of arrows, he let his soldiers fight. The polytheists had to run away. Two mujhaids were martyred during the fight and thirteen polytheists were killed. The Messenger of God was informed about the situation. The Prophet summoned Khalid. When he learnt from Khalid that the polytheists attacked the Muslims and that the mujahids had to defend themselves, he said, “What God decreed and allowed is good.”

No other clashes took place when the magnificent Islamic army consisting of ten thousand soldiers entered; the Muslims did not use their weapons.

Meanwhile, some of those who were decreed to be killed were captured and killed. Some of them had been Muslims but then exited Islam. Abdullah b. Hatal and Miq­yas b. Subaba were two of them. The other people that were killed were Harith b. Tu­lay­tila, Huwayris b. Nuqayz and Sara. They were the people who had tortured and insulted the Prophet when he was Makkah. The other polytheists that had been ordered to be killed ran away.

[knsc24765]

Thought via Path

30 ORANG YANG PERTAMA DALAM ISLAM 1. Orang yang pertama menulis Bismillah : Nabi Sulaiman AS. 2. Orang yang pertama minum air zamzam : Nabi Ismail AS. 3. Orang yang pertama berkhatan : Nabi Ibrahim AS. 4. Orang yang pertama diberikan pakaian pada hari qiamat : Nabi Ibrahim AS. 5. Orang yang pertama dipanggil oleh Allah pada hari qiamat : Nabi Adam AS. 6. Orang yang pertama mengerjakan saie antara Safa dan Marwah : Sayyidatina Hajar (Ibu Nabi Ismail AS). 7. Orang yang pertama dibangkitkan pada hari qiamat : Nabi Muhammad SAW. 8. Orang yang pertama menjadi khalifah Islam : Abu Bakar As Siddiq RA. 9. Orang yang pertama menggunakan tarikh hijrah : Umar bin Al-Khattab RA. 10. Orang yang pertama meletakkah jawatan khalifah dalam Islam : Al-Hasan bin Ali RA. 11. Orang yang pertama menyusukan Nabi SAW : Thuwaibah RA. 12. Orang yang pertama syahid dalam Islam dari kalangan lelaki : Al-Harith bin Abi Halah RA. 13. Orang yang pertama syahid dalam Islam dari kalangan wanita : Sumayyah binti Khabbat RA. 14. Orang yang pertama menulis hadis di dalam kitab / lembaran : Abdullah bin Amru bin Al-Ash RA. 15. Orang yang pertama memanah dalam perjuangan fisabilillah : Saad bin Abi Waqqas RA. 16. Orang yang pertama menjadi muazzin dan melaungkan adzan: Bilal bin Rabah RA. 17. Orang yang pertama bersembahyang dengan Rasulullah SAW : Ali bin Abi Tholib RA. 18. Orang yang pertama membuat minbar masjid Nabi SAW : Tamim Ad-dary RA. 19. Orang yang pertama menghunuskan pedang dalam perjuangan fisabilillah : Az-Zubair bin Al-Awwam RA. 20. Orang yang pertama menulis sirah Nabi SAW : Ibban bin Othman bin Affan RA. 21. Orang yang pertama beriman dengan Nabi SAW : Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA. 22. Orang yang pertama mengasaskan usul fiqh : Imam Syafei RH. 23. Orang yang pertama membina penjara dalam Islam: Ali bin Abi Tholib RA. 24. Orang yang pertama menjadi raja dalam Islam : Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan RA. 25. Orang yang pertama membuat perpustakaan awam : Harun Ar-Rasyid RH. 26. Orang yang pertama mengadakan baitul mal : Umar Al-Khattab RA. 27. Orang yang pertama menghafal Al-Qur'an selepas Rasulullah SAW : Ali bn Abi Tholib RA. 28. Orang yang pertama membina menara di Masjidil Haram Mekah : Khalifah Abu Ja'far Al-Mansur RH. 29. Orang yang pertama digelar Al-Muqry : Mus'ab bin Umair RA. 30. Orang yang pertama masuk ke dalam syurga : Nabi Muhammad SAW. Semoga bermanfaat dan sekaligus pengingat untuk kita semua ... Aamiin.... at Depo Farmasi Ibnu Sina – Read on Path.

