All about 3rabee: Learning Arabic and Quranic Recitation (tajweed)

Starting this Ramadan, LFFM will be featuring new posts dedicated to Arabic language learning called All about 3rabee. I realized several of my friends both Muslim and Non-Muslim continually express their desire to learn the Arabic language. Even with so many programs, language institutes, and books dedicated to this language, Arabic still remains an elusive and complex language to learn for the English speaker.

In my opinion, language learning in general can be difficult, not just because of all the repetition, pronunciation, grammar, and cultural elements, but rather because of how humbling it is....

Habits to Live by: Reading

One of the most thought provoking memories I took from living in Egypt was during Ramadan. As I took my seat in the women’s train in the metro I noticed that the majority of the ladies were pulling out miniature Qurans and began reading amongst themselves. Everyone from the older women to the little tweens were intensely focused…I sat there unnoticed, staring in awe and realizing how beautiful our religion is.

Reading the Quran for Muslims is by far one of the most important things we should be doing, however this post is more about reading in general.  

Reflections: Preparing for Ramadan Mentally and other Updates

Salaam folks!


Ramadan is starting tomorrow and I feel both excited and a little anxious. There is so much I want to get accomplished and yet so much fear of not accomplishing them. It would be better for me to have this attitude throughout the year and just not for this sacred month, but I hope at least the coming days will enact for change and spiritual transformation inshallah.

I want to reveal to all of you my goals for this Ramadan.


Lets start with my general self analysis:


I feel very spiritually distant as a result of occurances in my life since last year. My moving situation is STILL in limbo, and I have had to put my dear business on hold as a result. I am still searching for employment and support my bestfriend/sis in our anticipated move back to New York which is proving incredibly difficult. I feel stuck, nearly hopeless...a bit angry. Deep down inside I know Allah swt is doing this for a reason, and although I feel like crap sticks, I have an advantage this Ramadan. For example, I have the ability to fast, and time on my hands to utilize the best of my capabilities. My responsibilities are less then they were last year.


During this month I want to:


(Religious Goals-tangible and specific)

1. Finish the reading of the Quran
2. Memorize Surat Naba (my favorite)
3. Practice Tajweed (recitation) daily for at least an hour minimum
4. Performing prayer
5. Daily Tasbee7 after prayer
6. Important Dua memorization (will search for my favs soon)
7. Watch Islamic lectures/movies
8. Increase my knowledge overall with extensive reading

(Spiritual/Emotional Goals)

1. Revive a love and desire, if not need to maintain my Salah (khushoo)
2. Feel greater trust and reliance on Allah
3. Decrease my anger and bitterness
4. Abstain from wasting time on things that don't benefit me during this month, like mindless TV watching, music, chatting, phone convos...etc
5. Reflection, contemplation, looking at my faults and what I hope to achieve in this life...

(Personal Goals)

1. Increase my Signing ASL vocab
2. Teach and read to Sou sou  Daily
3. Daily Physical Activity (Badmitton)
4. Update my bucket list
5. Create a review policy for this blog
6. Refrain from unneeded purchases and save the mess out of my money
7. Get rid of Sou sous old clothes
8. Practice my Spanish and Egyptian Arabic
9. Blogging (posts that I have been itching to get out)

Do you have any religous/spiritual/personal goals for this Ramadan? Is there anything you want to accomplish without a question? Where do you want to be by the end of this month? Happy fasting folks!!!