Hamza Yusuf's Blog, page 6

Ten Years Later: Reflections on my Post 9-11 Interview with Richard Scheinin in the San Jose Mercury

In the immediate aftermath of the attack on the U.S. ten years ago, I was catapulted into a position of spokesperson for a community. My history of criticizing American foreign policy complicated matters for me, given the almost inquisitional environment that began to arise in the U.S. since then. Some have attempted to present any [...]

Where are the "No Smoking" signs in Medina? Since they are no longer in our hearts, at least put them on the walls.

Note to readers: I want to thank everyone who wrote recently and inquired about my health. I had a terrible fall a few weeks ago and had a mild concussion from it. I appreciate the wisdom of wearing a turban more. I am better, and the headaches have subsided – thanks be to Allah. Unfortunately, [...]

Ramadan: When Feeding Others in Need Supersedes Our Own Hunger and Greed

As Ramadan moves along, we realize the rapidity with which the month travels. The word "month," derived from "moon," essentially measures one lunar cycle: the roughly 29.5 days it takes the moon to circle the earth. A lag time is involved due to the earth's spin and its own movement around the sun. The Qur'an [...]

The UAE: Where Murder Still Means Something

There's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all: since no man has aught of what he leaves, what is't to leave betimes? [...]

Biography of Sidi Fudul al-Huwari

One of the great traditions of Islam is what is referred to as "tabaqat" literature. It is essentially biographical material that highlights the lives and qualities of the great sages, scholars, ascetics, and saints of Islam. The earliest biographical literature, such as Ibn S'ad's Tabaqat, pertains to the lives of the Prophet's Companions. The benefit [...]

Don't Let Wikipedia Become Wickedmedia

Islam is rooted in the idea that knowledge is the most potent force on earth. The more one knows, the closer one gets to the One who knows all. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, loved knowledge, and it is the only prayer the Qur'an commands him to supplicate: "Say: O [...]

If You Don't Like the Mawlid, Watch Out!

The birthday of the Prophet, God's peace and blessings be upon him, is a great blessing for our community and, indeed, for all believers. So if we know the day, it should renew our joy manifold times. The Mawlid (his birthday) has traditionally been a time to reflect on – and be grateful for – [...]