shia_from_texas

Salam alaikum (from Johanna), I was raised Sunni but became Shia 2 years ago :)

Salam alaikum (from Johanna), I donated my hair in September 2011 to Locks of Love for children stricken with cancer. I plan on doing it again and I'm growing my hair right now to donate.

Salam alaikum, I was 24 when I got married, but unfortunately I don't have children, I suppose that is what Allah planned for me.

I actually make some jewelry as a hobby :)

Salam alaikum (from Johanna), I have to agree with you. It is true, sometimes whenever you look at your mother and her experience, you really become fearful that maybe your life would turn out the same way. My parents did not allow me to get married till I graduated from college. The reason was my parents always said that I needed my education in case something happens in the future and I had to take care of myself with no husband. They were right. In my case, I was determined to not have my mother's life and so I married a man that I thought would be good to me, etc. I was very young and naive and guess what? He was just like my father! He was abusive mentally and physically, I hated every day that I was married to him. I wanted to continue my education (do graduate work) and he made it impossible for me to do so. Suffice it to say that after 3 years of marriage, I had to walk away. It was hard, but I learned a life lesson. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are no guarantees in life and maybe you will have a bad experience, but then again you might just have the most wonderful life too. Don't be so frightened and trust in Allah.

Insh'Allah, they will. You have a great talent.

Salam alaikum (from Johanna), I actually feel embarrassed if someone tries to pay me back for a small amount and if they are a really good friend, I feel embarrassed if it is a big amount. However, I always pay back the amount if I borrowed it whether it is big or small. I suppose it is like Allahuakbar said, it is a topic that has very hazy boundaries socially. Money does complicate relationships like friendships.

But my question is, what do you do if they (your relatives) don't want to keep in touch with you? What choice do you have then?

Then I'm really interested because the new voice will be different, a new character, maybe they are likable, maybe not, but it shows your strength as a writer to change. Keep it up, you have obviously been gifted by Allah.

Salam alaikum, It's Johanna. This is a wonderful verse and I think about it everyday.

I really hope that when you get your novella published, I would get a chance to read it. I like the way you stylized the character of Beni, you made me like him right away. You have a lot of talent, mash'Allah.

I honestly think that it can turn into something bigger, but the fact that it is a short piece of fiction makes it interesting because you, as the reader, want to know more about this person. The piece leaves you wanting more which is great.

Wow, you are really creative, mash'Allah! You really have to keep writing because I can see this piece turning into a book. I'm a writer too :)

Well, you must understand that at the time I was Sunni. I only became Shia in 2010, that was only 2 years ago. So, the people that I met who were like me at the time were of Egyptian-American or Canadian heritage and they were not really what you'd call Allah fearing people. I was looking for someone who was of Egyptian descent because I wanted my mother to be happy. I met successful men, but their religion was a joke and they were corrupt. There was one for example, that thought I was backwards and unsophisticated because I didn't approve of his wine tasting parties. Suffice it to say, I had no interest in him at all. There were others who were new immigrants who just wanted someone with a green card so that they can stay in the country. Some others who gave me lectures on how wrong I was living my life because I had my own apartment and lived alone, worked, paid my own way, and I was single. Those are the types of men I had the misfortune of meeting. I got tired and took some time to myself, just worked, not looking to meet anyone and really by accident, I met my husband. He was Shia and I wasn't, so I thought it wouldn't work. However, we met and got married. It took 3 years for me to convert from Sunni to Shia, but like I always say, I've never known more peace than I do now as a Shia. So you see, that is the reason it took 7 years. BTW, who is the OP that I hear so much about? I'm kind of new, so please forgive the dumb question.