Latest news with #Mohammad
San Francisco Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
The crazy true love story behind one of my favorite S.F. lunch spots
Last weekend I performed at Story Fest, a live storytelling event where journalists from local news organizations bring their reporting to life onstage. When the organizers told me the evening's theme would be 'migration,' I knew immediately which story I wanted to tell — the romance of Mohammad and Rabia Waqar, the owners of Mashaallah Halal Pakistani Food Restaurant. When I interviewed Mohammad for my review of Mashaallah Halal last year, I asked him how he came to open a restaurant in the basement of a struggling mall. He said it was all Rabia's idea, describing her as his 'fortune cookie.' I asked Mohammad about his chicken biryani. 'That's Rabia's invention,' he told me. 'I give this credit to my wife. She's so creative.' I asked him if he wanted to be identified as 'chef-owner' in the review. 'Chef-owner is fine,' he said. 'Also, I highly, highly, highly give the credit to my wife, to my partner, to my love, to my everything, Rabia.' Finally I was like, you know what? It kind of seems like you want to talk about your wife more than you want to talk about your restaurant. I asked if Rabia was there and could join the call. She was. They're always together. What emerged from the conversation was the contours of an epic love story, one which I highlighted in a video that accompanied the Mashaallah Halal review. Rabia told me that she came from a strict, conservative family in Pakistan. When she married Mohammad, who is 21 years her senior, she wasn't sure what she had signed up for. Would he be controlling and domineering? Instead, she found him to be supportive of her ambitions and independence, 'polishing' her as she studied English, got her first job at Grocery Outlet and learned to drive a car. I wrote my first draft for Story Fest, but there were lots of holes in my narrative. I had only interviewed Rabia and Mohammad once for the review, mostly about the restaurant and their food. In order to flesh out their love story, I needed to know about the first time they met and the early days of their marriage. So I called them again. Two hours later, I deleted almost all of my draft and started fresh. What Rabia and Mohammad had told me of their courtship was astounding, the stuff of Lollywood epics. In 2007, Mohammad is preparing to return home to Sahiwal, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan, for a niece's wedding. He's been living in the Bay Area and working in restaurants for some 20 years. He's divorced and in his 40's, and he's thinking that maybe he'd be open to getting remarried. A friend from his local mosque mentions that he knows a family in Sahiwal with a lovely, educated daughter and encourages Mohammad to meet her. He'll arrange a dinner. Despite his reservations about their difference in ages, Mohammad agrees. When Rabia receives this invitation, her life is at a crossroads. When I say Rabia's family is strict and conservative, I mean you-must-marry-within-your-extended-family strict and conservative. She's the first woman in her family who's been allowed to go to college, but now that she's graduated, she can feel the walls closing in. She's in her early 20's and will be married off soon, and her ambitions will be ground to dust. So when she hears about this American guy who wants to meet her, she's eager. She fantasizes about what he might be like, imagining, she told me, that he'll arrive with a guitar, wearing pants, a shirt and 'long shoes.' (Although I'm not quite sure what she means by this, I envision cowboy boots with pointy toes.) Instead, Mohammad shows up in traditional dress: shalwar kameez, no long shoes — and no hair either. 'What the hell is this, man?' she told me she said to herself. She's not interested. But Mohammad makes an effort over the course of the evening, telling jokes — he came to America hoping to become an actor, like Al Pacino — and trying to catch her eye. By the time Rabia gets home, she's made up her mind. She doesn't know much about Mohammad, but she knows he lives in America, and this is her chance to write her own future. Rabia approaches one of her four older brothers and tells him she's been introduced to a family friend and that she wants to marry him. He's livid. His younger sister married to some old guy? No way. But Rabia convinces him to go meet with Mohammad, and some hours later, her brother returns to the family home, charmed. Okay, he tells her. I'll be your advocate. He gathers Rabia's three other older brothers and their father and says, 'Rabia wants to marry this guy, and I've told her she has my permission.' All hell breaks loose. Rabia's father and three brothers fly into a rage, rejecting the marriage. Threats are made, and a gun is produced. Rabia's brother, the one who supports her, is like a mountain. 'He's standing in front of me,' she told me. ''Anybody have a problem, deal with me.'' Rabia doesn't sleep that night. She knows that if she closes her eyes and drifts off, there's a real risk that she will be killed for dishonoring her family. The next morning, she's more resolved than ever to escape, and that's when her father announces that he has news. Overnight, he has arranged her marriage. To his sister's son. Rabia's sister, mother and the brother who is on her side immediately go to Mohammad, telling him that all is not well back at the ranch. Rabia is languishing at home, steeped in misery, when her sister suddenly reappears. 'Go to your cabinet, get your one dress, and come with me,' she tells Rabia. Then, they run, hand-in-hand, to a car that's parked around the corner, and they drive directly to the courthouse, where Mohammad is waiting. And just like that, Rabia and Mohammad get married. They're basically strangers — Rabia doesn't even know his full name — but as she signs the marriage certificate, Rabia feels lightness. 