Commentary · Politics

How George Washington and Prophet Muhammad Would React to Hate Speech

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

In a recent article for Yahoo Contributors Network, Maryam Khan Ansari wrote about how internet postings with anti-Muslim hate messages may soon be subject to federal criminal laws. In her article, Ansari discussed how Bill Killian, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, has plans to use federal civil rights laws to curb hate speech,…… Continue reading How George Washington and Prophet Muhammad Would React to Hate Speech

Commentary

An Unlikely Connection Between the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Dr. Craig Considine14 Comments

In seventh century Arabia, a middle-aged man had a vision to create a new religious and social order for a largely pagan and tribal society. The man, Muhammad, told his band of followers to behave wisely and civilly. “The best among you,” he said, “are those who have the best manners and character.” More than…… Continue reading An Unlikely Connection Between the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Commentary

Being Accused of Writing Like a “Devout Muslim” is an Honor

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Interfaith

Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher-King

Dr. Craig Considine4 Comments

By Craig Considine for Huffington Post Akbar the Great, ruler of most of South Asia in the 16th and early 17th century, rejected bigotry and made unprecedented moves to help non-Muslims feel at peace in his Mughal empire. In reflecting more closely upon his character and conduct, we can see how Akbar’s actions are antithetical…… Continue reading Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher-King

Pictures · Quoted

Rumi’s Advice on Tolerance, Compassion and Love

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This picture was taken at the annual Muslim Day Parade in New York City in the fall of 2008. I did not take this picture in black and white. It has been doctored using some software.

Quoted

“To go forward is to move towards perfection” – Khalil Gibran

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Taken while hiking An Spinc (“Pointed Hill”) in Glendalough, Ireland in 2011. That’s me in the picture.

Work

Responses to Memorial Day article honoring Muslim veterans

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Here are some of the responses to my latest piece for the Huffington Post Religion: Honoring Muslim American Soldiers on Memorial Day. At the moment the article has received over 460 comments. In quickly scanning through them I have broken those comments down into 5 different categories. The responses are wide-ranging, but I think in general…… Continue reading Responses to Memorial Day article honoring Muslim veterans

News

Humanizing and Honoring Muslim American Veterans

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

By Sakina Al-Amin for Examiner Interfaith activist and contributor to Huffington Post, Craig Considine, sheds light on some of the Muslim Americans who took part in protecting Americas as patriotic citizens and lovers of this nation: Honoring Muslim American Veterans on Memorial Day. In the piece Considine mentions more than three Muslims by name and…… Continue reading Humanizing and Honoring Muslim American Veterans

Outreach

Honoring Muslim American Veterans on Memorial Day

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

On May 27th, Americans will celebrate Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for the men and women who have died fighting in the United States armed forces. On this Memorial Day, I want to draw attention to the Muslim Americans who have died in battle for the United States. In doing so I hope to…… Continue reading Honoring Muslim American Veterans on Memorial Day

Pictures

“For Those Who Love With Their Heart and Soul”

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About a year ago Melony and I visited a beautiful place called Glencolumbkille, Ireland. We found the beautiful Maghera Beach on a memorable day trip.

Pictures

Pictures of Beautiful Churches in Europe

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Here’s a collection of pictures I’ve taken over the years in traveling throughout Europe. The churches range from Catholic, to Protestant, to Greek Orthodox in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Ireland. Below you will see massive cathedrals in major cities but also little parishes in the middle of nowhere. I hope to add to this gallery as…… Continue reading Pictures of Beautiful Churches in Europe

Uncategorized

An Islamic History Lesson for the Leader of the English Defence League

Dr. Craig Considine6 Comments

Follow Craig Considine on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ToBeCraig Tommy Robinson, leader of the anti-Muslim group English Defence League, used some racy language in his response to the recent killing of a British soldier by a young British Muslim man in Woolwich, London. Referring to the actions and religion of the murderer, Robinson stated that “This is Islam… They’ve…… Continue reading An Islamic History Lesson for the Leader of the English Defence League

Poems

“Springtime of lovers”

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Outreach

Pluralist working towards making interfaith cooperation a norm in U.S.

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

A great interview with Interfaith Youth Core founder Eboo Patel is up on Real Clear Religion. Patel, who wrote a nice review of Akbar Ahmed’s documentary Journey into America, which I directed, is one of the most important leaders in the U.S. today for his impressive work in promoting pluralism and interfaith dialogue. RealClearReligion: What is…… Continue reading Pluralist working towards making interfaith cooperation a norm in U.S.