[lanistaozora]

Thought via Path

> Siapa Org pertama menemukan telepon ? Jawab nya : Alexander Graham Bell .. Nah...kalau org pertama tulis bismillah siapa ? ?????????? Bingung kan? Kasihan kalau anak- anak kita tanya kepada Ibu/Bapak... bisa jawab enggak ? simpan catatan ini ya. Mari kita kenali Islam ! 30 ORANG YANG PERTAMA DALAM ISLAM ----------------- 1. Orang yang pertama menulis Bismillah : Nabi Sulaiman AS. 2. Orang yang pertama minum air zamzam : Nabi Ismail AS. 3. Orang yang pertama berkhitan : Nabi Ibrahim AS 4. Orang yang pertama diberikan pakaian pada hari qiamat : Nabi Ibrahim AS. 5. Orang yang pertama dipanggil oleh Allah pada hari qiamat : Nabi Adam AS. 6. Orang yang pertama mengerjakan sa'i antara Safa &Marwah : Sayyidatina Hajar 7. Orang yang pertama dibangkitkan pada hari qiamat : Nabi Muhammad SAW. 8. Orang yang pertama menjadi Khalifah Islam : Abu Bakar As Siddiq RA. 9. Orang yang pertama menggunakan Kalender Hijriyyah : Umar bin Al-Khattab 10. Orang yang pertama meletakkan Jabatan khalifah dalam Islam : Hasan bin Ali RA. 11. Orang yang pertama menyusukan Nabi Muhammad SAW : Thuwaibah RA. 12. Orang yang pertama syahid dalam Islam dari kalangan lelaki : Haris bin Abi Halah 13. Orang yang pertama syahid dalam Islam dari kalangan wanita : Sumayyah binti Khabbat 14. Orang yang pertama menulis hadis di dalam kitab / lembaran : Abdullah bin Amru bin Al-Ash 15. Orang yang pertama memanah dalam perjuangan fisabilillah : Saad bin Abi Waqqas 16. Orang yang pertama menjadi muazzin dan menyerukan adzan: Bilal bin Rabah 17. Orang yang pertama sholat dengan Rasulullah SAW : Ali bin Abi Tholib 18. Orang yang pertama membuat mimbar masjid Nabi SAW : Tamim Ad-dary 19. Orang yang pertama menghunus pedang dalam perjuangan fisabilillah : Zubair bin Al- Awwam 20. Orang yang pertama menulis sejarah Nabi Muhammad SAW : Ibban bin Othman bin Affan 21. Orang yang pertama beriman dengan Nabi SAW : Khadijah bt Khuwailid. 22. Orang yang pertama menggagas usul fiqh : Imam Syafi'i RH. 23. Orang yang pertama membina penjara dalam Islam: Ali bin Abi Tholib 24. Orang yang pertama menjadi raja dalam Islam : Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan 25. Orang yang pertama membuat perpustakaan umum: Harun Ar-Rasyid 26. Orang yang pertama mengadakan baitulmal : Umar bin Khattab 27. Orang yang pertama menghafal Al-Qur'an setelah Rasulullah SAW : Ali bin Abi Tholib 28. Orang yang pertama membangun menara di Masjidil Haram Mekah: Khalifah Abu Ja'far Al-Mansur 29. Orang yang pertama digelar Al-Muqry : Mus'ab bin Umair 30. Orang yang pertama masuk ke dalam syurga : Nabi Muhammad SAW. Pesan moral Rugilah klo tidak SHARE sebab ini 1 peluang dakwah yg MUDAH. #ozora^^ – Read on Path.

