Tag: Knowledge

Islam

The Other Al-Andalus – When Muslims and Christians Flourished Side By Side in Sicily

Dr. Craig Considine10 Comments

I sometimes think about the glories of “Islamic Spain,” or Al-Andalus. Starting around 711 and ending in 1492, Muslim rulers maintained a spirit of convivencia, a Spanish term meaning “living in togetherness” or “coexistence”, which allowed for an unprecedented level of interfaith engagement on the European continent. While Al-Andalus may represent the pinnacle of cooperation among Muslims, Christians…… Continue reading The Other Al-Andalus – When Muslims and Christians Flourished Side By Side in Sicily

Irish · Poems

Poem: I Pay Respect to Ireland

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

I pay respect to Ireland, the Emerald Isle, “the land of saints and scholars,” that tiny little island on the outskirts of Europe. Let us reflect upon her ancient glories, her yearning for knowledge, her passion for understanding the mysteries of the world. Let us never forget the conditions of those who came before us,…… Continue reading Poem: I Pay Respect to Ireland

Irish

Who is the Real Saint Patrick?

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Today is Saint Patrick’s Day, which means that you might wear green, sport a shamrock, and perhaps drink a pint of Guinness. This expression of “Irish identity” is driven mainly by our materialist culture and the obsession that we need objects to represent our perceived identities. What’s unfortunate is that the real Saint Patrick is not…… Continue reading Who is the Real Saint Patrick?

Politics · Religion

Revisiting the Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

When I published the article – An Unlikely Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington – I had little idea of the impact it would have on Muslims and non-Muslims. The responses to my article varied from people being elated about the comparison to others feeling outraged. While some were pleased to see the similarities…… Continue reading Revisiting the Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Quoted

10 Inspiring Quotes to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

As a little boy attending elementary school in Needham, Massachusetts, I always borrowed two books from the Mitchell School library. One of those books gave a history of the Boston Celtics, my favorite basketball team, and the other book was a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, the Civil Rights leaders of the 1950s…… Continue reading 10 Inspiring Quotes to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Religion

A New Perspective of “Jihad” in Christianity and Islam

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

Published on Huffington Post Religion (August 5th, 2013) Politicians and anti-Muslim activists frequently take to audiences and websites to criticize the term “jihad” as a form of Islamic supremacism, oppression, and violence. Muslim extremists, on the other hand, argue that “jihad” refers to a “holy war” against non-Muslims. Viewing the term “jihad” though these frameworks…… Continue reading A New Perspective of “Jihad” in Christianity and Islam

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

Poems

Poem: Pub lesson

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Listen to others. Keep your mind open to new ideas. But when you know someone is wrong, pounce on that. Explain to them why they’re wrong. Don’t hold back. Show no mercy to inferior thoughts. You’ve your mind, your convictions. At the end of the day, what else do you have? No point in wasting…… Continue reading Poem: Pub lesson

Personal · Pictures

Picture: Peace in Books

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

I was reading too much with Nag Champa incents in Na Saoirsí, December 2011. The small room is fish-bowled and there is just enough light in. The wallpapers are bright orange with fluffy brush painting.

Film-work

Ramadan khutba on knowledge (ilm) by Professor Akbar Ahmed

Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Filmed this at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, Iowa in September 2008.