#before going to sleep islam

[libraford]

Why are conservatives kinda gleeful about people being hurt? Because it seems to go against how they see themselves. Like as morally superior and arbiters of wholesomeness. I think I'm just in a questioning phase because I wouldn't have asked about this before. But you seem to have a clearer view of these things and I like hearing your thoughts.

There are probably people with degrees who can answer this with sources, but I've been thinking about this a lot for the past couple of decades.

On a surface level, schadenfreude feels good. Where justice cannot be done, it feels good to see bad things happen to bad people.

Conservatives have been spending my entire lifetime persuading a LOT of people that they know how to identify what a 'bad person' is. A bad person is brown. A bad person is gay. A bad person is trans. A bad person is neurodivergent. Bad people hate America. Bad people break the status quo. Bad people are on welfare.

This gets into stereotypes.

When you start identifying groups of people as a monolith, that group loses individuality, and its real easy to go from there to dehumanization.

When the right-wing people delight in the pain of large groups of people, its part of a very long campaign to no longer see those people as humans.

The man that accused me of mutilating children while I was carrying a pride flag? He doesn't see me as a person- just a crime he thinks I committed.

The woman at the town hall meeting that said if we were so gung-ho about allowing immigrants into our city then we should let them camp in our backyards since we love them so much- doesn't see immigrants as people (otherwise she would have said 'give them your spare rooms or couches to sleep on.) (Like good god, lady- at least offer them dinner.)

The man at the school board meeting who said that we were pushing out Christianity in favor of Islam because at the time we were swearing in a Muslim board member and discussing whether RTRI programs were allowable in our school systems- doesn't see Muslims as people.

We are what their news, their families, their religious leaders, their podcast personalities, their senators, their politicians, and their friends say about us: an ominous 'them' that they don't understand and don't want to understand.

Understanding the 'other' is hard. Its scary. It requires you to double-check your biases. It isn't always rewarding.

The us v them attitude is comforting. It feels rewarding to strike down a perceived enemy. It feels like justice, when its not.

[sabrgirl]

2024 islamic goals ideas 🩷

finish the entire Qur’an

memorise at least x5 surah’s

start to pray on time

read and finish Qur’an in translation of your language

learn tajweed rules and improve Qur'an recitation

pray in the masjid more

plan your days around salah rather than the other way round

learn Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ 's 99 names/attributes

detach from worldly means/people/things/desires

adopt true tawakkul

speak in a manner that's pleasing to Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ

have better hygiene

be kinder to the creation

eradicate the ego and adopt meekness and humility

habits to form

waking up for fajr more often

waking up for tahajjud more often

reading 1 page minimum of Qur’an every single day

reading books on religious knowledge bimonthly

exercising at least 2x a week

eating healthily with a balanced diet

daily dhikr after each fard prayer

listening to more islamic podcasts

daily gratitude journaling, thanking Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ

praying nawafil (voluntary) prayers more often

less backbiting, more journalling

getting better sleep and not sleeping so late

praying for people rather than judging them

giving sadaqah more often

durood sharif and dhikr before you go to bed

daily or at least weekly cleaning of your space

[shmuel-ben-sarah-kcd2]

Samuel headcannons: specifically Jewish(ish) ones 

I think, despite him being worldly, despite all he has seen, despite him being far from the most observant, frum member of his community, Samuel still believes in G-d. In fact, the horrors he has scene only reinforce his faith in G-d. I know I know, cynicism as a result of trauma. And he certainly has those days, days where he wrestles with his faith. But that’s what being bene Yisrael means. He wrestles. It’s a part of our faith to argue, and so I think he has less (still some probably but less) guilt over those days. But I think he believes, he feels guilty when he can’t attend shul, the grief in his eyes as he whispers for G-d to forgive him as he must torch His temple. (That scene made me cry. I can’t guys I can’t)

Education. Obviously, Sammy boy is literate in at least two different scripts and languages. He can speak, read, and write medieval Czech, he can read and write Liturgical Hebrew, and he can speak Yiddish. Conversational Hebrew doesn’t exist at this point, and Yiddish didnt have a set standardization. Actually, pretty much no one had standardization for spelling. Point is moot, nvm. Also, it’s likely that he understands written Aramaic to some extent, given that is the language of the Talmud. He also can read trope, show that man a haftorah portion and he can do it with no prep. 

As for education, Samuel went to Cheder, first in Prague, then in Kuttenberg when his family moved back. He started learning his alef-bes by three, started Cheder at five, moved back at some point before he was ten, was a bright boy, and the grandson of a rabbi, so he stayed at it. He would even go on to briefly attend yeshiva back in Prague, but would return home a few years before the events of KCD2, dropping out before he could become a rabbi.  From this, he’s aquired an ability to make profound literary allusions, has a line or bit of wisdom for most circumstances from Pirke Avot or something of the like. Bro is dropping the Rambam and Maimonadies like it’s nothing. And he lives by his words. 

Why did he drop out? With the rise in political tensions, everyone wants someone to blame. And at home he can better keep his loved ones safe when the hammer drops. He wants to go back, but he has been made to forfeit the pen for the sword.

Also, kind of a non sequitar, but every single person at the siege of Suchdol belived in some kind of afterlife. Except for Sam. We Jews have idea's ish, but nothing as concrete as Christian heaven and hell, or Islam’s jannah and jahannam. In fact, the only thing mentioned is Sheol, simply the unending sleep, a state of non-being. In essence, there is one go at this if you are a Jew, and there is only this. So when Samuel volenteers for the suicide mission to get word out, he has no hope of heaven. And when he tells Henry to leave him behind? They both know sam will be made an example of, but sam knows that he will never see the ones he loves again. 

I think he’s Bi. No basis, just vibes. And also the mustache. I could see him with either of the two friends, with one of the women in Kuttenberg’s Jewish quarter, with John but only after he risks his head to help the Jews, could also see sam with OCs. Honestly though, I think faith matters more than gender to Sammy. I think he probably doesn’t sleep around a lot of at all, some of it is he’s just too busy. 

I think Samuel wants kids, and if he can’t have them the traditional way, he will adopt. After all, his father adopted, and his brother is his whole brother. Also, in Judaism, a convert is considered fully Jewish, with no legal or social distinction. His kids would be raised in the faith of his fathers. I also dont think he is very likely to wind up with a Christian, for that reason. If he is to marry, it will be under a canopy.

Sammy boy isn’t very superstitious, but I think he always keeps a red string tied around his left wrist, to keep away the evil eye. And he hands knives and weapons off in general by offering the hilt and holding the blade, so as to avoid a fight (proof: the scene where he hands Martin’s sword back to Henry. Small detail, but no one in the Jewish quarter who handles a weapon hands said weapon to anyone blade first.) 

Sammy follows Rabbi Johanan, Israel is Immune from Planitary Influence. He is NOT an astrology girly. Samuel probably does like gematria, but in the Mildly Autistic And Obsessed With Secret Codes kind of way. Yeah he’s definitely not neurotypical. But that’s another thing.

