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Hesham A. Hassaballa

Beliefnet Columnist

Hesham A. Hassaballa is a Pulmonary/Critical Care physician currently practicing in the greater Chicago area and has been a Beliefnet columnist since 2001. He has written extensively on a freelance basis, and his commentaries have been published in the Chicago Tribune as well as other newspapers around the country and around the world. He is author of the essay "Why I Love the Ten Commandments," published in the book Taking Back Islam (Rodale), winner of the prestigious Wilbur Award for 2003 Best Religion Book of the Year by the Religion Communicators Council. He is also author of the The Beliefnet Guide to Islam, published by Doubleday in 2006, and an avid writer for his personal blog, God, Faith, and a Pen.

In addition to writing, Dr. Hassaballa helped found the Chicago chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations and has served on its executive board. He is co-chair of the Media Relations Committee of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, and he is also a resident Scholar/Fellow at the International Strategy and Policy Institute, a Chicago-based Muslim think tank.

Columns and articles by Hesham A. Hassaballa

A Doctor Finds Hope in His Muslim Faith Jan 18, 2008
When confronted with desperately ill patients, a doctor reflects on the hope symbolized by the Muslim holiday Ashura

Is Music Prohibited in Islam? Nov 15, 2007
I now realize I was mistaken. Music is a natural and beautiful human experience that can lead the soul to God.

Avoiding Post-Ramadan Letdown Oct 9, 2007
How to keep the blessings and benefits alive for the rest of the year.

The Long Fasts of Ramadan Sep 12, 2007

In the Name of Allah's Law Jul 30, 2007
How should Muslims implement Sharia (Islamic) law? Let's heed the lessons from Pakistan's Lal Masjid tragedy.

Confessions of a Golf-Addicted Dad Jun 11, 2007
Islam teaches me to totally be there for my kids. But I've got this golf obsession. So what's a dad to do?

The Terrorist Disconnect May 22, 2007
Why do Muslims say that terrorism has nothing to do with Islam? Because we believe the two are disconnected. And here's why:

When Every Word Counts Mar 29, 2007
A new translation of the Qur'an tries to rectify past mistakes, which is so vital to promoting intra-Muslim dialogue.

Ayan Hirsi Ali: A One-Note Islam Critic Feb 27, 2007
One of Islam's worst critics is now an academic 'fellow' in the U.S. But Ayan Hirsi Ali's anti-Islam criticism is getting old.

Finding Our Daily Spiritual Groove Feb 8, 2007
From listening to spiritual CDs in the car to praying with our kids--here are five ways we can reconnect with our faith.

Hajj & New Year's Resolutions For All Dec 19, 2006
This year's Hajj coincides with the birth of the New Year. So let's all resolve to be better people on a daily basis.

God Gives Thanks, Too Nov 21, 2006
On Thanksgiving, I'm amazed that one of God's 99 Islamic names is 'The Appreciative.' He appreciates me, but I should thank him.

Saddam Hussein: Justice is Served Nov 10, 2006
Saddam Hussein is to die, and justice is finally done. But will we ever learn from the mistakes that allowed Hussein to reign?

When Injustice Prevails, All is Lost Oct 20, 2006
If we are to take back the world from extremists, the first thing we all must do is eradicate the injustice choking our world.

Learning From the Stress of Ramadan Oct 20, 2006
Ramadan teaches us how to be better people while under stress--a lesson that would benefit America as it moves past 9/11.

Learning From the Stress of Ramadan Oct 20, 2006
Ramadan teaches Muslims how to be better people while under stress--a lesson that would benefit America as it moves past 9/11.

From Reactive to Proactive Aug 30, 2006
In the five years since 9/11, American Muslims have gone from teaching, to reacting, to acting. And we've still a ways to go.

A Muslim in a Strange Land Jul 28, 2006
My trip to Egypt taught me an important lesson: Sometimes living in a non-Muslim society makes you a better Muslim.

Fighting the Good Fight Jun 28, 2006
Many believe Muslims aren't doing enough in the war on terror. But we are fighting from within, and there's always more to do.

When Death Catches You By Surprise May 12, 2006
My uncle's death came as a shock and taught me an important lesson: Be charitable, so that you will never have any regrets.

Only God Can Heal Apr 12, 2006
Although I faithfully perform my duties as a physician, I also pray before every medical procedure I perform.

A Muslim Gives Thanks Mar 30, 2006
Few things are more Islamic than thanking God for His blessings.

Converts from Islam: Let God Be the Judge Mar 27, 2006
The Qur'an is very clear on this: There's no compulsion in religion. So why is an Afghan Christian convert being persecuted?

