The Poetteer

Hello Poetteers, What I Read I recently read ' How to Cure a Ghost ' by Fariha Roisin. I gave it 5 stars. These poems are about experiences as an immigrant and Muslim. They were heartbreaking, beautiful and empowering. Some pieces made me feel seen. Many more told much needed stories that people need to know. Other reviews said it better: it packed a punch and asked me to hold my heart. What I Wrote I've written 6 poems this month about faith, culture, self love and friendship. Some pieces were inspired by other poems, life experiences and conversations I had. What did you read or write this past month? Stay inspired, Fida 

Hello Poetteers, I am the servant of the Quran as long as I have life. I am the dust on the path of Muhammad, the Chosen one. If anyone quotes anything except  this from my sayings, I am quit of him and outraged by these words. - Rumi In a previous post I mentioned the erasure of Islam in Rumi's poetry. One interpreter was Coleman Barks. Barks took out Islam and replaced it with something sexual. He oversimplified it and pleased romantic expectations. It was done to satisfy his own belief of spirituality. His interpretation was meant for a quick spiritual fix and to modernize it for the West. He rewrote Rumi's work without knowledge of Islam and the language. This also happened to other classical Persian poets like Hafez and Omar Khayyam with Edward Fitzgerald. Here are a couple book recommendations:  Rumi: The Masnavi , a translation by Jawid Mojaddedi Ruba'iyat of Omar Khayyam by Ahmed Saidi Sources: Reading Rumi - Zirrar  |  Rumi for the

Hello Poetteers, Adapt to Culture Culture of the place matters  work on understanding  and adapting to the social setting  I wear a bright caftan in Malaysia  but in America I’ll look out of place. Cultural Traits Malay's quiet patience Arab's loud intensity I need space to be both two cultures fighting in my heart after a month of keeping quiet I feel the urge  to let out the louder side of me.  Blurb Her Durian is about Islaih’s travels to Malaysia and her memories with family. These poems will make your mouth water with the different foods and dessert. It covers the topic of growing up in a multicultural home and experiences as a Muslim American. Signed copies of Her Durian are available. Message me if you’re interested in purchasing a copy. stay inspired, Fida 

Hello Poetteers, It is Her Olives 6th book anniversary! We Are Palestine We are zataar and zaytoon, land of the almonds and apricots, figs and oranges, watermelon and cheese, tasting its sweetness, enjoying mint tea on the balcony, connected to the roots of Palestine. I’ve created an anniversary gift that includes extra poems, prompts and a glossary. When you purchase Her Olives , this month only, message me on instagram with your receipt and I’ll send you the anniversary gift. Stay inspired, Fida

Hello Poetteers, What I Read I re-read Peaches for Monsieur le Curé by Joanne Harris . It captured my attention and took me by surprise with the chaos and mystery. It’s also heartwarming. Blue Horses by Mary Oliver : My favorite pieces are “Rumi”, “No Matter What” and “Loneliness”. I love the themes of nature and God. She Wore Red Trainers by Na'ima B. Robert : This story is sweet and tender. It shows the obstacles one can face with family. It shows the importance of faith and family. My only issue is that the ending felt a bit rushed. What I Wrote 8 poems about anxiety, living in a small town, being muslim and culture. What did you do in Jan? stay inspired, Fida