notes
Spiritual Grammar and the Danger of Complaining – Imam Zaid Shakir
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Complaining (shakawa) to other fallible humans has no part in our religion. Sincere advice (nasiha) does. What is the difference between the two? Imam Zaid Shakir explains. Usually, the complaint starts with what we describe as the first person, “I”. For example, “I don’t like…” “I don’t…
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Bridging the Scholar/Activist Divide
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Note: The following essay is an introduction I wrote in late 2017 to Imam Dawud Walid’s valuable book, “Towards Sacred Activism.” I am posting it here in hopes that it might bring some clarity on a pressing contemporary issue. It is Allah who facilitates all success. **************************** This work by…
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A Response to Ali Al-Arian
by Imam Zaid Shakir
In his recent article, “The political impotence of the Muslim American community,” Ali Al-Arian, among other things, laments the lack of moral integrity and political courage in those leading the American Muslim community. An illustration of this is his blanket condemnation of American Muslim leaders and organizations for not more…
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news
Muslims Raise Over $100,000 In Bail Funds To Free Detained Migrant Parents
by Imam Zaid Shakir
By Carol Kuruvilla on 08/16/2019. The “Muslims for Migrants” campaign has already secured the release of six detained parents. American Muslims have raised over $100,000 this month to help migrant parents detained by the U.S. government post bail and reunite with their kids. The “Muslims for…
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news
Mass Shootings in America: All of the Above
by Imam Zaid Shakir
We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have perished in the latest instances of mass slaughter in our public square, this time in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. We further pray that all of those wounded recover from their injuries. This violence, which can increasingly…
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news
Muslims for Migrants | A Joint Letter By Imam Zaid Shakir & Imam Omar Suleiman
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Published August 5, 2019 Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) said, “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah will shelter him in the shade of…
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notes
The Flowers of Spring
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Like as the glistening snowflakes adorn the wintery expanses of fields, trees, and rolling hills in a soft blanket of downy frost, so do the flowers of Spring embellish our lives. Their colors charm us, their fragrances permeate into the depths of our souls and their voices join in serenading…
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Their Religion is Hate
by Imam Zaid Shakir
We awakened yesterday morning, Easter Sunday, to the news of the horrific slaughter in Sri Lanka. Sensationalizing news organizations rushed to identify the religion of the perpetrators of such a nefarious act. Were they members of the Buddhist majority, the Hindu Tamil Tigers, or were they wretched Muslims who had…
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To My Muslim Brothers and Sisters in Christchurch, New Zealand:
by Imam Zaid Shakir
With the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate I extend my deepest condolences to all of those whose family members, loved ones, friends, or acquaintances have been killed or wounded in the recent terrorist attack. Despite the natural and understandable pain following in the immediate aftermath of…
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I Stand With Ilhan
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Today marks International Women’s Day. Among other things, the day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the amazing contributions women make to our lives, families and societies. With their grace, dignity, forbearance, sacrifice and courage, women enrich our lives in countless ways. Speaking of courage, what better day…
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articles
The Unfinished Business of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Imam Zaid Shakir
During these days many in this country are commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born January 15, 1929. While most remember Dr. King for his soaring oration, symbolized by his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered before a sweltering throng at the Lincoln Memorial,…
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notes
The Listening of the Soul
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Islam holds humans to be a special creation. Ennobled by God, they are His vicegerent on earth and look forward to a sublime destiny. Their ancestor Adam was the exalted creature in whose direction God ordered the angels to prostrate, even while his splendor drew the envy of Satan. They…
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notes
Where Islam and Nationalism Collide
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Islam contains teachings that clearly argue against the most important elements of nationalism. The nation-state, which involves wedding a specific people to a sovereign territorial entity, is a modern phenomenon. For example, the Italian city states did not unify into a coherent modern nation-state until the late 1850s. The unification…
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Reflecting on Quiet Lake and Snow
by Imam Zaid Shakir
The sun she rises over quiet lake. To let the snow know that there’s no mistake. To let the morning know that she’s alive. To let earth know that she will survive The folly of mankind and all his wars The pain, disfigurement and all the scars,…
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On The Passing of Dr. Sulayman Nyang
by Imam Zaid Shakir
I have been blessed to know Dr. Nyang for many long decades. He has been a teacher, mentor and an exemplary role model not just for myself but for countless others. He was a true giant who leaves a large pair of shoes that will be difficult to fill. When…
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Final Follow-up on The Kavanaugh/Blasey Ford Affair
by Imam Zaid Shakir
I appreciate the spirited discourse around the previous post that has been removed as well as the constructive criticism, and I understand the anger motivating many of you. I appreciate the advice from the educated and that of the laity -our religion after all is predicated on sincere advice. I…
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notes
Siding With The Truth
by Imam Zaid Shakir
Yesterday, August 14, 2018, marked the passing of five years since the massacre of at least a thousand innocent protesters and the injuring of thousands more in Cairo’s Rabaa Square. Merely writing these words will generate charges of siding with the ousted Egyptian President, Mohammed Morsi, and the Egyptian Muslim…
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