About Us
“Raggamuslim”- [rāg'a-mŏŏs'lem]-n.- term coined to describe an observant Muslim with a distinctive “organic”/simple lifestyle. They are usually characterized by colourful, scarves and hand-knitted headgear; second-hand clothing; and infectious smiles. They can oftentimes be seen at places that range from mosques to local health food stores to used book stores to thrift stores. They can usually be found reading books on various subjects which include but is not limited to: Qur’an, Islamic jurisprudence, biographies, political theory (Islamic and Non), wholistic health, environmentalism, history, and cookbooks.
Typically, raggamuslims are strict vegetarians. This means that they refrain from animal products (ie. flesh, dairy, eggs, and their derivatives). They are often chided and jeered for their diet choice by phrases like “Why don’t you eat no meat? The Prophet (as) ate meat!” but they tend to find solace knowing that fadila (virtue) is earned moreso by HOW MUCH one eats.
They are zealous when it comes to the sunnah; especially sunnah (prophetic precedence) actions that connect them to nature. For example, many prefer: eating with the hand as opposed to silverware; eating, sitting, and sleeping on the floor; wearing scented musk oils; “buruuj“– utilizing the sun/moon to determine prayer times and holidays as opposed to calculated charts; and prostrating on the earth or something that grows from the earth. Even though they attempt to do the aforementioned actions, they tend not to judge their fellow believers for doing otherwise.
If one wanted to snare a raggamuslim, one can easily do so with vegetarian Indian, Caribbean, or Middle Eastern food. They also seemed to be attracted to cheesy zombie flicks, classical teaching-shaykhs, tofu, and vegan ice-cream sandwiches.
Raggamuslims are generally amicable creatures; however, there may be those that don’t like their presence. For those individuals, it may be helpful to know that raggamuslims can be warded off by: suits and ties, self-righteousness, X-mas Carols, “Southern” restaurants, and mediocrity.
Aminah said,
September 30, 2008 @ 2:41 am
As salamu alaikum sister,
I’m so glad you and your better half have made it safely and are able to have the blessing of visiting a Muslim country. May Allah give you all the good knowledge Insha Allah. I wanted to send this blog to you maybe it will be of use. Hurry back to us.
As salamu alaikum
Aminah (Bukhari’s wife)
http://tjyemen.wordpress.com/
Jen Taylor said,
November 11, 2008 @ 4:06 am
Salaams!
Just a note to say hi from San Francisco, have been thinking about you and hope all is well.
Jen
raggamuslims said,
November 12, 2008 @ 9:11 am
aminah- wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatullah. wa eyyakum- ameen! thanks for the link. please give our salaams to the fam.
jen- i’ve been thinking of you too! things must be crazy busy for you these days! be well. wa salaam.
Samiya said,
December 13, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
Asalamualaykum wa rahmatullah, inshaAllah you made it back safe and sound and are soon settling in… hope all is well..man i miss you already subhanAllah!..take care and keep us in ur duaas!
Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah
Nazura Eshe said,
December 15, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Greetings Dear Sister & Brother,
I am so delighted to partake in this journey with u all as u discover all that u can see and all that u will envision for us truly to be righteous and free. I will be catching myself up…with u’re blogs and jotting down tons of great recipes to share with the other sister’s at the potlucks & community gatherings.
Yours in Struggle & Victory,
Nazura
raggamuslims said,
January 3, 2009 @ 5:32 am
Samiya- wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu!
alhamdulillah, we are well. thinking of you too. please keep in touch.
Nazura- peace sis! what’s up? i’ll try to post a few new recipes shortly. thanks for journeying with us. blessings.
Alison said,
April 22, 2009 @ 6:09 am
Hi there, Cous. I finally made it to your blog. Wow! I haven’t been able to read through it all and probably won’t, but I have spent quite some time reading as much as I can. I’m signing off now but wanted to drop you and Talib a little note to say hello and I am thinking of you both. Lonnell and I are doing well. Our prayers are with you always.
Love,
Ali and Lonnell
Spencer said,
July 17, 2009 @ 7:34 am
Peace b unto both you,
I pray that this message reaches you serene and healthy. I was very happy to find this blog online. You r doing a great job with it, it’s humorous and very interesting to say the least. God willing, we can link, Urbndervish, when u return to florida. To the both of you, continue living the life you love.
Raspect & Love,
Spencer
Grass Root Organic
Spencer (Abu Zayd) said,
July 17, 2009 @ 7:38 am
Oh yes, you can call me Abu Zayd now!
ONE.
raggamuslims said,
July 17, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
Peace be upon you!
Hey Buddy! Ahem, excuse me, Abu Zayd!
Great to hear from you! I pray that you, the queen, and the rest of the fam are okay!
Congrats on the new addition!
Happy you had a chance to peruse the blog!
Regarding my return to Florida, you may see me sooner than you think!
(Diabolical laughter ensues)
yours,
Urbndervish
Deliman said,
September 8, 2009 @ 3:23 am
Hey Cool site! As a Jamaican Muslim who also prefers vegetables and fruits to meat this blog is right up my alley.
Mahdi said,
January 18, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
As salamu alaikum,
Wa gwan brethrens? Miss you and think of you often.
Urbendervish, I’m usually online from 7am to 6pm EST let me know when you’re online a.afterlife@gmail.com – we ah fi chat nuff seen!
One love
Brittany said,
October 23, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
hi Raggamuslims!
our mutual friend, Ginger, shared your blog with me. I’ve been reading over the past few months. loving your recipes and insights on parenting! wanted to reach out and share some love in a time where there is too little…
what a blessing you have in store
Brittany
raggamuslims said,
October 24, 2010 @ 8:03 am
Thanks for joining us in our journey, Brittany! You are more than welcomed! And thanks to Ginger, our mutual friend!
lakeisha said,
January 5, 2012 @ 6:52 pm
Sis and Bro,
Just checking in with you! Blessings and much love. I was reflecting with another sister on our old Sankofa Pitt days and how inspiration you were with your messages back then sis! And you continue to be through both of you sharing this blog of your adventures. Lil Z is a perfect blend of you both- gorgeous! My lil A got excited to see her pics! What a big girl in the sand!
Pray all things continue to go well and blessings flow abundantly.
Peace!
raggamuslims said,
January 6, 2012 @ 2:06 am
Abundant peace to you sister!
Children are so pure, so they connect to pure people and nature so organically! It’s amazing, humbling and insightful!
So very glad to hear from you and belated congrats on your newest addition.
Just recently we too were reflecting on our Pitt days- we remember and cherish them fondly!
At some point, you MUST let Lil’ A experience the beach and sand. Lil’ Z was sooo enlivened by it! She grabbed sand by the fistfuls to analyze it, rubbed it in her hair and face a bit, and then just started digging, as if she were looking for lost gold!
Please share our sincerest love and warmest peace with the you, yours, and others.
Justin Cole said,
April 22, 2012 @ 7:00 pm
Came across your blog and wanted to say hello to ‘urbndervish’.
I’m pretty sure he’s old friend of mine from USF / Tampa area.
Glad to see he’s doing well.