Question – What is the origin of polygamy in Islam? Was it a “revelation” or economic necessity or a result of Muhammad’s lifestyle? Is it common about Arab tribes? The sacred texts of Islam, Christianity and Judaism do not explicitly prohibit polygamy or polygyny (a man married to more than one woman at a time). Biblical prophets, like Muhammad, practiced...

Question – What is the difference between Islam and Muslims? Islam is a religion or faith. Muslims are the people who follow the religion or faith of Islam. As an analogy consider this – Christianity is the faith. Christians are the people who follow the religion of Christianity. Judaism is the faith. Jews are the people who follow the religion of...

PUBLISHED IN ALTMUSLIM AND THE AMERICAN MUSLIM How Islamic is “Islamic”? BY PARVEZ AHMED, JUNE 19, 2011 A Malaysian political leader has asked political parties in his country to stop using the word “Islam” in their names so that, “nobody can make use of the religion for their political gains.” This progressive thought is ironically closer to the...

Published in Turkey’s Today’s Zaman, May 3, 2011. Also on Huffington Post. An edited version appears in the Florida Times Union. MEMO TO OSAMA BIN LADEN, NOW DEAD Parvez Ahmed Although rejoicing death is not part of the religious traditions of Muslims, Christians or Jews, I cannot help but feel a sense of joyful relief now that you are no longer capable...

NY Times Photo Gallery on Egypt Protest Huffington Post, Feb 1, 2011 Florida Times Union, Feb 2, 2011 A Sputnik Moment for U.S. Foreign Policy The Jasmine Revolution has led to the ouster of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the autocratic leader of Tunisia and has sparked similar revolutionary fervor from Algeria to Egypt. The success in Tunisia has emboldened protestors...