[wisnufirmansyah]

Thought via Path

Siapa Org pertama menemukan telepon ? Jawab nya : Alexander Graham Bell .. Nah...kalau org pertama tulis bismillah siapa ? ?????????? Bingung kan? Kasihan kalau anak- anak kita tanya kepada Ibu/Bapak... bisa jawab enggak ? simpan catatan ini ya. Mari kita kenali Islam ! 30 ORANG YANG PERTAMA DALAM ISLAM ----------------- 1. Orang yang pertama menulis Bismillah : Nabi Sulaiman AS. 2. Orang yang pertama minum air zamzam : Nabi Ismail AS. 3. Orang yang pertama berkhitan : Nabi Ibrahim AS 4. Orang yang pertama diberikan pakaian pada hari qiamat : Nabi Ibrahim AS. 5. Orang yang pertama dipanggil oleh Allah pada hari qiamat : Nabi Adam AS. 6. Orang yang pertama mengerjakan sa'i antara Safa &Marwah : Sayyidatina Hajar 7. Orang yang pertama dibangkitkan pada hari qiamat : Nabi Muhammad SAW. 8. Orang yang pertama menjadi Khalifah Islam : Abu Bakar As Siddiq RA. 9. Orang yang pertama menggunakan Kalender Hijriyyah : Umar bin Al-Khattab 10. Orang yang pertama meletakkan Jabatan khalifah dalam Islam : Hasan bin Ali RA. 11. Orang yang pertama menyusukan Nabi Muhammad SAW : Thuwaibah RA. 12. Orang yang pertama syahid dalam Islam dari kalangan lelaki : Haris bin Abi Halah 13. Orang yang pertama syahid dalam Islam dari kalangan wanita : Sumayyah binti Khabbat 14. Orang yang pertama menulis hadis di dalam kitab / lembaran : Abdullah bin Amru bin Al-Ash 15. Orang yang pertama memanah dalam perjuangan fisabilillah : Saad bin Abi Waqqas 16. Orang yang pertama menjadi muazzin dan menyerukan adzan: Bilal bin Rabah 17. Orang yang pertama sholat dengan Rasulullah SAW : Ali bin Abi Tholib 18. Orang yang pertama membuat mimbar masjid Nabi SAW : Tamim Ad-dary 19. Orang yang pertama menghunus pedang dalam perjuangan fisabilillah : Zubair bin Al- Awwam 20. Orang yang pertama menulis sejarah Nabi Muhammad SAW : Ibban bin Othman bin Affan 21. Orang yang pertama beriman dengan Nabi SAW : Khadijah bt Khuwailid. 22. Orang yang pertama menggagas usul fiqh : Imam Syafi'i RH. 23. Orang yang pertama membina penjara dalam Islam: Ali bin Abi Tholib 24. Orang yang pertama menjadi raja dalam Islam : Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan 25. Orang yang pertama membuat perpustakaan umum: Harun Ar-Rasyid 26. Orang yang pertama mengadakan baitulmal : Umar bin Khattab 27. Orang yang pertama menghafal Al-Qur'an setelah Rasulullah SAW : Ali bin Abi Tholib 28. Orang yang pertama membangun menara di Masjidil Haram Mekah: Khalifah Abu Ja'far Al-Mansur 29. Orang yang pertama digelar Al-Muqry : Mus'ab bin Umair 30. Orang yang pertama masuk ke dalam syurga : Nabi Muhammad SAW. Share kebaikan yuk! – Read on Path.

[the-knights-who-say-book]

Binti review

Rating: ★★★½☆

Blurb: Binti is the first of the Himba people to be offered a place at Oomza University, a college in outer space. Accepting means giving up her place in her family, but Binti is willing to pay the cost. Her journey to the stars is interrupted by the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares, warring against Oomza University and its students. If Binti hopes to survive this war not of her making, she will need the gifts of her people to broker peace.

