Hate Too Close to Home

Flags underfoot, refugees vilified, nurses targeted. Racism and bigotry corrodes all of us. Call it out, loudly and clearly.

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”

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”

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”

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”