Profiles

Zakia Iman Shahbaz

I am American.

My early education prepared me to be an elementary school teacher. Eventually, I returned to school to pursue my love for art, receiving a Master’s of Education with a Major in Art from Temple University.

Soon my love for Islam propelled me to work with Islamic schools, volunteering and finally being paid to teach and to help plan curriculum. Later, I had the opportunity to visit several countries in the Middle East.

It was this same love that forced me to want to express myself in a halal way about the beauty of Islam; hence, the birth of Muslim Women Writers’ Workshop-International in Sharjah, May 2005. Our current projects are a monthly newsletter and an annual folio.

We have a small group of sisters who are committed to reading and writing about Islam in a positive way. Some of us are published or in the process of being published. My children’s book, A Trophy for Bilal, insh’Allah, will be ready within the next two months. Other books completed and due to be published within the next year are, A Medal for Nabila, Nesting in Dubai, and Ameerah’s First Day.

J. T. Watson

Pen Name: J. T. Watson
Nationality: American
Profession: Writer

American by birth, Muslim by choice, Islam was an invitation which led me to a love of writing. I enjoy writing poetry, short stories and hope someday to finish that thing; I like to refer to as a novel, shoved into the top drawer of my desk.

In a one word, I would describe myself, as complicated. In an essence, that I try my best to see things from all points of view. I think that is what makes a great writer. Arguing with the world will get you no where, fast. Clear pictures unfolded in front of the reader filled with adjectives projecting life and its reality from all perspectives render a truth in a concrete manner, which is inarguable. The truth being, that convincing is far more effective that argument.

Aisha Hanif

Aisha Hanif, is American. Her writing career began with writing book reviews in Grade 3 for new additions to the school library and soon progressed to weekly creative writing assignments that were read aloud in class. Aisha received her BA (First Class Honours) in English Literature from The Open University in the United Kingdom.

Aisha was raised with the idea that she was an ambassador for all Muslims, and this perspective inspired her to improve her writing skills in the service of presenting a just portrayal of Islam in general, and Muslim women in particular.

A “bohemian spirit” and independent analyzer of socio-cultural trends, Aisha navigates a path between informed non-conformity and the sunnah or lifestyle and personality example of the Prophet Muhammad, sallalahu alaihi wa sallam.

Nabila Muhammad Usman

Nabila was born in Dubai, UAE. She belongs to a Muslim family who moved to Dubai in 1970s and thereafter considered Dubai as their home.

She started working in 2002, when she finished high school. She has completed her Communications & Cultural Understanding course from University of Wollongong in Dubai (2006) and attended American University of Hawaii for further education. She has also completed several professional courses from well-known educational institutes in Dubai, UAE from 2002 till date and is still pursuing various educational interests to serve her unofficial quest for knowledge. Currently, Nabila is employed full time in a media related company.

Since childhood Nabila loved books, reading and writing. English is not her mother tongue but she loves this language. She dedicates most of her write-ups to current issues, historical, motivational and editorial features and on issues, which inspire her. She writes in Urdu as well. She strives to keep in touch with people of similar interests who motivate her. This is how she became with MWWWI, early in 2005. It is now close to her heart more than any other interest. She tries to contribute her ideas, positive energy and motivation which in turn refresh her as well.

Sarah Farlow

I am a Native American. My interests are many. I love the outdoor life: the ocean where I grew up, having campfires, horseback riding and swimming. I also love to write poems. That is how I came to belong to MWWWI. The sisters encourage me to continue with my writing and to pursue writing about my family and tribe’s history.

I became Muslim in February 1988. Alhamdulillah! My sons and grandchildren are all Muslim. They have a special place in my heart and I love spending time with them.

I moved to the United Arab Emirates in November 1994. I am working on a story about my father’s history. I am writing this book for him.

Houda Alkalla

My name is Houda Alkalla. I have an Economics degree from California State University Northridge. I have worked as a Kg2 teacher in Dubai and Sharjah for 5 years. One day while visiting a friend I had the good fortune to become a member of MWWWI. I was reconnected to a passion for writing that I had as a teenager.

Azizah

My name is Azizah. I and have been a Muslimah since I was 18 years old.

Alhamdulillah! I love to write and paint. I was fortunate to be neighbors with the founding member of the group who encouraged me to write and join MWWWI. Alhamdulillah, she has helped me discover a talent and a love I didn’t know I had.

Nasrah Rose

I am American. My early interests included caring for animals, venturing into the wildlife atmosphere, and secluding myself inside of my room to read. You could often find me on the hiking trails with my father riding my mountain bike, protecting my little brother on the neighborhood playgrounds, or in my bed immersed in the pages of a book.

I believed in GOD (ALLAH) at an early age and have always refused to give him a face, body, or a name that I didn’t have proof for. Such began my search for truth (the straight path)…

"How do I become Muslim?" Was a question I asked. And I was directed to the local Masjid. Since then, I adopted the Arabic name Nasrah and have been a striving Muslimah, covered for Allah's pleasure and a protection for myself.

In November 2006, I came to the U.A.E and began teaching English. I was introduced to MWWWI around this time. I learned that we all shared the desire to write from the perspective of the Muslim woman. It has been a wonderful collaboration ever since. I never forget the importance of contributing to our wonderful group. I love my sisters. May Allah increase us and make our writing beneficial in this life and the hereafter, Ameen.

"Teacher Nasrah"

Fatima Tamayo

She is in the Philippines and plans to return to Dubai. She communicates by Email.

Hakimah Hussein

She is a nurse from Somalia; her biography is unavailable at this time.

Nadia Hakkou

She is visiting Morocco, biography available upon her return. She will return next month (May), insh’Allah.