I wrote a version of this poem some time ago; this revision seems appropriate to the declaration of "the Islamic State" in what used to be parts of Iraq (and may yet again be parts of Iraq).When Prophet Muhammad came to rule in Medina, he established a multi-religious state where Christian, Jew and Muslim were free to follow their religious beliefs. We are told over and over in the Qur'an that the sins of our brothers, neighbors, co-religionists, and people of other faiths are not our … [Read more...]
Ramadan and individual responsibility
June 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
When I first became Muslim, I figured that I would fast Ramadan every year until I died. Then I got married and got pregnant. I worried about the effect that fasting would have on the development of my unborn baby. Research led me to believe that fasting while pregnant was not a good idea, for the baby or for me. When I looked to the the Qur'an for guidance I was relieved to read: O You who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that y … [Read more...]
Ramadan Mubarak!
June 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
It's that time of year again... the month of Ramadan, a time of joy and community fellowship, of shared devotion to purity and piety. It's difficult to convey why a month of privation is such a meaningful and blessed experience for so many, why people look forward to Ramadan so eagerly. It seems contra-intuitive that a month of fasting from first light to sunset would be something to treasure, and yet for millions of Muslims around the world, Ramadan is indeed a treasured month.I believe … [Read more...]
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