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Michael Wolfe

Beliefnet Columnist

Michael Wolfe is the author of books of poetry, fiction, travel, and history. His most recent works are a pair of books from Grove Press on the pilgrimage to Mecca: "The Hajj" (1993), a first-person travel account, and "One Thousand Roads to Mecca" (1997), an anthology of 10 centuries of travelers writing about the Muslim pilgrimage. In April 1997, he hosted a televised account of the Hajj from Mecca for Ted Koppel's "Nightline" on ABC. In 2002 he worked with the nonprofit Unity Productions Foundation to produce a two-hour PBS documentary, "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet," which won a 2004 Cine Award Special Jury Prize for best documentary and aired around the world in a dozen languages on the National Geographic Channel. The same year with the editors of Beliefnet Wolfe helped produce ""Taking Back Islam," a collection of articles by 40 Muslims responding to the 9/11 crisis. The collection won a 2003 Wilbur Award for best book of the year on a religious theme. Wolfe is currently working with Unity Productions to produce two new historical documentaries.

Columns and articles by Michael Wolfe

Be a Part of the Process Oct 2, 2006
For me, September 11th is still about those who died that day. Subsequent events have taught us: Speak up and get involved.

Be a Part of the Process Sep 4, 2006
For me, September 11th is still about those who died that day. Subsequent events have taught us: Speak up and get involved.

Accidents Happen--in a Context Jun 14, 2005
What is the relationship between increased Christian evangelism in the U.S. Government and abuse of Muslims and the Qur'an?

You Did What With the Qur'an? May 17, 2005
For the Qur'an to be desecrated in Guantanamo is far more outrageous than if this had happened somewhere else.

Iraq and Al Qaeda, America and the KKK Jun 25, 2004
Americans might look to their past to shed some light on the expanding violence in Iraq.

You Are In My Tent. You Are Under My Protection. Jun 17, 2004
Al Qaeda's killing of Paul Johnson was not only a tragedy but a complete breach of Islamic law.

The New Angels in America Dec 15, 2003
Like gays in the 1980s, Muslims today are stigmatized based on the lethal outcome of behaviors practiced by a few.

Our Chance to Reclaim Islam Apr 29, 2003
Iraq has blown everything wide open. We are now witnessing debate about the democracy that should grow there.

As The Smoke Began To Clear Sep 10, 2002
Reflections on Islam in America after September 11

A New Year's Resolution for American Muslims Dec 28, 2001
U.S. Muslims must bring to light the moral character of real Islam. Looking to the civil rights era (and Ali) can help.

Twin Towers Viewed from A Western Minaret Sep 14, 2001
A muslim, an American, a Muslim-American

In Muhammad's Words Aug 9, 2001
Many recognize the Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim faith, but few people know the power of his words.

How Does It Feel? Jun 25, 2001
When you become a Muslim here, unless you keep it secret, the perks have a way of disappearing right before your eyes.

Islam: The Next American Religion? Mar 1, 2001
The U.S. began as a haven for Christian outcasts. But what religion fits our current zeitgeist? The answer may be Islam.

In the Footsteps of Muhammad Feb 15, 2001
Scouting Islam's holiest city for an upcoming documentary on the life of the Prophet, Michael Wolfe learns the meaning of 'read'

A Lesson in Washing, Muslim-Style Dec 20, 2000
After wasting my host's water, I felt like a grown-up taking pointers on toilet training. I reminded myself I was here to learn.

Jesus Through a Muslim Lens Jun 18, 2000
Many may be surprised to learn that Muslims believe in Jesus' miracles. But this shared interest goes much further

The Real Mecca Mar 15, 2000
Once a year, pilgrims from across the globe become a single nation. An American joins them.

What You Learn Is How You See Feb 17, 2000
Michael Wolfe recounts his pleasant surprise during a recent visit to a seventh-grade classroom

Have Qur'an, Will Travel Jan 10, 2000
A young Meccan reciter makes his way in America

Armoring the Heart Dec 13, 1999
My first Ramadan fast taught me self-control and empathy.