Beating the Breast Cancer Odds
by Hajja Qur'an Shakir-Sabir "Discovering that you have breast cancer does not mean automatic death," insists Ameenah Rasool. She knows what she is speaking about. Each year, as breast cancer strikes thousands, survival depends on early detection and treatment. The earlier it is detected, the greater the odds of survival. Three Muslim women - Ameenah Rasool, 53, Barbara ElGarhy, 44 and Wajeehah Khabeer, 53 beat those odds and now living as breast cancer survivors, share their thoughts. Each woman selected different treatment and though all are less than five years clear of the disease, they are among a growing number of triumphant women who are survivors.
Ameenah deems breast cancer has gotten "a bad rap." It is a "bad word," the "dirty, little secret," something women don't like to talk about or think about, but from which they are dying needlessly. A woman challenged by having only one leg, Ameenah is a volunteer breast cancer spokesperson who spreads the word to women, especially women with disabilities. She encourages them to get total health care, to love their bodies and take care of themselves. She reflects sadly on what can happen when women don't. "Two Muslim sisters in Atlanta discovered they had breast cancer after treatment could make a difference. They suffered greatly. Maybe they would not have died if we didn't have the dirty, little secret."
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SPECIAL REPORT What Every Woman Should Know Everyday, breast cancer strikes women of all ethnicities and backgrounds, interrupting their lives and testing their faith. With new breast screening techniques and survive modern medical advances, millions of these women will be breast cancer survivors and lead full, productive lives.
by Aisha Hasan & Qur'an Shakir-Sabir
FEATURES
Aloha & Salaam Learning to live to together on these beautiful tropical islands, Muslims in Hawaii have a rich, albeit short history. by Mona Darwich
The Bond of Sisters Three sets of sisters share their unique connections, relating how their strong attachment and love supercedes their differences many things.
by Felicity Fawaz with Jamillah Karim and Ayisha Abdul-Salaam
An American in Baghdad While working to better women's lives in Iraq, a Muslim American woman reveals what she witnessed shortly after American troops invaded Iraq. by Manal Omar
For the Love of Giving Driven by her belief of helping and sharing, Mariam Bhabha takes volunteering to another level. by Rehanna Begg
Young & In Love & Married The debate continues - is it better to marry young or to wait until after college graduation? Those who married young discuss the pros and the cons. by Ruqayyah K. Muhammad
Engineering Success Muslim women in the male-dominated field of engineering blaze a trail for all women. by Ayesha Ahmed
A Crime To Cover As more nations are moving to ban hijab in public spaces, many Muslim women are fighting for their Islamic and democratic rights to chose clothing they deem necessary for their modesty. by Katja Tupak
Who Will Marry First? Which is most effective - chaperoned networking venues, online matrimonials or introductions from family and friends? by Rose Rashad
Progressive Muslims While many feel that Islamic traditions should remain exactly as they were over 1,400 years ago, others believe that progressive interpretations help us to live Islam fully in today's world. by Tayyibah Taylor
Building Friendships Habitat for Humanity projects bring women and interfaith groups together to construct homes for needy families. by Kaukab Khalid
LIFESTYLE
Destinations A Spanish Journey byJeanne Suleiman
Decor Creating Order. Organize your home and your life. by Rasha Aly
Well-Being Healing Body, Mind and Spirit. One woman's integrative approach to breast cancer treatment by Jahaan Muhammad Martin
Menu A Taste of Africa. Recipes from the Mother Continent.
FashionDesigner runway fashions for the sophisticate. .
DEPARTMENTS
Deen What is Our Share? A look at the laws of inheritance.
by Zainab Chaudhry
Shahadah With the Sincerest of Intentions by Luisa M. Lee-Acikgoz
Book Club Anne Brodsky's RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan
Poetry Shockproof Rag by Hadia Mubarak
Reflections Finding Home by Hadia Mubarak
Fiction Hands of Fate by Sameerah K. Abdur-Rashid
Point of View First, Change Our Selves by Nurhida Glaesemann
Ayah Surah Al Ankabut, Ayat 41
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