Book Reviews

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

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

Books

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

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

Work

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

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

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”

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

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

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

Books

Order “The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View”

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

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

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

Work

International Media Feature Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings to Fight Coronavirus

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”

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”

Talks

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

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

Talks

A Christian Appreciates the Contributions of Muslims to American Society

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

Books

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

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

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.

Personal

Muhammad, Humanity, and Christian Religiosity

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

Irish History · Irish identity · Palestine · Talks

Lecture: Why Do the Irish Support Palestine?

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?

Talks

Video: Demystifying Islamophobia in the Age of Trump – A Conversation Between Khaled Beydoun and Craig Considine

Source – Islamophobia Resistance Campaign: “Demystifying Islamophobia in the Age of Trump: A Conversation” took place at Rice University on March 7, 2019, in which scholars Dr. Craig Considine and Professor Khaled Beydoun engaged in an interactive conversation with members of the Rice community and beyond. The conversation focused on the dynamics and responses to…… Continue reading Video: Demystifying Islamophobia in the Age of Trump – A Conversation Between Khaled Beydoun and Craig Considine

Interviews

Latino Muslims in Houston – A Documentary By Vice (Minority Reports)

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lee Adams of Vice’s “Minority Reports” to talk about a range of topics including: migration and immigration patterns, the intersection of Islam and U.S. identity, and Islamophobia in the age of Trump. As always, it is a pleasure to be on the side of the IslamInSpanish community…… Continue reading Latino Muslims in Houston – A Documentary By Vice (Minority Reports)

Talks

Prophet Muhammad’s Love of Humanity – “Lessons For Our Time”

Prophet Muhammad is one of the most vilified and misunderstood people in the history of the world. In this talk, “Prophet Muhammad’s Love of Humanity: Lessons for Our Time,” I will dispel misinformation about Muhammad in an accessible, appealing, and scholarly way. I will present historical sources and stories about Muhammad’s relations with Jews, Christians,…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad’s Love of Humanity – “Lessons For Our Time”

Activism · Talks

Prophet Muhammad’s Covenants With Christians – An Offering at the Parliament of the World’s Religions

The Covenants Initiative is a collection of scholars that is spearheading a movement to promote the Covenants of Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the World. This initiative calls Muslims to the Covenants of Muhammad, which command them not to attack, but rather defend peaceful Christians until the end of time. On Saturday evening (November…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad’s Covenants With Christians – An Offering at the Parliament of the World’s Religions

Activism · Interfaith

Meeting With Worldwide Leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

It was an absolute pleasure and honor to spend time with His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the leader of the worldwide Ahmadiyya community. On October 26th, 2018, alongside Professor Emran El-Badawi of the University of Houston, we discussed a range of issues, including the Constitution of Medina, embracing humanity, and peace-building. I will never forget…… Continue reading Meeting With Worldwide Leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Work

New Book Presents Facts About U.S. Muslims

By Amy McCaig of Rice University News and Media A new book from a Rice University sociologist responds to stereotypes of and misinformation about Muslims in the United States from the time of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present day. “Muslims in America: Examining the Facts” (ABC-CLIO, 226 pages, $63) presents evidence-based documentation to…… Continue reading New Book Presents Facts About U.S. Muslims

Books

U.S. Supreme Court Ignores Facts, Upholds Institutional Islamophobia

Do Muslim immigrants and Muslim refugees pose a threat to U.S. national security? This question is one of 31 questions that drives the forthcoming book Muslims in America: Examining the Facts. In short, the answer to this question is a resounding “no.” The facts surrounding national security and violence on U.S. soil reveal that U.S.…… Continue reading U.S. Supreme Court Ignores Facts, Upholds Institutional Islamophobia

Talks

The Prophet’s Relations with Christians – Connecting in the Classroom

Books · Talks

Rice U Talk: “Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora”

Islam · Religion · Video

Video: Christian-Muslim Relations in the Early Years of Islam

In early December 2017, I had the opportunity to give a lecture for the Dialogue Institute Dallas in Dallas, Texas. I talk about the Christian-Muslim relations in the early years of Islam in light of the covenants Prophet Muhammad made with the Christians.

Interfaith

Peacekeeping Vs. Peacemaking: What’s the Difference?

Back in 2008, I had the opportunity to meet with Judea Pearl, the father of Daniel Pearl. Following the murder of his son, Judea reached out to people across the United States hoping to counter religious extremism and build bridges of understanding between people of different faith communities. I asked Judea if he could tell…… Continue reading Peacekeeping Vs. Peacemaking: What’s the Difference?

