TAYYIBAH TAYLOR
Tayyibah Taylor and Marlina Soerakoesoemah
are the creative minds behind AZIZAH magazine.
These women produce a magazine that reflects
the experiences and perspectives of Muslim women
living in North American society.
They provide a forum that presents positive images
and connects Muslim women spiritually and intellectually.
AZIZAH magazine is committed to being the voice for
Muslim women. It is published by WOW Publishing, Inc.,
a privately held corporation owned by Muslim women.
ENTER AZIZAH MAGAZINE WEBSITE
SUBSCRIBE HERE
IN THE NEWS
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Rewriting the Ad Rules for Muslim-Americans
For years, few advertisers in the United States have dared to reach out to Muslims. Either they did not see much potential for sales or they feared a political backlash. And there were practical reasons: American Muslims come from so many ethnic backgrounds that their only common ground is their religion, a subject most marketers avoid. That is beginning to change. Consumer companies and advertising executives are focusing on ways to use the cultural aspects of the Muslim religion to help sell their products. -- Louise Story
BRIDGES TV (partial)video on CBS Springboard
Azizah Magazine, the voice of Muslim women
UTNE READER
A celebration of modern women
A closer reading, however, revealed Azizah to be among the most positive women's magazines I have encountered. Stories include profiles of accomplished young Muslim women, an explanation of the rights of women in Islamic marriage, a look at Islamic home finance, as well as skin care tips (no Botox here). Azizah is a celebration of modern women who take pride in their faith, strength, and intelligence, and I look forward to hearing more of the too-often unheard voices it presents. -- Elizabeth Oliver
SAUDI ARAMCO WORLD
Azizah Rising
Under a humid summer sun in Atlanta's Botanical Garden, six women adjust their poses before a photographer's camera. Modeling brightly colored wedding gowns, each seems styled with a different world culture in mind. Tayyibah Taylor, founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of Azizah magazine, adjusts a gold-embroidered, intricately wrapped turban on a model's head, while passersby in shorts and T-shirts cast curious glances their way. The next day, the photographs will be couriered across the country to Redmond, Washington, where Marlina Soerakoesoemah, the magazine's co-founder, creative director and designer, will put together a four-page spread.
THE BOSTON GLOBE
One faith, many faces
As war winds down in Iraq, tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer, and some Muslims gird against another wave of discrimination caused by the mainstream's profound misunderstanding of their religion, the first American magazine catering to Muslim women can help fill in the blanks. Shareda Hosein, 42, a Muslim of Indian descent living in Quincy, says, ''I would recommmend that not just Muslims get this magazine but non-Muslims as well to understand the Muslim woman.''
CREATIVE LOAFING, ATLANTA
Tayibah Taylor, Cover
One of the big differences between Canada and America is that America is a melting pot. When you come here, you assimilate. If you have a name that's hard to pronounce,, you're encouraged to change your name to something a little more American. That's how a Mohammed can become a Matt. It's part of the assimilation. The Canadian model of multiculturalism is different. It's a mosaic. You've got all these separate tiles. You've got Sikhs, Indians, Canadian natives, Poles, Italians -- and each get put together to make up the whole. Everybody maintains their identity, but it's not at the expense of being Canadian. Whereas here, it's almost as if you maintain your identity, then you're somehow not loyal to America.
How Media Forms Perceptions
Tayibah Taylor, Cover
Now, more than ever, we need our own media. At a time when Islam has been equated with senseless violence, at a time when Muslims have been defined as terrorists, we need our own media. At a time when the expression of dissenting views is deemed unpatriotic, and objective journalism seems to be out of vogue, we need our own media. This is also a time in journalism when ratings and the bottom line are more important than content and when the media sources are merging to become mega-outlets in the hands of a few. We need our own outlets to ensure our voice is heard.
What Now? Thinkers and Activists share their thoughts on where we go from here.
Build a Working Example of Peace
Whether one celebrated or grieved after the recent elections, people in the nation and the world are now moving on with their lives. Those of us whose lives are governed by a faith tradition realize that all election results, here and in other countries, are allowed by the Creator. As believers concerned with world peace and justice, we know that our complete sense of spiritual peace is not contingent on a particular person or on a specific situation, but rather on our connection to the Creator.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Muslim women's magazine reflects their needs
"Not only is it a good women's magazine, but in my opinion it's the highest quality Islamic magazine in the United States," said Ingrid Mattson, the current and first female vice president of the Islamic Society of North America, ....
ISLAMIC INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
(Islamic Human Rights Documents/Women's Rights Program)
Interview with Tayyibah Taylor
One of the slogans of the magazine is: "Different faces, different perspectives, one faith, one magazine." This magazine is not connection with a particular Islamic organization, a particular school of thought or one ethnic group.
US DEPT. OF STATE
Magazine Focuses on Muslim Women in America
Tell me first, how did you think of doing this magazine? What motivated you to build such a great, slick magazine like this?
GOOD THINGS.COM
A Voice for the Silent?
It's got all the elements of a typical magazine for the modern woman. But what makes Azizah different is that it caters to the specific interests and concerns of "the contemporary Muslim woman" and, more specifically, the Muslim-American woman. Editor Tayyibah Taylor doesn't believe Muslim women should make any apologies for their faith or their gender...
