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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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Tag Archives: Middle East
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
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
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
Choosing to be Catholic, Part 6
During my second semester, I decided to fulfill a theology requirement with a course called “Introduction to Biblical Literature.” I figured it would be useful for me to take a class that would force me to read the Bible–something Catholics … Continue reading
Choosing to be Catholic, Part 5
During my first semester of college, two of my good friends and I started meeting to discuss religion. I was Catholic, another friend was Muslim, and another Protestant. We wanted an informal place to get together to learn about our … Continue reading
Choosing to be Catholic, Part 4
During high school, I began to learn a lot about Islam. I was initially interested in U.S. foreign affairs in the Middle East, and I wrote papers dealing with topics such as the Sunni-Shia conflict in Iraq and America’s attempts … Continue reading
NYT: American students study in the Middle East
Here’s an awesome NYT article about the increase in American students studying abroad in the Middle East. I’m hoping to study abroad in Jordan during the second semester of my junior year. Yeah, I do think it would be awesome … Continue reading
Friedman questions the firing of CNN Middle East editor
Thomas Friedman’s latest column about CNN’s poor choice to fire Middle East editor Octavia Nasr.
