I question whether Labour’s supposed failure to wholeheartedly embrace Modi’s regime is truly because it is under the influence of Pakistani politicians or that it is dependent on Muslim votes. There actually have been Labour politicians who have cosied up to Modi (like Keith Vaz) and have congratulated him on election victories (like Barry Gardiner). Continue reading Should Labour be Chasing Hindu Fascist Votes?
It is clear from the words of al-Sha’rawi that discussion and observance of the signs of Judgement Day are an essential component of a healthy Muslim consciousness. Most Muslims who have made a slight effort to learn a thing or two about their religion have heard the narration known as Hadith Jibril, wherein the Messenger of Allah ﷺ dedicates a significant portion of his moments in a physical sit-down with the Messenger-Angel to emphasize the importance of knowing the signs of Judgment Day’s approach. Continue reading Al-Sha’rawi and the Neglect of Judgment Day
Russian aggression in Ukraine has rightly been met with international condemnation. Putin’s aggressive attack on an independent nation is unacceptable and puts the lives of millions in grave danger. However, the response by different governments and the dangerously contradictory narrative has exposed an embarrassing level of hypocrisy. For most, this is not unexpected, but for media that claims to be independent and for governments who are ”leaders” of human rights, the events in Ukraine have exposed their belief in Western supremacy. Continue reading Selective Sympathy and the Clear Racism of the West
doesn’t know what they’re doing, and the needs of the community are not being met. Interestingly, a lot of these complaints come from those who aren’t really involved in the masjid. I would describe them as casual attendees; they will come for Friday prayer, some programs, and maybe a prayer here and there throughout the week. Continue reading A Tribute to Masjid Uncles
If we do not have moral boundaries that transcend our egoic selves, and also do not put in consistent work methodologically, we cannot expect healing or growth from life experience alone. Continue reading Experience Isn’t Enough
Growing up as an Islamic school student, I was always defensive about criticisms of the Islamic school model brought up by community members. “It’s simple and obvious: Our Islamic schools are the pathway for Muslim children to become good Muslim adults,” I thought. As an adult, I now realize that I was wrong. Continue reading Rethinking Islamic School Education
The loft walls are painted in brilliant pink, on the upper floor of a house nested in a cozy Dallas suburb. Bright cupcakes, cute pastries, and party favors pepper a burnished stall specially designed by a social media event planner. Balloons with “It’s a Boy!”, fill the back corner of the room. Gift bags with the names of all those in attendance sit on a table near the front door. Continue reading The Mashallah Muslims
celebrating Christmas in different capacities. While this may be more understandable for those new to the faith, or for those who have non-Muslim family members with whom participating in this holiday may be tricky to navigate, there are also an increasing number of Muslims who have jumped on the bandwagon of celebrating Christmas with really no compelling reason to do so – putting up decorations in their homes, Christmas trees, giving Christmas presents to their children, etc. Continue reading Christmas and Why the ‘Petty’ is Powerful
In recent years, Fatima al-Fihri, may Allah be pleased with her, has acquired a mythological, folklore-like status as the “founder of the world’s oldest university.” The magazine Girlboss credits her with “establishing the university as we know it today.” Oxford Reference and UNESCO recognize University of al-Qarawiyyin as “the oldest operating university in the world.” Blog posts and news sources alike continue to embellish parts of her story, crediting her institution as the first to grant “academic degrees.” Continue reading In the Spirit of Fatima Al-Fihri
emotional impulse to do so is reasonable. Shame is distinguishably uncomfortable and brings us to the miserable realization of our own weakness. The harsh reality is that shame, though unpleasant, is a vehicle for order that seeks to maintain certain morals, some of which are deemed unimportant in the modern world. However strong the push is to dismantle the need for inhibition, shame rarely evaporates. The escape people have found is to broadcast their embarrassments and preen themselves while doing so. The hope is that, the more vulgarity diffused, the less taxing shame will be for all. The collective swims in their open cesspool of unfettered satisfactions in perfect mutual distraction. Continue reading Social Constructs and The Politics of Shame
