Month: December 2023

Embracing Spiritual Resolutions in the New Year

Dr Qurratul-Ain Rehman, London It is in our nature to look forward to the future and to wish and hope for something better for ourselves, our families and the world at the start of the New Year. There is also an element of self-reflection on our failings and achievements over the past year and we may make New Year’s resolutions. The most popular resolutions … Read More Embracing Spiritual Resolutions in the New Year

Rules of Recompense: World Religions on War

Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn Ever since the start of the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip following the violence of Hamas on October 7th, the Israeli officials have been citing references from the Bible, which mention the rights of Israelites on the city of Jerusalem and the state of Israel, to justify their war. However, after the merciless killing of more than 20,000 Palestinians, over … Read More Rules of Recompense: World Religions on War

The Silence Echoes 

Bareera Ghaffar, Birmingham  “My Lord, open out for me my breast, and ease for me my task, and loose the knot of my tongue, that they may understand my speech” – Surah Taha verse 26-29. The last few weeks I have found myself pondering on this verse in a different way than I had been for most of my life. This is the beauty … Read More The Silence Echoes 

#VoicesForPeace: More Than Just a Hashtag

Arfa Yassir, Swindon These are difficult times, when you switch on the news or check social media, the reality that you see is heartbreaking. The agony of the Palestinian people after Israel’s attack is horrific. One just wonders if watching it through news, images and videos is so painful, how do those people, who are actually in the situation, feel? We cannot even begin … Read More #VoicesForPeace: More Than Just a Hashtag

Vessels of Hope over Troubled Waters

Iffat Mirza, Raynes Park A drop in the ocean is enough for one to drown in. At least that’s what it felt like when, with one rather nonchalant raising of the hand, the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza was blocked during the UN Security Council’s vote in December 2023. The reality is that the faith many had in supranational organisations such as the … Read More Vessels of Hope over Troubled Waters

Our Voices Must Not Stop

Sameea Jonnud, Aldershot Christmas is approaching and here in the UK the shops are full of festive colours, gift ideas and party food. Houses have been decorated for days with twinkling lights and inflatable snowmen. On the television we can see the Covid inquiry which has been investigating the top politicians’ behaviour and choices during the pandemic. A quite normal start to December by … Read More Our Voices Must Not Stop