Politics

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

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

Politics

Prominent Organization Lists Trump as Threat To Human Rights

Human Rights Watch, a prominent American-founded international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, has recently published an article on the threat that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration poses to human rights. The organization said in a 687-page report: “Donald Trump’s election as US president after a campaign fomenting hatred and intolerance, and the rising influence…… Continue reading Prominent Organization Lists Trump as Threat To Human Rights

Islam

Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon Has Key Lessons For Our Time

Writing for the Daily O, Moin Qazi claims that Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon, delivered on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the tenth year of hijrah (632 AC), has key lessons for our time. In the sermon, the prophet of Islam stressed universal human values such as sacredness of life and property, equality, justice,…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon Has Key Lessons For Our Time

Religion · Work

Under the Government of Prophet Muhammad

Published in Islam Today (magazine) – Online version – Magazine print version It is no secret that Christians are being persecuted in the ‘Muslim world’. According to the World Watch List for 2015, nine out of the top ten countries where Christians suffer ‘extreme persecution’ have populations that are at least 50% Muslim. Much of…… Continue reading Under the Government of Prophet Muhammad

Outreach

New Petition Proclaims ISIS Is Guilty of Genocide

ISIS is winning. I say that with the utmost regret, but it is true. Bullets have not stopped it, nor have bombs or ground troops. States around the world have denounced ISIS’s radicalism from afar, but words are meaningless without any action. At a time when ISIS enslaves people, a new movement is determined to…… Continue reading New Petition Proclaims ISIS Is Guilty of Genocide

History · Interfaith · Religion

Prophet Muhammad’s Example of Anti-Racism

Published on Huffington Post (February 23rd, 2015) Relations between different ethnic and religious groups in the Middle East, US, and EU are deteriorating at a rapid pace. Across these three areas, Muslims are pitted against non-Muslims and black and brown people are pitted against white. What is needed now more than ever is a role…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad’s Example of Anti-Racism

Politics · Religion

What Muhammad Would Think of Saudi Arabia’s “Leadership”

Published on Huffington Post (February 24th, 2015) Leaders worldwide have sent their condolences to Saudi Arabia and its royal family after the passing of King Abdullah. On Twitter, US Secretary of State John Kerry called him a man of “wisdom” and “vision,” while UK Prime Minister David Cameron released a statement praising him for “his commitment…… Continue reading What Muhammad Would Think of Saudi Arabia’s “Leadership”

Politics

Obama Admits US Tortured “Folks” After 9/11

“Folks.” At least have the decency to call them people, Mr. President. Obama stated, “In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, we did some things that we got wrong, we did a lot of things that we right, but we tortured some folks … We did some things that were contrary to our values.” Gee, ya think? “It’s…… Continue reading Obama Admits US Tortured “Folks” After 9/11

Sociology

How Can Ireland, a Country with a History of Forced Migration and Oppression, Treat Refugees so Poorly?

Politics

The Problem with Banning the Burqa

When I was recently invited to speak at a debate at University College of Cork in Ireland on banning the burqa, I was a bit hesitant to accept the call to participate. I, for one, am not a woman, nor am I Muslim. Speaking on an issue that focuses specifically on Muslim women seemed to…… Continue reading The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Interfaith · Religion

New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views

No other leader in world history has been more scrutinized and ridiculed than Prophet Muhammad. Since the founding of Islam in 632 AD, Christians and Jews have described the Prophet of Allah as a blasphemer, bigot, terrorist, and pedophile, among other slurs. However, according to a new book The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the…… Continue reading New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views

Film-work · Religion

Video: What Islam Can Teach Far-Right Europeans About Human Rights and Tolerance

Follow Craig Considine on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ToBeCraig

Outreach

Pope Francis: Lampedusa is Center of ‘Globalization of Indifference’

Source: Washington Post By Akbar Ahmed To understand the pope’s approach, method and message, take a look at his visit to the island of Lampedusa. The small island in the Mediterranean has become a battleground of the larger ideas that are in conflict in Europe. It has been visited by rightwing leaders who denounce immigrants…… Continue reading Pope Francis: Lampedusa is Center of ‘Globalization of Indifference’

Politics · Religion

Persecution of Christians Shames Muhammad’s Legacy on Religious Freedom

Things are spiraling out of control in Egypt, especially for its Coptic community, which has recently been attacked for allegedly helping oust the democratically-elected Muslim Brotherhood from power. The Copts are Egypt’s largest Christian group who make up roughly 10% of the Egyptian population. Over the last several weeks they have witnessed a horrendous string…… Continue reading Persecution of Christians Shames Muhammad’s Legacy on Religious Freedom

Commentary

Reflecting on the state and future of American exceptionalism

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

Pictures

The roots of American toleration and religious freedom

Politics

Politics: How to spot a fascist

Dr. Lawrence Britt examined the former fascist regimes in Germany, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, and several Latin American countries and found 14 defining characteristics common to each.  Considering the saliency of several current issues, such as Congressman King’s ‘radical Muslim’ hearings to the influence of the media and rampant corruption and militarism, one has to wonder…… Continue reading Politics: How to spot a fascist

Fieldwork

Wondering About Ireland’s Immigration System

I’m heading tomorrow morning to meet with a Pakistani friend who I met back in January.  This young man, whose name I’ll keep anonymous for security purposes, is a native of Islamabad, Pakistan.  He arrived to Dublin via work visa over eight years ago. When his work visa ended he filed the necessary paperwork to live (legally) in Ireland.  His…… Continue reading Wondering About Ireland’s Immigration System