Blog - Sandala

Terror on a Train

Courage is the first and the foundation of the moral virtues. It is a quality that the ancients most admired in men and a quality that appears to be in decline in our modern world. But every once in a while, a sublime act of courage occurs, and, in spite of ourselves, it resonates deep within us, and we are overwhelmed with admiration for a quality

We Shall Overcome

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. – Proverbs, 31:8-9 As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the

On the Passing of My Mother, Elizabeth George Hanson

My mother, Elizabeth Anne George Hanson, died last night with her hand in mine, surrounded by her children. She was ninety-five years old; when she was born, there was an Ottoman Caliph ruling much of the Muslim world. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement, which she was actively involved

When Evil Fails and Goodness Prevails: Regarding the Recent Coup Attempt in Turkey

The world is, and has always been, a dystopia. There is no such thing as a perfect or flawless government, and any doctrine or ideology that entices people with the promise of a paradise on earth is flawed and demonic; the Devil tempted Adam with a “Dominion that would never end.” Democracies, liberal or otherwise, are profoundly imperfect systems.

The Plague Within

The Plague Within July 5, 2016 According to a good hadith related by Ahmad and al-Tabarani, the Messenger of God, may God’s peace and blessings be upon him, said, “You will never believe until you show mercy to one another.” “All of us are merciful, O Messenger of God!” his companions responded. The Prophet, God’s peace and blessings

Muhammad Ali and Prophetic Character

One of the great honors of my life was to be a pallbearer for the great Muslim humanitarian Muhammad Ali. I owe that honor to the Ali family and their spiritual advisor, my dear brother, Imam Zaid Shakir, who led the funeral prayer, and later acted as the emcee for the memorial. We all saw clear signs of the wilayah of Muhammad Ali throughout the time