In 1870 a prodigal child named Muhammad was born in the mountains of Shawkani in Yemen to a scholarly family. This child received his Islamic training in the Zaydi school …
Impediments in “Holding onto Allah”
Every day in our Salat, we repeatedly make one humble request to Allah, our Creator and Sustainer: `Guide us the Straight Way.’ (al-Fatiha 1:4) It is only by seeking and …
Social Media: A Force for Good
The 21st century has ushered in a new era of electronic gadgets and innovative online ideas that have taken the world by storm. Things like the iPad 2, the Samsung …
Social Media: Nector or Poison
Here we are again, on a path that is not unfamiliar to the Boomers and Gen Xers. Change, which we have grown accustomed to, is inevitable. Every change is an …
Impact of Media and Social Media on Islam and Muslims
Do you remember what your life was like ten years ago? How you communicated with people? How you received your news? Shared information? In this past decade our lives have …
Blogging Our Way to Understanding
Plowing the Land Growing up Muslim in America entailed quite the ensemble of “different” experiences. I stood out in elementary school for the ethnic foods packed lovingly by ‘Ummi in …
The Tea Party’s Dangerous Agenda
From 1831 until 1840, French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville traveled throughout the United States recording his observations of the religious, social, and political life of the American people. His …
Injustice in Syria
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: O My servants! I have forbidden injustice to Myself and I have made it unlawful for you, so do not oppress …
What Everyone Should Know About Shariah
The newest buzzword these days is ‘Shariah.’ As several states scramble to pass legislation to outlaw Shariah, a hyped fear and persistent confusion surrounds this loaded term. Most people who …
Understanding Shariah
Shariah is not limited to societal laws and a penal system. It includes divine directives regarding every aspect of a Muslim’s life. Referring to Shariah simply as “Islamic law” is …