Articles
The Madrasa of Gaza al-‘Izza
What is ‘izza? English translations of the Qur’an typically translate ‘izza as glory, might and honour. And therefore: To Allah, His Messenger ﷺ and the believers belongs all glory, might and honour. But the etymology of the word ‘izza denotes many meanings: strength and power; rarity and preciousness; and even difficulty and unattainability.
Invites, In-Laws & Guests, Oh My! A Primer on Being a Guest and Host
For Muslims, inviting and hosting people should be an act of devotion in which Allah plays an important role. More than a mere social obligation or a means of furthering a network of connections, we should see it as a spiritual act in which one exemplifies qualities Allah loves. He loves those who are generous, and has emphasized the rights of the visitor and the virtues of serving them in the best way.
The Ideology of Police Brutality
Police officers neither make laws nor determine their constitutionality. But, they do something just as—if not more—significant. They enforce them. What happens when an officer selectively enforces laws? What happens when he chooses not to arrest a friend but to detain a foe? What happens when the police officer is motivated by racial bias to physically injure, kill, or frame citizens simply because he/she does not look or live the way they prefer? The fact that this prerogative is left up to law enforcement is essential to understanding how systemic oppression quickly spreads and is perceived by the victims of such actions.
In Defense of the Immigrant Uncle
It has become popular and commonplace to cast the immigrant uncles as a major problem with our communities. Social media feeds, speeches and common conversations are filled with an invective directed against the immigrant uncle as a backward, over-the-hill figure that doesn’t understand the needs of today.
"The Art Is To Treat The Souls of People": An Interview With Master Calligrapher Hasan Celebi
For many, master calligrapher Hasan Celebi is seen as the reviver of Islamic calligraphy of our time, a living legend. Having started his life as an imam, Celebi's heart was filled with the words of God and His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). He took an interest in calligraphy and has been making history ever since.