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.
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.
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.
‘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 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…
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.