Book Reviews

A Path-Breaking Book on Sirah – Review of The Humanity of Muhammad – A Christian View

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By Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai of Aligarh Muslim University Amid the plethora of the Western writings on Sirah (Prophet Muhammad’s illustrious life and career), the book The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View by Craig Considine. Clifton, N J, USA, Blue Dome Press, 2020. Pp. 165. ISBN: 978-1-68206-529-7, stands out on several counts. Although authored by Craig Considine, Professor…… Continue reading A Path-Breaking Book on Sirah – Review of The Humanity of Muhammad – A Christian View

Book Reviews

Indonesian Book Review of “People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians”

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I am happy to share a new book review of People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians. The review was created by Haris Fatwa, a religious moderation activist at the Islamic Institute, and published on Islamico.co. Below is an English translation of the article’s original title and the review itself. Thank you…… Continue reading Indonesian Book Review of “People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians”

Prophet Muhammad’s “Emotional Intelligence” and the Christians of Najran
Quoted

Prophet Muhammad’s “Emotional Intelligence” and the Christians of Najran

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Dr. Mohamed Bin Ali of the prestigious Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore produced an article on the role of “emotional intelligence” in Christian-Muslim relations, with a specific focus on lessons learned from Prophet Muhammad’s encounters with the Christians of Najran. I am honored to see that he cited two of my books – The…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad’s “Emotional Intelligence” and the Christians of Najran

Politics

The Politics of “Blasphemy” – Pakistan Blocks Wikipedia Over “Sacrilegious” Content

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Censorship is increasing again in Pakistan. Media outlets are reporting that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has banned Wikipedia for hosting “sacrilegious” content that it deems to be “blasphemous.” In previous years, the PTA has blocked social media entities like Facebook and YouTube for similar reasons. Pakistan’s war on knowledge is a personal one for…… Continue reading The Politics of “Blasphemy” – Pakistan Blocks Wikipedia Over “Sacrilegious” Content

Erdoğan Celebrates the “Second Fall” of the Hagia Sophia
Politics

Erdoğan Celebrates the “Second Fall” of the Hagia Sophia

Dr. Craig Considine

The Orthodox Times and several other media outlets covered a recent speech in which Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the president of Turkey, once again celebrated the Hagia Sophia’s conversion into a mosque. The Turkish courts issued a ruling in July 2020 that effectively turned the Hagia Sophia from an interfaith museum into a mosque. Many saw…… Continue reading Erdoğan Celebrates the “Second Fall” of the Hagia Sophia

Politics

Historic Bi-Partisan U.S. Delegation Bolsters Abraham Accords

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

A bi-partisan delegation of US senators recently returned from Bahrain, Israel, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of their trip was to strengthen the Abraham Accords and to pave new roads for deeper collaboration in the near future. Senator Jacky Rosen (Democrat – Nevada), one of the leaders of the delegation alongside…… Continue reading Historic Bi-Partisan U.S. Delegation Bolsters Abraham Accords

Politics

Persecution of Christians Higher Than Ever – Here Are the “Hotspots”

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Open Doors, an international organization that has covered Christian persecution over the last thirty years, recently issued its 2023 World Watch List. The key findings of their latest study are troubling, but not surprising. North Korea is ranked as the worst place in the world to be a Christian. The next twenty countries listed are…… Continue reading Persecution of Christians Higher Than Ever – Here Are the “Hotspots”

Religion

Honoring 9 Ahmadi Muslim Martyrs From Burkina Faso

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

On 11 January, 2023, a group of terrorists entered the Ahmadi Muslim mosque in Mehdi Abad, a remote village in Dori, Burkina Faso. The terrorists forcibly detained leaders of the community and proceeded to carry out a number of executions in the mosque’s courtyard. The details of the attack were shared in a press release…… Continue reading Honoring 9 Ahmadi Muslim Martyrs From Burkina Faso

Politics

It is Time to Speak Up Against Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws

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The Pakistani National Assembly has amended one of its blasphemy laws to increase the punishment for insulting Prophet Muhammad’s companions, wives, and family members, and other sacred personalities. Offenders can face up to 10 years in prison. These kind of laws often target Christians in the form of mob violence. Ahmadi Muslims also are frequently…… Continue reading It is Time to Speak Up Against Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws

Work

The Christmas Story in the Qur’an

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It warms my heart that the “Christmas story” as told in the Bible is also found in the Qur’an. Here it is: The Christmas story begins in Chapter 19, aptly named Mary. The Qur’an (19:16-17) begins, “Recount in the Book how Mary withdrew from her people to an eastern place and kept herself in seclusion…… Continue reading The Christmas Story in the Qur’an

Interfaith

Muhammad and Mary – A Christmas Reflection

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As the Christmas season approaches, let us briefly reflect on the connections between Prophet Muhammad, who considered Jesus his “brother,” and the Virgin Mary, Jesus’s mother. Muhammad and Mary are similar in many ways. One commonality is that both were said to have been visited by the Angel Gabriel to usher in God’s plans for…… Continue reading Muhammad and Mary – A Christmas Reflection

Books

“The Humanity of Muhammad” Named Best Book of All Time

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The world’s leading website for book recommendations by thought leaders has ranked The Humanity of Muhammad – A Christian View (Blue Dome Press 2020) as one of the best books of all time in three categories (#7 in Political Freedom, #13 Middle East History, and #44 in Christian). The Humanity of Muhammad was selected based…… Continue reading “The Humanity of Muhammad” Named Best Book of All Time

Interfaith

Can a Christian Go to Medina?

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

The city of Medina, where Islam emerged and where Prophet Muhammad is buried, is considered the second holiest city in the Islamic tradition, behind Mecca. Since Muhammad’s death in 632, Medina has been virtually “off limits” to visitors who are classified as “non-Muslims.” Medina’s exclusive status, however, could soon be changing in light of significant…… Continue reading Can a Christian Go to Medina?

Sociology

Prophet Muhammad and Community Building

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Prophet Muhammad’s approaches to community building provide us with inspiration in building our own communities today. Exploring his life and legacy is valuable because it entails many positive encounters with ethnic, racial, and religious diversity. Racial harmony Racial inequalities are rife in the United States and beyond. Muhammad did not merely condemn racism; he actively…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad and Community Building

Work

Challenges and Hopes of Interfaith Bridge-Building – Appearance on “Scholar’s Chair”

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Do you want to be a “bridge builder”? If so, prepare to get walked on. A recent event sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Bowie Maryland for Khalil Shadeed’s “Scholar’s Chair” TV program examined this issue through the lens of my new book on Prophet Muhammad’s encounters with Christians. This was a wonderful interfaith gathering.…… Continue reading Challenges and Hopes of Interfaith Bridge-Building – Appearance on “Scholar’s Chair”

Work

A “Gripping Account” of Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

By Roger DeBlanck (@RogerDeBlanck) Acclaimed professor and global speaker Craig Considine follows up his enlightening work The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View with even more valuable historical insights in People of the Book: Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians. His research offers a clarifying view of Muhammad’s remarkable life in order to provide us with…… Continue reading A “Gripping Account” of Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians

Work

New Book Explores What Prophet Muhammad Teaches Us About Christian-Muslim Relations

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What can the relationships between the Prophet Muhammad and ancient Christians teach us about today’s relations between the religions? More than you may think, according to Rice University’s Craig Considine, a lecturer of sociology. He examines these interactions in his newest book, “People of the Book: Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians.” Considine describes the book…… Continue reading New Book Explores What Prophet Muhammad Teaches Us About Christian-Muslim Relations

Work

Order “People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians”

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

What can Prophet Muhammad’s encounters with ancient Christians teach us about today’s relationship between Christianity and Islam? More than you may think, according to Rice University’s Craig Considine, a lecturer of sociology. He examines these interactions in his newest book, People of the Book: Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians. Considine describes the book as biographical…… Continue reading Order “People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians”

Work

“Churmosquagogue” Lays First Bricks For Peace

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Pastor Gregor Hohberg, Rabbi Andreas Nachama and Imam Kadir Sanci are working together A building project by Jews, Christians, and Muslims looking for a place to meet becomes a reality today as faith leaders unite to lay the first bricks for a groundbreaking interfaith structure in the middle of Berlin, Germany. Known as the House…… Continue reading “Churmosquagogue” Lays First Bricks For Peace

Interfaith

The “Churmosquagogue” – Abrahamic Worshippers Unite in Berlin’s “House of One”

