Over a four-day period, Mecca’s population is more than doubled, with legions of devout Muslims making their way shoulder to shoulder through the dozen rituals that comprise Hajj. If it weren’t for the solemn and religious underpinnings, it would be an unnerving assembly of human beings for such a concentrated space
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Transformations
Is everything Islamic correct? Do you always believe that the Mullahs, Sheikhs and Imams have a “pure” agenda when they teach the various interpretations of Islam. This article from the NYT’s Magazine provides a view into the transformation of Salafi Imam –> from a conservative, fire-bombing, radical Islamist to a liberal thinker. There is still hope. Here is a small passage: For all the thousands of children who have memorized the holy book at Koranic schools, it can make for a wonderful companion to carry through life. But it’s also a dangerous tool. The emotional power of those divine lyrics,…
Parallel Quotes
I [Rabbi Ephraim Oshry] explained to the adoptive father that his reward would be immense without recognition of having the boy called to the Torah by his name, for he had saved this child from death about which our sages say, “Whoever maintains one Jewish life is considered as if he had maintained the whole world.” G-d will doubtless reward him for his righteousness in raising the boy and educating him in the way of goodness, and grant him many blessings and bounty. Oshry, Efroim, and B. Goldman. Responsa from the Holocaust. Rev. ed. New York: Judaica Press, 2001. On…
MLT – Discuss the Undiscussable
Four questions were posed to us in small groups. The questions are below, with my thoughts in brackets. Couldn’t capture everyone’s ideas, but feel free to answer in comments on your own. Topic: Integration of Islam and the West What frustrates/angers/annoys/etc. most about the topic? [The question. As long we see a dichotomy between Islam and the West, others will as well. For the most part, I have to say, at least in the US the integration question seems to be coming more from the Muslim community. Those who want to reach out to us already accept religious identity and…