The Catholic Herald is a London-based Roman Catholic monthly magazine, established in 1888. It claims to have approximately 565,000 online readers per month, with printed copies distributed across the UK, the US, and the Vatican. It was not a publication I was familiar with until today. The article by Gavin Ashenden, published in The CatholicContinue reading “Misunderstanding Islam: A Response to Inflammatory Rhetoric in The Catholic Herald”
Author Archives: Hifsa Haroon-Iqbal OBE DL MPhil
Preventing Future Tragedies: Rethinking UK’s Counter-Extremism Policies
Contrary to the statement used by our Prime Minister, the face of terrorism has not changed, but fortunately the government has. I hope our new leadership will rise to the challenge and take all forms of extremism seriously.
Unity and Hope: A Vision for 2025
As I reflect on 2024, it was a year I had envisioned unfolding very differently, particularly in the political arena. In January 2022, I made the significant decision to leave full-time employment to focus on the goal of being selected as a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for the Labour Party in the next general election.Continue reading “Unity and Hope: A Vision for 2025”
Ethical & Religious Concerns of Assisted Dying Legislation: Why We Must Tread Carefully
“The experience of sitting with a fatally ill baby girl did not convince me of the case for assisted dying; it convinced me of the value and imperative of good end-of-life care.” (Gordon Brown) The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its second reading in Parliament tomorrow, 29th November. This proposed legislationContinue reading “Ethical & Religious Concerns of Assisted Dying Legislation: Why We Must Tread Carefully”
Exploring Interfaith Unity at the Abrahamic Family House
This year, I’ve been fortunate to journey to some truly remarkable places. I’ve marvelled at the timeless pyramids of Giza and prayed Salat-ul-Jummah in the awe-inspiring Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo. The vibrant, sapphire-blue waters of Rabat, framed by rugged cliffs and golden sands, were as enchanting as the tagines we savoured each evening. InContinue reading “Exploring Interfaith Unity at the Abrahamic Family House”
Preventing Radicalisation and Hate Crimes: Strategies for Educators and Communities
Children across the country have finally return to school after the six-week summer break and parents have breathed a sigh of relief. Many young people will bring with them cherished memories of family vacations, trips to theme parks, and days at the beach. However for Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, theContinue reading “Preventing Radicalisation and Hate Crimes: Strategies for Educators and Communities”
A week in Ramadan 2024 (1445 AH)
Today marks the 18th day of Ramadan, and as is customary each year, this month spirals into a whirlwind of activity. It’s a period filled with exhausting early morning wake-ups for suhoor, the usual daily routines compounded by the effects of reduced food and sleep. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle, with numerous other engagementsContinue reading “A week in Ramadan 2024 (1445 AH)”
Christmas & Farewell to 2023
I am looking forward to seeing the back of 2023. The last few months have weighed heavily on my heart and on my soul. This is the first time in many years I haven’t sent any Christmas cards to friends or neighbours. I haven’t put up a Christmas tree, a seasonal ritual that is designedContinue reading “Christmas & Farewell to 2023”
Remembering Srebrenica
I first posted this blog following my visits to Bosnia in 2014. =.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.= According to the Bosnia and Herzegovina tourist board, Bosnia “is one of the last undiscovered regions of the southern Alps. Vast tracks of wild and untouched nature make it an ideal holiday destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The central DinaricContinue reading “Remembering Srebrenica”
Soulful Spaces 