Tales from the Steppes: The Presence of Muslims & Islam in Russia
The history of the Muslim communities in Russia dates farther back than the collapse of the Soviet Union.
This article delves into the rich heritage of Islamic traditions in Russia, from the early interactions with Tatar Muslims to the modern-day expressions of faith among diverse Muslim communities.
Fatimah Naeem examines the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims in the Russian state, including issues of religious freedom, cultural integration, and political representation.
She also highlights the contributions of Islam to Russian culture and society, showcasing the resilience and diversity of Muslim identities within the Russian Federation.
Unraveling the Wisdom: The Prohibition of Riba in Islam
Anas Sultan explains the concept of riba and how it is prohibited in the major global religions.
He argues that riba is destabilizing because it can lead to variations in market dynamics, drive up prices, and degrade society and social morality.
The global financial crisis of 2008 is a prime example of the societal downfall that riba can trigger.
Why Is the Middle East Such a Complicated Region to Study?
A culturally, politically, and historically diverse area, the Middle East has been quite an enigmatic region for scholars to study. This is mainly because of past and present complexities in the region itself and also due to the obscure picture painted by the methodologies employed by scholars in the past. Although there are copious amounts of problems, Mr. Ishfaq has only briefly elucidated several major ones i.e. history, definitional issues, Islam, the West-dominated field, orientalism, and a lack of theoretical focus.
The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam’s Holiest Shrine and the Birth of Al-Qaeda
Written by Yaroslav Trofimov, the book “The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam’s Holiest Shrine and the Birth of Al-Qaeda” was published in 2007. Trofimov aptly describes an in-depth historical context of the socio-political and religious landscape of Saudi Arabia and details the seizure of the Grand Mosque which took place in 1979. The book is a must-read if you want a neutral detailed explanation of this unfortunate takeover with a fact-based backstory.
Islam, Ethnicity, and Power Politics: Constructing Pakistan’s National Identity by Rasul Bakhsh Rais
Islam, Ethnicity, and Power Politics by Rasul Bakhsh Rais analyzes the relationship between the issue of identity, power politics and competing ideologies in Pakistan.
Rais illustrates how Islam has been used to legitimize political power, how ethnic identities have been mobilized for political purposes, and how these dynamics have shaped the political landscape of Pakistan.
Examining the Rising Islamophobic Sentiments in Europe
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a disheartening rise in Islamophobia, imposing far-reaching consequences on individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. Europe’s Islamophobic wave has led to Muslim communities experiencing an immense amount of discrimination, hate crimes, and marginalization. When it comes to Islam, freedom of speech has been reduced to an excuse for committing hate crimes.
Fatimah Naeem provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes and consequences of Islamophobia in Europe, and the responses to it. She aims to foster awareness and understanding of this multifaceted issue to encourage constructive dialogue and efforts towards a more tolerant and inclusive European society.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity
In this article, you will explore the historical background of Eid-ul-Adha, the date and month of this celebration as well as the cultural practices of this festival.
Gain a deeper understanding of this Muslim festival by learning its origins, its observance across different regions, the rules governing it, and why it holds immense importance for the Muslim community.
Islamophobia in Canada: An Increasingly Vicious Trend
The recent terrorist attack on a Muslim family in Canada is just one case of the rising Islamophobia in the West. While Western state governments usually express solidarity with the victims, no effective steps are really taken to dismantle and eradicate the intensifying xenophobia in these countries.
Turkey: Atatürk’s Secularism vs Erdoğan’s Islamization
Turkey’s foundation as a secular state, as set by its founding father Kemal Ataturk, now clashes with the incumbent President Erdogan’s vision of Islamization. The author uses several examples to showcase how Turkey is now being redirected to its imperial glory – to when Islam was the linchpin of the Ottoman Empire.
Islamophobia in the United States and Beyond
The fear and terror prevailing against Muslims around the world, especially in the West is called “Islamophobia”. The terrorist attack of 9/11, in particular, led to an unparalleled rise in Islamophobia – and Muslims all around the world were suddenly labelled ‘extremists’ and ‘terrorists’. In the United States, far-right political parties are using this fear to gain momentum in their political career.
The Identity Crisis of Muslims in Non-Muslim Societies
The antipathy and insensitivity in non-Muslim societies have driven Muslim minorities to the brink of an identity crisis. This piece gives reference to China, India, and the United States.
The Adversity Faced by the Rohingya People
Stateless refugees, the Rohingya Muslims find themselves in limbo — and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. The international community’s lack of coordination will certainly plunge the Rohingya people into abject poverty, followed by oblivion.