Tag Archives: Religion

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

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

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

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

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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World Happiness Report 2025: A Muslim Reflection

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

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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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

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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

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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

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Imam Ali (ra) and His Wisdom for the Interreligious Life

This past July Muslims around the world entered the new Islamic year of 1446. The first Islamic month of Muharram is a moment in which Muslims not only observe the important fast of Ashura but also commemorate the martyrdom of … Continue reading

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