Wow. Lot of thoughts. And I’ve only been into him for like a week. Anyway.

I’m sure there will be more deranged loreposting. I have a lot of thoughts on being a Czech Jew. G-d, I love good representation. And if yall have questions about Jewish life or practices please reach out! I love talking.

[yourimagines]

can you write more about islam makhachevmaybe nfsw maybe softwhatever you want

I’ll go with fluff today, enjoy ☺️

Mornings with you

*English is not my first language I apologise

*Triggers: Fluff

Y/N POV

Mornings with Islam were always the same, his alarm goes off at 5, he gets up, goes for a run and comes back at 7 to take a quick shower before joining me for breakfast and so was today as well.

I woke up from his alarm, that he quickly turned off before getting out of bed. He was quiet as he walked around the bedroom, gathering his clothes to get ready for his morning run. I was still sleepy, trying not to get fully awake as he sat down on my side of the bed. “Go back to sleep, I’ll be back in two hours.” He gently whispered as he placed a soft kiss on my forehead before getting back up. I nodded at him and closed my eyes as he walked out of our bedroom, slowly drifting away into a dreamless sleep.

“How was your run?” I asked him as he walked up to me as I was making breakfast for us. “Good, did you sleep well?” His hands slowly moved around my hips, gently squeezing them as he placed a kiss on my shoulder. “I slept well.” I answered as a small giggle escaped from me as his beard tickled my neck. “Sorry, my beautiful wife.” He pulled me by my hips closer to his chest and wrapped his arms around me, locking me in his embrace. “What are your plans for today?” I asked as I gently touched his arms, tracing them softly. “Nothing, I have a day off today.” He was smiling against my shoulder as he softly placed a few kisses on them. “Really? Do you maybe want to go out shopping with me?” A soft hum and a few more kisses were enough for me to smile. “Thank you.” I gently squeezed his hands and tried to continue to make our breakfast. “Always for my beautiful wife.” He whispered against the back of my head as he slowly released me from his embrace.

Islam POV

I took a seat as she was finishing up our breakfast. “I actually need some socks.” I said as I was admiring her, she always looked so soft and beautiful. “We’ll get you some new socks.” She turned around and placed two plates down on the table. “Looks good.” She smiled and sat down as well. “Thank you.” A small blush was on her face as she shyly looked away from me. “3 years of marriage and you’re still so shy around me.” I found it adorable. “Oh please stop it.” She playfully nudged my arm and giggled. “I like it, so don’t worry.” I grabbed her hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “I love you.” She whispered softly. “I love you.” I whispered softly back at her. We both were smiling like idiots as we continue to eat our breakfast together, she was rambling about the things she needed from the store as I was listening very carefully to her, adoring her secretly.

[kevinsdsy]

hi pookie if you have dicking around time i would love for you to drop some nabil hcs i miss that guy

AHHHHH THANK YOU FOR ASKING I LOVE TALKING MY SHIT ABOUT MY HEADCANONS AND NABIL MAHMOUD IS MY BABY-- this is a few days late tho because #busylife BUT LETS DO THIS!!!!

where to start? hmm. okay like in my mind nabil is really energetic, but in a chill and quiet way? idk if that makes sense. he isn't necessarily loud, but he does always have something to say and there's always a joke ready on his tongue.

this man has such random lore. like he knows basically everyone.

also has a lot to do with the fact he doesn't say no to hanging out like ever. oh you're bored and want to drive around? let's do it! you want to get coffee? just let me grab my shoes. oh you just want to leave the dorms and have no idea what to do? we'll figure something out on our way.

and not just with people on his team. it's also people from his classes. friends of his friends. people from other majors. just basically anyone he has ever met.

this also lead to him staying up for three days straight with derek thompson btw (to me they match each other's freak okay)

this guy doesn't go to most of his classes by the way, but he always passes his exams with flying colors (also has a lot to do with the fact he does not respect a good sleep schedule and just pulls all nighters when he thinks he needs them).

he skips so many classes to hang out with tony <333 and tony loves spending time with him so much he pretends like he doesn't have nabil's schedule memorised and isn't aware that nabil is supposed to be following his classes instead.

both tony and nabil are spider-man obsessed and they have comic dates where they go buy new comics together or hang out to read them. they're losers your honour <333

his brain works in mysterious ways. this guy is always using arabic phrases and words in his sentences and most of the time he doesn't even realize it or just assumes everyone on the team has spent so much time with him that they know what he means.

like if someone fouls him during games or something happens during practices he goes "bro what the fuck was that?! that was haram!" (not allowed in islam). it doesn't even make sense in the context, because of course it isn't even haram he's just a silly guy.

nabil is a MAJOR football (soccer) fan. he actually barely watches exy games meanwhile he catches every barça and PSG game and has crazy ball knowledge.

ever since jean joins the team and he gets to know jean better he always takes a piss at the french language (we gotta do it for our ancestors).

his french isn't the best, but he does know a few phrases here and there and likes showing off in front of jean (jean is not impressed btw)

he also listens a lot to french rap (doesn't every north african guy?) and rai (algerian folk music). i actually need to make him a playlist now that I mention it.

hmm what else? idk. i wanted to go into his ramadan lore since it's almost that of the year, but i don't have that much for him.

just know ramadan nights are CRAZY and he comes back with crazy late night stories.

"oh yeah so i was at the mosque and this guy THREW UP right next to me."

"let's go get smoothies?" he texts around midnight to the groupchat. laila obviously joins him since she's participating too, but that leads to cat joining in and obviously tony is already there. cody never sleeps either, so they're up for the late night food/drink run. shawn joins because #fomo but falls asleep in the car. derek is in the passenger seat next to nabil and is drinking and eating as much as nabil is. everyone (but shawn for once) is energetic and having a blast.

midnight is still the normal hour for him. he also does another run @ 4am. once again cody joins him and this time lucas is there too. laila is responsible enough to just eat and drink something quickly at home before praying and heading back to bed again.

then it's the next day and nabil is #dead since he didn't respect himself enough to get a normal amount of sleep nor can he get any energy drinks (which he normally drinks)

[zais-zafu]

my simple manifesting "routine"

it's v automatic & random cos that's how I like it

state: I remind myself of the fact that I have it all through acting/thinking like "her" and rampaging whenever I feel like it to boost my self esteem

reminders: I have a minutely reminder that manifesting is instant and hourly reminders for self love, not doubting myself, taking care of myself, celebrating the present moment (ngl this all you need – it will be embarrassing for others to see at first but you will get used to it)

visualisation: I like daydreaming (was a maladaptive daydreamer) so I try to always consciously choose what to imagine when my mind wants to daydream (usually happens before sleeping)

vision boards: I do quarter planning and I create a vision board by the end of it, I keep it anywhere i could see it – wallpapers, chrome bg, etc. I'm thinking of employing visual subs into it (if u have experience with that please lmk !)

