Best Inspirational Moments (IMHO) from First Days of Rio Olympics

Last updated on: August 9, 2016 at 12:49 pm By Dilshad Ali

Embed from Getty Images Hello. Lifelong Olympic junkie here, getting my kicks from the big-name and little-known athletes whose stories, endeavors, trials and tribulations squeeze the world’s collective heart. From feeling the heartache as a child when speed skater Dan Jansen failed to medal (or complete) both of his events upon hearing of the death of his sister at the 1988 winter games, to the North and South Korean athletes putting politics aside marching together in the Opening Ceremonies of... Read more

The Most Epic 6 Moments (Thus Far) from the Khizr and Ghazala Khan Story

Last updated on: August 2, 2016 at 8:48 pm By Dilshad Ali

Embed from Getty Images The Khans vs. Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump is the battle that just keeps holding the public’s attention way past the usual news cycle (much to the delight of many Muslims across the country). Four days after Khizr Khan made his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Trump was still tweeting comments about it, as the story quickly turned its focus on Ghazala Khan and her silence during her husband’s speech. Could an Elder Muslim... Read more

7 Good, Bad and Ugly ‘Muslim Moments’ from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions

Last updated on: July 29, 2016 at 6:42 pm By Dilshad Ali

Embed from Getty Images American Muslims – discussions about, insults and accusations, praises, accolades and acceptance – were a center focus in the recent Republican and Democratic National Conventions. From Khizr Khan’s well-received speech in honor of his slain son, Captain Humayun Khan, to the invocation by Dr. Sherman Jackson at the DNC, to at the RNC where Sajid Tarar, a Muslim supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump gave an invocation while being booed – the pendulum of... Read more

On Autism and Trust: The Saddest Happy Person

Last updated on: July 25, 2016 at 5:23 pm By Dilshad Ali

I’m either the happiest sad person in the world, or the saddest happiest person. We have the whole day to ourselves, just me and D. So I ask him – what do you want to do? We can go swimming! We could go to Jumpology! We could go to the park. We could go get fries. Whatever you want. He pauses for a minute, contemplating his choices, and then pulls me to our bed, which I’ve deliberately left unmade. We... Read more

Adnan Syed Granted a Retrial, ‘He’s Not Convicted Anymore.’

Last updated on: June 30, 2016 at 7:03 pm By Dilshad Ali

From one of the first blog posts Rabia Chaudry wrote about her childhood friend, Adnan Syed: For 15 years I’ve believed Adnan as he’s held on to his innocence. It has been a drawn out trauma for those of us who know and love Adnan. I’ve run around with his case files for years, sometimes in the trunk of my car, sometimes storing them at my mothers, sometimes at Adnan’s parents. I held on to them through a bad marriage,... Read more

‘I Will Love Until My Own Pulse Stops’ – Multiple Reflections on Orlando Shootings

Last updated on: June 12, 2016 at 6:43 pm By Dilshad Ali

To witness the world of beauty and oneness around the funeral of the people’s champ, Muhammad Ali, last week and less than 48 hours later wake up to the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida – the worst mass shooting in recent U.S. history – by a man named Omar Mateen … well, words are insufficient to express how so very awful, sad and horrible this all is. It’s so very Pollyanna of me to say so,... Read more

In Life and in Death, Muhammad Ali Proved to the World You can be Unapologetically Black, Muslim and American

Last updated on: June 10, 2016 at 5:46 pm By Dilshad Ali

Today the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, is holding a political rally in my city of Richmond, VA. Hundreds of miles away in Louisville, KY, thousands upon thousands have gathered to see an Imam facilitate an interfaith memorial service for one of the most beloved Americans of our time – who happens to be a Muslim. The juxtaposition of those events today leaves no doubt in my mind that there is something extraordinary happening through the grace of God... Read more

How Muhammad Ali’s Janaza Prayer is His Last Gift to Muslims and the World

Last updated on: June 8, 2016 at 9:43 pm By Dilshad Ali

Tomorrow our beloved champ, G.O.A.T. and one of the most influential American Muslims of our generation — Muhammad Ali — will be laid to rest and have the Janaza prayer performed. It is a supremely solemn and profound moment for so many – Black Muslims, American Muslims, Muslims in general, sports fans and people the world who all felt a connection to the People’s Champ. It’s also an intensely moving and significant moment because Ali passed away in the first week... Read more

Ask Your Doctor About ‘Islamophobin’!

Last updated on: May 25, 2016 at 5:38 pm By Dilshad Ali

Do you suffer from fear of Muslims? Bigotry? Worse? This new drug might be the answer to restore your humanity! According to the literature: ISLAMOPHOBIN® is a multi-symptom relief for chronic Islamophobia. The maximum strength formula treats: Blind Intolerance Unthinking Bigotry Irrational Fear of Muslims U.S. Presidential Election Year Scapegoating SIDE EFFECTS Side effects include loss of Islamophobia and bigotry, development of ability to think rationally, and allowing you to see people for who they really are. Call your doctor if... Read more

“Speechless” – ABC’s new Fall Comedy Focuses on Disability

Last updated on: May 24, 2016 at 12:23 pm By Dilshad Ali

I’ll admit, this one got me kind of excited and laughing. As ABC is rolling out its promos for its new upcoming shows and comedies, I happened to catch the trailer for “Speechless,” a new half-hour sitcom slated for the Fall 2016 schedule. It’s described as: “Maya DiMeo (Minnie Driver) is a mother who is willing to do anything for her family. Her son, JJ (Michah Fowler) has cerebral palsy and she will fight for justice in order to give... Read more