We often hear people, not only in the West but increasingly in the East (as we progressively and inexorably adopt Western language and the thinking that goes with it) say, “I’m not really religious, just spiritual.” I cannot help but question such a lazy and prepackaged assertion. It’s exactly like saying: I don’t eat a [...]

As I read a line of scripture, or pore over a prayer as I listen to a warning tale or a shard or two of poetry. When I hear a new, old word from an old timer in the majlis¹ – slow-moving but quick of tongue (subhanallah²) – as he sips his darkened tea. I [...]