affirming: I have this setting on my phone that as soon as I unlock it, it launches my counter app & I do 10 sets of affirmations in wtv language/pov I feel like (switching the language/pov helps me a lot) + I affirm whenever I feel like it

subliminals & tapes: I recently started making my own subs and tapes (ima start to critically examine the submakers I follow too...), anywho ! I play subs and tapes whenever I feel like it, my earbuds are stuck to my ears 24/7 & I got yt premium for better access >:)

mediation & hypnosis: I meditate whenever I feel like it (used to do it once a day), I might sit in silence, play some frequencies/subs, do a guided meditation, or opt for a hypnosis if I wanna go for long and deeper.

journaling/scripting: can't believe I almost forgot about this, but I script every evening to work my self concept, practice gratitude, and visualise my ideal life/scenarios.

rampages: so I sometimes do mirror work or talk to ai chatbots in order to vaunt in the morning and evening+ whenever I need it.

prayer: so I'm muslim & I like using prayer & religion in general as a way to regulate my nervous system + to manifest! I don't have anything specific I do outside of the regular islamic teachings.

media: I like using movies, books, music, etc. to get in the mood, raise my self concept, and also normalise my desires & take them off the pedestal.

lmk what u think of it and any cool/unconventional techniques you use !!

[ettsblessings]

And i have one more doubt ik it's dumb but i can't help it. Ik its real, shifting and stuff but there's a part of me which is not able to trust fully. Like i think that if its real why not it's popular or many people talk about shifting outside of this community.

Humans tend to want to remain in their carefully built bubble of illusions, they don't want to comprehend the possibility of other realities and different possibilities, because in all these generations they gave down the knowledge that to get something, you have to do something. Which is actually just not true. To get something you simply have to assume that once you decide you have it, you have it.

That's why many people like to believe that this reality is it, they don't want to think that they actually are just a teeny tiny part of the whole universe and that their lives are actually insignificant.

Also shifting/ manifesting wasn't just suddenly made up on social media. Many people used it way before us. As an example Neville Goddard, who believed that when you visualise the desire you want when you're going to sleep and live in this desire, that you get your desire. Also a lot of celebrities use manifestation / shifting, like Marilyn Monroe or Ariana Grande.

(Also if you wonder why I always write shifting/ manifestation, it's because in my believe shifting and manifestation are the exact same, you want a desire and you get aware of a reality where you have this desire - in both cases.)

You can even see manifesting in different religions, as an example Christianity, islam and also paganism. Christians pray to God for hope or things they want in their life, which is their way to manifest and get the things they desire. Pagans do rituals to get their desire and also pray to different gods.

So you see, shifting/ manifestation isn't just some made up thing. It was used way before we were born into this reality and will continue after we die in this reality.

I hope I could ease your nerves a little :)

[inkandmusk]

The Obligation of Niqab

Undoubtedly, the complete Islamic hijab for a Muslim woman is that she remains in her home, not seeing non-mahram men, nor being seen by them Inon mahram: anyone whom marriage to the woman is permissible], as Allah Almighty says:

"And remain in your homes and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance.”(33:33)

Thus, the woman is commanded to stay in her home and not to go out except for necessity. If she needs to go out and appear before men, she is forbidden from tabarruj (wanton display). The forbidden tabarruj is revealing any part of the body, such as the face, hand, foot, or otherwise.

Therefore, the Muslim sister must cover her entire body with thick, loose, and concealing clothing. Every Muslim must know that covering a woman's face in front of non-mahram men is obligatory, and the evidences for this obligation are numerous, including:

First Evidence:

The explicit command in the verse: "And let them draw their headcovers over their chests." (24:31)

Aisha رضي الله عنها said: "May Allah have mercy on the early Muhajir women. When Allah revealed (And let them draw their headcovers over their chests), they tore their garments and covered themselves with them." (Al-Bukhari)

Ibn Hajar, in his explanation of this hadith, said: "Her statement (they covered themselves) means they covered their faces. The manner of doing so is that the woman places the khimar on her head and drapes it over the left shoulder, which is known as at-taqannu'." (Fath al-Bari)

Ash-Shanqiti, commenting on Aisha's hadith, stated: "This authentic hadith clearly proves that the female companions understood that Allah's command (And let them draw their headcovers over their chests) necessitated covering their faces. With this, the fair-minded person realizes that a woman's veiling from men and covering her face from them is established in the authentic Sunnah, which explains the Book of Allah Almighty." (Adwa' Al-Bayan)

Second Evidence:

The explicit command in the verse: "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves their outer garments." (33:59)

Ibn Kathir said: "Regarding Ibn Abbas' statement: Allah commanded the believing women that when they go out of their homes for a need, they should cover their faces with their jilbabs from above their heads, revealing only one eye."

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Before the verse of hijab was revealed, women would go out without a jilbab, and men could see their faces and hands. At that time, it was permissible for a woman to show her face and hands, and it was permissible to look at her because she was allowed to reveal them. However, when Allah Almighty revealed the verse of hijab, women were veiled from men...

Thus, if they were commanded to wear the jilbab so that they would not be recognized, which means covering the face, or covering the face with a nigab, then the face and hands are part of the adornment that women were commanded not to display to non-mahram men. Therefore, nothing remains permissible for non-mahram men to look at except the apparent garments." (Majmu' al-Fatawa)

Third Evidence:

What Umm Al-Mu’minoon Aisha رضي الله عنها narrated regarding the Incident of Ifk, where she said:

"I went out with the Messenger of Allah ‎ﷺ after the command of hijab had been revealed." She then recounted how she was left behind when the army departed, until she said: "While I was sitting in my resting place, sleep overcame me, and I fell asleep. Safwan ibn al-Mu'attal was behind the army and traveled at night. In the morning, he reached my resting place and saw the shadow of a sleeping person. He approached me and recognized me when he saw me, as he had seen me before the command of hijab was revealed. I woke up to the sound of his invocation of inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun when he recognized me, so I covered my face with my jilbab." (Al-Bukhari)

Ibn Hajar commented in Fath al-Bari: "Her statement 'after the command of hijab was revealed' means after the obligation of hijab was established. This refers to the veiling of women to prevent men from seeing them."

Fourth Evidence:

What was narrated by Muslim regarding the incident when the Prophet ‎ﷺ left Aisha's house to go to Al-Baqi", and she followed him. Aisha رضي الله عنها said:

"He opened the door and went out, then closed it gently. So, I put my dress over my head, covered myself completely, and wrapped my izar tightly around me, then I set out following him until he reached Al-Baqi'."

This narration indicates that Aisha رضي الله عنها covered her face and body entirely before stepping out, which further supports the obligation of full hijab, including covering the face when in public.

Fifth Evidence:

The statement of the Prophet ‎ﷺ: "A woman in ihram should not wear a nigab or gloves."

This hadith, through mafhum al-mukhalafa (the inverse meaning), implies that a woman who is not in ihram does wear the nigab and gloves-meaning she covers her face and hands.

However, the majority of scholars clarify that this hadith does not explicitly command a woman in ihram to uncover her face but merely forbids her from wearing a tailored nigab or gloves. She may still cover her face with other garments.

