It doesn’t take long for one sitting on the sidelines observing the state of Muslim scholarship and its engagement in the political arena to note the widening abyss between two camps. On the one side, are scholars wedded to the state’s apparatus, issuing edicts that align with visions of the ruling (dictator) class and maintenance […]
Tag Archives: Political Islam
04
Dec
Dec
Very few subjects are as polarizing for Muslims as the relationship between scholars and dictators. Many scholars are often discredited as “hypocrites” and “scholars of the sultan” when they praise rulers. However, the human element and context are lacking in this discussion. Topics addressed in this episode include the expectations average Muslims have of scholars […]
30
Apr
Apr
Ever since the rise of revolutionary protests in the Middle East that were initially dubbed the “Arab Spring” before devolving into more of a long and stormy winter, Muslims have increasingly been making their presence established in the realm of political activism and social justice movements. Islamism and Sharia are stable hot topics of discussion […]
22
Mar
Mar
I recently had an opportunity to speak to a group of private sponsors of Syrian refugees coming to Canada. This wonderful group of people volunteered their time and whatever resources they could gather to help, in the small way that they could, innocent families struck by a brutal war. They were eager to learn about […]
18
Feb
Feb
This article originally appeared in Middle East Eye In a recent article for The Atlantic, Graeme Wood takes great pains and goes to considerable lengths in explaining what the Islamic State, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS), as an organisation really wants. In summary, Wood’s position is that a proper understanding of ISIS needs […]
“They said, ‘Shu’ayb, does your prayer tell you that we should abandon what our forefathers worshipped and refrain from doing whatever we please with our own property? Indeed you are a tolerant and sensible man.’ He answered, ‘My people, can you not see? What if I am acting on clear evidence from my Lord? He […]
25
Aug
Aug
“They said, ‘Shu’ayb, does your prayer tell you that we should abandon what our forefathers worshipped and refrain from doing whatever we please with our own property? Indeed you are a tolerant and sensible man.’ He answered, ‘My people, can you not see? What if I am acting on clear evidence from my Lord? He […]
25
May
May
This article originally appeared in Al Jazeera English The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life recently released their latest results from a survey of Muslims around the world on religion, politics and society. Although there is wide variability, it seems that most Muslims want Sharia (Islamic Law) to be the governing law of their countries and […]