06.30.06
Blog Break
I will be taking a blogging break for approximately 8 days. I am going to Texas! I will finally get to see my significant other 
.
Archive for June, 2006
06.27.06
Because You are Worthy of Worship
Just a thought I would like to share. I have noticed way too much that we try to bribe ourselves and make ourselves do righteous deeds and good (ie. praying, fasting, etc) by telling ourselves we will get thawab (or reward). Ever since we were children our elders would scare us or bribe us with such material. Sometimes when we are very young it is required to do so, but once are minds and hearts are developed we must change our mentality. We are not kids anymore. We should love Allah for His sake, not because of hellfire or paradise.
A good analogy I use is do you love your parents because they give you presents, gifts, and money? Or do you love them simply because they are your parents? Yes, it is sometimes hard to put in perspective during hardships and crises, but we must try and strive - it is Jihad.
The hadith from Imam Ali (a) sums it up beautifully,
“O God, I do not worship You out of fear of the hell-fire because this would be the worship of a slave. Nor do I worship You out of desire for the pleasures of paradise because this would be the worship of a merchant (tujjar). Rather I worship You
because You are worthy of worship…”
Tehranis are in Favor of Better Islamic Attires for Women
I thought this article would be an interesting read. People always have the misconception of Iranian people always wanting to expose their bodies and to dress immodestly. Granted that North Tehran is probably is very very liberal, this poll was very suprising and cleared some misconceptions.
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TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- A recent poll conducted by Iranian Students Polling Association (ISPA) on the Islamic dress code (Hijab) revealed that 79% of Tehranis are in favor of better Islamic attires for women.
Polling results showed that 11% of the subjects believed in legal approach toward a person who violates the Islamic dress code, 18% said a verbal warning would suffice and the rest stated that they believed in other methods of warning or guidance.
In response to the question whether disrespect for the Islamic code of dress is a prevalent phenomenon in their society, 69% replied yes, 21% gave a so-so answer, while 9% described it as a rare event.
The results also indicated that 21% of the participants believed the current female clothing is improper, while 66% others not only viewed it as improper, but also asked for preventative measures.
Also, 24% of the participants described Chador (overall clothing), 30% manteau and wimple and 25% manteau and scarf as the proper clothing for women.
The polling results further showed that 65% of Tehrani citizens believe the best way to improve the present situation regarding women’s code of dressing is education and propagation of the proper dress code culture in the society.
source:http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8504030553
06.26.06
Keeping Your Muslim Identity
The past event, though it had very low attendance, was very good (quality-wise). The speakers were good. inshAllah, we do have recording, so any of those who want a copy can reserve themselves one. I also spoke (though - I could have delivered it much more effeciently and better) and I thought I would just paste a rough copy of my speech, so people can critique and comment on it. So here it is,
Brothers and Sisters
Salaamun ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakahtu.
Living in the West, we are hounded and attacked from every corner. We struggle to find a place for ourselves in this society.
We often do not realize how much the religion of Islam is taken for granted by many of us. We like to think we are great Muslims when we are living with our families and close friends, but once we step out of the luxury and safety of our communities, we tend to hesitate, doubt and question our entire belief system. When removed from the Muslim setting and environment we begin to falter. This is because once we are given a choice to either accept or reject, we start questioning our Muslim identity. It is a form of Jihad for us living in the West. And those that do not understand what Islam truly stands for will unfortunately fail. This may come off as frightening, and living in the west may pose a grave danger to our faith. Yet, I cannot think of anything better for my faith that is to know that in these surroundings I will be forced to address the questions of what is Islam and why I am Muslim. Back in Muslim countries, many Muslims practice a faith of convenience, never really questioning their relationship with Allah (swt) because their faith has never really been challenged by the larger society that is already Muslim.
However, for us living here in non-Muslim surroundings, it means we are constantly being bombarded with situations and concepts that basically boil down to a decision between Islam and ignorance; precisely because Islam is a way of life and not something we limit to the temple or church like other religions, it is always there in the foreground of our lives– in our interactions with others, our opinions of people, the way we carry ourselves, the future we decide to build for ourselves and our families— nearly every decision we make and the way we lead our lives must be based on the principles set forth by Islam. Islam demands that we be righteous and just human beings every step of the way. If we can succeed in living under such a liberal environment and come out with our deen stronger and more refined, then I firmly believe that we are the better Muslims than those who are never challenged.