Aisha رضي الله عنها said: “Caravans would pass by us while we were in ihram with the Messenger of Allah ‎ﷺ. When they came near, one of us would lower her jilbab from her head over her face. When they had passed, we would uncover our faces again." (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, and Ibn Majah)

This hadith demonstrates that even in ihram, the female companions covered their faces in the presence of non-mahram men, reinforcing the principle of face covering in normal circumstances.

Sixth Evidence:

The saying of Allah Almighty: "And women past childbearing who have no desire for marriage-there is no blame upon them if they put down their garments, provided they do not display adornment. But to modestly refrain (from doing so) is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (24:60)

It has been said that "Al-Qawaid" refers to those who have ceased menstruation and marriage, and it has also been said that it refers to those who are incapable and not desired by men. However, those who still possess some beauty and are a source of temptation for men are not included in this verse at all.

The indication from this verse is that Allah permitted elderly women who do not desire nor are desired for marriage to put down their garments, meaning they do not have to wear a jilbab or veil due to the absence of the harm that exists for others. However, if they choose to remain covered like younger women, it is better for them.

This verse serves as evidence that hijab is obligatory. What does "to put down their garments" mean? Did Allah allow elderly women to remove their outer clothing? The answer is: absolutely not.

Thus, the only thing that can be removed is the face covering, which proves that it is obligatory. There is no doubt that any fair-minded person who examines the texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah will recognize this.

Conclusion:

These are some of the evidences that prove the obligation of a woman covering her face in front of Non-Mahrams. This has been the consistent practice among Muslim women.

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh (Mufti of Hijaz) referred to this matter, saying:

"All praise is due to Allah. It is well known that the practice of Muslims, the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the women of the Companions during his time (peace and blessings be upon him), the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and the righteous predecessors (may Allah be pleased with them was that women did not go out unveiled. The textual evidences from the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the statements of the predecessors and those who followed them are numerous and well-known.

Allah commanded the believing women to draw their jilbabs over themselves' (33:59), and Ibn Abbas and other predecessors interpreted this as covering the face in front of non-mahram men.

The Prophet ‎ﷺ also said: The woman is awrah, and awrah must be completely covered, with nothing of it exposed.

Ibn Al-Mundhir reported unanimous agreement that a woman in ihram covers her head, conceals her hair, and lowers her garment lightly over her face to shield herself from the gaze of non-mahram men.

Ibn Raslan also reported the consensus of Muslims on the prohibition of women going out with uncovered faces. In conclusion, the evidence from the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the practices of the Prophet's wives and the righteous Salaf clearly establishes the obligation for a woman to cover her face in front of non-mahram men. With evidence this clear, no woman is allowed to claim that Niqab is not part of Islam, nor that it isnt mandatory. The Niqab is a means to ensure a woman's protection and conceal her beauty from public view.

[uma1ra]

Recite this du’a three times before you go to sleep as follows:

رَضِيتُ بِاللَّهِ رَبًّا وَبِالإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ نَبِيًّا

Transliteration: Radhitu Billahi Rabba wabil-Islāmi dīnan wa bi-Muḥammadin nabiyyan.

Translation: I am pleased with Allah as Lord, with Islam as religion and with Muhammad (PBUH) as my Prophet.

[jewishvitya]

This is so horrifying. Other news sources picked up on this, but this is the source that did the investigating. +972mag and Local Call are a publication run by Palestinian and Israeli journalists.

From the article:

Several of the sources confirmed that the Israeli army has files on the vast majority of potential targets in Gaza — including homes — which stipulate the number of civilians who are likely to be killed in an attack on a particular target. This number is calculated and known in advance to the army’s intelligence units, who also know shortly before carrying out an attack roughly how many civilians are certain to be killed.

In one case discussed by the sources, the Israeli military command knowingly approved the killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in an attempt to assassinate a single top Hamas military commander. “The numbers increased from dozens of civilian deaths [permitted] as collateral damage as part of an attack on a senior official in previous operations, to hundreds of civilian deaths as collateral damage,” said one source.

“Nothing happens by accident,” said another source. “When a 3-year-old girl is killed in a home in Gaza, it’s because someone in the army decided it wasn’t a big deal for her to be killed — that it was a price worth paying in order to hit [another] target. We are not Hamas. These are not random rockets. Everything is intentional. We know exactly how much collateral damage there is in every home.”

In the majority of cases, the sources added, military activity is not conducted from these targeted homes. “I remember thinking that it was like if [Palestinian militants] would bomb all the private residences of our families when [Israeli soldiers] go back to sleep at home on the weekend,” one source, who was critical of this practice, recalled.

In addition, there are apparently four kinds of targets. The first are "military targets such as armed militant cells, weapon warehouses, rocket launchers" etc. The second are underground targets, the tunnels, which harms whatever structure exists over them. The third are "power targets," and the fourth are the homes of suspected Hamas operatives, which can include their families.

The paragraph about "power targets":

The third is “power targets,” which includes high-rises and residential towers in the heart of cities, and public buildings such as universities, banks, and government offices. The idea behind hitting such targets, say three intelligence sources who were involved in planning or conducting strikes on power targets in the past, is that a deliberate attack on Palestinian society will exert “civil pressure” on Hamas.

And:

In the early stages of the current war, the Israeli army appears to have given particular attention to the third and fourth categories of targets. According to statements on Oct. 11 by the IDF Spokesperson, during the first five days of fighting, half of the targets bombed — 1,329 out of a total 2,687 — were deemed power targets.

“We are asked to look for high-rise buildings with half a floor that can be attributed to Hamas,” said one source who took part in previous Israeli offensives in Gaza. “Sometimes it is a militant group’s spokesperson’s office, or a point where operatives meet. I understood that the floor is an excuse that allows the army to cause a lot of destruction in Gaza. That is what they told us.

“If they would tell the whole world that the [Islamic Jihad] offices on the 10th floor are not important as a target, but that its existence is a justification to bring down the entire high-rise with the aim of pressuring civilian families who live in it in order to put pressure on terrorist organizations, this would itself be seen as terrorism. So they do not say it,” the source added.

A thing that I see all the time is people saying "how can you trust the number of casualties, they're coming from Hamas" but:

The figures provided by the Health Ministry and the Government Media Office — both of which fall under the auspices of the Hamas government — do not deviate significantly from Israeli estimates.

And apparently the estimates of Hamas operatives killed are between 1000 and 3000. According to the guardian, "the estimate from Israel’s military that it has killed between 1,000 and 2,000 Hamas fighters, relates only to the assault on Gaza, and not to any Hamas fighters killed during the initial attacks on Israel." According to these numbers, around 80-93% of the deaths were civilians. So these are the numbers if we trust the Israeli military as a source.

And I made this point before, so it's validating to see here:

“Hamas is everywhere in Gaza; there is no building that does not have something of Hamas in it, so if you want to find a way to turn a high-rise into a target, you will be able to do so,” said one former intelligence official.

