Ben Kingsley is/was Muslim
No, really. The following article is in German, but he talks about his father being Ismaili and growing up in Zanzibar. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/kultur/artikel/202/24178/
Year: 2004
Back to Education
I’ve spoken previously about my belief in education as being the magic bullet to deal with the many problems of various societies. Below are several excerpts from a speech delivered by the Aga Khan at the opening of a new academy in Kenya, and I think they are fairly representative of my own thoughts on the matter.
Afghanistan Creates Constitution
I am impressed that Afghanistan has managed to create a new constitution. I haven’t had a chance to get my hands on it, but I wonder how different it is from the 1964 constitution, which was the last functioning one in the country. I think settling the language issue is key, as it is one of the markers of ethnicity, and one of the big dividing forces in the country. How the Hazaras will be treated is still an open question, as is the role women will play. As the BBC article correctly notes, the country still lacks the rule…
Australia and the Hijab
I found this article a fairly interesting treatment of the hijab in Australia. Of course, I wouldn’t be pointing it out if I didn’t have issues…
How to Rule the World in Five Easy Conquers
1. Invade Afghanistan (unintended bonus) 2. Invade Iraq 3. Invade Syria 4. Invade Iran 5. Blockade N. Korea until it surrenders The world according to Richard Perle.
Forest for the Trees
The Muslim American Society has been organizing people to boycott Fleet Bank for allegedly discriminating against Muslims. Based on the evidence they, MAS, have presented, I think it’s important to bring any impropriety out and to use not only criminal sanction, but also market sanction. But…
Tragedy in Iran
“To God We belong, and to Him is our return” [2:156] Trans. Yusuf Ali For those unaware, the new numbers for the Iran quake are close to 50,000 dead. I won’t belabor the point, as Muslim Wakeup! has already compiled a list of agencies to which you can donate. Please give as much as you can.
Happy New Year
Despite recent tragedies and fears, the New Year was well-spent, and hopefully it was for you as well. May the new year bring us greater knowledge of ourselves, of our faith, and allow us to be of greater service to our families, communities, and our faith.