'I feel like, 'I got it,'' she told me. 'Now I feel freedom.' She returns home, goes to her room and finally sleeps. The next morning, when the fighting starts again, she says to her father, calmly, firmly, 'Enough. I already married him.' She packs up all her belongings and meets Mohammad at the marriage hall, where she has her makeup done, puts on beautiful clothes and has her wedding photos taken. After all the strife of the past few days, she allows herself to relish the moment. 'Allah made something beautiful for me, something nice for me,' she said. She was no longer scared. I wish I could say that it was all smooth sailing from here on out, but there is so much more tumult to Rabia and Mohammad's story. They're essentially in a long-distance marriage for eight years before her visa situation is sorted out and Rabia can, finally, join Mohammad in the Bay Area. And when she gets here, there's still one problem, in her mind — she never gets to see her husband. Mohammad goes to work early in the morning, they see each other for a few hours before bed and then repeat the same thing all over again. Rabia tells Mohammad that she's done spending time apart. She thinks they should start a business so they can be together every day. This is why Mohammad calls Rabia his fortune cookie. Their restaurant, Mashaallah Halal, was her idea. First she convinced him to buy a food truck, then they expanded into the basement of the mall, which is where I found them together, behind the counter, dishing up plates of palak paneer and lamb korma. Soon they'll open another location a few blocks away. I asked Mohammad if it ever felt like too much, working side-by-side seven days a week. 'We enjoy each other's company,' he said. 'We love each other. Rabia does not let me go even to the bathroom for 10 minutes peacefully. Five minutes will have gone by and she'll say, 'Waqar? ' 'Yes? ' 'Are you okay? ' 'I'm in the restroom.' So that's life.'
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Tolerance is an obligation in Islamic thought
20 July 2025 22:56 By Imam Tawhidi* Tolerance is not something peripheral in Islam. It is deeply rooted in our foundational texts and central to the way we understand our faith. When we turn to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), we find that tolerance is a principle woven throughout the very message of Islam. It reflects our religion's emphasis on justice, compassion, mercy, and respect for diversity. These are not simply moral aspirations; they are obligations placed upon us, guiding how we interact with others both within and outside our community. The meaning of tolerance is broad and multifaceted, encompassing religious, social, political, and cultural dimensions. It provides a holistic framework for coexistence with individuals of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. And importantly, tolerance in Islam is not about passivity or indifference. It is about active engagement, meeting others with integrity, extending to them the dignity we expect for ourselves, and creating space for dialogue and mutual respect. This, to me, is one of the most beautiful expressions of of the most compelling foundations of tolerance in Islam lies in the Quranic verse: "There is no compulsion in religion" (Quran 2:256). This verse plays a significant role in the formulation of Islamic jurisprudence in the fields of tolerance and coexistence as it unequivocally establishes the principle that belief in Islam cannot be coerced and that individuals must have the freedom to choose their faith. This message echoes throughout Islamic teachings. Forcing someone to accept a belief undermines the essence of genuine faith, which must be rooted in sincerity and understanding. This verse, and like many others, aims to demonstrate the Quranic principle of recognising human diversity, which is seen as a deliberate creation by Allah Almighty. The life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad serve as a key source of guidance on the principle of tolerance. The Prophet's interactions with people of different religions, cultures, and social statuses provide numerous examples of how tolerance and coexistence were practical realities in society. One of the most notable instances of this is the Constitution of Medina, established by the Prophet after his migration to Medina in 622 CE. This document, often considered the first written constitution in history, laid the foundation for a pluralistic society in which Muslims, Jews, Christians, and polytheists coexisted peacefully. It guaranteed religious freedom, protection, and equal rights for all. It is a testament to how Prophet Mohammad fostered a sense of community that transcended religious differences while promoting justice, compassion, and mutual respect as the basis for Prophet's commitment to tolerance can be seen in his treatment of the Christians of Najran. When a delegation from Najran visited Medina to discuss religious matters, the Prophet not only welcomed them with respect but also allowed them to perform their religious rituals in his mosque. The Prophet's farewell sermon, delivered during his final pilgrimage, further encapsulates the essence of tolerance in Islamic teachings. In this sermon, he emphasised the sanctity of human life, property, and honour, declaring: "All of mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action." This is the prophetic methodology for establishing absolute equality and the unity of humanity, reinforcing the idea that differences among people should never be a basis for discrimination or Ali's profound statement - "A person is