Religion

When Is a Martyr a Martyr?

Source: Qantara Ten years after the attacks of 11 September 2001, international media need an East–West consensus – and not just with regard to the usage of key terms. Common standards and ethical norms are indispensable for reporting in crisis situations. A commentary by Loay Mudhoon   How can international […]

Demonizing Muslims: To what end?

Source / Courtesy: Globe and Mail Why do certain media choose to offer platforms to those who spread malicious lies and instill fear about Muslims? Do they agree with those sentiments? Is it to influence their government’s policies on multiculturalism, immigration or laws banning Muslim institutions and practices? Is it […]

Levantism finds its place in modern Israel

Co-editor of a new collection of writings of the Egyptian-born Jewish writer Jacqueline Shohet Kahanoff, who believed Israel would never find peace until it recognized that it was in the Middle East………. She spent time in New York (earning a journalism degree at Columbia University ) and in Paris, before […]

Does God Exist?

The whole concept of religion is based on the belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, worthy of being worshipped – the Being known as God. If there is no God, we would have to admit that religion is little more than a philosophy. In fact, we would have […]

The Question-Driven Life

Source: NY Times August 18, 2011 The Question-Driven Life By DAVID BROOKS Rift Valley, Kenya We are born with what some psychologists call an “explanatory drive.” You give a baby a strange object or something that doesn’t make sense and she will become instantly absorbed; using all her abilities — […]

Sermons with humor

Jakarta Post: The expression “Alhamdulillah” is sprinkled throughout Muhammad Nur Maulana’s sermons during episodes of Islam Itu Indah (Islam is Beautiful). The Makassar ustad’s (teacher) show airs every morning on TransTV. His other signature expression — widely imitated by viewers — is “Jamaah… Oh… Jamaah [congregation]”, to which listeners respond […]

The secular cost of infidelity

Editor’s comments: There is a testimony of many in Alcohol Anonymous that only a belief in a superpower could prevent them from relapsing. When temptations are strong, be it romance, sex or any addiction, only spirituality can save and sustain a person. Agnosticism just does not cut it! On a […]