The college setting is a great example of an environment that requires us to negotiate our faith with the dominant American culture, especially for those that go away for college, like myself. Once we go to college, we, as individuals, have the freedom to do what we like. We have the ability to do almost anything. Your new friends, Muslim or not, and your professors will question you about your faith repeatedly. They will ask you “why are you Muslim?” Do we even know why we are Muslim? Is it because our parents are? Or is Islam something more than just an inheritance? If we are not properly prepared to answer these simple questions we may easily get stumped, which may lead us to doubt or worse, abandon our faith altogether, the faith that was sent to all mankind as a mercy in order for us to achieve proximity with our Creator.
On campus Muslim students will be confronted with temptation after temptation, and all sorts of peer pressure that threaten to distract us from the righteous path of Allah (swt). Alcohol, drugs, fornication, etc will all be “easy access.” If one cannot recognize oneself and his or her relation to the deen, one becomes easy prey and will most certainly fall victim.
In order to avoid all this, we must arm ourselves with the proper knowledge. However much we may read, we must be consistent. Not only must we read, but we also must reflect at the same time. Furthermore, we need to apply what we have read in our day-to-day interactions. And The Holy Prophet [s] said: ” Knowledge is Allah’s deposit on the earth and scholars are His trustees of it. Therefore, he who acts according to his knowledge, has really delivered His deposit….” Further, Imam Ali (a) has stated, “Knowledge without application is useless.”
We will never truly appreciate Islam until we apply it to our lives. We must practice Islam the way we do in here. Islam is a way of life meant to be practiced in and out of the masjid. At RIT, where I attended college, we sometimes had to pray on the fourth floor of the library, especially during finals week, when they would close the prayer room. At first people would stare, but eventually people got very comfortable and some even started to “observe” our prayers. They were astonished at our discipline and commitment. This in turn gave Muslims a good impression and strengthened our faith and gave us encouragement.
Another time a professor of an Islamic Art class I took unintentionally said, that “Men are superior in Islamic scripture than the women…” I was forced to correct him. He apologized for his comment and clarified himself, stating that he did not mean it to come out like that. Ever since that incident, which seemed pretty insignificant at the time, that professor has been corresponding with me and asking me questions that he has on Islam and Muslims before he makes any judgments. If we want to be a true leaders you must show it through our character and actions as a practicing and observant Muslim.
I know “obtaining knowledge” and “applying it to our daily lives” may seem very cliché, or overly theoretical for most people. But it becomes very practical if we befriend good people with morals and principles. This is why we must choose whom we associate with very wisely. A friend of mine gave me this very good analogy. “If you have a dirty shirt that smells and you put it back in your clean clothes drawer, then those clean clothes may be clean but they will start smelling like that dirty shirt.” The point is, that the stench is contagious. We can apply this to our lives. If we hang out with people whom are extremely corrupt we may also become corrupt. Corruption is contagious. We should not become friends with those that we cannot positively influence, or cannot be positively influenced by.
And I want to conclude with a hadith. The Holy Prophet [s] said: “Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with.”
06.21.06
Event in NY this Saturday!
There will be a great event this saturday in NY (apart of a summer series). Details are below. We have Sayyid Baqir Imrani from Philly as a main speaker. If you can make it, com and bring your family and friends!
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++Please Share With Anyone and Everyone++
Ever feel like you lead a double life? One with your Muslim friends
and one with your American friends?
Is religion at work a Taboo?
Is it wrong to want to pray at work?
How do you explain what the word Halaal means?
Ever hide the fact your a Muslim from people?
Join us Saturday June 24th at Shah e Najaf Islamic Center for
Keeping your Muslim Identity in the West
Part 1 of the Summer Youth Seminar Series
We will be discussing, interactions at college and work with
non-Muslims people, how to avoid difficult situations. Helping to
establish and maintain your identity so that you can feel confident in
who you are.
