Linda Sarsour and That Dreaded J-Word: Jihad

Last updated on: July 19, 2017 at 2:30 pm By Ejaz Naqvi, MD

How did you respond to the speech of Linda Sarsour at the ISNA convention last week about Jihad? Do you believe that Jihad means ‘kill all infidels’? Let me separate the facts from fiction on her speech and what Jihad means from an Islamic perspective, despite the right wing’s claims and propaganda. The fact is that unfortunately some Muslims also have misconceptions about Jihad. Linda, a fearless Palestinian Muslim American woman, and a champion for Women’s causes and a... Read more

4th of July: Independence From What?

Last updated on: July 11, 2017 at 6:35 pm By Ejaz Naqvi, MD

Question to my readers It may seem directed at my Christian readers but it is a general question to all readers. When Jesus said “Love your neighbor”, did he put an asterisk on the ‘neighbor’? In other words did he say “Love your neighbor except if they are blacks, whites, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, gays, immigrants, Latinos…”? The independence of our nation on this July 4th is a stark reminder of the foundations our nation was built upon. What is the... Read more

Interfaith Dialogue: What It Is and What It Is Not

Last updated on: February 22, 2018 at 8:20 am By Ejaz Naqvi, MD

Before we get into what the interfaith dialogue entails, let me start by making it clear what interfaith dialogue is NOT about. Interfaith dialogue is not intended for converting people to your faith! This is a question that so many people, Muslims, and people of other faiths have asked me when I invite them to be part of the interfaith dialogue in their communities. They sometimes ask, “how many people have you converted to Islam in your years of working... Read more

101 Myths about Islam: Three Myths about Fasting and Ramadan

Last updated on: June 21, 2017 at 10:04 pm By Ejaz Naqvi, MD

I know I may be a little late talking about Ramadan given that we have just a few days left this year before the month ends. However, it is not too late to dispel some myths we have about fasting. This includes Muslims. Muslims are very aware of all the blessings during this holy month and I hope we, the Muslims, did our best to earn them. It is a month when we are, supposedly, on our best behavior. Charitable... Read more

Spiritual Travelogue of a Born-Again Muslim

Last updated on: June 28, 2017 at 11:21 am By Ejaz Naqvi, MD

My Christian friends frown at my courage to steal the ‘born again’ Christian concept, though what it really means is a matter of considerable debate within various Christian denominations but in its essence it simply indicates a Christian finding salvation in Jesus. Read more