Work

Islam and the People of The Book: Critical Studies on the Covenants of the Prophet

I am  excited to share the new book of John Andrew Morrow (editor), Islam and the People of the Book: Critical Studies on the Covenants of the Prophet. My own chapter in the book focuses on how the Covenants of Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of his time embodied the spirit of religious pluralism. Islam…… Continue reading Islam and the People of The Book: Critical Studies on the Covenants of the Prophet

Talks

Dialogue Matters: Christian Muslim Relations in the Early Years of Islam

On December 1st, 2017 I will be speaking at the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest in Dallas, Texas. The event starts at 7:00PM. The title of the talk is “Christian Muslim Relations in the Early Years of Islam.” I will be engaging mainly with the concept of religious pluralism and how it relates to the…… Continue reading Dialogue Matters: Christian Muslim Relations in the Early Years of Islam

Politics

The Rohingya Are the New Palestinians

The systematic persecution of Palestinians has long occupied a place in the consciousness of the ummah, the global community of Muslims. Muslims worldwide have watched for decades as Palestinians have been repeatedly displaced, subjected to disproportionate collective punishment, and denied statehood. While the Israeli occupation continues to stir up feelings of anger and powerlessness, another ethnic…… Continue reading The Rohingya Are the New Palestinians

Islamophobia · Racialization and Racism · Racism

Islamophobia Represents a Form of Racism Mixed with Cultural Intolerance

Published by Amy McCaig at Rice University News and Media Islamophobia represents a form of racism mixed with cultural intolerance as a whole, rather than simply intolerance of Muslims and Islam, according to a new paper from a Rice University sociologist. “The Racialization of Islam in the United States: Islamophobia, Hate Crimes and ‘Flying While…… Continue reading Islamophobia Represents a Form of Racism Mixed with Cultural Intolerance

News · Personal

Gulf News Interview: “The Making of a More Cohesive Society”

Syed Hamad Ali of Gulf News carried out an interview on my new book, Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora. In addition to diving into the book, Ali’s article sheds light on Pakphobia, a term I introduce in the book, Islamophobia, Muslim Diasporas, American/Irish identities, white nationalism and racial profiling. You can read…… Continue reading Gulf News Interview: “The Making of a More Cohesive Society”

Books · Video

Video: Endorsements of “Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora”

News · Outreach

Appearance on The Comedy Cellar’s “Live From America Podcast”

The video below shows me speaking about Islamophobia on the Live From America Podcast of The Comedy Cellar in New York City. Noam Dworman and Hatem Gaber invited me on the program alongside NBC star analyst and former FBI agent Clint Watts. This is only a clip of the full interview which was recorded following…… Continue reading Appearance on The Comedy Cellar’s “Live From America Podcast”

Books

New Book Explores the Pakistani Diaspora in Boston and Dublin

In March 2009, President Barack Obama made a startling comment about Pakistan and its links to the so-called “War on Terror.” The President referred to a part of the country as “the most dangerous place in the world.” In other words, Pakistan was a threatening “Islamic state” that had turned “anti-American” due largely to the efforts of…… Continue reading New Book Explores the Pakistani Diaspora in Boston and Dublin

Book Reviews

Muslim Marine Reviews: Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora

By Tayyib Rashid Dr. Craig Considine should be applauded for his effort to learn, understand and educate the public about Pakistanis in diaspora and advancing his relentless pursuit to build bridges of understanding, and tolerance. In doing so Dr. Considine adds another brick to the foundations of inter-racial peace in American society. Islam, Race, and…… Continue reading Muslim Marine Reviews: Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora

News

Rice University News and Media Introduces “Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora”

Rice University News and Media has written the first news article about Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora. This book is due to be published on July 11, 2017. Many of the young Pakistani men that I interviewed in Boston and Dublin see Pakistan, their country of origin, as being alien to them, but at the…… Continue reading Rice University News and Media Introduces “Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora”

Outreach

9 People Who Defended The Rights Of Muslims In 2016

I am honored to be among the individuals and communities recognized by Mvslim for taking a stand against Islamophobia in 2016. Mvslim is an ambitious forum created by millennials that are transforming our world today. They inspire the next generation to aim for the extraordinary. Tamim Mobayed, a Mvslim contributer, wrote: Irish American Dr Craig obtained his…… Continue reading 9 People Who Defended The Rights Of Muslims In 2016

Islam · Islamic State

Islamic Teaching Does Not Justify ISIS Persecution of Christians, Study Says

Islamic teaching does not justify the Islamic State’s (ISIS) persecution of Christians, based on a study on Prophet Mohammed’s previously untranslated writing. Rice University professor Dr. Craig Considine, who authored a study on Prophet Mohammed’s writings from 622 to 632 AD, says the writings indicate that Christians who lived in Arabic communities were protected. Considine says…… Continue reading Islamic Teaching Does Not Justify ISIS Persecution of Christians, Study Says

