The Ajnabi

The Chants for Change Reach Loyalist Damascus

The Chants for Change Reach Loyalist Damascus

THE AJNABI: It’s a cry that’s familiar from viewing images of Tahrir Square, Yemen and Hama but it’s the first time I’ve heard it in a wealthy, Damascus suburb.

 American Bedu

Iftar: A Brief Etiquette Guide for non-Muslims

Iftar: A Brief Etiquette Guide for non-Muslims

AMERICAN BEDU: It is an honor to be invited to share the rites of Ramadan with your Muslim friends but it’s important to observe a few points of protocol.

 Crossroads Arabia

Ramadan Slackers Beware: You’re Being Watched

Ramadan Slackers Beware: You’re Being Watched

CROSSROADS ARABIA: It appears that the Saudi authorities have had enough of people using the Holy Month as an excuse to do little or any work.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

‘Ramadan Kareem’: In Praise of the Pious Text Message

‘Ramadan Kareem’: In Praise of the Pious Text Message

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: As Ramadan approaches the volume of pious text messages is set for an exponential increase.

 The Ajnabi

The Slightly Creepy Pro-Government Damascus Carnival – Colourful, And Forced

The Slightly Creepy Pro-Government Damascus Carnival – Colourful, And Forced

THE AJNABI: When I say encouraged, I mean it in the mukhabarat’s sense of the word. School children and government employees were bussed in…

 American Bedu

So Who Exactly Says When Ramadan Begins?

So Who Exactly Says When Ramadan Begins?

AMERICAN BEDU: The official declaration of Ramadan follows a visual sighting but who is the person tasked with ‘spotting’ the Ramadan moon?

 Common Ground News Service

What Connects Us is Greater Than What Separates Us

What Connects Us is Greater Than What Separates Us

SHEIKH IBRAHIM RAMADAN, CGNEWS: Recognising and celebrating the differences of other religions is a mark of strength, not weakness.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Media Law: Let’s Just Get Rid of It

Saudi Media Law: Let’s Just Get Rid of It

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Saudi authorities have paid attention to the furore that greeted the new legislation dealing with the media.

 Steve Royston

Bahrain: Retaining Reason in a Battle of Emotions

Bahrain: Retaining Reason in a Battle of Emotions

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s 4am. Outside my window there’s a full moon , the harbinger of madness. Cocks are crowing and the thak-thak-thak of nearby helicopters has woken me.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Could the U.S. be Considered an ‘Islamic’ Country?

Could the U.S. be Considered an ‘Islamic’ Country?

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: What does it mean to be an Islamic country? Today’s world is not so black and white, and glib categorisations make less sense than ever.

 Yahya Ederer

Muslim Guidebook: How to Deal with Christmas

Muslim Guidebook: How to Deal with Christmas

YAHYA EDERER: Every December the Christmas clamour seems to increase around the world. I have some thoughts on how Muslims should manage the festive ‘bombardment’.

 Steve Royston

An Encounter with the True Meaning of Ashura

An Encounter with the True Meaning of Ashura

STEVE ROYSTON – In the two hours I listened, I couldn’t begin to understand the intricacies. But I was struck by the gentle emotion, and parallels to Easter.

 Sultan Al Qassemi

Stereotypes are a dressing for our own prejudice

Stereotypes are a dressing for our own prejudice

Stereotypes can be exacerbated by local customs and dress, but that is no reason for abandoning those things – rather it’s up to us to us to continue to challenge ignorance head on argues Sultan Al Qassemi.