Embrace the present
Halim Flowers was arrested at 16 and sentenced as an adult to two life sentences. In March 2019, he was released after serving 22 years. He is a poet,
Humility, and her city
Community activist Debbie Almontaser, founder and CEO of Bridging Cultures Group, reflects on fragility, humility, and her city.This pandemic has showed us how fragile we are as human beings
Where do we belong
In early March, Mark Gonzales, Chair of the Department of the Future and Fellow at the Kennedy Center, left Tunisia for the U.S. on what was supposed to be a 10 day trip
We're holding you
Seemi Ghazi is a lecturer in Classical Arabic at the University of British Columbia, with a special interest in Islamic Literature, Culture and Spirituality.
Narrating a new story
Samar Kaukab, who leads a research accelerator program at Columbia University's Natural Sciences Division, reflects how much Ramadan has changed for herself and her kids this year
The business of responsibility
Saafir Rabb, a business strategist and community activist, reflects on the responsibility of the business community to better address the needs of society and humanity.
Tragedy and joy
Dr. Naba Sharif reflects on the juxtaposition of tragic and joyful life moments and how both test us to remember the One.My phone rang just as I parked my car into the southern Maryland allergy practice where I work.
He owes us nothing
Imam Sohaib Sultan is the first full-time Muslim Life Coordinator and Chaplain at rinceton University. He was recently diagnosed with State 4 cholangiocarcinoma. Please keep Sohaib bhai and his family in your prayers.
They get strength from us
Raghad Bushnaq, originally from Syria, founded Mozaic four years ago to help refugee families from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere get settled in the Washington DC area.
It wasn't the end
Sedra is a refugee from Syria; she's 17. Her family moved to the Washington DC area in 2017. Please listen to Sedra's reflection, in her own voice, in the video above - a poem titled 'It Wasn't the End'.
'Amma, haven't eaten for four days'
Photographer and activist Shahidul Alam hears children crying out for food from his ktichen. He's already warned of a looming famine, and decries profiteering by the powerful.
Get up eight
My dear friend Luby Ismail was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago. In every conversation I've ever had with her, the sentiment that I leave with is gratitude
Confronting the beast
Singer and songwriter Zeshan B opens up about mental health and reflects on what happens when lifelines vanish; he sings his pain into a new song released
A crown of compassion
Freelance journalist Aina Khan, currently with Al Jazeera, bravely reflects on what happens when the rat-race comes to a halt and we have nowhere left to hide.
Sabr (patience)
Asma Khan, the founder/owner of the acclaimed restaurant Darjeeling Express in London, named one of the ‘100 coolest people in food and drink’, reflects on a tragedy she just experienced and how it teaches her the true essence of Ramadan.
Reconnect with our values
As Italy begins to gradually reopen this week, after the longest lockdown in Europe, activist Anass Hanafi, co-founder of the Italian Inclusive Leaders Network, reflects on how this time has allowed him to reconnect with his values.
Honoring my grandfather
Documentary filmmaker Amina Chaudary remembers her grandfather's tenacity, on the eve of her graduation, and continues his legacy of perseverance, education, and service.
Approach it as a child does
A beautiful reflection about how to approach this special Ramadan from Afeefa Syeed, Co-founder and Director of the Al Fatih Academy in VA - and an inspirer to all who know her.
The spirit can begin to soar
British photographer Peter Sanders, one of the most respected photographers of the Muslim world, shared many wisdoms in a recent interview I was honored to do with him, including the comfort that can come from accepting constriction.
Allah pressed pause
Violinist and singer Ali Keeler, founder of the Al Firdaus Ensemble, reflects on the opportunity of this moment to take stock and connect with our inner most selves.