Author Archives: zeynebsayilgan

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About zeynebsayilgan

Dr. Zeyneb Sayılgan’s research focuses on Islamic theology, ethics and spirituality as articulated in the writings of Muslim scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi (1876-1960). She is the host of the Podcast On Being Muslim: Wisdom from the Risale-i Nur. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, The Washington Post, Religion News Service, The Living Church, National Catholic Reporter, U.S. Catholic, MuslimMatters, Maydan in German media outlets like Qantara, MIGAZIN, IslamIQ, Islamische Zeitung and Turkish publications like Perspektif.

The Hajj: A Muslim Vision for the Interreligious Life

Posted on June 13, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

Community is a messy and wild business. As someone who loves her community deeply, sometimes my impulse is to withdraw and be in my own little bubble. It is not easy to get along, collaborate, communicate and cooperate. Giving up … Continue reading →

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The Dead Teach Us Much About Life – A Muslim Experience of Memento Mori 

Posted on May 15, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

I wash dead bodies in my free time. Along with around seventy Muslim women, I volunteer to perform the last Islamic rites. It is a collective obligation in Islam: Some members in the community need to fulfill this religious duty … Continue reading →

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Ramadan – Three Reasons Why All Can Appreciate this Muslim Season

Posted on March 21, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

Ramadan – the most joyous month for about two billion Muslims around the world – is around the corner. March 10/11 will mark the start of the holy season during which Muslims will begin to fast every day from dawn … Continue reading →

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The Muslim Mary: A Symbol of Devotion, Virtue and Hope

Posted on March 12, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

For Christians, the contemplative Christmas season is over. Holy Week and Easter will soon be upon us. During these sacred observances, the figure of Mary looms large: from giving birth in a stable to keeping vigil at the foot of … Continue reading →

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A Message of Gratitude, Comfort and Hope

Posted on November 6, 2023 by zeynebsayilgan

My dear colleagues and friends, dear neighbors, dear sisters and brothers in faith, my dear community, “Indeed, to God do we belong and indeed to Him is our return,” (Qur’an 2:156) As many of you know by now, our beautiful … Continue reading →

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