Learn tips in strengthening your character as a Shia Muslim in the
west. How to make it so that you are only leading 1 life.
Speakers at the event will be:
Hujjatul Islam Sayyid Baqir Imrani:
Graduated from Temple University and currently teaching in the
Philadelphia Public School System. A prominent scholar who focuses on
interactions with the youth and helping develop our Muslim American
Community. Presenting on, the Islamic perspective of a Muslim
identity. Characteristics of a Muslim, what should stand out to
identify you as a Muslim.
Hajji Bilal Hussain:
A fortune 500 employee and fellow graduate of Temple University.
Presenting on the Muslim perspective in the work place. How to
practice Islam in the office. Time for prayer, meal options, and how
to avoid difficult social environments at your work place.
Sayyid Abbas Naqvi:
A student at RIT and MSA president. Presenting on establishing your
identity as a Muslim at school. How to interact and create a learning
environment where you are comfortable and confident being a Shia
Muslim. How to interact and educate other Muslim and Non-Muslim
students about Islam and Muslims.
Sister Azra Zaidi:
A law student at SUNY Buffalo. Presenting on a sisters perspective in
society. How to deal with your environment everyday. Avoiding
difficult situations, facing peer pressure, from your family friends
and peers.
Question & Answer session to follow.
Refreshments will be served.
The event will start at 6:30 PM Promptly please be on time.
Please help support the youth, if you feel there’s nothing you can
learn come help support the youth and present yourself as a good role
model and member of the community!
For directions to Shah e Najaf Islamic Center:
124 3rd Street, Brentwood, NY 11717
or by mass transit:
LIRR Station Brentwood on the Ronkonkoma Line.
Questions or Comments Please contact:
Youths@jana.org
06.18.06
Manners in Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
Thought this would be helpful. This is from the risalah of my marja’.
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Manners in Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil. It is good for the person ‘enjoining good and forbidding evil’ to:
1. Be kind
2. Have a sincere intention
3. Be Humble.
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This was for all those people who are frustrated, stressed and tired of the garbage that goes on in this world, especially amongst the Muslims.
06.15.06
Iran and the World Cup
After a loss against Mexico, it will be very difficult for Iran. Their next match is against Portugal on saturday. Portugal is a tough team to beat. Lets hope and pray they do the impossible and win! I still have hope, do you? (I hope Ali Karimi does something this time!)
06.13.06
Texas Trip
I will be going to Texas on the 30th of this month, for approximately a week or so. My future sister-in-law is getting married! Congrats to her! inshaAllah, I will finally be spending some time with my fiance (its been so long) . Keep us in your prayers!
One Rejection Email
As you all know I am applying for jobs.. that is what my summer is consisting of (interviews and stuff) right now. For the time being, I am getting a temporary job, so I can make some money. This is one reply I got from this company. It kinda cracked me up!
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Please continue to look in your chosen field - you are overqualified for this position.
Barbara Kaplan, Marketing Manager
Bulbtronics, Inc.
Revival the Youth: Not So Easy
For those who do not know, here is our situation. In the late ’90s, the youths of the masjid (ny) here were very active. We had a “youth group.” We hosted youth programs, sponsored sporting events and so forth. But then, gradually our youth programs, and youths vanished.. we went on to college, and the work force. Now that I am back in town, and some of us have now graduated, we have taken a new initiative to rejuventate the youth. Its a very difficult task, but we have the resources and the facilities.
Our purpose is to make the masjid more youth-friendly. We will have at least a program every month that is youth-oriented. The selling of charity wristbands, which was a big hit nation-wide (http://www.jana.org/janashop/charity/) was in fact a youth-initiative. We now have the summer all planned out with four great programs. Details will be posted later!
06.12.06
Does Israel Want Peace?
I am sure you all heard about the recent bombing and strike from the Zionist at the Gaza beach. Many civilians including women and children were martyed. Here is just one picture and caption.
Hadeel, 7-year-old, cries near her dead father. All her siblings have died. She survived because she was swimming when the Israeli bombs hit the beach.