EASTSIDE JOURNAL
Muslim Women Find a Voice in Magazine
America's involvement in Afghanistan has put a spotlight on a section of American society to whom Marlina Soerakoesoemah has devoted her career-- Muslim women.
NPR
Tavis Smiley Show
Karen Grigsby Bates talks with Tayyibah Taylor, editor-in-chief and publisher of Azizah, a magazine targeted to Muslim women.
Liane talks with Azizah Editor and Publisher in Chief Tayyibah Taylor about what she hopes to acheive with this magazine, the only one of its kind in the United States.
The New York Review of Magazine
A magazine for and by today's modern muslimah
The magazine comes at a time when coverage of Islam, the world's fastest growing religion, is tainted by ignorance, prejudice and stereotypes. But, Azizah, a magazine for Muslim women, lets Muslim women speak for thenselves. It remains to be seen, however, if Azizah will survive in the competitive and costly magazine world. ³For the first time, Muslim women are seeing themselves reflected positively in the media,² said Taylor, the publisher and editor in chief. ³We celebrate Islam, but we don't hide all the blemishes of Muslims.²
NEWSWEEK
A Magazine of Their Own
It was easy to spot Tayyibah Taylor at a recent journalism conference in Chicago. A gorgeous woman in a silky headwrap, she was clutching a copy of Azizah magazine
GRACE CATHEDRAL
The Feminine Face of Islam
Contemporary Muslim scholars, "strive to ... invent a feminism that is neither conventionally Eurocentric nor secular."
SEATTLE TIMES
Women's Magazine an Original
Created for the "contemporary Muslim woman," the glossy publication, partially produced in Seattle with headquarters in Atlanta, is a conversational mix of religion and profiles, family issues and home decor, fashion and health--the real-life stuff of real women.
National conferenceof Arab & Muslim Publishers,Editors, Reporters, Journalists,Freelancers, & Writers
Opening Reception
Presentation of Azizah magazine by staff and opening remarks by Ray Hanania
Publisher of The Arab American View.
DR. LALEH BAKHTIAR & TAYYIBAH TAYLOR (AZIZAH MAGAZINE)
HABIBIH NEWS SPECIAL- DR. LALEH BAKHTIAR & TAYYIBAH TAYLOR IN NEW YORK CITY
SPECIAL REPORT Creative Minds Creative people often march to a syncopated beat. These five women see their creativity as gifts from the Creator and they fostered their talents to enrich their lives and the lives of others.
by Kelly Crosby, Jameelah Zahra Deen, Jamillah Karim, Amy Riolo, K. Fatima Woolfolk & Tayyibah Taylor
FEATURES
Color Me Green We have an obligation to treat the planet with care and love. Read about Islamic environmental principles, car sharing, Green Muslims and take the Azizah Green quiz to see how eco-conscious you are. by Zaynab Aden, Azizah Kahera, Najma Mohamed & Nadirah Sabir
The Seat of Judgment The first governor-appointed, elected Muslim American woman judge. by Precious Rasheeda Muhammad
Beyond the Finish Line The will of an athlete is a competitive edge whether competing in an event or trying to accomplish a simple goal. by Dujanah Descartes & Tahrier Walid Sub Laban
On the Way to the White House Whether or not we see a woman president this year, the White House Project is preparing women for elected office. by Intisar Rashid
A Princess Promotes a Prince Zarinah Shakir uses her education and expertise to work in the community and promote the documentary film, Prince Among Slaves. by Rose Khalid
Weathering The Bigotry Storm Dealing with prejudice and discrimination can take its toll. Learn how to cope in a positive way. by Hamidah Sharif-Harris
The Bottom Line Educating our youth to become financially literate and independent is Zohra Sarwari's mission. by Nikhat Izhar Qureshi
Keeping Baby Close Put away the stroller and 'wear' your baby. There are many benefits for parent and child. by Bailey Umm Ibrahim
Patience, Patience It's a virtue we all need to develop. by Neesha Hosein
Where Are They Now? Catching up with five women featured on past Azizah covers. by Tayyibah Taylor
LIFESTYLE
Destinations Texas It's the lone star state and everything there really is big. by Nikhat Izhar Qureshi
Decor Timeless Textiles. The beautiful prints of Les Indiennes make rooms look beautiful. by Angeline Hazime
Well-Being Womb Wellness Lose Weight, Gain Health. How to get a healthier, stronger body. by Mubarakah Ibrahim
Menu Potluck Perfection. Recipes for your next get-together. by Nehal Kadry
Fashion Snorkel, Swim or Surf Staying covered for fun in the water.
DEPARTMENTS
Deen The Power of Prayer
by Shahidah Sharif
Shahadah Miracles of Life by Sarah Abdul Latif
Book Club Reviews of Zaatar Days, Henna Nights by Maliha Masood, Once in a Promised Land by Laila Halaby and Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsane
Real Gems Great shopping bags that are eco-friendly, stylish business card holders, books for children, hand painted teacups, a hanger for organizing your hijabs and pins to make them pretty. by Staff Writers Global Voices One Woman's Work South African activist, Fatima Meer has been working for decades to ensure social justice. by Katherine Nawaal Gratwick Poetry At 27 by Ruqayyah Muhammad
Reflections The Giving Heart, the Loving Soul, the Beautiful Light by Zanjabil Williams-White
Fiction The Funeral Gift by Najma Mohamed
Point of View Oppressed or Liberated by Farah Ali
Ayah Surah Fatir, Ayat 27
