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The Flowers of Spring

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

May 01, 2019 at 9:12 am

Like as the glistening snowflakes adorn the wintery expanses of fields, trees, and rolling hills in a soft blanket of downy frost, so do the flowers of Spring embellish our lives. Their colors charm us, their fragrances permeate into the depths of our souls and their voices join in serenading…

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Their Religion is Hate

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Apr 22, 2019 at 10:57 pm

We awakened yesterday morning, Easter Sunday, to the news of the horrific slaughter in Sri Lanka. Sensationalizing news organizations rushed to identify the religion of the perpetrators of such a nefarious act. Were they members of the Buddhist majority, the Hindu Tamil Tigers, or were they wretched Muslims who had…

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To My Muslim Brothers and Sisters in Christchurch, New Zealand:

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Mar 16, 2019 at 2:50 pm

With the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate I extend my deepest condolences to all of those whose family members, loved ones, friends, or acquaintances have been killed or wounded in the recent terrorist attack. Despite the natural and understandable pain following in the immediate aftermath of…

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I Stand With Ilhan

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Mar 08, 2019 at 1:22 pm

Today marks International Women’s Day. Among other things, the day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the amazing contributions women make to our lives, families and societies. With their grace, dignity, forbearance, sacrifice and courage, women enrich our lives in countless ways. Speaking of courage, what better day…

articles

The Unfinished Business of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jan 21, 2019 at 10:25 am

During these days many in this country are commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born January 15, 1929. While most remember Dr. King for his soaring oration, symbolized by his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered before a sweltering throng at the Lincoln Memorial,…

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The Listening of the Soul

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Dec 14, 2018 at 5:47 pm

Islam holds humans to be a special creation. Ennobled by God, they are His vicegerent on earth and look forward to a sublime destiny. Their ancestor Adam was the exalted creature in whose direction God ordered the angels to prostrate, even while his splendor drew the envy of Satan. They…

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Where Islam and Nationalism Collide

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Dec 13, 2018 at 10:20 pm

Islam contains teachings that clearly argue against the most important elements of nationalism. The nation-state, which involves wedding a specific people to a sovereign territorial entity, is a modern phenomenon. For example, the Italian city states did not unify into a coherent modern nation-state until the late 1850s. The unification…

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Reflecting on Quiet Lake and Snow

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Nov 21, 2018 at 5:57 am

The sun she rises over quiet lake. To let the snow know that there’s no mistake. To let the morning know that she’s alive. To let earth know that she will survive The folly of mankind and all his wars The pain, disfigurement and all the scars,…

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On The Passing of Dr. Sulayman Nyang

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Nov 13, 2018 at 9:23 am

I have been blessed to know Dr. Nyang for many long decades. He has been a teacher, mentor and an exemplary role model not just for myself but for countless others. He was a true giant who leaves a large pair of shoes that will be difficult to fill. When…

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Final Follow-up on The Kavanaugh/Blasey Ford Affair

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Oct 01, 2018 at 10:38 pm

I appreciate the spirited discourse around the previous post that has been removed as well as the constructive criticism, and I understand the anger motivating many of you. I appreciate the advice from the educated and that of the laity -our religion after all is predicated on sincere advice. I…

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