"kids these days don't loiter or act rebellious enough any more" kids just existing in public are more criminalized and surveilled than ever. almost every western country is running a panic about youth crime and how random teens standing awkwardly are a threat to civilization, and pushing for much more punitive laws. tons of states and powerful lobbies are pushing "parental right laws" that restrict the civil rights of minors even more. policing is first and foremost targeting youths, especially from low income and majority immigrant neighbourhoods. if a kid mildly steps out of line or says something awkward online or in a public space half a dozen people can whip up their phone and start mass harassment campaigns. and tech companies are now restricting access to the internet, the last way many teens can talk to each other freely and reach out to people outside family and school.
anyhow i think people really need to start giving kids at least a tiny bit more grace instead of making smug posts about how uncool they are compared to your youth days, you fucking twats
Y’all, my little nephew, who’s nickname is “Cabbage,” wanted a “punk jacket,” like Uncle Kade’s. (EMPHASIS ON LITTLE, be nice)
So, I asked him what kind of patches he wanted on it, and this is what we came up with. Just need to sew the patches down and line the vest. I can’t wait to finish it and send it to him.
I’m tired and I’m sick to death of being without you [...]
Graham Greene, from 'The End of the Affair'
"Spikes and Shadows"
He laced his boots with threads of spite,
A rebel heart, a flickering light,
Mohawk sharp, dyed crimson red,
Echoes of rage inside his head.
Leather jacket, patched and torn,
Symbols stitched of nights forlorn,
Chains that clattered, boots that stomped,
Through empty streets where shadows romped.
His mother wept, his father roared,
"This isn't you—you're something more!"
But "more" was chains, and "more" was loud,
A voice that shattered every crowd.
"You're lost," they said. "You'll fade away."
But fading wasn't punk rock's way.
So with a snarl and fists held tight,
He vanished deep into the night.
City lights like jagged scars,
Graffiti hymns, and broken bars,
Friends with names like Ghost and Snipe,
Living lives carved out of hype.
Yet in the echo of each show,
A shadow whispered soft and low—
Not from the crowd, not from the stage,
But stitched between his stitched-up rage.
The echoes grew, as echoes do,
“What’s freedom if it’s haunting you?”
No answers came, just static buzz,
A question left for who he was.
Years rolled on, and posters peeled,
The vinyl scratched, the anger healed.
But in his chest, beneath the ink,
A softer beat began to think.
One winter dawn, with breath like smoke,
He penned a letter, words bespoke:
"I left to find what I could be—
But lost myself to feel free."
No home he had, yet home he found,
In ink, in scars, in silent sound.
A punk, a son, a soul unbound,
Spikes and shadows, safe and proud.
Hello, I am a poet, connect with me to discover more
Marriage in Islam: A Detailed Overview
1. Definition:
Marriage (Nikah) in Islam is a solemn and sacred social contract between a man and a woman. It is not merely a physical or emotional bond but a spiritual agreement rooted in mutual consent, responsibilities, and rights. Allah describes it in the Qur’an as a source of tranquility, love (mawaddah), and mercy (rahmah):
"And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Qur’an 30:21)
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2. Importance of Marriage in Islam:
Completion of Faith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion…” (Al-Bayhaqi).
Protection of Morality: Marriage guards against sinful behavior and promotes chastity.
Family and Society: It establishes strong family units, which are the foundation of a stable and moral society.
Spiritual Growth: A righteous spouse can help in spiritual development, offering support in faith and good deeds.
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3. Key Principles of Islamic Marriage:
Mutual Consent: Both the bride and groom must willingly agree to the marriage without coercion.
Mahr (Dowry): A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, symbolizing respect and commitment. It can be material or non-material, based on mutual agreement.
Witnesses: At least two adult Muslim witnesses are required for the marriage contract to be valid.
Marriage Contract (Aqd Nikah): A formal agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of both spouses.
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4. Rights and Responsibilities:
Husband’s Duties:
Provide financial support (nafaqah), including food, clothing, and shelter.
Treat his wife with kindness, respect, and fairness.
Protect and maintain the family.
Wife’s Duties:
Respect, support, and maintain the dignity of her husband.
Manage household affairs (flexible based on mutual agreement).
Uphold loyalty and faithfulness.
Shared Responsibilities:
Mutual respect, love, and understanding.
Cooperation in raising children with strong Islamic values.
Emotional and spiritual support for one another.
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5. Do’s in an Islamic Marriage:
Communicate Honestly: Open dialogue strengthens the relationship.
Practice Patience and Forgiveness: Marriage requires compromise and understanding.
Uphold Justice: Treat each other fairly, especially in polygamous marriages (if applicable).
Seek Allah’s Guidance: Regular prayer together and involvement in each other’s spiritual growth.
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6. Don’ts in an Islamic Marriage:
No Forced Marriages: Coercion invalidates the marriage in Islam. Consent is crucial.
Avoid Harm (Darar): Emotional, physical, or psychological abuse is strictly forbidden.
Neglect of Rights: Ignoring the spouse’s basic rights and responsibilities is sinful.
No Extramarital Relationships: Islam strictly prohibits infidelity and any form of betrayal.
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7. Divorce in Islam (If Necessary):
While marriage is highly encouraged, Islam recognizes that sometimes separation (Talaq) becomes necessary. It allows divorce as a last resort, but it must be carried out with fairness, respect, and following specific guidelines. Reconciliation is always preferred before proceeding with divorce.
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8. Key Qur'anic Verses and Hadiths:
“They are garments for you, and you are garments for them.” (Qur’an 2:187) – Symbolizing protection, comfort, and intimacy.
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi) – Emphasizing kindness in marriage.
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Final Thought:
Marriage in Islam is not just a legal bond but a spiritual journey that reflects love, mercy, and companionship. It’s a partnership built on faith, respect, and the sincere intention to please Allah.