literature

The book

From the back cover of “Mother of the Believers: A Novel of the Birth of Islam”

Deep in the heart of seventh-century Arabia, a new prophet named Muhammad has arisen. As his message of enlightenment sweeps through Arabia and unifies the warring tribes, his young wife Aisha recounts Muhammad’s astonishing transformation from prophet to warrior to statesman. But just after the moment of her husband’s greatest triumph – the conquest of the holy city of Mecca – Muhammad falls ill and dies in Aisha’s arms. A young widow, Aisha finds herself at the center of the new Muslim empire and becomes by turns a teacher, political leader, and warrior.

Novelized Islam

By his own admission, Kamran Pasha thinks this book is going to be controversial. “I have no doubt,” he writes in a recent article, “That the book WILL generate controversy and create a passionate debate among both Muslims and non-Muslims, as there are aspects of my novel that will offend people in both communities.”

Update: News reports and his family attest that he is still alive but struggling. Please keep him in your prayers. [09:34 Pacific Time.]

Mohsin Hamid's latest op-ed is pretty good. Recommended reading for anyone who wants to know how things looked/look from the perspective of the every day life in Pakistan.

CALL FOR STORIES

Announcing a call for non-fiction, personal stories by American Muslim women on courtship and/or dating to be published in an anthology.

We are looking for talented writers to pitch well-written, surprising and compelling anecdotes for a book on loving and looking for love while Muslim.

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p>  Salaam and Greetings of Peace:

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p> The Darvish blog has collected all the Master of the Jinn excerpts in one place. Just go to http://darvish.wordpress.com and click on the Sufi Novel tab at the top.

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p> Ya Haqq!

Ramadan S&M

Coffeeless and sleep-deprived, I stagger
into the first day with my face
tripping over my shoes
Ramadan, why you do me this way?...

 

Most Wanted

Warning: God has slipped the noose
We must confirm the worst
Of our righteous fears
God has escaped the mosque
Where we?ve locked him up for years
We repeat unto you:
God is on the loose
He could be anywhere
There is no telling anymore
He is no longer the guarantor
Of this people or that faith
Henceforth beware:
You may find him in heathen beauty
Take appropriate measures:
You may have to behave
as though each human being
could reflect his Face