RebelRabee

For those of you have'nt read the back cover of an A05 textbook prescribed by the Calicut unversity for third sem students, here is what it says: " Literature and contemporary Issues , is an attempt to sensitise students to some of the complex socioeconomic realities of the world around them. It presents a variety of viewpoints on a range of interrelated issues- human rights, discrimination based on  racial and caste boundaries, gender issues, issues related to globalisation and the new economic order" Giving proper stress to the above underlined words, read the following headline seen in a paper in July 2013 issue: " Ibrahim Al- Rubaish's Ode To The Sea pulled from Calicut University Syllabus " Still don't understand the irony ? continue reading... It was in 2007, the book 'Poems From Guantanamo : The Detainees Speak' in which Rubaish's poem 'Ode to the Sea' was published.At that time, American poet-critic, Rober...

I am an NRI. From the most “orthodox; Antifreedom” monarchy in the world. Saudi Arabia. And guess what ? my school had a liberal policy regarding Hijab. It was a choice. That’s right, in a country where the world criticizes about lacking freedom of religious expression , degrading women, a Muslim nation where non-Muslims have no say in its political matters, have schools that makes Hijab a choice –not  a compulsion. Most of the Muslims don’t bother covering their heads let alone the others. Oh that is because it was a Indian embassy school you say ? Well it is the same in all girls schools and colleges. Outside we did have to wear Abayas. But that was mostly because of tradition rather than for the concept of Hijab. But a headscarf was something even Muslims took lightly. That is the case of “THE monarchy” dear readers.

                                                     It was getting late. In fact it was past midnight. I still could not sleep . How could I, when I had to make a decision that could actually change the direction of my life, in the morning. Two roads diverged and I had to choose one. Devagiri or Farook. Which college should I choose? Tomorrow is the admission. And I still haven’t decided which college is the one I get to call mine. The campus which I can, years from now look upon with fondness and possessiveness. I had done it all,  visited both the campus, checked their websites, asked the students , the pass outs and even looked up into the heaven for guidance. I sighed. Made a final prayer for guidance and finally closed my eyes.  A huge gate was what I saw, one that was once upon a time majestic like the gates of the Taj but now ...

More than tens of  thousand protesters,a heavy rain, empty stomachs and a will as hard as steel. That is what the people of Ernakulam saw on 3 august. A Jaamaate-Islami protest programme in support of the Anti-coup protests in Raba'a Al Adwiya , Egypt against the military coup by general Fatah Al Sissi who is trying to replace the elected president Muhammed Morsi.

'Can I go?' I asked with a sinking heart, I had explained it all & played my part Well of a daughter seeking permission, With all respect and humble submission. "NO" My ears were exhausted, My heart was offended. My brain tried to explain, of reasons that were so absurd. The devil blew in me anger. Anger at hearing NO. Anger at the humiliation. Anger for asking again. Sure they have reasons to give. Sure I try to understand and live. But that single word cuts away my wings. The wings that long to always fly. To see places that always lie only in my dreams. To gain the thing they use as a reason. Those wings are cut and carefully kept away, For I have a good girl's role to play. I still look at it longingly And hope one day they would understand. And hope one day I get to fly.

Dedicated to my special friend, may her eyes be filled with light soon… When I became blind, The whole world became kind. Pity faces full of sympathy, And kind hearts full of empathy, Came up to help and guide, Oh! The people were so kind. But little did they understand, That I am optimistic & can’t Stand the pity faces & sorrow, I always hope for a better tomorrow. Though I am blind, I still see, Because there’s a light inside me. Independent and determined am I, To succeed and rise up to the sky. So don’t worry about me, I can –No – I WILL, coz I am keen                                                 And have God’s help & blessing with me

On this beautiful Ramadan day, All I can pray is, Please show me the way. The worldly pleasures are slowly beckoning, And my mind is fast wandering. Many sins have I committed. On this day my report I have submitted. By the days yet to come,Oh God, I request you to forgive my sins & not, Put me in the burning hell fire, Where I belong with my whole attire. By the days yet to come, Oh God, I ask you to increase my good deeds & not, Make me go on a path of astray As many pray everyday! Many sins I committed I repeat, And the days are short for me to repent. I don't stop here, repenting and praying, For I badly need God's forgiveness, if you only knew what I was saying!