[sabrgirl]

ramadan 30 day challenge

introducing the ramadan 30 day challenge!

I made this challenge in the hopes of catering to as many people as I can - so, regardless of anyone's home situation, health, money, whether or not you live near a mosque or a community etc, I think it is somewhat do-able or adaptable for all! you can access anything you need for this (verses/surahs from the Qur'an for eg) online. I also know that for some people (depending on countries etc), ramadan is either 29 or 30 days, so it's fine to finish on the 29th day if necessary.

if you miss a couple days as well (or end up seeing this post halfway through ramadan), just pick up from whatever day of ramadan it is!

it starts off easy and gets harder as you go along! i'm also going to be doing this ramadan challenge and posting my own updates on here, Insha’Allah! if you do this too, please do tag me because I would love to see how people are getting on! ♡ here it is:

recite surah ikhlas 3 times

recite durood sharif 3 times

read Qur'an after asr

recite the 3 Quls (last 3 surahs of the Qur'an) in the evening/before sleeping today

listen to an islamic podcast

write down 5 things you are grateful to Allah for on paper or phone notes app

istighfar 100 times

read all of surah mulk before bed

wake up for tahajjud and pray (at least) 2 rakaats

learn 5 names/attributes of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ

do something nice for somebody else - can even be very small and will still be rewarded for it

wear your favourite abaya/thobe/modest clothing for every salah today. look your best for Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ in your prayer like you would to go to a special event

give some (charity) sadaqah (create a sadaqah jar/box!)

read the last 2 verses of surah baqarah before sleeping

make a du'a for your friends and family - name them and pray for something specific for each of them

read all of surah Ya Sin after fajr

pray 2 nafl rakaats (voluntary prayer) today after the 2 sunnah rakaats of zuhr

no backbiting/gossiping about anyone at all and 2 nafl rakaats (voluntary prayer) if you do

pick a surah from the Qur'an and read the commentary for each verse

memorise the dua to recite on laylatul qadr اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'anni "O Allah, You are indeed Forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me."

donate to a charity (for palestine!!). even the smallest amount will be beneficial + rewarded by Allah

recite ayatul kursi after each 5 fard (obligatory) salah

pray all the 12 sunnah today: 2 rakaats before Fajr; 4 rakaats before zuhr and two rakaats after; 2 rakaats after Maghrib; and 2 rakaats after Ishaa

pray (at least) 2 rakaats of taraweeh (either at the mosque or at home by yourself/with family!)

pray 2 rakaats of duha (optional) prayer - it is between 15 minutes after sunrise until zuhr time. (not after zuhr!!)

recite subhanallahi wabihamdi, subhanallahil adheem 100 times - (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him, glory be to Allah, the Great)

be extra modest today (tailored to you. wear hijab outside if you don't, or wear your loosest outfit or lower your gaze completely (including lowering it on social media) today etc. whatever being extra modest is for you, do that today).

pray on time, no procrastination or delays. check what local time each prayer is for you and pray then (unless you're praying at the mosque!)

istighfar x1000 times

pray some of the nawafil ON TOP OF all the sunnah prayers that accompany the 5 obligatory prayers: - 2 rakaats of duha prayer - 2 rakaats after the 2 sunnah rakaats of zuhr - 4 rakaats before asr - 2 rakaats after the 2 sunnah rakaats of maghrib - 2 rakaats after the 2 sunnah rakaats of ishaa (extra challenge: wake up for tahajjud too)

level extreme: if you want an extra extra challenge, you can continue doing each one every day as you go along. so day 1 would be recite surah ikhlas 3 times and day 2 would be recite surah ikhlas and durood sharif 3 times, day 3 would be recite surah ikhlas and durood sharif 3 times and read Qur'an after asr... and you get the gist. if you do this, good luck on day 30 when you have 30 things to do lol

note: giving sadaqah (charity) can be adapted if donating money is a struggle - for eg, doing dhikr on behalf of somebody else can count as sadaqah. click here for more info on this.

may Allah make this challenge easy for whoever intends to participate and let the deeds indeed be multiplied by 100 this ramadan and forgive us for our shortcomings, Ameen ♡

[3-2-whump]

Khaled’s Backstory, Part 1: The Way Things Were

next>

This backstory begins approximately two years (maybe give or take a few months) before the Eternal story actually begins. Thanks goes out once again to my amazing beta readers @whumped-by-glitter and @generic-whumperz

TW/CW: none, I think, but please let me know if I missed any.

Language Note: The Urdu and Dari words I used were learned through reading multiple language-learning blogs, culture blogs, Reddit, and of course, the ol' reliable Google Translate. If I misrepresented any of the expressions (which is extremely likely) please let me know as civilly as possible, because I'd rather know than not know.

 “A 32% in Urdu, a 29% in Social Studies, and a 25% in English?” a muffled voice sounded through the thick apartment door. The latch to the door clicked open and the door knob turned as a pair of four-year-old identical twins rushed through the meager opening. A ten-year-old girl soon followed them into the apartment, with her twelve-year-old brother right behind as he kicked off his shoes at the entrance. Their eldest brother, the thirteen-year-old, was still detained by their disappointed parents.

“But, I passed Math, and Science, and Islamic Studies-” the boy defended.

“Barely!” his father snorted. “How did you fail Urdu, of all things? The language you speak every damn day?!”

“Ammi, come on,” he whined, trying to gain sympathy from his mother, “don’t you remember the part where Mr. Khan said I was ‘the friendliest, most outgoing boy in the class’?”

“School is not a social club, Khaled!” A crashing sound outside their living room redirected her attention. “Haye Allah, that cat is back,” she sighed then marched quickly to the door that led to their balcony. The stray that knocked over her plants merely blinked at her as Khaled’s mum gave it a scolding to match the intensity of the one he received on the way home.

That left the rest of the tongue-lashing to Khaled’s dad. “You are the eldest brother, beta; you’re supposed to be setting an example for your siblings! What kind of example are you setting for them if you struggle to pass your classes?”

“An example they can easily exceed?” The flat glare from underneath his father’s bushy eyebrows made Khaled backtrack from his wise remark. “But Abba,” he tried, “You never had to learn this stuff and you turned out alright, didn’t you? You got a job that provides-”

“I ‘turned out’ alright?” Abba interrupted, voice raising on the precipice of his signature lecture. “I got ‘turned out’ of my home and my country, along with the rest of my family, because the beghairat koskhol Russians razed our farm to the ground!”

Ammi poked her head back in from where she was sweeping up potting soil and ceramic shards. “Abdul! What did I tell you about swearing in front of the kids?!”

“Zainab, they don’t understand me, it’s fine!” Dad yelled back.

Yes, we do, Khaled thought. Most of what he knew of his father’s language was nearly entirely expletives. He listened through the rest of his father’s lecture before accepting his punishment with all the dignity a thirteen-year-old could summon. Grounded for two weeks, no football with his friends, only study and sleep? Harsh, but it could be worse, Khaled reasoned.

“Bhai! Bhai!” the twins squealed at him, snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked down to see his little sisters Besma and Zara tugging at his shirt. “Come play with us!”