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Kuehn Malvezzi’s depiction of the “churmosquagogue,” or the House of One in Berlin – Photo credit – Kuehn Malvezzi Abrahamic worshippers in Berlin have united to create a “churmosquagogue,” a building that will include three places of worship, all under the same roof, for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Harriet Sherwood’s article on the Guardian sheds…… Continue reading The “Churmosquagogue” – Abrahamic Worshippers Unite in Berlin’s “House of One”

History · Islam

7th Century Tiberias Mosque Reveals “Golden Age” of Coexistence

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Aerial view of the excavation site of the mosque in Tiberias. Credit: David Silverman and Yuval Nadel via Spokesman.com A team of archaeologists, led by senior lecturer Katia Cytryn-Silverman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, say they have discovered the ruins of the “Tiberias mosque,” one of the earliest Islamic places of worship dating back…… Continue reading 7th Century Tiberias Mosque Reveals “Golden Age” of Coexistence

Interfaith

First Hijra Symbols Attacked in Ethiopia

Dr. Craig Considine4 Comments

Ethiopia has seen its fair share of violence in recent months. The ongoing conflict (a summary of which can be found at the Washington Post) pits the Ethiopian and Eritrean armies against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The escalating tension has even touched one of the region’s most revered religious buildings – the historical…… Continue reading First Hijra Symbols Attacked in Ethiopia

Work

“Mosque of Jesus Christ” to Heal Christian-Muslim Rift in Kenya

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

The Mosque of Jesus Christ, Son of Mary in Kaloleni, Kisumu County (Kenya). Copyright: The Standard The Standard, one of the largest newspapers in Kenya, published an uplifting story on the “Mosque of Jesus Christ, Son of Mary” in Kaloleni, Kisumu County (Kenya). The mosque’s name was carefully chosen by the local Muslim Association in…… Continue reading “Mosque of Jesus Christ” to Heal Christian-Muslim Rift in Kenya

Interfaith

“House of One” Unites Jews, Christians, and Muslims Under One Roof

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

The proposed “House of One” building in Berlin, Germany. Copyright: House of One Berlin Facebook page Jews, Christians, and Muslims all worshipping together under a single roof. Imagine that. This “dream scenario” will become a reality (God willing) in 2023. The House of One project of Berlin, Germany is an inter-religious building that will include…… Continue reading “House of One” Unites Jews, Christians, and Muslims Under One Roof

History

Jesus’s Childhood Home Revealed, According to U.K. Archaeologist

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The first-century house underneath the Sisters of Nazareth Convent showing a rock-cut wall and arched doorway. (Copyright K.R. Dark) Recent archaeological research is shedding new light on an ancient convent in Nazareth that a U.K. archaeologist believes is the childhood home of Jesus. A Fox News article by James Rogers discussed this research in light…… Continue reading Jesus’s Childhood Home Revealed, According to U.K. Archaeologist

Work

People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

I am happy to announce the forthcoming publication of my seventh book – People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians. People of the Book will be published in May 2021 by Hurst Publishers, an independent non-fiction publisher based in the Bloomsbury area of London. Hurst specializes in books on global affairs and…… Continue reading People of the Book – Prophet Muhammad’s Encounters with Christians

Work

“The Humanity of Muhammad” With Craig Considine and Jonathan Brown

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I very much enjoyed a dynamic & engaging conversation with ProfessorJonathan Brown of Georgetown University. We explored topics on a range of personal & public matters. The Risala Foundation provided the platform for this memorable event. Thank you to all who participated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cFn3tDuZqo

Work

Embracing Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings – A Review of “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

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Book Review of The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View By Roger Deblanck A few years ago, I discovered Dr. Craig Considine’s inspiring posts on Twitter and Instagram, where he often shares his recognition of the many similarities among the beliefs of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Now with his inspiring and empowering book The Humanity…… Continue reading Embracing Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings – A Review of “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

Work

The State of Christian-Muslim Relations – An Interview with Al Jazeera Balkans

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Dr. Craig Considine appears on Recite Al Jazeeri to discuss several subjects with host Harun Karčić. These subjects include The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View (Considine’s new book), the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia, religious pluralism, secularization, Islamophobia, and building bridges between Christians and Muslims. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA8P4zwgV-4&t=506s