either your brother in faith, or your equal in humanity" - is a timeless declaration that summarises the essence of universal brotherhood, empathy, and respect for human dignity. It emphasises that every individual is deserving of compassion and equitable treatment. The significance of the statement is even more pronounced in our contemporary era, where the world is increasingly interconnected, but divisions and conflicts persist, based on religion, race, and we were to internalise and implement this ethos, societies could build bridges of mutual respect and solidarity and create an environment where every person is valued, protected, and included. And in the end, that's what most humans want - not perfection, but a life lived with dignity, understanding, and peace. The UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, understood this enduring truth and thus made the values of tolerance and coexistence the cornerstone in building the UAE as a model for promoting a culture of coexistence and mutual respect on the global stage. *The columnist is a Parliamentary Advisor and Research Partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Amanah eyes five seats in Sabah, one confirmed under PH-BN negotiations
Mohamad Sabu (seated fourth from right) with Amanah's central and state leadership as well as members of the party at the launch here on Saturday. KOTA KINABALU (July 19): Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) is looking to contest five state seats in Sabah for the upcoming state election, with one seat already confirmed under the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) seat negotiations, said party president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Speaking to the media after launching Amanah's election machinery here today, Mohammad said the party remains fully committed to working with its PH partners despite mobilising its own grassroots campaign. 'First of all, Pakatan Harapan will move as one,' he stressed. 'But when it comes to activating our Amanah members, we have to deploy them ourselves. We will cooperate fully with all component parties,' he said. He said Amanah is targeting around five seats, including Sulabayan, Tanjung Aru, and Lumadan. Asked if contesting in Warisan's stronghold Sulabayan would be a risky move, Mohamad responded that the matter remains speculative for now. 'It's not certain we will get that seat. Whatever is decided later will be based on negotiations. For now, we can only mention it as a possibility,' he said. On whether the seat for Tanjung Aru has been confirmed for Amanah, he explained: 'Tanjung Aru has been given to PH but that does not mean Amanah is guaranteed the seat yet. PH includes Keadilan, Amanah, DAP and UPKO. The final decision will be made once party leaders sign off.' Addressing Sabah's growing preference for local parties, Mat Sabu said Amanah will ensure that all its candidates are Sabahan, and will ramp up grassroots efforts to build local trust and visibility. 'All our candidates will be local Sabahan faces. Once our election machinery is in place, we will launch more community-focused campaigns to show that we stand with the people of Sabah,' he said. Amanah election machinery Mohamad Sabu Sabah state election
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
GAA Palestine travel to Jordan for alternative summer camp after Irish visas refused
Young members of the GAA Palestine tour with chairman Stephen Redmond and coach Mohammad from Moataz Sarsour Club in Al Am'ari Camp (GAA Palestine/PA) GAA Palestine said its players and mentors have arrived in Jordan for a summer camp after their planned tour of Ireland was cancelled over visa denials. The group, which includes 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, was scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Friday, however, they were denied entry by the Department of Justice.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Wan Azizah Attends Usrah MADANI Programme In Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA, July 17 (Bernama) — The Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, took time today to attend the Usrah MADANI programme held at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) here. She spent nearly two hours at the spiritual knowledge-sharing session, which featured renowned UK-based Islamic scholar Syeikh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, who delivered a talk titled The Role of Women in Scholarship and Nation-Building. Wan Azizah, who is also the Patron of the Association of Wives and Women Members of the Malaysian Civil Service (Puspanita), arrived at 2.30 pm and was welcomed by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Puspanita president Puan Sri Maheran Jamil. The event was jointly organised by KPWKM, the KPWKM branch of Puspanita and the Office of the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), and was attended by around 300 participants from KPWKM and the Prime Minister's Department. During the session, Syeikh Mohammad shared insights on the role of women in Islamic scholarship and nation-building, emphasising that Islam provides ample space for women to actively contribute to society. He cited the wife of Prophet Muhammad SAW Saidatina Khadijah, as an exemplary figure who was not only a successful entrepreneur but also the Prophet's strongest supporter during the early years of Islam. 'Her role symbolises the trust and empowerment given to women in Islamic history. She was a woman of wisdom, courage and leadership,' he said. Syeikh Mohammad also stressed that women are encouraged to seek knowledge, participate in community activities and play leadership roles, adding that cultural restrictions in some societies should not be mistaken as religious obligations.
