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Why Witness?
With this blog, I hope to provide new insights, break down misconceptions, and spur thoughtful discussion on topics of religion, culture, politics and social justice. I write particularly on issues of comparative religion (between Islam and Christianity) and Islamophobia in post-9/11 America. I also write about my Catholic faith, American politics, journalism, and the Middle East.
The goal of a writer, a Christian, and a Muslim, is to be a witness to a greater Truth. Hence, the blog's title.
“You are my witness…and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10, the Bible
“And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that [with your lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind.” Surat al-Baqara, the Qur'an
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Category Archives: Islamophobia
Why you should care about the National Defense Authorization Act
*This is a long post. But its length reflects the importance of its topic. I hope this discussion communicates the complexity of the NDAA and the significance of the law’s implications. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into … Continue reading
9/11/11: A new American anniversary
In my most recent posts, I’ve discussed the terrorist attacks in Norway, offering quite a depressing analysis of their causes and implications, many of which are related to Islamophobia in America. Fear of Muslims existed in the American psyche before … Continue reading
The Oslo Opportunity, Part 4: ‘He’s not a Christian!’
As the terrorist attacks unfolded in Norway but before their origins were fully known, many assumed that the perpetrator was a Muslim. To everyone’s surprise, the terrorist wasn’t Muslim, but rather a blond, Christian, anti-Muslim extremist, Anders Behring Breivik. Immediately … Continue reading
The Oslo Opportunity, Part 3: ‘Counter-jihad’ crusaders
The terror attacks in Norway occurred on foreign soil, but they have a disturbing connection to our own country and those who perpetuate fear of Islam here. To understand the link, we need to look no further than Anders Behring … Continue reading
The Oslo Opportunity, Part 2: Fears of an emerging “Eurabia”
I write often about Islamophobia in America, and while it is a massive and growing problem, it plagues Europe far more. Let’s uncover why. Unlike America, which was founded to embrace diversity, western European states each grew out of a … Continue reading
The Oslo Opportunity, Part 1: Talking about Terrorism
In the weeks since the terrorist attacks in Norway, I’ve read a lot of articles and op-eds attempting to flesh out their implications and identify the tensions that led to them. Though the attacks were truly horrific, they present us … Continue reading
Sharia: A Fabricated Threat
In recent weeks, “sharia” has become the favorite buzzword of many a politician, blogger, and pundit. We heard the word at Peter King’s second round of Muslim radicalization hearings, in remarks made by presidential hopefuls at the recent GOP debate, … Continue reading
9/11 Hate-Crime Victim Seeks to Save His Attacker
After 9/11, Rais Bhuiyan was targeted in a hate-crime–shot in the face–because he is Muslim. Now, his faith is motivating him to save the life of the man who attacked him. Listen to the NPR interview with Rais here. We … Continue reading
Searching for our own Edward R. Murrow
Today, New York Representative Peter King held a second round of Congressional hearings concerning “Muslim radicalization in the U.S.” In an era when anti-Muslim rhetoric continues to spew unchecked from the mouths of presidential hopefuls and talking heads on cable, … Continue reading
Niqabi-American: Why one Muslim woman covers her face
This seven-minute documentary, which profiles Fazila, a Muslim-American woman who wears the face veil (niqab), is a must watch. Many Muslims don’t agree with Fazila’s decision to wear the niqab, and I’m not even sure I do. My hesitation is … Continue reading
