The shinning star

 There are things about us that only we know and Allah knows. Things we don't share with anyone and we shouldn't. On top of that list is Sins. So many muslims have been raised consistently reminded of how Just Allah is in His justice, or how strictly He will punish people for their sins... Leaving people to hyper focus on their mistakes/sins. Leaving people feeling ashamed to stand in front of their Creator... Leading people to dispair from the Mercy of Ar Rehman and Al Ghaffar... Unfortunately we live in a world that only remembers our flaws, and we tend to believe that's our Lord too... World doesn't forgive easily and we mistake that to be the case with our Lord as well... Wherein in reality, He invites us to return to Him. He reminds us of how it's not about the mistakes we make, it's about how quickly and how well we turn back to Him. When unchecked and unmanaged feelings of despair, guilt and hopelessness come in the way of servant and His Lord. These feel...

 Cover Letter  To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my interest in becoming a writer and advocate for Noor Magazine. As a passionate writer who is committed to addressing social issues and giving a voice to those who struggle to share their experiences, I want to use my empathy and writing to speak out against injustice and help others. I have a strong passion for working with children, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. My dedication to advocating for individuals and creating meaningful change drives my desire to join your team. I discovered Noor Magazine through a friend, and I have been inspired by your content, which includes poetry, writing, and art. Your work reminds me that writing is a versatile art form, offering limitless possibilities for expression. I appreciate how Noor Magazine provides various submission options that allow diverse voices to be heard. Writing empowers me and makes me feel limitless, and I aspire to share my wor...

Sarah Elgohary is a passionate writer eager to contribute to Noor Magazine and a dedicated advocate for social justice, focusing on pressing issues such as the ongoing crises in Palestine, Syria, and Sudan. She is inspired by the title of your website, ICNA Council Advocacy and Justice for All, as it reflects her beliefs in justice and advocacy for everyone. Sarah is deeply committed to empowering individuals to find and express their own voices. Through her blog, she amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, including refugees and individuals with disabilities. She educates her audience on important topics such as educational inequality, gender bias, media representation, and other relevant issues. Sarah seeks a position within an organization where she can apply her computer and communication skills to benefit both the community and her colleagues. Her strong attention to detail enables her to complete projects within reasonable timeframes. She also holds certifications in ch...

“Finding Peace in Gratitude” Hi everyone! 💕 I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your love, support, and kindness. The past few years, especially during the corona virus pandemic, have been challenging, but they have also helped me appreciate the beauty of life. Alhamdulillah, I feel blessed with an amazing family, strong faith, and a heart full of love for Allah. For a long time, I struggled with negative thoughts, focusing on what I lacked—a job, a partner, or my master’s degree. Recently, I've come to realize how much that mindset drained my spirit. I have already accomplished so much, and I am grateful for it. Alhamdulillah, I graduated from Nassau with an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Human Services, and later earned my bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology. I'm not sharing this to boast, but as a reminder to myself that I have been guided, loved, and blessed every step of the way. Life is short, and this world is temporary. What truly matters are our good...

**"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are all connected in a beautiful tapestry of life; when one of us is affected, we all feel it."**   — Martin Luther King Jr. **Surprise! October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!** 🌟   **Let’s not forget that March 21 is Down Syndrome Awareness Day!**   *Written by Sarah Elgohary on October 3*   Hello! For those who may not know, Down syndrome occurs when there is an extra copy of genetic material from chromosome 21 due to changes in cell division. This can lead to developmental challenges and unique facial features, along with potential heart and thyroid issues. **What about Autism?**   Absolutely! About 16-18% of individuals with Down syndrome may also have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it’s important to keep in mind the following: - Just like individuals with autism, people with Down syndrome have their own unique skills and reach milestones at different times. - ...

### Introduction My name is Sarah Elgohary, and I am a passionate writer and dedicated advocate for social justice. On my blog, I focus on pressing social issues, particularly the ongoing crises in Palestine, Syria, and Sudan. I find inspiration in the power of words and the importance of giving a voice to those who are often unheard in society. ### Reason for Reaching Out I recently visited your website and was very interested in joining ICNA Social Justice. I have written several pieces on Islamophobia on my blog, and I was particularly moved by your article about Palestinians and refugees. I strongly believe that no one should suffer from hunger, and I appreciate your focus on such critical issues. Your website, ICNA Concl: Advocacy and Justice for All, resonated with me deeply. I hold the belief that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. perfectly encapsulates my belief in our interconnectedness and the importance of collective...

**Revised Essay Draft: Gender Socialization and Society’s Expectations of Women** **Introduction** Society is composed of many layers, and as we peel them back, we can see how much of our behavior is shaped by social expectations rather than personal choice. Sociologists view society not merely as a collection of individuals but as a system of relationships and interactions that guide how people live, act, and think. One of the most powerful ways society shapes individuals is through gender socialization—the process of teaching boys and girls different roles, behaviors, and values from the moment they are born. These expectations deeply influence women’s experiences in the world. Thinkers like Betty Friedan, author of *The Feminine Mystique* (1963), have challenged these expectations, highlighting how they limit women’s opportunities and personal fulfillment. **1. Appearance and First Impressions** Although we are taught not to “judge a book by its cover,” appearance is often the first...