Today is the first of Muharram, the first 10 days of which commemorate the assassination of the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib.
More to come.
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Richard, at Tikun Olam, has a piece up entitled Hanukah: Holiday of Spiritual Renewal or Jewish Nationalism? This summation is, I think, a good review of what Hanukah is becoming. Growing up I only knew the miracle story from my friends. The nationalist aspect is new to me, even now. Muslim holidays have been politicized, albeit in a different way, for quite some time. The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday is a touchstone of Wahabbi ideology. To recognize the uniqueness of the Prophet in any way is to commit a sin in their worldview. The Hajj has always been a good time…
Happy New Years
Happy Gregorian New Year. Muslim New Year.
Wall Street Journal Coverage of America to Zanzibar
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