I enjoyed all the weird, futuristic elements of Binti, and I think it hit the right balance of explaining the things that had to be explained as much as possible without cluttering up the novella. I love that the spaceships are giant living creatures! I would probably enjoy a longer novel by Nnedi Okorafor that delves deeper into her vision of the future.

However, within this shorter framework, I didn't feel as hooked by the plot as I did by the ideas and aesthetic behind it. It took me a while in the beginning to warm up to Binti's voice (which is less acceptable in a book like this, where 20 pages are 20% of the book). But in the end I think the way Binti's lack of experience with the outside world combined with her intelligence made her a very interesting character.

A big pro is how Binti's Himba traditions are essential to the story. It literally could not be the same plot if she wasn't Himba. I love when books take the little aspects of a character's minority identity and make them a linchpin of the story rather than a passing detail. While Binti faces prejudice within the story, her heritage is never a weakness, and the way it's worked in is really great.

So while Binti hovers between 3 and 4 stars for me, I think it's definitely worth reading because it's so short that there's no time wasted even if you don't love it, and it's an interesting novella. I may not continue with the other Binti books, but I will definitely try another of Nnedi Okorafor's books in the future, like Akata Witch or Who Fears Death.

[rachmachaela]

Okay, it is a little bit cheesy, but, (hmmp) let me take a breath

So, the title is: wk wk.

Talking about love wasn’t my thing. Doesn’t mean I didn’t have any interest but it just hasn’t concern me a lot. Yet, it happened sometimes ago. By my age has touched the 20s, suddenly, this thing is getting serious and a daily topics whether me and my friends are having a chit chat. This topic always appears, in almost, everytime.

Actually, talking about love has occured on my mind sometimes. I can be fangirling and also imagining myself of Ali and Fatimah. You know right? Ali, one of the Prophet Best Men and Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter. Yet, I haven’t found my Ali, and also I can’t be Fatimah. Maybe becoming Fatimah as a whole is impossible. First of all, I am not the Prophet and Khadijah’s daughter, and that’s the end. Yap, I am still happy of fangirling this amazing woman on earth.

I am a big fan of Ali bin Abi Thalib and Fatimah Az-Zahra binti Muhammad’s love story. It is the most romantic story ever after, from my point of view. This story is very well-known, even not only Moeslem knows this and acknowledge the real romance story that is much more romantic than Romeo and Juliet. It was a magic. When Ali’s bravery suddenly rose up and asked Muhammad SAW’s permission to marry Fatimah. Then Fatimah said ‘yes’ not too long after Ali asked to marry her. Then everything was revealed that both of them were falling in love since the beginning. Their sincere feelings was kept at the deepest place in their heart, which made satan can’t hear the sound their feelings. Not the most wealthy man on earth, Utsman bin Affan. But Fatimah’s old friend, Ali bin Abi Thalib. Yes, the humble and simple man who could take the heart of the Prophet’s daughter. Even after their marriage, Fatimah and Ali’s life was full of happiness without any glamorous or wealthy. The Dunya and Jannah happiness. While I am writing this makes me undoubtedly amazed, truly :’)

My current job is also about love. Currently, I am a freelance wedding organizer. The funny thing is I only organize one bride-to-be, which is my one and only older sister. I am doing this with so much fun and interest on many things. Make sure about the gawn, review and revise the invitation design, organize the list of guests, taste the foods, etc. Despite of feeling hectic, I try my best to enjoy every single second to make it the best moment for her. It makes me imagine about wearing those gawn someday. Instead of bothering myself of thinking those matters for myself, sometimes I thought about my sister’s after becoming Mrs. XYZ (sorry, prohibited). Her brand new life. Those matters sometimes make me afraid, yes, indeed. I reflect those situation at myself. And, I am scared. (yeu cupu wkwk). For many reasons, the mixed feelings when I thought about that is defined as……scared. For now on, I am scared. For such a feelings, because I am still 20 years old (going on 21 this year! omg I can’t help why am I getting older and older hhhh lol) and an undergraduate student, which is also an unemployed woman (hiks). I kinda feeling like to explore myself more and happy with my mom in our home sweet home. Helping people in need.

