“Why can’t Muslims take a joke?”

Aaminah Y. The world of entertainment has played its part in recent attempts to tackle institutional racism. As artists stepped down from voicing non-white characters and streaming sites removed scenes featuring racially insensitive content, a much needed line was redrawn in determining what is acceptable humour.  Yet, one area still subject to ridicule in the mainstream is religion. From the blasphemous Danish cartoons of the … Continue reading “Why can’t Muslims take a joke?”

Refuting the Historical Negation of Hijab

Aisha Hasan Despite decades of explanations and refutations, the hijab remains the most widespread and contentious issue surrounding Muslim women. From narratives of oppression to empowerment, the entire spectrum of feeling has been expressed over this simple piece of cloth covering a Muslim woman. In the age of modest fashion, the hijab has taken on another dimension altogether, and has in most mainstream discourse been … Continue reading Refuting the Historical Negation of Hijab

Podcast Ep. 6: Pseudoscience | Heraa Hashmi

Heraa Hashmi joins the TQP team to discuss secularism in science. Continuing the discussion from our previous episode, we take a look at the relationship between religion and science in academia, as well as the moral implications of attempting to divorce theology from the study of the natural world. Broaching a range of topics including mental health, medical ethics, and abortion, we delve into the … Continue reading Podcast Ep. 6: Pseudoscience | Heraa Hashmi

Ramadan: Attaining Taqwa in a Secular Era

Aisha Hasan يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ O you who believe, fasting has been decreed upon you, as it was decreed upon those before, so you that you may attain taqwa. As we enter Ramadan, this verse is one that we will hear regularly as a motivation for us to use this blessed month to … Continue reading Ramadan: Attaining Taqwa in a Secular Era

Individualism & the destruction of community

Ilham Ibrahim An epidemic of loneliness and emptiness is sweeping across the Western world. Increasingly considered by doctors and policymakers as a public health concern, it is feared it could lead to a rise of numerous health problems, ranging from heart attacks to cancers.  Last year British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a minister for loneliness, while a study by the Economist found in September found … Continue reading Individualism & the destruction of community