Where do I begin to even share my thoughts on Syria. The slaughter of Syria. The human moral stain that is Syria. The collective human failure that is Syria. The suffering that is Syria. When I first wrote something public about Syria, it was a diatribe (it was) on how Friday sermons unnecessarily brought up,Continue reading “More Than>Syria”
Category Archives: Politics
30 Years an [North] American
Its a bit disconcerting to be in Karachi celebrating 30 years of immigrating to the United States. Yes, you read that right. I was a little under three years old when my mom and I migrated to the United States. I was born in Karachi, Pakistan. Thirty years later, here I am celebrating my cousinsContinue reading “30 Years an [North] American”
NYC- There’s Just Your First Time
Adventure, did someone yell “ADVENTURE?” I fell that these days I hear it everywhere! And, apparently 2015, so far Alhumdulillah, can be summed up in that single word. Being the de facto theme for this year. Its my first visit, to New York City, can you imagine that? (Then on to Boston and a camping trip toContinue reading “NYC- There’s Just Your First Time”
On Charges of Torture, Etc., Etc., Etc.
War and Torture go hand in hand, and no one should be surprised that the United States has its hand in this cookie jar. The Torture Report revelations especially struck me, I was in the midst of reading the Seerah (the biography of the of Prophets life and mission) around the time the Muslims were tortured byContinue reading “On Charges of Torture, Etc., Etc., Etc.”
Politics of Halal Food: Language, Messaging and Reading Between the Lines
I worked on a piece for Halal meat company, Midamar, a couple years ago for Illume Magazine. Midamar had its day in court, they plead not guilty to 92 charges the Federal prosecutors brought against them. When I wrote the piece, there had been a raid, but no charges were presented, nor was it clearContinue reading “Politics of Halal Food: Language, Messaging and Reading Between the Lines”
Open the door, and explore
Is it sad that the Disney channel has advertisements encouraging kids to turn the TV off this summer and get outside to explore, play, or just do outdoor activities? As an adult I’m guilty of being glued inside, either on my Macbook or in front of the TV. Lately I’ve been making it a pointContinue reading “Open the door, and explore”
Goodbye Nike+, Hello Jawbone UP + Strava- and the Future of Health Insurance in America
I had a Nike+ Watch with Tom Tom GPS but it failed me. So I got a Jawbone UP bracelet to connect with my Strava account and give me the flexibility to include cycling as activity that gathers my biometric data. Then I found out that my parents health insurance company was giving health creditsContinue reading “Goodbye Nike+, Hello Jawbone UP + Strava- and the Future of Health Insurance in America”
On Red Books, and the Fear of Losing One’s Faith
Books can be a dangerous thing. Its not all that uncommon for me to be told that I shouldn’t be reading X book, or to be asked “Why are you reading that?” in a manner that implies that I shouldn’t be wasting my time reading a certain book. How can books be so dangerous?Continue reading “On Red Books, and the Fear of Losing One’s Faith”
Why I Decided Not to Vote
…By Mail No. I would not squander my vote like that. It’s actually the one responsibility I have as a citizen of this republic. Democracy is by the people, for the people, of the people; until those people stop voting. Its not perfect, but no human endeavor is. Worse, if people are dying in Iran,Continue reading “Why I Decided Not to Vote”
The “Bear Flag Republic” Develops Young Leaders
The awesome thing about civic engagement is seeing young adults develop skills and then apply them to real life situations. Since 2005 I have had the opportunity to be part of an innovative program called the Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) which was created by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Sacramento chapter for CAIR CaliforniaContinue reading “The “Bear Flag Republic” Develops Young Leaders”
Corner Office Shaikh 