Honestly, I scared of my sister’s. I kinda have a feeling of untrustworthy or jealousy. The bad feelings and worst cases couldn’t be resist to not be thought. For her happiness, her condition, her materials. Because I am such a possesive-and-care- too-too-too-much-person of everything I have, including things and people I close with. Even my bestfriend said such a line exactly like in Something Borrowed the movie, which is “You are the sister I never had. You are, sometimes, the mother I often need.” Yea, I (a little bit) agree, and I am flattered for such statements. Therefore, I don’t want bad things happen to people I really care about. Those kind of scared, tho.

Mr. PQR : Will you be my last?

Then, for now onfor many reasons and some difficult-to-be-explained excuses, I will say…

Chaela : “wk (space) wk”

[laughing absurdly] [answering hesitately] [short-term shock therapy]

Then, for all absurdity and randomness, Allah will answer it in the mean time, at the most perfect timing, yet, for the one who obeys Him. Let your heart be guided by Quran and listen to mama always” – my sister’s advises (in the simple way)

I don’t expect that my out-of-blue-and-randomness story will become like this. Even the title and the content is 180 degrees different, right. It depends how we see and read every single words, whether it is an implicite or explicite one.

The end.

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad: The Conquest of Makkah and Afterwards

The Conquest of Makkah: Part 6

Preparations to Enter Makkah

Before entering Makkah, the Islamic army gathered in Dhituwa valley. The joy of the Prophet and the Companions spread in waves. They gathered in Dhituwa Valley. There were smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.

The Prophet was on his camel, Qaswa. He was praising and thanking God Almighty, who made him see this blessed and magnificent day.

He bent his head due to his modesty so much that the tip of his beard was about to touch the saddle of the camel. With this attitude, he declared to everybody that the only being one can bow down before is God Almighty, the Creator of the universe; he also taught people that it was God who granted success and that what man needed to do was to work hard and make preparations.  

The Prophet Enters Makkah

The Prophet divided his army into four to enter Makkah:

The right-wing... The commander of the right-wing was Khalid b. Walid, known as “Sayfullah” (Sword of God). He was going to enter Makkah from the lower part of the city.

The left-wing... The commander of the left-wing was Zubayr b. Awwam. He was going to enter the city from the place called Kuda.

The third part of the army was under the command of Sa’d b. Ubada and it consisted of Ansar soldiers.

The fourth part of the army consisting of infantry was under the command of Abu Ubayda b. Jarrah. He was going to enter Makkah from the upper part of the city.

The Prophet gave the commanders the following order:

“Do not fight or kill anyone unless you are attacked!”

Some people were not included in this command. They were going to be killed wherever they were seen even if they took refuge under the covering of the Kaaba. They were the following people:

Ikrima b. Abi Jahl, Abdullah b. Sa’d b. Abi Sarh, Hab­bar b. Aswad b. Mut­talib, Huwayris b. Nuqayz, Miqyas b. Su­baba al-Laysi, Abdullah Hilal b. Hatal, Hind binti Utba b. Rabia, Sara the singer, Qu­rayna and Arnaba.

The crimes that they committed were crimes that could not be forgiven: abjuration, excessive enmity against Muslims, torture, murder, satirizing the Messenger of God and Muslims insolently.

The Wings of the Army Entering Makkah...

It was Friday, the thirteenth of the month of Ramadan, the 8th year of the Migration. The sun had just risen.

The Prophet was on Qaswa, his camel. He had a black turban made in Yemen round his head. One end of his turban was hanging between his shoulders. He was entering the blessed city in glory and modesty. On the one hand, he was praising and thanking God because He showed him that day; on the other hand, he was reading the chapter of al-Fath, which had given the glad tidings that Makkah was going to be conquered. It was one of the happiest moments for him and for his Companions.