Work

Irish Catholic Professor’s Take on Prophet Muhammad

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Source: PR Web Craig Considine is a professor of Christian-Muslim relations and religious pluralism. An American Catholic of Irish and Italian descent, his personal journey in the pursuit of knowledge led him to study the Islamic faith and contemporary Christian-Muslim relations. He travels throughout the world discussing the similarities, as opposed to differences, that Christianity…… Continue reading Irish Catholic Professor’s Take on Prophet Muhammad

Interfaith

The Hope in Shared Spaces of Prayer

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Photo by Dan Rosenstein via Unsplash In the West Bank city of Hebron, Jews and Muslims share an ancient shrine known to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs and to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque. Abraham (or Ibrahim in Arabic) is believed to be buried at this sacred site. So too are Sarah, Isaac,…… Continue reading The Hope in Shared Spaces of Prayer

Politics

Hagia Sophia and “Whataboutism”

Dr. Craig Considine5 Comments

What is “whataboutism”? Oxford Dictionaries defines it as: The technique or practice of responding to an accusation or difficult question by making a counter-accusation or raising a different issue. An example of this Soviet propaganda technique is when a headline that reads “The Hagia Sophia should remain a museum” is met with the comment, “What…… Continue reading Hagia Sophia and “Whataboutism”

Books

Order “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

Dr. Craig Considine12 Comments

What makes an American Catholic of Irish and Italian descent one of the leading global voices in admiration of Prophet Muhammad? In this overview of Muhammad’s life and legacy, prominent scholar Craig Considine provides a sociological analysis of Muhammad’s teachings and example. Considine shows how the Prophet embraced religious pluralism, envisioned a civic nation, stood…… Continue reading Order “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

Interviews

Prophet Muhammad, COVID-19, and Islamophobia – Al Jazeera Interview

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Al Jazeera (Arabic) hosted Dr. Craig Considine for a discussion on his March 2020 Newsweek article related to Prophet Muhammad’s recommendations on dealing with a pandemic like COVID-19. The discussion also examines Islamophobia, religiosity, and bridge building between people of different faiths. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaJOLk3P1es&t=1s

Talks

A Prophetic Call To Welcome Refugees – Muhammad’s Example

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Refugee stories are part of our common history. Prophet Muhammad was a refugee. Jesus was a refugee. Mary, his mother, was a refugee. Joseph, too. Moses was a refugee. Abraham was a refugee. Rejecting the most vulnerable among us is an affront to the prophets. How would Muhammad himself approach a refugee crisis? I answered…… Continue reading A Prophetic Call To Welcome Refugees – Muhammad’s Example

Talks

Inspired by Prophet Muhammad – Interview With “Muslims 4 Peace”

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Representatives of Muslims 4 Peace, an organization that aims to bridge people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds through interfaith activities, interviewed Dr. Considine on a range of topics including (but not limited to) the life and legacy of Prophet Muhammad and effective ways of engaging in interfaith work. The interview was conducted in February…… Continue reading Inspired by Prophet Muhammad – Interview With “Muslims 4 Peace”

Work

International Media Feature Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings to Fight Coronavirus

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The 14-centuries-old sayings of Prophet Muhammad, which advocated for unprecedented sanitary measures, have attracted the attention of international media amid the novel coronavirus crisis, reports Morocco World News. The founder of Islam, Muhammad, had incredible tips for combatting infectious diseases and surviving a pandemic, as highlighted by ABC (Spain). US magazine relies on Prophet Muhammad’s…… Continue reading International Media Feature Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings to Fight Coronavirus

Books

Pre-Order “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

PRE-ORDER HERE The publication of The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View has been postponed due to the coronavirus. Originally scheduled to be published on May 1st, 2020, the book is now likely available in August 2020. God willing. Here is the book’s description: “What makes an American Catholic of Irish and Italian descent one…… Continue reading Pre-Order “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

Commentary

Prophet Muhammad and Coronavirus: Prayer is Not Enough

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

The following article was first published on Newsweek.com. Here is an excerpt: Perhaps most importantly, [Prophet Muhammad] knew when to balance faith with reason. In recent weeks, some have gone so far as to suggest that prayer would be better at keeping you from the coronavirus than adhering to basic rules of social distancing and…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad and Coronavirus: Prayer is Not Enough

Why Muslims are Vital to American Progress – A Discussion Between Dalia Mogahed and Dr. Craig Considine
Talks

Why Muslims are Vital to American Progress – A Discussion Between Dalia Mogahed and Dr. Craig Considine