06.08.06
Too Political? Get Real!
I have spoken to some of my friends and they have told me that my blog is sometimes “too political”. I for one totally disagree. If speaking against injustices and oppression is “political” then so be it; I do not care. If you don’t resist the oppressor, you are the oppressor. I will continue to speak against all types of injustice, whether it be political, religious, social, or any other type for that matter. We need to stop sitting back, and get to work. We (Muslims) are adherents to the religion given to mankind, so this is our divine duty. We must put ourselves in a constant struggle to manifest the revolution of the Prophet (as) and the Ahlul Bayt (as) in our hearts and souls. Only then can we internally and externally bring benefit and real success to the Ummah and to the society around us.
O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. [Quran 4:135].
06.05.06
Ayatullah Khamenei’s speech, no nuclear bombs - against Islamic law
A great speech by the Rehbar (leader). Its long, but worth reading.
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Iranian TV: Ayatollah Khamene’i Speaks on Khomeyni’s Death Anniversary (2)
Islamic Republic of Iran News Network Television (IRINN)
Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1 in Persian at 0645 GMT on 4 June carries a live broadcast of a speech by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Kahmene’i on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeyni’s death. The speech is given at Ayatollah Khomeyni’s mausoleum.
TV shows a large gathering of people at the mausoleum supporting the supreme leader by their slogans.
The following is the part of Khamene’i’s speech relating to international relations and the nuclear issue.
(Khamene’i) “Science cannot be begged from others. Science should be inspired from within. A nation should use its talent to become truly knowledgeable. At the same time, it would only be through national unity and nationwide peace that faith, justice and science could flourish. At the absence of peace and calm, the country cannot benefit from science or faith, and it will not be possible to establish justice for the people. The enemy is therefore willing to grant its biggest prize to those who can shake the pillars of peace in Iran and to fight against the people’s faith in God, themselves, the (revolution’s) path and success . . .
“Those who want to distance universities and research centres from science and research are working for the enemy, and the enemy is ready to give them its biggest prize. . .
“The person who pursues this nation’s honour and this nation’s scientific progress is an insider. The strangers (Persian: gharibeh) are those who are enthusiastic for America’s hegemony. They are the ones who work at home for the enemy that’s lying in wait and act in its favour. These are the strangers . . .
“Let me say a few sentences about enemies’ propaganda. The propaganda commotions against the Iranian nation and the system of the Islamic republic are mainly set in train in the world by the Americans, Zionist media and the news empire affiliated to Zionism. . .
(They make) Several points about Iran:
First, that there is an international consensus against Iran.
Second, that Iran is a threat to the world.
Third, that Iran is trying to make a nuclear bomb and nuclear weapons.
Fourth, that Iran is a violator of human rights.
These are the few sentences which the enemy’s entire propaganda activities harp on. And they keep repeating these in different ways in the world, using a variety of ploys. Of course, the truth is clear to our nation. It is also clear to many intelligent people in the world. But I’ll briefly say something (in this respect).
“There is no consensus against Iran. This is a lie by the Americans and a few people who are America’s allies in the world. (Crowd chants in support)
“Some 116 non-aligned countries supported Iran in its bold move to acquire nuclear technology. The Organization of the Islamic Conference has voiced support for Iran. Independent governments all support Iran. All those people who have acted as middlemen to repeat America’s words to us, under the American pressure and out of courtesy, have told us in secrete that they have been asked by the Americans to say so and that they do not think the same way.
“The world and the countries that want to secure their future are all against the monopoly of nuclear technology by a few countries. To say that no country has the right to have access to nuclear technology means that in 20 years’ time, all of the countries of the world will have to beg certain Western or European countries to meet their energy demands. They will have to beg for energy in order to run their lives. Which country, nation, or honest official is ready to take that? Today, our nation has taken a step forward in this road. It has become the pioneer and stands courageously by this end. Other nations have no problem with this (move), let alone having a consensus against it. The consensus is among a number of political monopolist countries. This consensus is worthless . . .
