avari | haroon moghul

Rattling the Thai Army

A Times piece on an escalation of violence in Muslim-majority southern Thailand, which historically has deep roots in the Malay kingdoms of the Malay peninsula.

Some People's Heads Look the Same, But Are Empty

So from time to time, I follow up on the comments to my Caldwell review.  Some are quite thought-provoking; several, however, are posted by obvious frothing-at-the-mouth types.  One such comment (#14) closes on what I thought was a hilarious qualification: "Muslims have shown there is no more intolerant belief than Islam, except perhaps Liberalism."

At first glance, it's just absurd.  Then you realize that apparently Muslims have shown liberalism to be the most intolerant belief.  Which is dandy.

Ramadan Mubarak.

America's Priorities in the Future of US-Muslim Relations

Some months back, the Abu-Dhabi based Tabah Foundation published my summary and critical analysis of the Changing Course Report, which is a project involving major world leaders, intellects and personalities, discussing potential strategies for Obama in engaging the Muslim world.  (You can find the Changing Course Report here, in .pdf format [175 pp]: It is quite long, for which reason I suggest reading my summary.)  My analytic brief is now up at the Tabah website, in .pdf form, in English and Arabic.  (Introduction page here.)

Short Review of Sex and the Soul

It's up at USAToday's Faith and Reason blog.

This being Ramadan and all, I have tried to cut down on the blogging and the internet in general.  That means this blog is a lot quieter, too.  I'll be back, soon enough.

I Met a Blogger

Just a few days ago, in fact, and she blogs at Beauty and the Feast.  Even cooler, she's an editor at Marie Claire magazine.  I'm always really happy when I discover Muslims and South Asians who are not in the "typical" fields, especially those who get the importance of journalism, writing and blogging.  Check it out.

We Are Less Racist and Less Equal

From the London Review:

...it would be a mistake to think that because the US is a less racist, sexist and homophobic society, it is a more equal society. In fact, in certain crucial ways it is more unequal than it was 40 years ago. No group dedicated to ending economic inequality would be thinking today about declaring victory and going home...

Ramadan is a Time For Donating (and Ramadan in New York City)

If you're considering a cause in the blessed month just days away (can you believe it?), why not consider the Islamic Center at New York University?  We have a number of giving options, all tax-deductible (as we are an institution at NYU), including one-time gifts, matching gifts, annual giving and monthly giving (in the latter, your credit card is automatically charged each month), each of which can be conveniently accessed through our donations page.  Please tell friends and family as well.  Any and every donation is appreciated, if even you can give $10/month.

Beginning Monday, August 24th, the Islamic Center will provide free iftar dinners open to the public.  This is not just a student club; we cater to a large community of alumni, young professionals, Muslims working and living in the area, and so on.  We encourage anyone in the area, who doesn't want to eat alone every night of Ramadan, to visit and become part of our community.  Keep in mind we are conveniently located near the West 4th (A, B, C, D, F, V, A, E) and Christopher St (1) stops -- and not far from the 8th Avenue W/R train: Daily iftars will take place where jumu'ah takes place, our regular prayer and activity space: St. Joseph's Church, 371 6th Avenue. (More information. Directions.)

Invite friends, family, co-workers: You can bring your social circle to the Islamic Center.  We'd love to see you.

Additionally, please mark your calendars for the Thursday, September 17th Fast-a-Thon: Silence Hurts.  This year, we are dedicating all monies raised to Turning Point for Women and Families.  To find out more, and to RSVP, visit the event page.  The event is free and open to the public, although you must RSVP and we only suggest a $20 donation per person (but no one will be turned away who cannot pay.)  Last year, we had over 400 attendees.  It's a wonderful occasion, and a truly crucial cause.

More Than Just Finance

An article by Muzna Ansari:

Ultimately, the crisis we are engulfed in allows us to step back and critically re-assess the very society we live in. While parents may focus on teaching their offspring more effective ways to spend money during recessionary times, they also can think critically about training their children to lead lives of significance that extend beyond individual consumption. Philanthropy is a key part of such a re-assessment. Whether or not these young adults will one day inherit or earn considerable amounts of wealth, they can always make a difference in the world around them. Instilling financial principles is one part of a larger moral project: one where young adults learn that what they contribute will be far more important than what they consume.

Purple Reign: Lakers History, Sick Championship Footage and Wack English

Haroon Moghul Reviews Christopher Caldwell: Reflections on the Revolution in Europe

Do me a big favor and let me know what you think of my latest book review, which is also my second essay for Religion Dispatches.  I'm tackling Christopher Caldwell's Reflections on the Revolution in Europe; Caldwell is a leading writer, essayist and editor, whose work is featured at Weekly Standard, New York Times and Financial Times.  For all that, his book was, and I do not mean this paradoxically or spitefully (read my review to find out why), a must-read disappointment.

In other news, I am enjoying Quebec City, and would warmly recommend any such trip: Go, go, go.  We've been blessed with perfect weather, sunny and warm in the day, and nights perfect for wandering.  It's a close trip from NYC (about 7-8 hrs driving time) and definitely worth the time.  I have to say the city sits at an absolutely stunning point on the St. Lawrence, and on any drive through the geography, especially at night, you cannot help but stare in awe.  I would even go so far as to say that it sits more spectacularly than Istanbul, with incredible elevations looking at fantastically green landscapes, bright lights, nearby waterfalls and a gorgeous St. Lawrence.  Pictures soon.

I'll be back in a few days and insh'allah blogging more regularly thereafter.

In the meantime, keep up with the Islamic Center at NYU, including newly posted khutab (sermons), and our YouTube channel.