“They want to play newscaster, and they insist on having an anchorman,” Ayesha said with a smile. She was the third sister, and the middle child of the family.

“Well, what about Yusuf?” Khaled asked, referring to his little brother and the second eldest child. “You heard Abba, I need to study!”

“I’m the weather man, obviously,” Yusuf announced.

“He can’t be the anchor man and the weather man!” Zara said.

“Come on, bhai,” Ayesha coaxed him, steering him towards the living room/impromptu play area. “Your grades aren’t going to get any worse if you miss one study night!”

“Well…fair enough,” Khaled laughed.

-

After dinner, Khaled hung around outside the apartment building, watching his dad fix up the old motorcycle and occasionally handing him the tools he’d need.

“I’m sorry about my grades, Abba,” he muttered.

“I know, beta.” His father reached out a hand behind him, holding a wrench out to Khaled. Khaled wordlessly took it and put it back with the other instruments in the tool kit.

“I’ll try harder, I promise,” he vowed.

“You do that.” Abba unfurled from his crouching position in front of the motorcycle and sighed, a contented little smile on his face as he wiped his brow. “Now, do you want to take this thing out for a test ride? Make sure I fixed it up properly?” he suggested.

Khaled raised a skeptical brow up at him. “But Abba, you and Ammi said I’m grounded, remember?”

“Yeah, but as the man of the house, I unground you, just for tonight, okay?” He swung his leg over the seat of the motorcycle and kicked up the kickstand. “Come on,” he said invitingly, patting the seat behind him.

Khaled beamed ear to ear as he climbed up onto the motorcycle and held onto his father’s waist. He buried his face in the man’s broad back and melted into the smell of sweat, motor oil, and cologne. The motorcycle started up, revving to life under Abba’s hands. He couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out of him as they peeled out into the street.

They whizzed down the fluorescent city streets, glowing every color of the rainbow under the dark velvet of the moonless sky. Khaled waved to drivers and fellow motorcyclists as his dad weaved in and out and around and through them.

They eventually ended up at their usual destination for late-night father-son outings: at Port Grand, sitting on a bench looking out at the waters, each one with a skewered kebab in hand. The shadows of cranes loomed over the horizon, marking the dock yard where Khaled’s father worked during the day. But at night, the port –no, the world –was theirs.

“What if I can’t do it?” Khaled asked.

Abba had just polished off his kebab, and now had a mouthful of meat to chew. Khaled looked down at his own bare wooden skewer and began fidgeting with it. “I mean, what if I still fail next term?” he elaborated. “I am trying, really, but what comes easily to Tariq or Muhammad or Imran does not come easily to me. What if I end up failing no matter how hard I try? Then what’s the point?” he asked.

That monologue gave his dad enough time to chew and swallow his mouthful. He wiped the grease from his lips and his beard with the back of his hand, then collected Khaled’s empty stick from his hands. “Khaled, you can do so much more than you think you can,” he started. Sincere, deep, dark brown eyes met the boy’s own. “You are my son, and we Bakhsh men are tough, yeah? You can do it, and you will do it, because Bakhsh men always do it.”

The way he said it so confidently and certainly, like he believed in him, made Khaled want to believe in himself too. “Yeah,” he murmured, smiling warmly.

Abba mirrored the smile back as he rose from the bench. “Now, don’t tell Ammi we went out for these, or she’ll have my ass,” he said, waving the kebab sticks around before he threw them away.

Khaled giggled, but gave his dad the thumbs up. Their father-son time would stay between themselves, just like Abba’s father-son time with Yusuf last week, or his father-daughter time with Ayesha the week before. As they rode back home and returned to the apartment at far too late at night, Khaled never realized that this would be the last father-son time he’d have.

Le Tag List: @kabie-whump @rainydaywhump @whumped-by-glitter @skittles-the-whumpee @generic-whumperz @bamber344 @there-will-always-be-blood @morning-star-whump @a-la-whump @watermelons-dont-grow-on-trees @defire @phoenixpromptsandstuff @scumashling

[alfarisalsumari]

Hello! i just wanted to share my pride and joy, my son (aka my genshin oc) Augustine!

He is called The Knight of Sumeru, and his true name is Maalik (named after the angel that guards Hell) but he prefers to go by Augustine, or August. He is the de facto head of the Akademiya, and is a very avid scholar and lover of wisdom. Quite literally. :3 His Goetic name is Furcas, and he is a Dendro user. He can switch to Pyro, but you may only build one element + you can't switch mid-fight. Choose wisely when you build him. When in Dendro, he uses a catalyst and his attacks are a series of punches. When in Pyro, he uses a sword and his attacks are more leaning towards thrusts rather than slashes. His constellation's name is "Deus Timoris" (God of Fear) and I took a lot of inspiration from historical characters such as Saladin and Antarah ibn Shaddad. As for the theological inspiration it was Maalik the angel (Islamic one) and a little bit of Furcas (the demon). Augustine won't admit it but his favorite Darshan is Haravatat. His office is located in their halls. But he generally says all Darshans are important.

He was one of the God-Kings of Sumeru (yes, those silly three) and is basically the only one left alive. Yay, trauma! He is the God of Suffering, and is a skilled warrior turned grandpa. Don't get intimidated by him, he only has a resting face. He's a really nice fella. Give him a shout and he's more than willing to help ya. Sure, he's a nice guy, but he's also pretty stubborn and ruthless. Some would call him cold in his punishments, but he believes that ruthlessness is mercy. (Sounds familiar?) He is willing to do whatever it takes for Sumeru to flourish, even if it means he sleeps on his desk instead of getting a bed. I mean, his office might as well be his room, right?

He was the right hand to Greater Lord... who? Just kidding. (Yes, he remembers. Yes, it hurts.) Anyway, he was a very close friend and advisor to her, even if their ideals differed. They would debate, most of the time they'd hang out. Although I'm not sure "debate" would be the right word. More so he'd be the subject of her teases and jokes. Not like he'd do anything about it, the poor man.

In fact... he'd always get teased by the other three Gods.

That was before they all died, anyway. Now it's all a just a memory.

Nowadays, The Knight has been reduced to a... desk rider. Well, usually he'd hang out with people casually. The people of Sumeru had gotten used to him, sometimes even he forgets he's a god. It's normal to see him out. What isn't normal is that he remains locked in. Especially after he disappeared in the Cataclysm. He mourned, his spirit was partially broken. Until he returned!... And almost tried to kill everyone involved! Nahida eventually convinced him to be patient. Even if he was grumpy with the fact that punishment didn't meet the Sages, he respects Nahida's wishes. He is a very stubborn and bold person, and he isn't exactly the type of guy to like to beat around the bush and keep things long. He's just eternally tired. Enough yapping though, I'll end this post with more drawings. Thank you for reading!

Switched outfits :3

His true form! (Just like how every Archon / god has their own outfit or form.)

[sideblogfornothing]

We got a super interesting שיחה in school yesterday. They brought in an ex Muslim who converted to Judaism.

