Recently I read Fawaz A. Gerges’ latest book, “Obama and the Middle East: The End of America’s Moment?” (2012). Gerges is a professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics & Political Science. I must admit, that I was skeptical at first, and did not think there would be anything new, but after reading it, I was shocked to learn some of the insights on US foreign policy over the past almost 70 years since World War II.... Read more
Islam and Muslims have been in the news often over the past 11 years. Ever since the tragic events of Sept. 11th, 2001, the US Media has been fascinated to know what the Qur’an – the holy scriptures of Islam, actually teaches and instructs it’s followers to do. Many Muslims, as well as Non-Muslims, unfairly take quotes from the Qur’an out of context and use them to justify acts of violence, ill treatment of people of other faiths, and oppression of... Read more
Here are some good recipes for EID day. These came from Cooking Fanatic Nyela G. in Mississauga, Canada. She can be reached via email at [email protected] Sheer Korma (“Milk with Dates” in Urdu – it is a popular sweet dish eaten on the Morning of Eid) Ingredients: 5 cups milk 1/2 packet vermicelli noodles 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup blanched almonds 1/2 cup pistachios 4 small cardamom pods 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 cup oil Directions: In a pot, boil milk. Add... Read more
Does the first experience of Ramadan begin the same for everyone? It all depends on the time and where this all takes place. Consider the time to be during the year 1955 or early 1956, and the place was Oakland when I experienced my first month of fasting. I don’t remember for sure just what time of year it was since time has elapsed. The ordinary calendars said nothing about when Ramadan should begin. There was very little printed literature... Read more
Here are some good recipes for helping to recover from those long summer day fasts this Ramadan. These came from Cooking Fanatic Nyela G. in Mississauga, Canada. She can be reached via email at [email protected] Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Figs with yogurt Ingredients · 1 cup full-fat yogurt · 1 orange · 1/2 cup of water · 2 cinnamon sticks · 5 whole cloves · ... Read more
The New McCarthyism: Islamophobia, American Muslims, and the Progressive Response is a three part online course presented by Jason Van Boom on how progressives and American Muslims can fight Islamophobia. This three week course running from July 23rd to August 6, 2012 gives an insider’s candid perspective on Islamophobia and American Muslims, and the implications for progressives of all faiths and none. Drawing from his professional experience working with Islamic nonprofits, his scholarly expertise in the history of religion, and... Read more
Here are the top 10 items which the American Muslim Community should do if they do NOT want to build a new Mosque: 10. If your community finds a good sized piece of land (or an existing building) at a good price, then don’t look into the zoning or check to see if a religious assembly can legally be held there! You can figure out the zoning later, after you have bought the land and invested a lot of the... Read more
“Is that the new moon for Ramadan?…no wait…it’s the Bat Signal!” For movie geeks, the third and final film in director Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises,” is opening up in theaters on July 20th, 2012 – which coincidentally is the 1st day or night of Ramadan (depending on if you follow local moon sighting or not)! There has been much discussion online on whether or not young Muslims should go and watch the movie because of... Read more
This Video Discussion is from “The Muslim Round Table Television” (MRT) Show, which I produced a few years back. This episode was guest hosted by Audrey Peard and features 3 professional American Muslim women (A Marketing Manager, Retired Nurse and a 6th Grade School Teacher). They have an interesting discussion on misconceptions and stereotypes of Muslim Women, as well as how they balance their work and family life. Check it out here: MRT: Professional Muslim Women Peace Irfan p.s. The... Read more
Here is a link to a Video interview with Toronto Maple Leaf Professional Hockey Player, Nazem Kadri, which I originally produced for ILLUME magazine: Interview with Toronto Maple Leafs Professional Hockey Player Nazem Kadri Nazem made his NHL debut on February 8, 2010 against the San Jose Sharks. His parents immigrated to Canada from the small town of Kferdenis in Lebanon. Kadri was born in October 1990 in London, Ontario in Canada. The professional hockey player started skating when he was... Read more
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