Category: Shorts
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A Rejoinder to the Statement on Zakat by AMJA and FCNA
I am writing this article to advise the US Muslim community not to give credence to the “fatwā” issued by FCNA and AMJA. Darul Qasim’s Dār al-Iftāʾ will issue a more detailed rebuttal from a fiqh perspective. Acquiescence to a status quo is built upon defeatism and inertia. Over time, it breeds intellectual laziness, discourages…
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Tributaries of the Ocean: On the Necessity of Spiritual Mentorship for Muslims
My wife and I recently spent some quality time with religious mentors in our lives. As usual, we were struck by the ways in which they are a clarifying presence in our lives, which we often needlessly complicate. I was reminded of the dire need we have in our communities for people to have access…
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After Bondi, Taking Responsibility
Shortly after the Bondi attack, on the quiet street in Canberra on which I live, an Australian flag appeared in front of one of the houses. Under normal circumstances that would be completely innocuous. But circumstances are not normal. Anyone who has been following happenings elsewhere can surmise what the flag might mean. Perhaps, and…
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Between the Beloved and the Listener: Unraveling Khusrow’s Ghazal Nami Danaam
The ghazal begins with the lyric: “I wonder what was the place where I was last night.” There is a skillful use of epistrophe as well as apostrophe here, as the poet repeats the phrase “I wonder where I was last night” — with “man boodham” repeated multiple times — to lay emphasis. It is…
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Making England ‘Abdul Free’: Flags and the Far Right
England this last month has been a tale of two nations: a seething tide of fury and desperation splitting into two very different protesting crowds. The reactions that each have garnered tell the story of two Englands, the political systems and global power structures that coalesce into the lives of ordinary people and the opportunity…
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Nikos Kazantzakis and Imam Al-Ghazali: On Pursuit of the Self
Nikos Kazantzakis’s portrayal of Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ reflects a struggle between flesh and spirit, aimed at self-discovery and reaching God. His interpretation draws parallels to Imam Al-Ghazali’s exploration of self-realization, emphasizing the need to confront worldly desires and temptations in their quests for spiritual unity and meaning.
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The Mazhar-e-Alam Library: Dying a Slow Death
Urdu in India faces existential challenges despite its rich literary heritage, particularly in Lucknow. The author recounts his visit to the historic Mazhar-e-Alam Library, once a vibrant hub, now struggling against neglect and technology’s impact on reading habits.
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How to Make It Halāl: Getting to the Meat of a Muslim Romance
This short explores the nuances of halal romance in Islam, highlighting the importance of marriage as an act of worship and the need for careful adherence to Islamic principles in contemporary narratives and fictional portrayals.
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An Analogy and Apology for Mysticism
Let us imagine that a thoroughly modern man is transported many centuries back in time.
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Beyond Function: Art in the Muslim Community
If you’ve ever visited an art museum with a gallery devoted to Islamic art, you probably saw many commonplace objects behind glass. Things like vases, plates, incense holders, and ink pots can be found in these galleries, adorned with intricate patterns and calligraphy. For the modern-day viewer, a question may arise when examining these highly…