A reflection on the recurring myth that Muslims want to “ban Christmas,” exploring why this false narrative resurfaces each year with growing hostility. The blog highlights the deep respect Islam holds for Jesus and Mary, debunks sensational headlines, and emphasises the real issues facing communities during the festive season, including loneliness, poverty, and rising pressures on families. It also touches on personal moments, like celebrating a grandson’s Christmas Day birthday, and calls for understanding, compassion, and shared joy rather than division.
Category Archives: Muslim
Belonging in Modern Britain
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Margins to Centre Conference 2025 at the University of York. The conference seeks to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and this year the conference explored the theme of Belonging. Here’s the text of my keynote: =.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=. In The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo writesContinue reading “Belonging in Modern Britain”
Ramadan Reflections: When Breaking Fast Has Felt Like Breaking Hearts
This Ramadan, the author reflects on the stark contrast between personal celebration and the suffering in Palestine. Rather than sharing Iftar moments, they mourn the loss of innocents amid devastation and highlight the resilience of those enduring hardship. Calls for justice against ongoing violence emphasize the need for global awareness and action.
Misunderstanding Islam: A Response to Inflammatory Rhetoric in The Catholic Herald
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”
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”
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 