fact or fiction
Is it a fact or is it merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores the lesser known truths in the corporate culture of Journal.
I Gave Away My First Paycheck—And It Changed the Way I See Money Forever
I still remember the weight of that envelope. It wasn’t heavy in grams, but in meaning. It was my first paycheck—three months of effort wrapped up in a neatly folded slip, handed over with a brief nod from the manager at Changan Auto Islamabad.
By Muhammad Sabeelabout a year ago in Journal
“I have made everything alive through water”
In this discussion, we will analyze a unique verse of the Quran, which is verse 30 of Surah Al-Anbiya. This verse states: “Do not those who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We separated them? And We gave life to everything from water. Will they not then believe?”—(Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 30)
By Abdul Barikabout a year ago in Journal
My Spidey Sense. Top Story - May 2025.
Some places just put a person’s internal alarm systems on active standby. Alma Latinas was just such a place. Sure, Mike had visited this cantina before with several friends, but never alone. Actually, Gringos never visited this part of Nuevo Laredo alone, and he knew this, so what the hell was he doing there? When you’re twenty and bulletproof, in your mind anyway, no place is off limits.
By Mark Gagnonabout a year ago in Journal
God is the Author of Wisdom
What if the wisdom you’ve been searching for… isn’t something you learn, but someone you meet? In a world overflowing with opinions, hot takes, self-help books, and endless scrolling, there’s a question that cuts through the noise like lightning through a storm:
By Randolphe Tanoguemabout a year ago in Journal
Empowered by Faith: Understanding Women’s Rights in Islam
Islam, often misunderstood in the modern world, is a religion that granted women rights and dignity at a time when they were widely oppressed and marginalized. Long before the West began recognizing women's rights, Islam had laid down a comprehensive framework to honor, protect, and empower women — not just spiritually, but socially, economically, and politically. 1: Spiritual Equality At its core, Islam teaches the complete spiritual equality of men and women. The Qur’an is replete with verses emphasizing that both are accountable before God and will be rewarded or punished based on their own deeds — not their gender. > “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women… Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” (Qur’an 33:35) This verse is one of many that affirm the equal spiritual standing of men and women in the eyes of their Creator. Women in Islam are encouraged to seek knowledge, perform worship, and fulfill moral obligations just as men are. 2: Economic Independence One of the most progressive aspects of Islam regarding women's rights is their economic independence. A woman in Islam has the right to own property, run a business, and earn her own income. Her wealth remains solely hers — even after marriage. The Qur’an makes this clear: > “For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.” (Qur’an 4:32) Unlike many pre-Islamic societies and even many cultures today, Islam never placed a woman’s wealth under the control of her husband or male guardian. 3:Rights in Marriage Marriage in Islam is not a one-sided contract; it is a mutual agreement based on love, respect, and mercy. A woman has the right to accept or reject a marriage proposal. Forced marriages are not permissible in Islam. Once married, a woman has the right to a mahr (a marriage gift), maintenance, kind treatment, and, if needed, the option to seek divorce. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the good treatment of women, famously stating: > “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Tirmidhi) This was a revolutionary message in a time and culture where women were often treated as property. 4: Education and Knowledge Islam not only permits women to seek knowledge, it encourages them to do so. The Prophet said: > “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah) Throughout Islamic history, women have been scholars, poets, teachers, and jurists. Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s wife, is among the most prolific narrators of Hadith and was an authority in Islamic law. 5: Misconceptions and Cultural Practices Many practices wrongly attributed to Islam — such as denying girls education, forcing women into marriages, or barring them from working — stem not from Islamic teachings but from cultural traditions or patriarchal misinterpretations. Islam, in its pure form, provides dignity, honor, and rights to women. It's essential to distinguish between what Islam teaches and what some Muslims practice. 6: Political and Social Participation Women in early Islamic society played active roles in public life. They participated in battles, took part in the marketplace, and even advised leaders. One notable example is Shifa bint Abdullah, appointed by Caliph Umar as a market inspector — a position of authority and public responsibility. Conclusion Islam views women as valuable, independent individuals with rights equal to men in many spheres of life. Their responsibilities may differ due to natural roles, but their value in the eyes of God remains the same. As global conversations around gender equality continue, it's vital to return to authentic Islamic sources to understand the true essence of women’s rights in Islam — rights that were divinely granted over 1,400 years ago. #MyFaithMyPower #WomenOfColor #WomensRightsAreHumanRights #EqualityForAll #DiversityInFaith #AmericanMuslims #VoicesUnheard #JusticeForAll #IntersectionalFeminism
By Dr Gabriel about a year ago in Journal
Why Lord of the Flies Still Haunts Us in 2025: A Story of Innocence Lost
Imagine a group of boys, barely teens, stranded on a tropical island with no adults, no rules, just freedom. Sounds like paradise, right? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, it’s a descent into chaos. Published in 1954, this brutal tale of survival and savagery still grips readers in 2025, forcing us to face the darkness within. I read it last month, and it left me shaken. Here’s why this story of innocence lost remains a gut-punch—and what it reveals about us today.
By Doctor Strangeabout a year ago in Journal
Messi congratulates Barcelona on becoming champions
After Barcelona defeated Espanyol 2-0 on May 15, 2025, Lionel Messi, who is currently playing for Inter Miami, congratulated the team on winning La Liga 2024–2025. Messi posted a succinct message on Instagram on May 16, 2025, that read, "Congratulations!!" and included the Barcelona colors of a blue and red heart emoji. This gesture demonstrated Messi's strong bond with the team, where he spent 17 years winning 10 La Liga titles. In their heartfelt posts, fans on X expressed how Messi's message demonstrated his unwavering devotion to Barcelona despite their distance from one another.
By PUSPAYAN SARKARabout a year ago in Journal
The Library of Beyond
Where Every Book Opens a New World In a quiet corner of a cobblestone town, nestled between a forgotten tea shop and an ivy-covered wall, stood an ancient building with a faded wooden sign: The Library of Beyond. Most people passed it by, unaware of the wonders inside. But for those who dared to enter, magic was waiting.
By Aima Charleabout a year ago in Journal
