Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, is upon us once again. Many find it astonishing that Muslims voluntarily abstain from food & drink from sunrise until sunset every day, for the entire month. This is especially the case when Ramadan falls in a season where the days are both long and hot. Naturally, the question “why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?” is … Continue reading “Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?”
Ramadan is known as the month when Muslims go without food and drink during daylight hours. So it is understandable that Ramadan is somehow linked to food and what we are eating, or rather not eating. But despite the annual protestations at masaajid and talks that Ramadan is not intrinsically about food, come iftar, we can unwittingly fall into making it just that. The idea … Continue reading On foodie culture
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
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
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?
The Qarawiyyin Project 