Yesterday evening, I joined a peace and faith walk in Birmingham following the horrific attack in Golders Green. Organised by the Lord Mayor, the walk ended at Singers Hill Synagogue and brought together people of different faiths and none in a shared stand against hatred and division. I was asked to speak and reflected onContinue reading “Walking Together in a Time of Fear”
Tag Archives: Islam
Ramadan Reflections 2026
Ramadan Reflections: A Daily Pause
Throughout Ramadan, I’ll be sharing short daily videos, a few minutes of reflection on faith, discipline, gratitude and integrity.
Ramadan is not simply about fasting from food. It is about recalibrating the heart, sharpening the conscience and showing up in the world with greater purpose.
Whether you observe the month or are simply curious, I invite you to come pause with me.
Ramadan, Moonsighting and the Annual Divide
Reflecting on the annual moon-sighting debate and how it continues to divide Muslim communities over the start and end of Ramadan and Eid. It questions why, in an age of science and global connection, greater unity has not been achieved and highlights the significance of Ramadan coinciding with Lent and Purim, ending with a call for understanding, coherence and interfaith harmony.
Misogyny, Power and Moral Failure
A reflection on the growing conversation around misogyny what it is how it operates and why it is not an abstract idea. The piece explores how misogyny becomes embedded in culture, community leadership and faith settings and how slander, false accusation and the silencing of capable women cause deep moral harm. It calls for integrity, accountability and a return to ethical principles that uphold women’s dignity.
Faith, Festivities and the Fiction of a Christmas ‘Threat’
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.
A Risky Invitation: Why Israel’s Move to Host Tommy Robinson Is Especially Troubling Right Now
In the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack and the arson at a Brighton mosque, Israel’s decision to invite Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) is deeply irresponsible. At a time when communities are grieving and seeking unity, this move legitimises a man known for fuelling division and hate. It sends a dangerous message about whose pain matters — and whose does not. Real solidarity means standing with all faith communities, not amplifying voices that thrive on fear.
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”
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.
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”