So why is it o.k. for Muslims to celebrate Christmas? For starters, Allah commands us to do so, in the Quran.
Read moreHAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS
In Pakistan, on Christmas my mother would go for Midnight Mass and light a candle. “You are a Muslim! Why did you go to a church for a Christmas service?” a woman asked her. “Because I am a Muslim,” my quick-witted mother retorted . . .
An Arabian Christmas
“It’s Christmas Eve tonight,” my boss said to me, speaking in a gentle, sentimental tone. “We should do something for the nurses on the floors.” I was surprised. Surprised because this was Saudi Arabia where Christmas is a no-no. And my boss was a Saudi man.
May We Have Many More
If someone had walked into my home yesterday, she would have said, “Only in New York!” In a Muslim home, with Quranic calligraphy gracing the walls, a Jewish woman says the Hanukah prayer over the menorah and candles, while the soft sounds of Silent Night, Holy Night play from the replica of Nativity Scene, and the ladies munch over Santa chocolates wrapped in red and silver wrappers.
Read moreMy Muslim Christmas
Lets start with some Islamic trivia, which, by the way is not trivial. Not by a long shot. Here is the question: In the Quran, only one woman is mentioned by name. Who is it?
The answer: Mary. Mother of Jesus
Did you know that? Here is more: The 19th chapter of the Quran is titled: Maryam—Arabic for Mary
May I Borrow Your Faith
“What gifts does your faith tradition bring to the table, and what gifts in other faiths do you admire and would like to adopt?” the Bishop asked.
Read moreI Felt Ashamed
T’was the Third Sunday in Advent, and I, a Muslim woman, had been given a place of honor at The Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew in New York City. Every year, the pastor invites me to participate in services, and read passages from the Quran from the chapter of Mary. But this year was different.
Read moreTwo Prophets; Two Birthdays
It’s the prophets birthdays! Prophet Jesus yes, (peace be upon him) but also the prophet who followed 600 years later. That’s right. Yesterday it was Prophet Muhammad’s 1,446th birthday (peace be upon him). It isn’t always like that i.e. Muslims and Christians are celebrating the prophets’ birthdays in December. You know why?
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