“The American and Zionist propagandists say Iran is a threat to the world. This is the second issue. Iran is not a threat to any country and everyone knows this fact about Iran. We have not threatened neighbouring countries. We have friendly and brotherly ties with all the countries of the region. Our government has healthy and good relations with European countries. These relations with Europe will be even better in the future, when gas plays a more important role as a source of energy. They need our gas. We have friendly and good ties with the Arab world. The most important issue in Arab society is the Palestinian cause. On this issue, we speak openly about whatever they (Arabs) have in their hearts. We have a very clear and transparent position on the Palestinian cause and Arab nations like this position whole-heartedly. They feel proud when we voice that position. The Arab officials too want the same in their hearts, although they cannot speak about it as openly as we do due to certain issues.
“We have friendly ties with different countries in the region, in Asia and other parts of the world. They all recognize and appreciate Iran’s rights, its role and its influence. We also have good ties with Russia. The Russians know very well what would happen to them if a pro-American government was in power in Tehran. We (Iran and Russia) have common interests in central Asia, the Middle East and this region.
“We have no problem with the world. We are not a threat whatsoever to the world and the world knows it. The Americans, with their shameless propagandas, want to influence world public opinion. However, they haven’t yet managed to do so and will not be able to do so in the future either.
“Their other issue is [their assertion] that Iran seeks [a] nuclear bomb. It is an irrelevant and wrong statement, it is a sheer lie. We do not need a nuclear bomb. We do not have any objectives or aspirations for which we will need to use a nuclear bomb. We consider using nuclear weapons against Islamic rules. We have announced this openly. We think imposing the costs of building and maintaining nuclear weapons on our nation is unnecessary. Building such weapons and their maintenance are costly. By no means we deem it right to impose these costs on the people. We do not need those weapons. Unlike the Americans who want to rule the world with force, we do not claim to control the world and therefore do not need a nuclear bomb. Our nuclear bomb and our explosive powers are our faith, our youth and our people who have been present on the most difficult scenes with utmost power and faith and will continue to do so. (Chants of slogan, God is great).
“The American political institutions and propaganda machines are behind all these false ballyhoos. The Zionists also help, along with them and side-by-side them. They are the cause of everything.
“I would like to address a few sentences to the American officials and the team which is running America today and claims to lead the world too. I hope they listen to it, think about it and understand it. I want to ask them to compare themselves with our government. Compare your (American) president with ours. Your government is the most hated government in history of the United States today. They (Americans) announced it to the world in their own opinion polls. The government currently in power in America is the most hated government in history of the United States according to its people. Compare this with our own government. Our government is one of the most favourite governments since the Constitutional Revolution (1906). (Chants of slogan, God is Great, Khamene’i is our leader, death to America, death to Britain).
“Wherever your president, Mr Bush, visits he is faced with the people’s protest demonstrations and abhorrence. This is the case in Europe, Asia and Africa. In Latin America, governments come to power by using anti-US slogans. Today in Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and many other Latin America countries as soon as presidential candidates use anti-US slogans the people vote for them. Can someone be hated more than this?
“The American government doesn’t allow its people to hold a normal telephone conversation safely. This means that they can’t trust their people and can’t allow them to hold a telephone conversation freely. They have passed a law allowing them to control the telephones. This is your situation.
“Well, compare this with the situation in our country. Compare it to visits by our country’s officials.
“See what enthusiasm the people showed towards Iranian presidents during the (Iranian) president’s visit to Indonesia and our former presidents’ visits to Lebanon, Sudan, Pakistan and other places. Why don’t you understand this? Why don’t you confess such things?
“You have confessed to spending 300b dollars in Iraq so that you could bring to power a government which was your puppet and took orders from you. But you failed. They have confessed to spending 300b dollars, but they’ve probably spent more than this so that they could bring a government to power which took orders from America. But they failed because the Iraqi nation was obstinate.
“In Palestine you did your utmost to stop the Hamas government from coming to power. But you failed. And contrary to your wish, the Palestinian nation voted for the Hamas government. You exerted pressure from various sides on the Palestinian government. However, this strengthened the Palestinian people’s solidarity with this government. In Lebanon, senior agents from the American State Department went to Beirut and stayed there for a few months to see whether they could hold Lebanon in their clutches, undermine the resistance in that country and create a Lebanon which follows Israel. But you failed because the Lebanese people held a grudge against you. It’s the same everywhere else.
