Most people rely on stereotypes in formulating their thoughts and ideas, and tend to believe what they know only. Any new information that contradicts their common beliefs, even if true, is often shunned away as it is easier for the mind and ego not to disturb itself with contradictory information.

Performing the Rama’daan prayers in the Grand Mosque, specially on the last ten nights of the holy month, is one of my wishes which I am hoping would come true this year. I'd been to the Grand Mosque before with a group of friends, however being there in Rama’daan is different.

Rama’daan is an extra-ordinary month for Muslims; not only because they fast during the day and perform extra-additional worship to Allaah Almighty but also because it was the month when the Holy ‘Qur~an was sent down in Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree).

Back in 1993, when I was sharing an apartment with John during the school year, he suggested that I see the newly released movie “Dave” starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. The storyline of the movie was about an affable car salesman with uncanny resemblance to the U.S. President who finds himself forced to replace the real President in an attempt by the White House staff to avoid a potentially explosive scandal.

We all have the right to make our voices heard. Practicing this is a basic human right that all people, from childhood and onwards, should enjoy. It is our freedom of speech. Yet freedom of speech has at times caused chaos when it was detached from a sense of social responsibility. In light of the Danish anti-Prophet cartoons and in describing them as freedom of speech, a wave of chaos hit our shores.