Ask the Author: Islam Hot Topics Feb 23, 2006
The coauthor of The Beliefnet Guide to Islam answers questions about polygamy, fasting, the 72 virgins, and more.

Why We Muslims Are Angry Feb 2, 2006
You want to know why Muslims are so offended by the caricature of the Prophet? It boils down to respect--a lack of it.

A Horror in the Name of Islam Jan 22, 2006
It's the 'Revenge of the Sith': A resurgence of honor killings has blighted Islam and needs to be wiped out.

In God We Trust? Dec 9, 2005
For a nation that trusts in God, our tactics in the war on terror is costing us our biggest ally

'Torture Is Not Who We Are' Oct 12, 2005
As Muslim-Americans, we must rise above inhumanity and push for an anti-torture bill.

Euthanasia in a Hurricane? Sep 15, 2005
I have no problem stopping life support for a patient who doesn't want to be kept alive, but I wouldn't hasten a death.

The Gaza Opportunity Aug 22, 2005
Watching Israelis leaving Gaza, I felt the stirring of a long-dormant chance for peace between the children of Abraham.

London and the Last Day Jul 22, 2005
As dreadful as we find the terroristic acts that mar our era, the Prophet requires us to resist despair and stand up to evil.

On Par With God Jun 7, 2005
Some may find it surprising I would find God at the golf course. Yet, for me, it's only natural to see God everywhere.

Why I Want to Be a Jedi May 13, 2005
As a Muslim, I know our troubled world needs Jedi principles--honor, discipline, service, and devotion to a higher power.

My Holy Friday the 13th Apr 28, 2005
'I know what you are thinking: Friday 13th is bad luck. I beg to differ. Fridays are the holiest day of the week for Muslims.'

A Standing Ovation for the Pope Apr 5, 2005
'If Prophet Muhammad was alive today, I believe he would find much in common with the Pope.'

Is She An Apostate? Mar 31, 2005
A woman leads Islamic prayer, and detractors go ballistic. Why can't we disagree without being violently disagreeable?

Will Islam and Democracy Mix Well in Iraq? Mar 8, 2005
Although some leaders distort Muslim values, Islam can nurture democracy-building.

Finding the "Light in Your Eyes" Mar 2, 2005
How Sheryl Crow brought me closer to Allah.

God's Plan Includes All Faiths Feb 1, 2005
Could we all just take a big, deep breath before we resume screaming at each other?

I Want to Go Back to Mecca Jan 18, 2005
'There is no 'doctor' here,' God says. 'You are my servant. No more, no less.'

Will the Imams Remain Silent? Dec 29, 2004
Is it the 'wrath of God' only when non-Muslims are victimized?

Muslim Maccabees? Dec 9, 2004
Had I been alive at that time, I would have been a Jew.

Thank God I'm Not a Fundamentalist Nov 24, 2004
Thanksgiving reminds me, once again, that I have been blessed with American-ness.

Does Islam Ban Euthanasia? Nov 10, 2004
With Palestinian president Yasser Arafat's death, the question is raised.

Ramadan's Divine Loophole Nov 1, 2004
In Seattle during Ramadan, I was confronted with coffee. So I played the "get out of fasting free" card.

Did the Prophet Fight During Ramadan? Oct 14, 2004
Musings at Ramadan: my meditative fast--and terrorists' offensive calls to jihad this month.

Three Years and Loving the Light Sep 10, 2004
Even though I was born and raised in this country, on 9/11 I finally became an American.

'I Will Not Vote for George W. Bush Again' Aug 30, 2004
I had high hopes for the Bush Presidency. Those hopes, however, have been utterly decimated.

Tales of a Muslim Traveler Aug 19, 2004
Will they throw me off the plane? Will security personnel subject my wife to a strip search?

Islam's Culture of Death Aug 10, 2004
Islam's focus on the afterlife is meant to encourage Muslims to live pious lives. But that isn't what Muslims are learning.

Shameful Hypocrisy Jun 28, 2004
In Sudan, Muslims are killing Muslims; Muslims are destroying mosques; Muslims are desecrating Qur'ans.

The Difficulties of Being a Muslim Dad Jun 17, 2004
Don't get me wrong. I love my family--but the financial and religious responsibilities are enormous.

This Shouldn't Be a Brutality Contest May 14, 2004
We should decry the Iraqi prison abuses precisely because we are not like the barbarians who beheaded Nick Berg.

Can Muslims Celebrate Mother's Day? May 5, 2004
After God, mothers are the most important force in all of our lives.

