About Us

Perceptions, the Blog:

This is a group blog by Muslims who refuse to be stereotyped (been there, done that, let’s move on!); and it is for all of you out there who think & wonder: are “these people” for real?

It is meant to be a space to write, read, ponder, discuss, think about, understand and share your experiences, ideas, reservations, “ping” moments & what- have- you about your deen – your life in these challenging times.

InshaAllah, we aim to post articles, audios, videos, images & presentations which cut through the noise of all those warped, ‘where-do-they- get-it-from?’ crazy perceptions of Islam and Muslims.

Chip in, we want your voice and your feedback.

Bring your brain and your heart!

The bloggers:

Kulsoom Omar (Perceptions Coordinator)

Kulsoom is a seeker of knowledge and currently teaches what she learns at “Perceptions, Interactive Islamic workshops” and at “Quest – journey with the Qur’an and Sunnah.”  Her Islamic education has been at Al-ilm with Huma Najmul Hassan. 

From her days of Jahiliyah, she has a Masters degree in Social Policy & Planning in Developing Countries from LSE (London School of Economics & Political Science) and has worked on various social sector development projects in Pakistan.

She has serious issues with plastic bags, thinks nursery rhymes are loopy and has run the London Marathon.  She loves to eat oranges at night, hates chipped nail polish and cannot walk in high heels. 

Sumera Akif (Blog Managing Editor)

Sumera teaches at ”Perceptions, Interactive Islamic workshops,” and is as a student of Islamic studies.  She is the main man here –  in a manner of speaking only - as she is actually a woman, so technically NOT a man at all. Head honcho of this blog. Piece of advice: do not mess with her.

She received her basic Islamic education in 2008 from Al-Ilm with Huma Najmul Hassan. She also has a Bachelors degree in Computer Sciences from the University of Karachi. 

She is wife to a wonderful husband and mother to two beautiful daughters under age of five – and loving it. If she manages to squeeze in a breather once in a while (which Aisha non-chalantly calls ” freetime”)- she enjoys a good read.

Aisha Loya (Blogger and Editor)

Aisha is a teacher at “Perceptions, Interactive Islamic workshops”. She gets her inspiration from her various teachers and pens down how she feels on this blog. She had received her basic Islamic education in 2008 from Al-Ilm with Huma Najmul Hassan, and has since then, has been on a quest to increase her knowledge. 

She has completed her ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels from the CIE board in Business Management and Psychology.

In her free time she likes to bake, write, eat and boss around her younger siblings. Fun fact: She’s good at it! 

Fatima Hassan (Blogger)

Fatima is a student at “Perceptions, Interactive Islamic Workshops”. She also manages her own blog: simplesunnahs.blogspot.com

She is currently doing her ‘O’ Levels from the CIE board. She loves horses, being lazy and eating frozen Milo. She hates cockroaches and constantly hearing somebody sniffle. 

Ruhaifa Samir (Blogger)

Ruhaifa is a happy mom of three little munchkins aged 6 and under. She holds a degree in Foods and Nutrition, is Montessori-trained, and is hoping to finish her Masters in International Relations this year (as long as none of the kids fall ill on the day of the exams, InshaAllah!!).

 Myth holds that she learnt to write before she could walk and she has continued her affinity with the pen by writing Tafseer books for Reflections School, providing creative content for Hibakidz, and hoping to launch creative writing workshops for pre-teens this summer to share with them the joys of expressing themselves with the written word. Afterall, the pen is mightier than the sword!

So yes, though she has bitten off more than she can chew, she is enjoying every single mouthful!

Mariyam Kamran a.k.a Malonama (Blogger)

Welcoming a new member on board to add some spunk:

Mariyam is a technology challenged Computer Engineer (no that is not a contradiction in terms) who wants to go to Jannah (Paradise) so she can ride dolphins. She received her engineering degree at FAST-NUCES. At present she is enrolled in ‘Understanding the Qur`an course’ at Al-Ilm with Huma Najmul Hassan and loving every minute of it.

She loves reading (even the back of shampoo bottles) and will read almost anything. Oh! She firmly believes engagements should be banned in Pakistan, period.

Follow her blog at http://malonama.com/

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Perceptions – interactive Islamic workshops, the Classes:

 Click here for Perceptions Brochure Slideshow

Perceptions is a programme for young girls designed to deal with the confusion of our times.

It is a series of weekly workshops where, misconceptions created by the media and popular culture are questioned, analysed & adjusted in accordance with the Qur’an & Sunnah.

This programme empowers students to sift through myths & stereotypes, develop critical thinking and understand reality so they are not only strong to face life and society but become influential leaders. We aim to guide students to make the right choices for success in this life and in the hereafter.

 We Offer:

• Multimedia presentations that stimulate the imagination
• Question and Answer Sessions
• Snack time to build friendships and to network
• Occasional feedback sessions for parents

 

Day:	Friday
Timings:	3:20 – 5:30 PM
First Term:	August  – November
Second Term:	January – April
Venue:	12 C, 21st Commercial Street, Phase 2 Extension, DHA, Karachi.