Religion & Spirituality - Islam

Oct 15, 2008

Last week marked the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. I was particularly pleased that its end coincided with Rosh Hoshana. As a bonus, Eid, the festival following Ramadan, coincided with Gandhi’s birthday. It all seemed fitting, somehow, emphasizing our participation in an American tradition that's larger than the sum of our own traditions.

Sep 9, 2008

Recently, Roqaya Al-Gassra from Bahrain competed in the Beijing Olympics wearing a head scarf and a full-length suit. I was surprised that her running gear did not occasion more comment. But if wearing a modest track suit allows her to compete in a sport that she wouldn't otherwise feel comfortable competing in, I think that's wonderful.

Apr 19, 2008

As Malaysia prepares to pick its first astronauts, the country's space agency is hunting for solutions to the problems it expects devout Muslims to face while in orbit, such as in which direction to pray.