23. January 2019
Dear Professor, Conference of the books is one of my favorite books about Islam. My father gave it to me, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I’m wondering if I could get your religious perspective on the issue of animal end of life. Your views on dogs in Islam is compassionate and knowledgeable. My very senior cat who has been with me 18.5 years is at the end of her life. The Vet discussed euthanasia, but is a Buddhist herself, and understands the Muslim perspective against euthanasia....
05. June 2017
Asalaamu Aleikum Dr. El Fadl: My name is [Name Withheld for Privacy] and I would like to begin this email by saying Jazaka Allahu Khairan; I recently became aware of you and some of the works you've published. I've read excerpts from "Conference of the Books," particularly the chapter regarding dogs in Islam. I want to say that the information you provided in that chapter was honestly a God-send. I felt conflicted for so long because on one hand I was being told by the community and people I...
01. December 2016
Dear Dr. Khaled, Peace be upon you and your family. I hope this e-mail finds you and your family in the best of health and the height of faith. I have very recently discovered your writings about Islam and particularly about animals. I have raised my children alone and by the grace of God for almost two decades. The untimely passing of their dad had compelled me to take on the raising of my children alone since they were all very young. Recently, my children have gifted me a puppy for my...
15. January 2015
Original column with Patt Morrison in the Los Angeles Times published here. Khaled M. Abou El Fadl is a professor of Islamic law at UCLA. (Los Angeles Times)
01. June 2006
(Excerpted from The Search for Beauty in Islam: A Conference of the Books by Khaled Abou El Fadl) The Lord of the essence, the silence, and the void; the Lord of the truth, the light, beauty, and the word, I am a Muslim who searches for beauty—I search for beauty as I search for my religion—as I search for myself. You have taught me by the Word, the truth of being, which is nestled in our souls: justice, equity, love, mercy, compassion, trust, dignity, well-being, and safety is the fabric...
01. May 2006
By: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl Islamic discourses on the nature, and function of dogs are representative of a range of tensions regarding the roles of history, mythology, rationality, and modernity in Islam. In fact, the debates surrounding the avowed impurity of dogs, and the lawfulness of possessing or living with these animals were one of the main issues symbolizing the challenging dynamic between the revealed religious law, and the state of creation or nature. In addition, certain aspects of...
02. January 2002
UCLA professor, once a fanatic himself, is now a leading scholarly voice against intolerance among Muslims. Death threats don't deter him.