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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: Religion
The Garden (“Peeling Oranges” Series)
One cold morning, I wait for the American neighbors next door, who share a cab with me to school. A smoky mist rises up from their host mother’s garden, the night’s frost melting and crystalizing again in the air. It … Continue reading
Peeling Oranges
During my time in Jordan, I’ve taken many photographs, images that, when I look back at them years from now, will bring back the feelings I felt in those places and with those people. When I look at this picture, … Continue reading
Taxi Rides at Maghrib
After my first day at the university a few weeks ago, I jumped into a cab with a friend at dusk, stressed and tired from the long day. My mind was reeling with the new situation and setting, preoccupied with … Continue reading
Sunday nights in the Sacred Heart
Sunday night Mass is one of my favorite parts of my week at Georgetown. The 9:30pm service in Dahlgren of the Sacred Heart helps to slow me down, put my life in perspective, and notice God working in my life. … Continue reading
What’s in a name?: Jordan goes to Jordan
Written January 23, 2012 Today is my first full day in Amman, Jordan. During my four months studying abroad here, my blog will continue to serve as a place where I post stories and reflections, which will no doubt be … Continue reading
Attentiveness in Advent
Every year during Advent, the four-week season leading up to Christmas, Catholics hear passages from Scripture that remind us to be watchful and ready for the coming of Christ. These passages explain that we are not only awaiting the celebration … Continue reading
Around One Table
A few weeks ago, I co-organized and participated in Georgetown’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service. Brought together by the Office of Campus Ministry and the student Interfaith Council, students representing different religious groups on campus gathered to share prayers, songs, … Continue reading
Learning from St. Jean de Brebeuf
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the North American Martyrs, a group of eight 17th-century Jesuits who were murdered during their missionary work among the Hurons. Though today–informed by pluralism and more open to religious diversity — we … 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
