Definition of Islamophobia: the fear, hatred of, or prejudice against the Islamic religion or Muslims generally, especially when seen as a geopolitical force or the source of terrorism.[1] First use of the term was reportedly…
‘Jack the Lads?’ Or is there something we are choosing to ignore?
Click here to listen to podcast version Definition of ‘Jack the lad’: “A conspicuously self-assured, carefree and brash (young) man; a ‘chancer.’”[1] At this point in time, Boris Johnson appears…
Sri Lanka Attacks: No end in sight
Scarcely five weeks have passed since terrorist attacks targeting Muslims rocked New Zealand and shocked the world. We are now confronted with the latest devastating attacks in Sri Lanka that…
Restless Knights & Crescent Moons: Terror in Christchurch, NZ
Every Friday, millions of Muslims congregate in mosques around the world to listen to sermons delivered by their respective imams. Jumu’ah or, Friday Prayer as it is more commonly known, is…
Left Out to Die: The Tragedy of Baby Jarrah Begum
On Friday 8th March news emerged regarding the death of baby Jarrah, Shamima Begum’s 3-week-old newborn son. The following day it was confirmed.[1] Despite the overwhelming national sentiment that Begum not…
A Precedent for the President…
The case of USA vs. Jamie Paulin-Ramirez, criminal no. 10-123-02, provides a precedent for the current dilemma surrounding the legal status of Hoda Muthana. However, the US government and its…
Brexit: [Re]birth of a Nation?
Brexit continues to preoccupy many of our thoughts as the impending deadline for leaving approaches. Arguably the most divisive issue in British politics for a generation, Brexit has accelerated an…
Soul Food? Sex Slaves, the Catholic Church & R Kelly
The recent visit of Pope Francis to the Middle East was historic for more than one reason.[1] His decision to reveal details about nuns being subjected to sexual slavery by…
Fifty Shades of Grey and Only One Black?
‘These extremists have determinedly created divisions to wipe out the ‘grey zone’ of reason and tolerance. They have conflated religion and politics and thereby poisoned Islam.’ [1] A small delegation…
Hear no evil, see no evil: Covering up sexual abuse while blaming the victim
My previous article examined endemic and historic sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.[1]The focus of this article will be on how some Muslim communities are failing to protect victims of…