He started by telling us what his childhood was like, horrific shit let me tell you.

He explained how women are treated, and how they literally have no rights.

He explained how they would get beatings for being "disrespectful." He explained how if you were a "bad kid" like he was, you would get beaten. He said that he wanted to understand, so he would ask questions like "why do they have to pray at the mosque, why not just pray at home?" He said he got slapped for asking.

He talked about his sister, who was also disrespectful, he said that she got fed up, refused to do a chore or something and she got severely beaten. He told us how she would get beaten worse than anything we could imagine. He talked a bit more about how they treated his sister.

Then he told us how one day she convinced his brothers and father to let her get a job, (and give them all the money of course) and they let her.

One day she came back home a bit late, her brother's asked her why she was home late, and she explained how her friend took her to a shopping mall. Aperiently in Islam girls going to malls is illegal or something so they fucking killed her. (the reason was that she had supposedly dishonored the family, but omfg that's horrible.)

The guy explained how he was in his shared room with the rest of his brothers, he heard screaming, and his sister pleading for her life, and then pure silence.

He said that his brother opened the door, and before him was a gruesome sight he would never forget.

He was 9 years old or younger at the time btw.

So after that whole incident, his family decided to send him to study in a boarding school in Gaza. (I don't remember the name, I'm terrible with names.) Anyways, so he explained that he walked in and immediately he noticed that there were no tables or chairs. Later when he came to the sleeping quarters he realized there were also no beds. He inquired why, and was met with shock, confusion and some shitty explanation about how Muslims must be as close to the earth as possible or something like that.

So the way the school worked was that they study the Koran all day from 7:00 to 23:00 and then they sleep. He talked about how talking was forbidden and that you would get severely beaten at best if you were caught uttering a word. He than mentioned how he knew people who had lost their lives over a sentence.

When he was 12 and a half he was called to the principal's office, aperiently they thought he was "ready" something something that I didn't quite catch, ummm they taught them that Jews are the ultimate evil, that the greatest thing they could ever do would be to kill a Jew. Aperiently they were taught that killing a Jew would secure their place in heaven.

He explained that Muslims are willing to die to kill a Jew, cause if they die killing a Jew they are automatically going to heaven.

He said that he remembered that back home they would sometimes work with Jews, so he asked if it's ok to help a Jew. Like an elderly Jew or something. He was beaten until he couldn't walk for simply suggesting such a thing.

After that he was a bitch to the teacher again, he got beat and then they said they were sending him off. He was happy cause he thought he was being sent home, but turns out they were just sending him. To a different branch of the same school.

Once he arrived he immediately started hatching an escape plan.

He made a rule for himself that he would only ask each person 1 question.

Eventually he figured it out, hopped in a taxi or bus (I don't remember sorry) and made his way back home. The first thing he saw was his mother, who wouldn't even look at him because his brothers were nearby.

His brothers saw him, yelled at him said that he and the school would regret letting him come home ect. He said that he looked at his older brother and told him that he isn't the little 9 year old he was when they sent him off, they didn't know what he'd been through, and that he came home so he could be home and there was nothing they could do about it. And he reminded them of what they did to their sister, and said that he would tell the cops.

The brother raged something something (sorry I have a shit memory) eventually they decided to let him stay home, but he could not leave the house, and he had to do all the chores and probably something else im forgetting. They said that if he disobeyed what they did to their sister would seem miniscule in comparison to what they would do to him.

He decided that he would escape the moment he got the chance. And after 2 weeks, he got his chance. One of his brothers left the house key in his pocket, he pickpocketed him, unlocked the door in the middle of the night and ram away.

He knew that his family would be looking for him, waiting to kill him, so he hid in a graveyard for 10 days.

At some point he left to go look for scrap's, when he came across some Jew who had a baguette. He weighed his options and eventually decided that food came before the morals he's been taught.

So he approachs the Jew, and asks him if he speaks Arabic (in Arabic obviously) and the Jew says he does (In Arabic of course.) so he tells him that his brothers killed his sister, and their going to kill him too and can he pleaseee have some food.

The guy thinks he's pulling his leg, tells him to get lost something something the guy gets convinced and gives him some food and water.

Eventually (I don't remember what happened sorry) he ends up driving him to the central bus station in tel Aviv, hands him some money, and directs him to a bus, tells him to get off in Eilat, he says that what Eilat is, the guy tells him to get off where everyone gets off.

The bus was full of idf soldiers so it was very awkward and probably scarry for this guy to be on that bus.

He gets off where everyone gets off, lives on the streets for a while, until some guy who was also on the streets (they saw each other everyday,) approachs him to ask him what his deal is the guy doesn't understand Hebrew, so turns out this guy is fluent in Arabic. They talk the guy explains his deadly situation and this guy tells him that he has a brother who's could get him into a boarding school.

Now, a boarding school?! Boarding schools are awful! Remember what it was like!?? Hell no! So he obviously declines the offer, but this guy is persistent. So eventually he agrees, he goes this guy becomes like a father figure to him, reminder he's like 14-15 ish at this time.

So this guy takes him in, he's In shock, food water a roof for free??? Omg awesome! So he goes to this school, he learns Hebrew and life is good. But now his 18th birthday is approaching and he decides he wants to join the army. So he tells the guy, and other people in charge who kindly tell him can't but he explained how the more people explained why he couldn't he grew more and more convinced he could.

Eventually, this one guy in charge gets tired of this and tells him that if he can get his parents to sigh a permission slip he can. So naturally, his family will kill him if he shows up, so he tells this guy something like he should take to his parents without dying and something something he ends up being allowed to join.

Around this part we ran out of time so yeah.

I really feel like this guy's life story is important to share especially right now with everyone glorifying Islam and all that.

Islam is a religion built on murder. Kabam I'm tired sorry for the long post.

[dragoneyes613]

"Perhaps presenting all these facts has the opposite effect from what we think. Perhaps we are giving people ideas.

I don't mean giving people ideas about how to murder Jews. There is no shortage of ideas like that, going back to Pharaoh's decree in the Book of Exodus about drowning Hebrew baby boys in the Nile. I mean, rather, that perhaps we are giving people ideas about our standards. Yes, everyone must learn about the Holocaust aso as not to repeat it. But this has come to mean that anything short of the Holocaust is, well, not the Holocaust. The bar is rather high.

Shooting people in a synagogue in San Diego or Pittsburgh isn't "systemic"; it's an act of a "lone wolf." And it's not the Holocaust. The same is true for arson attacks against two different Boston-area synagogues, followed by similar simultaneous attacks on Jewish institutions in Chicago a few days later, along with physical assaults on religious Jews on the streets of New York - all of which happened within a week of my visit to the Auschwitz show.

Lobbing missiles at sleeping children in Israel's Kiryat Gat, where my husband's cousins spent the week of my museum visit dragging their kids to bomb shelters, isn't an attempt to bring "Death to the Jews," no matter how frequently the people lobbing the missiles broadcast those very words; the wily Jews there figured out how to prevent their children form dying in large piles, so it is clearly no big deal.