Travels

“Our Lady of Peace:” The Abbaye Ecole in Sorèze

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

In the summer of 2009 I travelled to Sorèze, an enchanted village in the south of France.  The purpose of the trip was to screen my documentary Journey into America at the Culture and Cultures Intercultural International film festival at the Château de Padiès, a mansion built on the site of a former castle, located in the outskirts…… Continue reading “Our Lady of Peace:” The Abbaye Ecole in Sorèze

Religion

U.S. State Department report means the battle for tolerance and understanding goes on

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A new report carried out by the U.S. State Department found that discrimination against Jews and Muslims is on the rise around the world. This is discouraging news for those who are involved in efforts to improve relations among members of the Abrahamic tradition. The report, which is called the International Religious Freedom Report, concludes that…… Continue reading U.S. State Department report means the battle for tolerance and understanding goes on

Commentary

Documents Show Prophet Muhammad and US Founding Fathers Were Kindred Spirits

Dr. Craig Considine33 Comments

Although they are typically seen to represent overwhelming opposites, the Prophet Muhammad and America’s founding fathers shared many common characteristics and beliefs, which can be seen in historical documents. By comparing the speeches and texts that they left behind, we can learn of the similar viewpoints that Muhammad and the founding fathers held on issues…… Continue reading Documents Show Prophet Muhammad and US Founding Fathers Were Kindred Spirits

Religion

Be a good Christian, forget Hollywood scandals and help the homeless

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I like Pope Francis more and more with each passing day! On May 18, the Pope raised the issue of the “moral crisis” plaguing the hearts and minds of Christians around the world. To explain the crisis, Pope Francis used the state of homelessness as an example. He stated to a huge international audience in St. Peter’s Square:…… Continue reading Be a good Christian, forget Hollywood scandals and help the homeless

Politics

Jimmy Carter on Islam

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“I have been struck […] by the human and moral values which Americans as a people share with Islam. We share, first and foremost, a deep faith in the one Supreme Being. We are all commanded by Him to faith, compassion, and justice. We have a common respect and reverence for law. Despite the strains…… Continue reading Jimmy Carter on Islam

Quoted

10 Great Non-Muslim Quotes on Islam

Dr. Craig Considine8 Comments

“I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity,…… Continue reading 10 Great Non-Muslim Quotes on Islam

Outreach

Pope John Paul II Always Kept the Door Open for Muslims

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Writing in his book Crossing the Threshold of Hope (1994), Pope John Paul II calls Islam one of the great monotheistic religions and requests that Christians respect the beliefs of Muslims based on the following passage in the Declaration of Nostra Aetate: “The Church also has a high regard for the Muslims, who worship one…… Continue reading Pope John Paul II Always Kept the Door Open for Muslims

Pictures · Quoted

Carry beauty

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Flying into Dublin over a year ago, our plane glided through a majestic sky that was truly awe inspiring. I use a quote from Boston native Ralph Waldo Emerson, a transcendental philosopher, poet, and humanitarian for inspiration.

Pictures

“There is a Voice that Doesn’t Use Words. Listen.” – Rumi

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I took this picture in the summer of 2012 in Glencolumbkille, Ireland. Glencolumbkille is located in a quiet area on the coast of Donegal. My lady and I had just returned to our place after a magical drive to the abandoned seaside village called Port.

Politics

Video: “You’re all illegal here! We didn’t invite any of you!” says indigenous American man

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Basically the U.S. was a country built on “illegal immigration,” so who has the right or power to stop “illegal immigration” now!? Did the indigenous Americans (“Native Americans”) ask the European settlers for their green cards? Did they ask for any identification? How about their visas?

Religion

An Anecdote to Negative Stereotypes of Islam

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Go on a journey into the heart of Islam’s mystical side – Sufism. Explore the roots of Sufi music, art, poetry, etc. Sufi music is particularly thrilling and attracted me to study more about Islam. I highly recommend this short piece from Channel 4. The presenter takes the audience to Sufi shrines of the Virgin…… Continue reading An Anecdote to Negative Stereotypes of Islam

Commentary

Can we reason with religious extremists?

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Here’s another interesting response to yesterday’s post. I’m interested in hearing how people would answer the question in the title. I don’t believe extremism, like ignorance, can be reasoned with. It comes from such a deep place inside someone, a place of fear. I think even Jesus recognized some people were not able to be…… Continue reading Can we reason with religious extremists?