Islam · Islamophobia

The Sum of Our Fears – Islamophobia, Faith and Non-Violence

By John Smelcer and Craig Considine Sometime between 622 and 632 A.D., during what is called “The Medina Years,” the Prophet Muhammad decreed a series of covenants specifically addressing Christians in the region… For the most part, these covenants have been neglected or forgotten in the Western world, although religious scholars have been aware of their…… Continue reading The Sum of Our Fears – Islamophobia, Faith and Non-Violence

Quoted

Quoted in “Two Cases of Terrorism”

A new Barbados Today article by Suleiman Bulbulia of the Barbados Muslim Association discusses my blog post titled “Why Celebrating Columbus Day Is like Celebrating ISIS.” He wrote the following. Terrorism in all its forms must be condemned. Whether by a group of radicals, fanatics or fundamentalists or by a group of men and women in uniforms.…… Continue reading Quoted in “Two Cases of Terrorism”

Publications · Quoted

From Islamic History, Lessons on Religious Freedom

Rice Magazine (Summer, 2016: p. 19) wrote a short piece on my research paper on Prophet Muhammad’s covenants with Christians. Author Amy McCaig wrote: “Prophet Muhammad believed that freedom of religion and civic rights were important components of a ‘Muslim nation,’ according to a new analysis of the prophet’s covenants with Christians. Research by Rice…… Continue reading From Islamic History, Lessons on Religious Freedom

Personal

This Christian Is Unfazed By Islamophobes

  My social media accounts have received more nasty comments than usual. I am not sure what has sparked this development, as I have been relatively quiet due to teaching obligations. I want to take a second to reflect on some things that have been on my mind. These nasty comments directed towards me certainly…… Continue reading This Christian Is Unfazed By Islamophobes

Outreach · Quoted

Panel Addresses Misconceptions of Islamic Faith

The Religion and Public Life Program held a panel in an effort to address common misconceptions about the Islamic faith on Thursday. The panel consisted of three guests: Imam Wazir Ali, the imam of two mosques in Houston; Craig Considine, lecturer of sociology at Rice University and M. Hasna Maznavi, founder and president of the…… Continue reading Panel Addresses Misconceptions of Islamic Faith

Islamophobia

Muslim Woman in NYC Lit on Fire – This is Why We Say “Islamophobia is Racism”

This is why we say “Islamophobia is racism.” A Muslim woman walking on the streets of NYC was literally lit on fire by a “stranger.” She was targeted based on her “traditional clothing,” or her physical appearance. Her body was used as a “text” of sort to categorize, label, and demonize. Her article of clothing…… Continue reading Muslim Woman in NYC Lit on Fire – This is Why We Say “Islamophobia is Racism”

Quoted

9/11 Made Me Hate Prophet Muhammad, But Now He’s My Role Model, Says a Catholic

A big thank you to the Muslim Council of Hong Kong for shedding more light on my research and spiritual/intellectual growth. Here is what they have to say: Dr. Craig Considine, a Catholic Irish, is a well-known sociologist at Rice University in Houston, USA. Last year, he tweeted about 9/11 and Prophet Muhammad. A tweet…… Continue reading 9/11 Made Me Hate Prophet Muhammad, But Now He’s My Role Model, Says a Catholic

Outreach

Rice University Discussion to Break Stereotypes of Muslim Americans

One word – Islamophobia – captures Donald Trump’s rise to the top of the American political scene. Over the course of the last year, Trump has called for the following: a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the United States; closure of mosques; possibly putting Muslims in internment camps; and “absolutely” requiring Muslims to…… Continue reading Rice University Discussion to Break Stereotypes of Muslim Americans

Personal

What I Will Never Forget About 9/11

Here is a slightly different perspective of what I will #NeverForget about 9/11. Before I do that, I want to say that I grieve the loss of all souls that passed away on that day, and every other day where humanity crumbles because of outrageous acts of mass murder. My heart goes out to the…… Continue reading What I Will Never Forget About 9/11

Islam · Islamophobia · Outreach

Teaching “Muslim Americans” in Texas, the Hotbed of Islamophobia

“Armed and Vigilant: In Fear of a Muslim Uprising in Texas.” That is that title of a recent Al Jazeera mini-documentary on YouTube. The clip delves into the inflammatory anti-Muslim sentiment bubbling up in Texas. In the video, Tania Rashid, an Al Jazeera reporter, talks to David Wright, a member of the Bureau on American-Islamic…… Continue reading Teaching “Muslim Americans” in Texas, the Hotbed of Islamophobia