The tongues did not utter bitter words; they pronounced only nice words that conquered hearts. The faces were full of smiles.

The mujahids were not in ecstasy, caused by great victories and magnificent conquests. They controlled their hearts, souls, and tongues.

Sa’d b. Ubada is Dismissed

Meanwhile, Sa’d b. Ubada, the commander of the third wing was affected by the dazzling victory involuntarily and said, “Today is the great day of fighting. Today it will be permissible to fight in the Kaaba.”

The Messenger of God was informed about his statement. This statement was contrary to the aim and spirit of entering the Kaaba without fighting and shedding blood. He ordered that the standard be removed from him and given to Qays.

The attack against the Wing of Khalid b. Walid

The Islamic army was entering Makkah in waves, without swinging their swords against anybody, and with respect as the Prophet had ordered.

However, meanwhile, the wing commanded by Khalid b. Walid was attacked. Some people like Ikrima b. Abi Jahl, Safwan b. Umayya and the people that they gathered attacked them.

Khalid did not want to respond at first because the order of the Prophet was clear. However, when he saw that the polytheists increased the attack and threw a lot of arrows, he let his soldiers fight. The polytheists had to run away. Two mujhaids were martyred during the fight and thirteen polytheists were killed. The Messenger of God was informed about the situation. The Prophet summoned Khalid. When he learned from Khalid that the polytheists attacked the Muslims and that the mujahids had to defend themselves, he said, “What God decreed and allowed is good.”

No other clashes took place when the magnificent Islamic army consisting of ten thousand soldiers entered; the Muslims did not use their weapons.

Meanwhile, some of those who were decreed to be killed were captured and killed. Some of them had been Muslims but then exited Islam. Abdullah b. Hatal and Miq­yas b. Subaba were two of them. The other people that were killed were Harith b. Tu­lay­tila, Huwayris b. Nuqayz and Sara. They were the people who had tortured and insulted the Prophet when he was Makkah. The other polytheists that had been ordered to be killed ran away.

Declaration of Safety

As soon as the Prophet entered Makkah, he declared that people would be safe. He said,

“Whoever enters Abu Sufyan’s house will be safe. Whoever leaves his weapons will be safe. Whoever enters his house and closes his door will be safe.”

Thereupon, some of the polytheists went to their own houses and others took refuge in the house of Abu Sufyan.

The Prophet in the Kaaba

The Islamic army, consisting of more than ten thousand soldiers, entered Makkah but Makkah was having a calm and peaceful day. Everybody was safe and secure.    

The Messenger of God was proceeding toward the Kaaba on his camel, Qaswa, Usama b. Zayd was also on the camel; Hazrat Abu Bakr was next to him and the muhajirs and Answar were around him. There was no change in him between the first day he declared his cause and the victory today. He was modest, humble, forgiving and merciful when he declared Islam and belief on his own; he was like that on the day when Makkah was conquered. He was generous, compassionate, modest and forgiving when he had affected few people; he was like that when he affected thousands of people; he did not lose any of his qualities.

The Prophet entered the Kaaba with modesty and humbleness, feeling gratitude to God. The Muslims were entering the Kaaba in groups. When the Messenger of God uttered, “Allahu Akbar!”, the Muslims shouted all together, “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!” The horizons of Makkah resounded with this holy sound. The mountains and stones of this holy land replied this sound by uttering, “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!”

Circumambulating the Kaaba

The Messenger of God started to circumambulate the Kaaba on his camel, Qaswa. The Companions followed him. At each lap of the circumambulation, the Prophet greeted Hajar al-Aswad by pointing at it with his stuff.[67] After the seventh lap of the circumambulation, he got off his camel. He went to the Station of Ibrahim and performed a two-rak’ah prayer there. Then, he went to Zamzam Well, drank some water and made wudu. After that, he went up to Safa Hill. He watched the Kaaba and the Muslims from there and thanked God, who made him see this magnificent day.

