Spotlight on Islamic Art

Rarely does the Western world highlight artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Often, European art is viewed as a kind of standard for high culture. However, the richly varied history of Muslim artists deserves to be examined more closely, especially contemporary artists who have both exemplified traditional forms and pushed the envelope of change. In…

Diversity in Islamic Art

In Islamic culture, mosques, mosaics, and folios have served as quintessential exhibitions of artistic expression throughout the Dar-al-Islam. In recent years, however, art historians have uncovered unorthodox artworks that not only transcend traditional archetypes but also shed light on Islamic society from previous centuries.  In 2007, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston unveiled a historic…

Have you already forgotten?

Have you already forgotten about the death of innocent Aya?19 years of life ended in cold blood So our ummah donated without having to be nudged Only until her Shia identity was revealed And people’s true colors were no longer concealed Wanting their donations refunded Their minds have been utterly corrupted Believing Shia is not included in our ummah Forgetting our beloved…

Ramadan Remembrance

We rose before the sun,Tired eyes, filled mouths,And before the dawn splinteredProstration’s patience began. A day with no food,A day without water,But with the sun’s journeyWas also the soul’s. A physical deprivationBut with spiritual sustenance,As the sounds of recitationFilled the open air. This year was slightly different,Isolated at home,Missing the comforting smiles,The community. Taraweeh at…

Candle Lights

Time flows by like a channelLeading into a large pond.Some seconds smoothly streamWhile others ripple beyond. Filled with moments held dearAnd those wished to forget,By reflections within and outAnd the people that we’ve met. Sailing in these bodiesAre hardships old and young,Some sunk, some still sturdy,Yet to the blue water clung. To the horizons we…

Clean Water Disparities

Water is an important resource. It’s used for wudu in Islam, baptism in Christianity, ritual washing in Judaism, and spiritual rebirth in Hinduism. In all world religions, water is essential. It is an entity of cleanliness and purification. However, today, many countries with minority populations lack access to clean water. With water pollution affecting irrigated…