Islamic influence on popular culture focus of UTA forum

On the occasion of the anniversary of 9/11, and in honor of the end of Ramadan, four New York Muslims reflect on piety and patriotism, on sharing classrooms and rituals of community life, on the courage and goodness of New Yorkers, and on the horrific event that has shaped a generation of American Muslim life. via www.religiondispatches.org

شەيد كربلا كي مومينوں جب ياد آتي هے تژپ جاتي هے دنيا خون آنسوں بەاتي هے يا حسين shahîd-e karbalâ kî momînoñ jab yâd âtî hai taRap jâtî hai duniyâ xûn ânsûñ bahâtî hai yâ husayn When believers remember the Martyr of Karbala The world becomes upset Blood flows as tears Oh Husayn! From a Marsiya performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Despite my responsibility as a citizen to keep informed, it’s getting quite difficult to read the news these days. I often find myself having to take a break from reading because I am overcome by anger, bitterness, or despair. And never mind the effect it’s having on my ability to do other work. However, I came across an op-ed yesterday, by a supporter of the war in Iraq, that made some very good points. What I liked most about it was its focus on where do we go from here. Regardless of whether or not you support the war in…