Category: Society & Culture
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Strangers Upon the Earth: Musings on Life and Home
Exploring the notion of home, bringing together personal reflections on travel and spirituality with poetic musings on love and nostalgia.
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The Crucified Lover of God: Martyrdom in Al-Ḥallāj’s Poetry
The crucified lover of God stands in front of the court of Baghdad unfazed, crying, “Kill me, O my faithful friends….” He goes silent and Abu al-Ḥārith, his executioner, strikes him in the face, breaking his nose, blood running down his clothing.1 This moment of unspeakable cruelty for al-Ḥallāj was transformed into an act of…
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Development of Islamic Scholarship in the 16th Century: Shaykh Zayn al-Dīn Makhdūm and the Indian Ocean Network
Shaykh Ahmed Zayn al-Dīn al-Makhdūm II, a prominent Sunni scholar from Malabar born in 1531, was pivotal in Islamic education in the region. After studying in the Hijaz, he became a renowned teacher and author of key Islamic texts. He passed away in 1583, leaving a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship.
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The Quran in the South Indian Linguistic World
This article examines the Quran’s influence on the Mappila Muslim community in South India’s Malabar region, highlighting diverse Quranic literature and practices. It explores Quranic teachings in madrasas, local customary practices, and the role of translations in shaping identity, emphasizing the community’s unique engagement with Islam.
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Language Preservation as Cultural and Spiritual Resistance
Encouraging parents to speak their native languages with their children promotes cultural identity and connection, supports familial bonds. Speaking native languages enhances children’s cognitive development and moral understanding.
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Malabar Women and Domestic Religion
This work examines the significance of religion among Malabar Muslims, particularly focusing on older women as key figures in transmitting religious values. It highlights the role of domestic practices and online platforms that emerged during the pandemic, emphasizing how these changes have both positive effects and challenges on spiritual engagement and community connections.
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The Sophist Has Logged In: Truth in the Age of Influence
The resurgence of Sophistic rhetoric in modern politics and social media highlights a concern over ethical communication. This article explores how influencers and politicians often prioritize persuasion over truth, echoing ancient Sophists’ tactics. It emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards sincerity and integrity, guided by Islamic ethics to restore honest discourse.
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Beyond Colonialism and the Deobandi Imperative
Shaykh Amin’s address highlights the psychological impact of colonization on Muslims, linking current struggles to historical traumas. He emphasizes self-empowerment through adherence to Islamic values, urging a shift from despair to hope. By studying the Quran and the Prophet’s life, Muslims can overcome “post-colonial PTSD” and regain unity and purpose.
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Preserving Islamic Culture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Reflective Inquiry
The content emphasizes the need for Muslims to navigate the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) thoughtfully and ethically, preserving their spiritual and cultural heritage. It argues against blindly adopting technology, urging a conscious engagement rooted in Islamic values to maintain communal relationships, spiritual depth, and moral integrity in a rapidly changing world.
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Impact of Sufi Saints on Cultural Syncretism in Northeast India
Northeast India’s cultural history showcases a blend of traditions. Political shifts threaten this syncretism, but centuries of Sufi spiritual movements promoted harmony. The region’s literature, music, and festivals highlight coexistence.