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Should We Apologize?

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jun 19, 2016 at 1:34 am

In the aftermath of the Orlando murders many Muslims are adamant that they will not apologize for anything. This is a proper stance as our religion does not advocate collective guilt, nor collective punishment. We are informed in the Qur’an, “No bearer of burdens (a sinner) can bear the burdens…

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Ali’s Torch

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jun 15, 2016 at 7:02 pm

Physically, the last phase of Muhammad Ali’s life was very difficult. The ravages of Parkinson’s Disease had robbed him of his health, vigor and voice. Spiritually, however, Ali was only strengthened as he approached the end of his earthly tenure. His illness could not steal his generous heart and noble…

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A Joint Muslim Statement On the Carnage in Orlando

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jun 14, 2016 at 2:19 pm

On behalf of the American Muslim community, we, the undersigned, want to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the barbaric assault that occurred early yesterday morning at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, Florida. We unequivocally say that such an act of hate-fueled…

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On The Passing of Daniel Berrigan

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

May 06, 2016 at 10:16 pm

April 30, 2016 witnessed the passing of Daniel Berrigan. Daniel Berrigan, along with his brother, Philip, both ordained priests, are among the most recognizable names in the history of protest against American military imperialism. One of the distinctions of the Berrigan Brothers was the strong spiritual basis of their activism.…

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Spiritual Grammar and the Danger of Complaining

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

May 01, 2016 at 9:57 am

Complaining (Shakawa) to other fallible humans has no part in our religion. Sincere advice (Nasiha) does. What is the difference between the two? Usually, the complaint starts with what we describe as the first person, “I”. For example, “I don’t like…” “I don’t feel…” “I want…” “I think….” etc. Therefore,…

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A Poetic Reflection On The Life of Muhammad Ali

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Apr 28, 2016 at 1:21 pm

A Poetic Reflection On The Life of Muhammad Ali Part One: Ali the Fighter He floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, the greatest fighter the world has yet to see. On one thing his opponents agree, they all got it right; in the ring with…

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Evolution or Revolution?

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Apr 22, 2016 at 10:21 am

ISIS is squarely situated in the realm of modern utopian movements that are doomed to fail. The defining feature of these movements is captured by the British political philosopher, John Gray, when he says: “The use of inhumane methods to achieve impossible ends is the essence of revolutionary utopianism.”…

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Embracing Prophetic Character

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Mar 18, 2016 at 8:52 pm

The word أخ or “Akh” means male sibling from the same mother. أخواء or آخوان –> share common goals. أخت or “Ukht” means female sibling from the same mother, plural أخوات. We are all brothers and sisters in the pursuit of a common goal. - The Prophet…

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How Do We Push Back?

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Mar 16, 2016 at 8:38 pm

As racism, xenophobia, anti-Muslim bigotry, nativism, hatred and violence escalate in our society many are asking, “What is to be done?” To begin, we have to understand that these issues did not begin yesterday or with the emergence of a particular political figure. They are problems that to greater or…

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Keep the memory of Taha Omar, Adam Mekki and Mohannad Tairab Alive

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Mar 15, 2016 at 8:15 pm

Nearly a month has passed since the execution-style murder of three young men, two of them Muslim, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We have to keep the memory Taha Omar, Adam Mekki and Mohannad Tairab alive and continue to pressure the authorities for answers. I am consciously writing these lines after…

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