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For almost two decades Muslim Americans have been telling the world what they condemn and what they are not. It’s time to show the world who they are and what they contribute. In this research driven lecture hosted by the Hub Foundation, Dalia Mogahed, the Director of Research of the Institute for Social Policy and…… Continue reading Why Muslims are Vital to American Progress – A Discussion Between Dalia Mogahed and Dr. Craig Considine

A Christian Appreciates the Contributions of Muslims to American Society
Talks

A Christian Appreciates the Contributions of Muslims to American Society

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I want you all to please get comfortable because we are going to use our imaginations for a bit. Okay? I want you to imagine the following story as a book that has yet to be published. Picture it as a draft of sorts. When I am finished in ten minutes, perhaps all of us,…… Continue reading A Christian Appreciates the Contributions of Muslims to American Society

Talks

Special Dialogue on Christian-Muslim Relations at Moravian Academy

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On Monday, November 18th, the Moravian community received a special visit from Craig Considine, Ph.D., a Lecturer in the Sociology Department at Rice University in Houston, TX. Flanked by nine students representing the classes of 2020-2023, Dr. Considine engaged in a vivid dialogue revolving around issues of Muslim-Christian relations in front of the fully gathered…… Continue reading Special Dialogue on Christian-Muslim Relations at Moravian Academy

Books

New Book Connects Prophet Muhammad to U.S. Founding Fathers

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By Amy McCaig What did Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, think about freedom of religion and women’s rights? Did the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson imagine Muslims as future citizens of the United States? What is it really like to be a follower of the Islamic faith in the U.S.? A new, first-of-its-kind…… Continue reading New Book Connects Prophet Muhammad to U.S. Founding Fathers

Books

New Book – Islam in America: Exploring the Issues

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Dr. Craig Considine’s fourth book – Islam in America: Exploring the Issues (ABC-CLIO 2019) – is a first-of-its-kind reference work that synthesizes Islamic teachings, the example of Prophet Muhammad, & the vision of the U.S. Founding Fathers.

Interfaith

Introducing the Abrahamic Family House

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Sally Mousa sent me an article last week that really warmed my heart and soul. The title of the article is “UAE vision of interfaith harmony takes shape in Abrahamic House of Fraternity.” Reporting for The National, Arthur MacMillan provides the details. Officially known as the Abrahamic Family House, the complex (pictured above) will be…… Continue reading Introducing the Abrahamic Family House

Commentary

Jews, Christians, and Muslims See Eye to Eye

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Freedom of religion in Islamic history is not merely a theory or a figment of our imagination. It is a historical reality. Consider the following examples: When the Christians of Najran visited Muhammad’s mosque in Medina When the Abyssinian King welcomed Muslim refugees during the first hijra When the Jews and Muslims came together and…… Continue reading Jews, Christians, and Muslims See Eye to Eye

Interviews

What Makes an American Catholic Professor a Global Voice Speaking in Admiration of Prophet Muhammad?

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Dr. Craig Considine speaks to Sally Mousa of Life Beats on Pulse 95 Radio in the United Arab Emirates about his personal journey and belief in Prophet Muhammad.

Personal

Muhammad, Humanity, and Christian Religiosity

Dr. Craig Considine5 Comments

Greetings of peace to those of you who are new to this page (and peace to those who have been here for a while). Every now and then it is important for me to make this kind of post, as there seems to be some questions around who I am, what I stand for, and…… Continue reading Muhammad, Humanity, and Christian Religiosity

Racialization and Racism

Video: Prophet Muhammad – The World’s First Anti-Racist

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Prophet Muhammad is recognized as the world’s first “anti-racist.” He knew racism was a disease of the heart and mind. He made it clear that no person is superior to another by virtue of race. He was the first person in history to assert that: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab… a white…… Continue reading Video: Prophet Muhammad – The World’s First Anti-Racist

Irish History · Irish identity · Palestine · Talks

Lecture: Why Do the Irish Support Palestine?

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Dr. Craig Considine explores the reasons why the Irish support the Palestinian cause of freedom. Considine focuses on several historical similarities between the history of Ireland and Palestine including themes like settler colonialism, ethnic cleansing, dehumanization, and racial and religious institutionalized bigotry. The talk was given at the River Oaks Islamic Center in Houston, TX…… Continue reading Lecture: Why Do the Irish Support Palestine?