Meanwhile, some Muslims of Madinah felt a bit concerned. They said, “God Almighty enabled His Messenger to conquer his hometown. We wonder if he will settle in Makkah?”

When the Messenger of God finished his prayer, he asked them what they were talking about.

They said, “Nothing. O Messenger of God!”

The Prophet repeated his question a few times and received the same reply. Then, he was informed by God what they were talking about.

Thereupon, he said, “I take refuge in God from what you were talking about. Know it very well that I will live with you and die with you.”

When Ansar heard it, they gathered around the Prophet and tried to lenify him.

They said, “By God, we spoke like that due to our love toward God and His Messenger.”

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad: The Conquest of Makkah and Afterwards

The Conquest of Makkah (Part.6)

Preparations to Enter Makkah

Before entering Makkah, the Islamic army gathered in Dhituwa valley. The joy of the Prophet and the Companions spread in waves. They gathered in Dhituwa Valley. There were smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.

The Prophet was on his camel, Qaswa. He was praising and thanking God Almighty, who made him see this blessed and magnificent day.

He bent his head due to his modesty so much that the tip of his beard was about to touch the saddle of the camel.[59] With this attitude, he declared to everybody that the only being one can bow down before is God Almighty, the Creator of the universe; he also taught people that it was God who granted success and that what man needed to do was to work hard and make preparations.  

The Prophet Enters Makkah

The Prophet divided his army into four to enter Makkah:

The right wing... The commander of the right wing was Khalid b. Walid, known as “Sayfullah” (Sword of God). He was going to enter Makkah from the lower part of the city.

The left wing... The commander of the left wing was Zubayr b. Awwam. He was going to enter the city from the place called Kuda.

The third part of the army was under the command of Sa’d b. Ubada and it consisted of Ansar soldiers.

The fourth part of the army consisting of infantry was under the command of Abu Ubayda b. Jarrah. He was going to enter Makkah from the upper part of the city.

The Prophet gave the commanders the following order:

“Do not fight or kill anyone unless you are attacked!”

Some people were not included in this command. They were going to be killed wherever they were seen even if they took refuge under the covering of the Kaaba. They were the following people:

Ikrima b. Abi Jahl, Abdullah b. Sa’d b. Abi Sarh, Hab­bar b. Aswad b. Mut­talib, Huwayris b. Nuqayz, Miqyas b. Su­baba al-Laysi, Abdullah Hilal b. Hatal, Hind binti Utba b. Rabia, Sara the singer, Qu­rayna and Arnaba.

The crimes that they committed were crimes that could not be forgiven: abjuration, excessive enmity against Muslims, torture, murder, satirizing the Messenger of God and Muslims insolently.

The Wings of the Army Entering Makkah...

It was Friday, the thirteenth of the month of Ramadan, 8th year of the Migration. The sun had just risen.

The Prophet was on Qaswa, his camel. He had a black turban made in Yemen round his head. One end of his turban was hanging between his shoulders. He was entering the blessed city in glory and modesty. On the one hand, he was praising and thanking God because He showed him that day; on the other hand, he was reading the chapter of al-Fath, which had given the glad tidings that Makkah was going to be conquered. It was one of the happiest moments for him and for his Companions.

The tongues did not utter bitter words; they pronounced only nice words that conquered hearts. The faces were full of smiles.

The mujahids were not in ecstasy, caused by great victories and magnificent conquests. They controlled their hearts, souls and tongues.

Sa’d b. Ubada is Dismissed

Meanwhile, Sa’d b. Ubada, the commander of the third wing was affected by the dazzling victory involuntarily and said, “Today is the great day of fighting. Today it will be permissible to fight in the Kaaba.”

The Messenger of God was informed about his statement. This statement was contrary to the aim and spirit of entering the Kaaba without fighting and shedding blood. He ordered that the standard be removed from him and given to Qays.