islamophobia

Throughout the Quran, Allah encourages us to think, wonder, consider, and imagine. He has even advised us that the successful people decide their affairs by putting their heads together:  Ameruhum Shura Bainahum (Quran 42:38).

Muslims are asked about women in Islam almost as much as terrorism. Sadly, a number of brothers make the problem worse without realizing it. Here are some suggested tips for brothers talking about women in Islam.

Hate speech harms, and it kills. It is the match waiting to be lighted by extremists on either side. The question is, what will the silent majority on both the Western and Muslim sides do now to ensure that nothing like the violence we have seen in the last week is ever repeated again?

This open letter to Anwar Awlaki was written as a response to his promotion of terrorism, in particular the 2008 Fort Hood killings, which he praised. It is an attempt to offer a point-by-point rebuttal. If left unchallenged, it is possible that some other youth who respect him as an Islamic scholar may act on his false theology of anger.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, Muslims in this country have been under siege. While at least 700,000 Muslims have been interviewed by law enforcement, the story of what Muslims are going through has not really been quantified.

Our society is moving toward greater polarization, and more needs to be done to mediate anger and hate in our country. The bloodshed is a stark reminder that we need mercy more than ever as hate, anger, and intolerance rise around the world.

I used to be asked this question in Pakistan as well: are you Pakistani first or Muslim first? Yet, it has always made me uncomfortable, it forces you to feel that the two: religious and national identity, are somehow mutually exclusive.