Commentary

I Call His God “Allah,” He Calls My Allah “God”

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Yesterday I posted a response to a recent poem about my own religious beliefs. Here is a lovely and important message in response to the post and poem: Hey Craig! That was a simple poem with a lovely sentiment. Thanks for that. As a Muslim, I would’ve been outraged before. But I’m beginning to see that…… Continue reading I Call His God “Allah,” He Calls My Allah “God”

Religion

Huffington Post user warns of the coming rapture

Dr. Craig Considine4 Comments

About three weeks ago I wrote a poem for the Huffington Post Religion called “Allah or God, It Doesn’t Matter to Me.” While the poem did not receive a ton of attention, a few Huffington Post users left their thoughts, of which one stood out more than the others. Alongside posting several biblical passages which…… Continue reading Huffington Post user warns of the coming rapture

Pictures

Is this the most important quote in American history?

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Personal

Uncle Craig, Nephew Colton

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

MAKE WAY FOR THE LITTLE MAN!!!! My nephew, Colton Christopher Close. He is a champ already as you can see. He takes after his uncle for being a big baby boy! I was nearly 11 lbs, the Little Colt Man was a whopping 10 lbs! We are truly blessed!

Friends

Norman Rockwell’s “Golden Rule” Painting

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On Monday I visited the Dover Rug Company in Natick, Massachusetts for an interview with CEO Mahmud Jafri, who happens to be a very down-to-earth and insightful man. Mahmud is a successful businessman who happens to also be a proud Bostonian, American, Muslim and Pakistani. When I was entering the Dover Rug building, I noticed a…… Continue reading Norman Rockwell’s “Golden Rule” Painting

Pictures

Two of my street art photographs published by The Guardian (England)

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The Guardian Witness has a new assignment called Public Art. Whether it’s a traditional statue or graffiti on the wall of an underpass – public art is all around us. But is it always good? Public art can be controversial, the latest proposed occupant of the Fourth Plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square is a recent…… Continue reading Two of my street art photographs published by The Guardian (England)

Film-work

“Journey into America” documentary fosters understanding between the Islamic world and the west

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Source: University of Cambridge (Research) Frankie Martin, MPhil student in the Department of Social Anthropology will speak tonight (7 May  2013) at the showing of a documentary Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam. He reflects on his own experiences of interacting with Muslim communities around the world. Continue reading

Politics

Sultan Abdallah, George Washington and the Ties that Bind Morroco and the US

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The recent development of the Moroccan government opposing the US-led initiative to extend the directive of UN peacekeepers in the Western Sahara to human rights monitoring has caused friction between Moroccans and Americans. This spat threatens to harm a relationship which has been based in mutual respect and cooperation for over 240 years. Continue reading

Commentary

Reflecting on the state and future of American exceptionalism

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In the face of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, or whatever you call hate in modern America, I am still optimistic about the future of the United States. From day one, the mission of America has been progress, progress, progress. We need thoughtful writers and bridge builders to keep it going. There are thousands and thousands of…… Continue reading Reflecting on the state and future of American exceptionalism

Outreach

After bombings, Bostonians must remember its founding fathers’ “model of Christian charity”

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Boston’s anti-Muslim backlash, which I touched upon in the Huffington Post Religion, in the aftermath of the marathon bombings reminds me of John Winthrop, one of Boston’s founding fathers, and his famous sermon “A Model of Christian Charity.” Winthrop’s sermon, delivered in 1630 aboard the Arbella ship before English Puritans settled in what they called New…… Continue reading After bombings, Bostonians must remember its founding fathers’ “model of Christian charity”

Religion

Pope Francis refers to Revelation 3:16, calls out “lukewarm Christians without courage”

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“So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.” – Revelation 3:16 Here’s a look at Pope Francis’ meaningful words about how many of today’s Christians are too “wrapped up in [their] petty things, [their] jealousies, envy, careerism, in going ahead selfishly.” According to the…… Continue reading Pope Francis refers to Revelation 3:16, calls out “lukewarm Christians without courage”

Religion

The Function of Prayer

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Note: I took this picture during Mawlid in Dublin, 2013 Prayer, both obligatory and spontaneous, is an immense spiritual treasure to be tapped. It inspires peace, purity and tranquility, and instills a continuous awareness of and feeling of closeness to God. It amazingly reduces the hustle and bustle of life to tame proportions…. [P]rayers tend…… Continue reading The Function of Prayer

Outreach · Religion

My challenge to the media: Burn the Quran Day or One Film 9/11?

