notes

While We Sleep…

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Mar 18, 2009 at 12:14 pm

The following comment is by a sister who responded to one of the postings we made concerning our visit to Mali. What she mentions here is applicable to all of the Muslim parts of Africa, with the possible exception of Egypt and some other parts of North Africa. Generally speaking,…

notes

Gaza: In The Hangman’s Rope

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jan 19, 2009 at 12:54 am

They see no death, no blood, no pain; too blinded by an ancient claim. So take the land, destroy the man, and bomb the babe in mothers’ hands, Uproot the olive, kill the dove, to Hell with charity and love. When those twain die,…

notes

Jihad is Not Perpetual Warfare

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jan 15, 2009 at 1:39 am

This article is reprinted here from my book Scattered Pictures: Reflections of an American Muslim. It is hoped that it will add a new dimension to the evolving debate concerning the idea that the only strategic option available for Muslims, regardless of their strategic strength or weakness, or their…

notes

Searching for Words

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jan 07, 2009 at 10:38 am

As I pen these words, the people of Gaza are suffering a terrible fate. We pray that God brings them relief and replaces their state of insecurity and war with one of security and peace. As of yet, I have not found the words to write anything meaningful and intelligible…

notes

Yes We Can!

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Nov 05, 2008 at 5:17 am

The American people have spoken in a resounding voice, “YES WE CAN!” and with that refrain echoing into the night history was made as Senator Barack Hussein Obama was elected to serve as the next president of the United States. Senator Obama’s election as the first African American president illustrates…

notes

Go Forth Romantic Warrior!

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Oct 28, 2008 at 2:04 pm

Go forth romantic warrior, to slay the beast of self. Go forth into the field of life, and relish in the wealth. Go forth romantic warrior, transcend the chains of time. Go forth beyond this world of strife, to learn of life sublime. Go…

notes

Misunderstanding Not Treachery

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Oct 03, 2008 at 2:05 pm

The blog entry I wrote several days ago in defense of Shaykh Hamza Yusuf was based on my misunderstanding of the events leading up to Shaykh Hamza’s participation the malaria eradication program sponsored by the Tony Blair Foundation in Los Angeles, September 25, 2008. In reality, it was a lot…

notes

Imam Zaid’s ‘Id Khutbah

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Oct 01, 2008 at 8:12 pm

I wish to extend warmest ‘Id Greetings to all of you. May Allah bless you all during this blessed season. Here is my ‘Id Khutbah. Insha Allah, you will find some benefit in it. http://newislamicdirections.com/mediacast/id-khutbah-1429-2008/

notes

May You All Have A Blessed Ramadan

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Sep 29, 2008 at 10:17 am

notes

Drilling and Killing for God

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Sep 04, 2008 at 6:58 pm

Yesterday, September 3, 2008, United States ground forces swept into Pakistan in a raid that resulted in the deaths of 21 Pakistani civilians. This raid has evoked outrage across Pakistan, and is a clear and unnecessary violation of Pakistani sovereignty. It comes in the context of increasing attacks in Afghanistan…

New Islamic Directions is dedicated to bringing to our visitors a fair and balanced presentation of Islam and its basic teachings.

We are a balanced nation whose historical advance has only been possible when that balance created the spiritual and intellectual space for some of the most brilliant minds known to humanity to flourish.