Doxxing Jewish journalists is definitely not the Holocaust. Harassing Jewish college students is also not the Holocaust. Trolling Jews on social media is not the Holocaust either, even when it involves photoshopping them into gas chambers. (Give the trolls credit: They have definitely heard of Auschwitz.) Even hounding ancient Jewish communities out of entire countries and seizing all their assets - which happened in a dozen Muslim nations whose Jewish communities predated the Islamic conquest, countries that are now all almost entirely Judenrein - is emphatically not the Holocaust. It is quite amazing how many things are not the Holocaust.

The day of my visit to the museum, the rabbi of my synagogue attended a meeting arranged by police for local clergy, including him and seven Christian ministers and priests. The topic of the meeting was security. Even before the Pittsburgh massacre, membership dues at my synagogue included security fees. But apparently these local churches do not charge their congregants security fees, or avail themselves of government funds for this purpose.. The rabbi later told me how he sat in stunned silence as church officials discussed whether to put a lock on a church door. "A lock on the door," the rabbi said to me afterward, stupefied.

He didn't have to say what I already knew from the emails the synagogue routinely sends: that they've increased the rent-a-cops' hours, that they've done active-shooter training with the nursery school staff, that further initiatives are in place that "cannot be made public." A lock on the door," re repeated, astounded. "They just have no idea."

He is young, this rabbi - younger than me. He was realizing the same thing I realized at the Auschwitz exhibition, about the specificity of our experience. I feel the need to apologize here, to acknowledge that yes, this rabbi and I both know that many non-Jewish houses of worship in other places also require rent-a-cops, to announce that yes, we both know that other groups have been persecuted too - and this degrading need to recite these middle-school-obvious facts is itself an illustration of the problem, which is that dead Jews are only worth discussing if they are part of something bigger, something more. Some other people might go to Holocaust museums to feel sad, and then to feel proud of themselves for feeling sad. They will have learned something officially important, discovered a fancy metaphor for the limits of Western civilization. The problem is that for us, dead Jews aren't a metaphor, but rather actual people that we do not want our children to become." 

- Dara Horn, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present

[bolilloquemado]

PT 2 LET'S GOOOO

We're back with Picking up Strays, get comfy!

(Go and check pt1 if you haven't)

Talia

With Talia, both me and Astro had different views on how she could end with a cat. So let's start with Astro's version.

They said that Damian could go with the pretense that he doesn't know how to take care of the cat (lie) or simply couldn't keep it with him, anyway Talia ends with a cat under pretense. Despite the League beliefs, Damian knows that Talia would take good care of the cat, and so mentions that the cat was mistreated by humans and Talia goes "Give it to me my son, I will take care of her".

Talia would go absolutely crazy with spoiling her princess, which she calls Arwa in honor of a Islamic queen. Arwa would have her own servants and everything, she really starts living as a queen. The 3 years old, brown-ish nebelung also has a ripped ear, consequences of her past, but Talia doesn't see it as a flaw. For Talia is proof of her resilience and warrior spirit.

For me tho, it goes a bit different. Damian wants to give her a cat, he really wants, but he knows how pets are seen in the League. A weakness. And Damian knows what happens when weakness is shown. So, for now, Damian sends her pictures of Arwa without any context.

Talia is confused, but happy nonetheless that Damian is reaching out. Even if is through cat photos. After a few photos and noticing that is always the same cat, Talia asks about it and Damian responds, "Is yours."

Damian may have not been living with her for a long time, but he's still her son. Talia doesn't know the exact reason, but she knows what it implies.

"May I know her?"

"TT. Fine."

Talia still falls in love with Arwa, and she still becomes the spoiled queen Arwa was destined to be. After that, almost everyday Damian receives a photo of Arwa.

Barbara

Barbie is next cause everyone loves Barbara Gordon.

This goes actually diferent. Babs has seen the cat in her neighborhood before. Always in the same alley and running around, with food in his mouth that definitely is stolen, she even has seen the cat sleeping in that broken stairs that no one uses in her building. So, she is quite familiar with the orange tabby that wanders here and there.

But after four days of not seeing him, Babs finally calls Robin to help her. She know is a personal matter but also knows that Damian is her best option to at least make sure the cat is fine. Damian finds him hurt, probably by a dog attack, and is quick to take him to the vet.

A month later, when Babs arrives at her apartment Damian is waiting for her with all the necessities a cat may need. One look at the purring tabby on her couch and Babs finally understands why everyone else accepts the cats.

Babs decides to call the 2 years-old Jesse, honoring Jesse James (a famous robber way back in history). Jesse, as any other orange cat, is a whirlwind of energy. He specially likes stepping into her laptop everytime Barbara is working, she gently lifts him and puts him on the floor but he doesn't care, Jesse just tries again. That's it until Babs pulls out a old rusty laptop that she no longer uses and opens it when she is working. Jesse is so happy to have his own laptop.

Once, she decides to take Jesse with her at the library, partly worried but she can't let him in the apartment for whatever reason. Surprisingly enough, Jesses always stays calm and friendly, letting kids pet him. She finds him sleeping on shelves or close to the windows always under the sunlight. She starts taking him to work with her and you bet she even made him a credential.

Jesse's habits die hard tho. He still brings a lot of weird shit to Babs as gifts. Dead small animals, trinkets and random stuff she doesn't know what to do with. One day he brings a whole ass wallet.

Tim

No one is more surprised than Tim. Not only he receives a cat, but as a birthday gift too? Wow, he definitely didn't cried.

The cat in question is a 2 years old, siamese oriental shorthair. Really thin and lanky. The cat has this air of elegance at every step.

At first he wants to name him Ghost or something like that, but Kon (joking) says that that's no name for the heir of the Drakes. Tim takes it too seriously and he names the cat a super rich-kind name.

He ends with Sir Konrad The Third Archduke of the Couch.

This name has so many jokes on it. Firts is Konrad, at the beginning it was with C (Conrad) but Astro pointed out that it could also be pronounced with a K, as a reference to Kon, that way it can also be read as Kon-rad (he was so happy about it, saying that Konrad was also his son). The Third stands cause Tim is the third Robin. And Archduke of the Couch just because Konrad is a heavy sleeper that barely leaves the couch.

Bringing back the thought of Konrad being a heavy sleeper that love warm places to sleep, so picture this with me fam. Tim is working on the couch, focused on a case, and probably hasn't seen his bed since two days ago, suddenly he notice that he needs something that is upstairs or in another room, the problem is that the cat is sleeping in his lap, and he looks so comfy, so if Tim moves he would probably wake him up and now he is trapped on the couch.

Ten minutes later he is sleeping in the couch with a cat on his lap. This repeats a lot, so Konrad is actually helping Tim with his sleep schedule. Bonus points for all the pics that the batfam have of Tim and Konrad sleeping together.

When Steph gets her cat, eventually, Korand and Steph's cat has the worst relationship ever. They literally can't stand eachother.