Tag Archives: Islam

Mary to the Rescue – How the Mother of Jesus saved the first Muslim Refugees

Posted on December 23, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Zeyneb Sayılgan, Ph.D. I return often to an important event from the very beginning of Islamic history, because it refuses to let me give in to despair. At a time when Muslim immigrants and refugees are routinely dehumanized and demonized … Continue reading →

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Islamophobia in the Classroom: Memories of a Muslim Student

Posted on December 22, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

by Zeyneb Sayılgan, Ph.D. Being bullied in school is a painful experience. When this injury is inflicted by teachers, though, it reaches another level. Your trust in adults who are supposed to nurture, guide and protect you is fundamentally shaken. … Continue reading →

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Pope Leo in Türkiye: Deepening Christian-Muslim Understanding

Posted on December 2, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Pope Leo is visiting Türkiye – a country I call home and to which I have taken many Christian students to explore our shared religious history. Of course, Nicea (modern day Iznik) is a must visit destination in that regard. … Continue reading →

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Nostra Aetate at 60 – A Muslim Reflects on its Enduring Call to Mutual Understanding

Posted on October 30, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Akdamar Church in Van – Türkiye I grew up as a Muslim child of immigrants in Germany in the beautiful city of Mainz. Surrounded by a rich Catholic culture, I often felt the weight of being seen as “other.” I … Continue reading →

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Hajj 2025 – The Ancient United Nations Assembly 

Posted on June 5, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

The hajj – the pilgrimage season which is attended by almost three million Muslims every year – is around the corner. With people from around 180 countries, this sacred ritual of Islam remains the largest gathering of humanity to this … Continue reading →

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World Happiness Report 2025: A Muslim Reflection

Posted on May 28, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Zeyneb Sayılgan, PhD  My young daughter often asks me at bedtime about my favorite childhood memories. As I share them with her, I have come to realize they often involve other people. Playing outside in nature with the neighborhood children … Continue reading →

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On Motherhood: Finding Fortitude In The Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings

Posted on May 13, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Mom, Anne, Mutti, Daye – I have said “mother” in all of the four languages I grew up with.  Yet, it was only after I became a mother myself that I truly understood the depth and the meaning of what motherhood … Continue reading →

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The Muslim Jesus: A Reflection During Easter

Posted on April 17, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

Muslims love Jesus, something unknown to most non-Muslims. I know many Muslims who are named after ‘Isa—the Qur’anic name for Jesus. When remembering him and other messengers of God, Muslims pronounce the formula of reverence: “God’s peace be upon him … Continue reading →

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Ramadan 2025: Nourishment for the Human Soul

Posted on February 27, 2025 by zeynebsayilgan

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 →

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I grew up Muslim in a Catholic community – and Mary represented common ground

Posted on December 28, 2024 by zeynebsayilgan

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 →

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