From what I’ve seen, more people are engaging with the latest Holy Land crisis than ever before. People who never cared about international issues in the past are interested. Most are willing to learn. There will always be some who have it all figured out, but their numbers may be dwindling a bit. (NOTE: Before I jump into today’s topic, I want to clarify something from one of my Ramadan posts: when I talked about people who are unable to... Read more
Ramadan is coming to an end soon – for this year. But it will come around again, roughly April 2 – May 2, 2022. There are ways that Christians can come alongside our Muslim sisters and brothers. Let me tell you about what we did in Rockford, Illinois. I hope you’ll be inspired to start planning a similar event in your neck of the woods for next Ramadan! As I’ve talked about before, I got involved with interfaith work when... Read more
A number of readers have taken my husband and me up on our offer to answer your Ramadan questions. Today we will field questions about fasting. (If you have been wondering about something Ramadan-related (or Islam in general-related), you can send an email to [email protected]. We will answer as many as we can in the coming days. Also, please subscribe to my newsletter for more posts – usually 2-3 per week – on interfaith, exvangelicalism, and sometimes, politics! So, questions... Read more
To Muslims, the whole month of Ramadan is precious, but the Night of Power is extra-extra special. I want to tell you a little about it today. (For previous posts on Ramadan, go here. To subscribe to my newsletter, go here.) The Arabic name for this holy night is Laylat al-Qadr (LAY-lat al-KUD-er). “Night of Power” is a compelling name for the occasion, but oddly nobody knows its exact date. There are legends, leading many to believe that it is... Read more
Raising a family as expats in Saudi Arabia for five years was the most unique experience of my life (and that’s saying something). Today I want to tell you a little about the culture shock and distinct pleasure we experienced when we moved there. My husband grew up as a Palestinian refugee in Saudi Arabia, and most of his family still lives there, so he’s very comfortable with the language and lifestyle. He left Saudi for the States to get... Read more
Today’s Ramadan anecdote is one you’ll be hard-pressed to believe – it’s something we in the West can’t imagine, an age-old ritual that is still practiced today in parts of the Muslim world. (By the way, I apologize for being away so long. Real life got temporarily super-hectic, but inshallah I’m back!) The word is musaharati (moo-sa-ha-RA-tee), and it comes from the same root as suhoor (suh-HOOR), the pre-dawn meal that is eaten just before the fast begins each day. The... Read more
Dear friends, I have a very special Ramadan story for you today. If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that my husband was born in the Gaza Strip, and my full-time gig is researching and writing about the Israel/Palestine issue. I’ve written about the subject several times on Patheos (for example, here, here, and here). About a year ago, I received a Facebook message from someone in Gaza claiming to be a relative. Sure enough, it was the granddaughter... Read more
We’re up to Day Eleven of Ramadan, and I’m trying to type quietly as my husband naps next to me. Mashallah, he is doing well so far. If he plays his cards right, there might be some qatayf in his future (a food you’ll read about below, and want to try immediately). I’m sure he misses his parents more during this month than the rest of the year – especially his mom, the most incredible cook! I enjoy cooking special... Read more
Today, join me as I reminisce about my time living in Saudi Arabia, and the time I crossed the border carrying contraband! (Cue suspenseful music.) About 1,000 years ago, I spent 5 years living in the Magic Kingdom, Saudi Arabia. Those were fascinating times, full of new experiences and lessons about humanity. (About 500 years ago, I went for another 5-year stint, also unforgettable. I’ll write about that another time. Subscribe to my newsletter? I write often about my life... Read more
Yesterday, I told you about a word that reminds me of the Creator: subhanallah (glory to God). Today I want to share a few more words with you that are common in Muslim culture – words that also serve to remind one of God in different ways. (Sign up for my newsletter so you won’t miss a post!) Mashallah (ma-sha-LA) While subhanallah is a reminder of God’s splendor, mashallah is a reminder of God’s kindness. As I experienced it, the word... Read more
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