The Islamic Way of Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

The death of loved ones is a big test for any person. Parting with someone you loved, with whom you spent time, who meant a lot in your life, brings pain and suffering. The loss of a parent, child, spouse, brother, sister.. people go through this one way or another. Sometimes they may not survive…

Defining My Identity: What Does Being A “Muslim” Mean?

I often hear the question – why are Muslims murderers and terrorists? Every time I come across this question, it makes me really sad and, at times, angry. I don’t really know how to respond in a way that would maintain the “perfect” image of my religion. The last time someone asked me this, I somehow found…

Islam, Faith And Knowledge

Around two years ago, a friend of mine asked me why I chose to believe in a religion and particularly Islam. From the anxiety of not having an answer, I probably made something up. The thing is, I answered her but not myself, and that was a problem. Think about this. We spend so much of…

Ugandan Fish Seller Saves Money For 10 Years To Perform Hajj

Uganda plans to send 750 of its citizens – including 415 women – to this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. “I can’t wait to get to Mecca and see Prophet Muhammad’s tomb and Mount Arafat and drink Zamzam water,” said 58-year-old Kasifah Nankumba. The sheikhs have briefed us on what to expect. I’m so excited. I’m…

Islam Gave Me Answers I Always Wanted

I’ll start by saying that I am the epitome of an all-American girl. I was raised within a Christian family and it’s Christianity I was taught. I can clearly remember my years growing up wishing I wasn’t forced to go to church. I would attempt to purposely lose my Sunday shoes just hoping to be…

Why Did Emmanuel Adebayor Choose Islam?

Recently, famous footballer Emmanuel Adebayor reverted to Islam. The reactions to this were mixed — some were shocked, others upset, and still others happy that Adebayor did the right thing. That said, why exactly did Emmanuel Adebayor turn towards Islam? Well, the talented striker himself has provided us with the answers, and The Herald recently published a thirteen-point…

Martial Arts Led Me To Islam

My experience in Islam began as a graduate student in New York City in 1998. Up to that point in my life, for 25 years, I had been a Protestant Christian, but had not been practicing my religion for quite some time. I was more interested in “spirituality” and looking for anything that didn’t have…

Islam Has Made Me A Better Person

My name is Troy Bagnall. I’m a 22-year-old (soon to be 23) college student at Arizona State University (ASU) from Phoenix, Arizona in the US. I’m in a film and media studies program at ASU too. I accepted Islam this past February for a multitude of reasons. I had been interested in Islam for quite…

My Journey Towards Islam

It was a mild autumn night. The library had closed, forcing me to forsake the pile of books I had been devouring and walk back to my Brooklyn apartment. The asphalt and trees glistened in the warm artificial light. I was deep in thought. I had just reached a realization I had imagined impossible… I…