MuslimMatters.org Discourses in the Intellectual Traditions, Political Situation, and Social Ethics of Muslim Life

I recently spent a few weeks in Fez, Morocco–an icon of what many call “traditional Islam.” Fez is often described as a fully preserved medieval city, a sanctuary where premodern rhythms of life still reign. For those unfamiliar with this construct, “traditional Islam” is posited as the authentic alternative to ... Read More »

This is a letter I was forwarded that was written by a sister who was the victim of some harassment for nothing more than being Muslim. This should serve as a wake up call to us. We must work together to prevent these types of things from happening. The letter ... Read More »

When I was 12 or so my best friend and I spent hours looking for hidden meanings in the lyrics of Beatles songs. We played in the barn at her family's country home in the Catskill mountains and acted out the lyrics to “Norwegian Wood.” We didn't realize it was ... Read More »

A couple nights ago I went to a planning meeting for an event at a newly-built local masjid. When I walked into the building a brother quickly directed me to the sisters' section. I told him I was there for the meeting. He said yes, the sisters for the meeting ... Read More »

The Wisdom Behind Calamities: An Islamic Approach Praise be to Allāh.  Yes, there is great wisdom behind calamities, including the following: 1 – To attain true submission and servitude ('uboodiyyah) to Allāh, the Lord of the Worlds. Many people are slaves to their whims and desires and are not true ... Read More »

A reminder to appreciate the blessings of Allāh that we take for granted…   Read More »

I've been thinking about this particular subject quite a bit lately… women's rights, especially Muslim women's rights, is a big thing now. People like Irshad Manji, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Asra Nomani, and Amina Wadud are all aplauded by the Western media because they 'dare' to 'speak out against discrimination of ... Read More »

Here is the third and final part of this essay.  Please see part 1 here and part 2 here. With religion playing such an important role in the life of its believer, it carries the potential to guide their behavior into ethical streams. In this regard, Islam has tremendous emphasis ... Read More »

When someone says the word “masjid,” what's the first thing that comes into your head? Is it a feeling of peace and tranquility as you recall the warmly spiritual atmosphere? Of that aura which is found in every masjid, the feeling that this is a building consecrated to the worship ... Read More »

This is the second of three parts of this essay.  Please see the first part here.  Look for part 3 next Friday! –MuslimMatters  Ladies and Gentlemen, given the less than flattering media attention on Muslim affairs and Islamic topics, the Islamic stance on peace is frequently questioned. However, just as an ... Read More »