Inside the Kingdom

Life before the war

The keeper of Kaaba

Images real and unreal from 'Baghdad, Iowa" journal.
By Usama Alshaibi

Al-Buraq take me to the heavens

Al-Burāq ( البُراق‎), is a celestial steed, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, with the wings and tail of a peacock and head of a woman. This winged angelic-creature Buraq, whose name means the "the shining (or lighting)" can travel through the heavens. In the 17th sura of the Quran, the the prophet of Islam, Muhammad rode the Buraq to the distant temple and later up to the 7th heaven to meet Allah during the "Night Journey."

Waiting for spirits

Taken in the fields

Mother Mosque in Iowa

This is the simple, yet beautiful Mother Mosque in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was built in 1934 and is the first first permanent structure to serve as a mosque in the United States.

Leaving tomorrow morning to Iowa

We will be meeting Imam Taha at the Mother Mosque in Cedar Rapids and we will eat at sunset to break the fast of Ramadan.

My Dad and Farmer in Iowa, late 1970's

Dream of Samarra II

A Sad Joy For All Who See.

I climb your spiral minaret

The Great Mosque of Samarra built in the 9th Century.

Uncle Abdullah in the Hawkeye State

The Lion Man

by usama 2006 december babylon

Things have been manic lately. Nothing obvious and no doom allowed. I dream of cornfields and grass. The blue sky and clouds warm on my face. I see bright orange glowing in my eyes.

United Nations Family

Uncle Kamil, Rest in Peace

Usama 18 y.o journal pt.1

Young Dad in the Iraqi Army

 

A guide to Baghdad, Iowa

This is a blog to express my thoughts, ideas, images and words that will relate to my trip to Baghdad, Iowa. Where is this place you ask? I ask as well.