India’s Muslim intolerance

Mohammed Akhlaq was a 52-year-old man living in Bisara village near Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, India. Last year, after rumours spread that Akhlaq had killed and eaten a calf he was lynched to death. An announcement to this effect was made through the microphone of the local temple, triggering a mob attack against Akhlaq and his son who sustained serious injuries. Investigations later found that … Continue reading India’s Muslim intolerance

Making the most of Shabaan

With Ramadan less than a month away, the excitement has started alhamdulilah. As Muslims prepare for one of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar, when they will be fasting from dawn until dusk, preparations need to be made; from advanced food prep to Eid gift ideas and of course planning how we will spend the month ahead.   But in this preparation, we … Continue reading Making the most of Shabaan

Is the Muslim community still on the defensive?

Everyone knows that the “Muslims aren’t terrorists” line is pretty old now. Following terrorist attacks in the West, most recently in the UK and France, Muslims have stood against the call for us to be constantly apologising and condemning these actions as though we are in some way responsible. This is progress, given that some years ago, prominent Muslim organisations and individuals were falling over … Continue reading Is the Muslim community still on the defensive?

Could you live without the Qur’an?

By Iman Amin A while ago I attended a khutba at East London Mosque which was on the topic of Surah Yusuf. The Khateeb presented the verse وَلَئِن شِئْنَا لَنَذْهَبَنَّ بِالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُ لَكَ بِهِ عَلَيْنَا وَكِيلًا And if We please, We should certainly take away that which We have revealed to you, then you would not find for it any protector … Continue reading Could you live without the Qur’an?

Do we need to rap our hijabs?

Controversy erupted again this week following the release of rap video “Wrap my Hijab” by sister Mona Haydar. A tribute to Muslim women who wear the headscarf, the video exclusively featured Muslim women singing lyrics such as: “You poppin off at the lip, And run ya mouth like a treadmill, Not your exotic vacation, I’m bored with your fascination” and featured a hijabi equivalent of … Continue reading Do we need to rap our hijabs?