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Category Archives: Islam
When I Die
On the day of my death, when my coffin is carried away, Do not think that I suffer or feel pain in leaving this world. Do not weep for me, nor say, “How tragic! What a loss!” For if you … Continue reading
Ramadan 2025: Nourishment for the Human Soul
Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth and deep human connection, offering a path to inner and communal transformation. Ramadan, the holiest and most anticipated month in the Islamic calendar, is just around the corner. This weekend, nearly two billion … Continue reading
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, God, Islam, Quran, Ramadan, Risale-i Nur
Tagged Fasting, Islam, Quran, Ramadan, Religion
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An Ode to a Snowflake – Inspired by the Risale-i Nur
O delicate jewel of the sky, Crafted by the Hand unseen, so high, You fall, a soft, pure messenger, A sign of mercy that we confer. In your fleeting form, you softly weave A thousand secrets we long to believe. … Continue reading
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, God, Islam, Risale-i Nur
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I grew up Muslim in a Catholic community – and Mary represented common ground
I had just finished teaching a class on “The Muslim Mary”. Many non-Muslims who attended were puzzled to find out that Muslims had a connection with Mary at all, and had no knowledge of how important she is to our … Continue reading
Posted in Islam, Mary
Tagged Christianity, Christians, Christmas, Islam, Jesus, Mary, Maryam, Quran, Religion
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Death The Greatest Teacher: Three Life-Lessons From The Child I Lost
If you want advice – death is sufficient, says Muslim scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi. True. Every time I visit the gravesite of my sweet three-year-old Meryem, I am painfully awakened in new ways. Her love and light continue to sustain and strengthen … Continue reading
Posted in Death, Islam
Tagged Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Death, God, Grief, Hadith, Islam, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran, Religion
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The Hijra – Lessons from The First Muslim Migration for Today
This July Muslims entered their new Islamic year of 1446. Day one of the Islamic lunar calendar is based on a momentous event – the hijra or migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. The early Muslim community who … Continue reading
Posted in Community, God, Islam
Tagged God, Hadith, Hijra, History, Immigration, Islam, Migration, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran, Refugees, Religion
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Three Qur’anic Concepts that Guide my Interreligious Life
My Muslim upbringing has deeply influenced my personal and academic life. Through my journey, I’ve discovered that while my values are rooted in my faith, engaging with other traditions has significantly broadened my perspective. This mutual learning process not only … Continue reading
Posted in Community, God, Islam
Tagged Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, God, Hadith, Islam, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran, Religion
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The Hajj: A Muslim Vision for the Interreligious Life
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
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, God, Hajj, Islam, Prophet-Muhammad, Risale-i Nur
Tagged Hajj, Islam, Mecca, Pilgrimage, Religion
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The Dead Teach Us Much About Life – A Muslim Experience of Memento Mori
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
Posted in Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Community, Death, God, Islam, Risale-i Nur
Tagged Bediüzzaman-Said-Nursi, Death, God, Grief, Hadith, Islam, Prophet-Muhammad, Quran, Religion
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Ramadan – Three Reasons Why All Can Appreciate this Muslim Season
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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