Did God Not Hear Me? Apr 16, 2004
What does it mean when a prayer goes unanswered?

The Best of All Stories Apr 8, 2004
I constantly turn to the precious story of Joseph for valuable lessons.

The Passion of Muhammad Mar 8, 2004
Many a Prophet has suffered at the hands of his enemies because of the message he was sent to deliver.

The Super Day of Ashura Feb 26, 2004
While I won't mark Ashura as Shia Muslims in Iraq and Iran do, I plan to fast and commemmorate.

What Is Stoning the Devil? Feb 3, 2004
Some facts about the ritual that caused the Hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia this week.

A Hajj For My Daughter Jan 26, 2004
It was if life was itching to hit back, angry that I left it for three weeks to fulfill the fifth pillar of my faith.

What If God Put Life On Mars? Jan 14, 2004
A Muslim asks, If we one day discover life on Mars, does that mean religion had it all wrong?

God Of Us All Dec 1, 2003
Allah is the only God Muslims worship, and the same God as that of Christians and Jews.

Thanks, Big Guy Nov 20, 2003
Ramadan, Eid, and Turkey Day

"Do Everything" or "Do Nothing"? Oct 23, 2003
A Muslim physician ponders the Terri Schiavo case.

A Muslim Defender of the Jews Oct 17, 2003
The Malaysian Prime Minister is way out of line with his anti-Jewish comments.

The Prize and the Apology Oct 13, 2003
The Nobel Prize as 'a sort of apology' for ignoring Muslim activists building democracy in the Middle East.

I Still Believe In Islamic Law Sep 26, 2003
But the Nigerian stoning-for-adultery case has made me call for a moratorium on applying it.

Of Anger and Shame Sep 1, 2003
I have a dream that racial profiling ends--for African-Americans and for Muslim Americans--and now it's time for me to act.

The Serial Killer Who Went to Heaven Jun 20, 2003
I don't know him, but I know his struggle. I have never killed anyone, but I have sinned.

Twinkie Trouble Jun 6, 2003
For Muslims, a little four-letter word on treats' ingredient lists can make or break snack time.

Why Muslims Love Moses Apr 16, 2003
And yet, I lament the tension that exists between the American Muslim and Jewish communities.

Crazy About Conversion Apr 3, 2003
Graham's got the wrong idea about how to spread God's word. I know firsthand.

Some Muslim Rules for Prayer Mar 17, 2003
A response to Richard Mouw

More Than A Walk
Around a Stone Cube Mar 7, 2003
Muslims begin the new year--and I reflect on the lessons of my Hajj pilgrimage.

Off We Go to Mecca Jan 27, 2003
Why not fulfill a religious obligation and earn a free airline ticket in the process?

Of Rebirth and Regime Change Jan 27, 2003
As I perform my first Hajj, I worry: Will a scud missile fall mistakenly on the holy cities of Mecca or Medina?

The Case for More Than One Wife Jan 15, 2003

My Merry Muslim Christmas Dec 19, 2002
Muslims love Jesus. But Christmas Day is so boring.

Ramadan Disappointment Dec 4, 2002
Ramadan is the month when my spirit gets recharged for the rest of the year. Except this year.

Here We Go Again Oct 24, 2002
A criminal is a criminal. His religion is not relevant.

A Muslim at Halloween Oct 14, 2002
I'm no fanatic, but Islam is strictly monotheistic--and, for me, any holiday having to do with worshipping other gods is wrong.

Reflections on That Dark Day of September Sep 4, 2002
I do not blame Americans for being frightened of American Muslims who fail to acknowledge mutant strains of Islam

Islam and the Unjust Ruler Aug 27, 2002
What does Islam say we should do about Saddam?

Islam and the Unjust Ruler Aug 27, 2002
What does Islam say we should do about tyrants?

What the Qur'an Really Says About Violence Aug 23, 2002
'Fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them: seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them'

Man or Ape? Aug 6, 2002
A Muslim physician--who is also a creationist --says even the latest scientific discovery won't prove evolution

Islam Is Not the Problem Jul 23, 2002
William J. Bennett's book is an anti-Islam diatribe, written with a superficial understanding of my faith

What's in a Name? Jul 8, 2002
From Mohammed to Michael; from Tariq to Terry. And pity the poor fellow named Osama

The Jihad of the Muslim Coffee Fanatic Jun 6, 2002
Every day in America, Muslims undergo jihad, but this is a good thing that should not be feared.

God, Love, Mercy, and Islam Feb 22, 2002