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I pose a challenge to media outlets around the world: Will they continue to focus on sensational stories which only exacerbate tension and hatred between groups, or will they instead provide coverage to events and initiatives which work to build bridges across the divide? I use Pastor Terry Jones’ “Burn the Quran Day” and my…… Continue reading My challenge to the media: Burn the Quran Day or One Film 9/11?

Religion

My Favorite Hebrew Phrase

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One of the best phrases in the human language: “Tikkun olam (Hebrew: תיקון עולם or תקון עולם[1]‎), meaning “to heal a fractured world.”

Commentary

Seeing our humanity and fragile existence through the Boston bombings

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Note: My fellow Needhamite Dr. Abdul Cader Asmal Ph.D. wrote a powerful response in Wicked Local Needham to the Boston marathon bombings. Dr. Asmal previously served as president of the Islamic Center of Boston and the Islamic Council of New England. He is a retired physician and is also a current member of Needham Clergy Association…… Continue reading Seeing our humanity and fragile existence through the Boston bombings

Film-work

“Journey into America” screening and roundtable discussion at University of Cambridge

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I’m back home in Boston and won’t be able to attend this event, but Frankie Martin will most definitely hold it down. We made this documentary feature film on American identity through the lens of Muslim Americans in 2008 and 2009 and it’s still making its rounds. We are very fortunate to have a screening…… Continue reading “Journey into America” screening and roundtable discussion at University of Cambridge

Religion

Where Do You Search When You’re Searching for Him?

Dr. Craig Considine5 Comments

“I searched for God among the Christians and on the Cross and therein I found Him not. I went into the ancient temples of idolatry; no trace of Him was there. I entered the mountain cave of Hira and then went as far as Qandhar but God I found not. With set purpose I fared…… Continue reading Where Do You Search When You’re Searching for Him?

Family

Why Saint Constantine is Important to Me

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Many of you might notice how the pronunciation of Considine, my last name, sounds like the surname Constantine. In fact, the surname Considine is the Anglicanized version of the Gaelic surname Mac Consaidin, which in the Gaelic language literally means “Son of Constantine.” The origins of the Irish surname Considine dates back to at least…… Continue reading Why Saint Constantine is Important to Me

Travels

Plato’s light at the Hagia Sophia

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I visited the Hagia Sophia at the end of 2011. It is the most magnificent building I have ever seen. A truly inspiring and breathtaking experience.

Creativity

Saudi American woman pays artful tribute to victims of Boston bombings

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Last night I attended the “Muslim Women in the Arts” exhibit at the American Islamic Congress on Newbury Street in Boston. The featured artist was Nada Farhat, a women originally from Saudi Arabia, currently living in Boston. Farhat describes her art as “really a kind of healing soul… My art is who I am… Paint…… Continue reading Saudi American woman pays artful tribute to victims of Boston bombings

Outreach

Bostonians Will Transcend Fear After Marathon Bombings

Dr. Craig Considine6 Comments

Published on Huffington Post Religion (4/25/13) In 2008, I filmed an interview in Boston in which Professor Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University, spoke with Noam Chomsky, Professor of Linguistics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, about American identity. According to Chomsky: “[America] is a very frightened country … which is kind of…… Continue reading Bostonians Will Transcend Fear After Marathon Bombings

Religion

Most beautiful mosque in “Muslim world” crumbles

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

The Great Mosque of Aleppo, also called the Ummayad Mosque, is crumbling because of the war in Syria. The BBC is reporting that its minaret has fallen to the ground and now lays ruined in a pile of rubble. In my opinion it doesn’t matter if Assad’s troops or the “rebel forces” destroyed it. The…… Continue reading Most beautiful mosque in “Muslim world” crumbles

Politics

Blaming “America’s Global Domination” for the Boston Marathon Bombing

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Richard Falk, an American professor of international law at Princeton University, recently suggested that US foreign policy is to blame for the Boston Marathon bombings. His sentiments remind me of Noam Chomsky’s famous quote about terrorism: “Everybody’s worried about terrorism. Well, there’s a really easy way; stop participating in it.” Do you agree with Falk’s words?…… Continue reading Blaming “America’s Global Domination” for the Boston Marathon Bombing

Commentary

America is under threat from radical ignorance, not radical Islam

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By Qasim Rashid for Huffington Post Religion Muslims condemned 9/11, we condemned 7/7, we condemned the Fort Hood tragedy, we condemned the underwear bomber, we condemned the Times Square bomber, and now yet again we find ourselves condemning the Boston Bombers on the mere suspicion that they were “motivated by Islam.” And this is why…… Continue reading America is under threat from radical ignorance, not radical Islam