“Why doesn’t Mr Bush confess that, by his conduct, he’s made America, the American nation and America as a country, despised in the world? Why don’t you confess that you’ve been weakened? Why don’t you confess that your blade has gone blunt in the world? (But) You still make threats.
“Compare our president’s message to the American president to the Americans’ impolite and feeble message, which was disseminated in the world a few days ago. Out of keeping with diplomatic convention. Brimming with dim-witted arrogance. Full of threats. Hollow words. If you were capable of harming the Islamic republic, you wouldn’t have wasted a minute during these 27 years.
“The former American secretary of state openly said: I have to tear out the Iranian nation by its roots. He (or she; Persian is gender neutral) is finished and gone; the Iranian nation has grown daily. (Crowd chants in support)
“You speak about human rights. You speak about being against terrorism. How the hell can an administration that has Guantanamo Prison and Abu-Ghurayb Prison and crimes like the Haditha crime and the recent crime in Kabul and dozens and hundreds of other such things on its record dare to speak about human rights? (Crowd chants in support)
“In order to threaten Iran, you (America) say that you can secure energy flow in the region. You are wrong. Beware that if you make the slightest mistake about Iran, the energy flow through this region will be seriously in danger. (Chants of slogan, God is great, Khamene’i is our leader, death to America).
“You will never be capable of providing energy security in this region. You are not capable and you should know this. We will never start a war. We have no intention of going to war with any government. We have a high aspiration and we will use all our energy to reach it. That aspiration is to build an Iran which provides this nation with moral and material prosperity. We want an Iran that can be a role-model for all other nations. Other nations know (it) well and endeavour (to reach this end) themselves.
“We want to properly use this big country and its huge natural and human resources - the resources which have been given to this nation and its officials. We want to relieve this nation of the burden of hundreds of years of humiliation. This nation feels proud and powerful and it has every right to feel so. This nation is proud and powerful, but it has been kept behind. Both corrupt dictator systems and their foreign ill-willed supporters (have kept Iran behind). . .
“Peace and blessings of God be upon you.” . . .
(Description of Source: Tehran Islamic Republic of Iran News Network Television (IRINN) in Persian — State-run 24-hour news channel in Persian, Arabic and English; presenting up to the minute domestic and international news. It offers exclusive interviews on a variety of topics, as well as information on universities, labor, and economic developments from the capital and the provinces )
Review of IV Chomsky Event
The conference was very good. I enjoyed my time there. The speakers were all good, each giving their own unique views and perspectives. A good amount of important issues were addressed at the event. However, I wish the speakers talked more about Shi’a, Sunni relations. When they were asked questions pertaining to it, they kinda brushed it off and played out like its not really a problem. During the individual workshops/discussions, which I moderated most of the participants wanted to know what the differences and issues were between Sunni-Shi’a Muslims.
Salma Yaqoob particularly impressed me. Her dedication and devotion is umatched. I talked to her and her husband afterwards. She is the first Muslim women (and she wears hijab) to be an elected official in England’s parliment. What really makes her unique is that she is Sunni, who wants to unite/associate/affiliate with Shi’a Muslims. It is easy for us, Shi’as, to want unity since we are in minority but its much difficult for the majority, the Sunnis, to want that.
Dr Noam Chomsky, of course was great and thought-provoking as always. Something I did not know was that 86% of Iraqis wanted US and foreign troops to withdraw according to a recent US poll.
There was a good diverse crowd. Majority of the volunteers were made up of Shi’as (from New Jersey) but the participants included many different people from many different backgrounds. There were a lot of Muslims and non-Muslims from NY, NJ, Canada, Michigan, Chicago and even as far as Australia (I had a conversation with him.. he had a thick aussie accent!).
Overall the program was great. I commend Independent Viewpoints on a job well done and I hope IV becomes even more succesful in the future, inshaAllah.
06.01.06
Chomsky Event!
This saturday is the Shia, Sunni Relations and Politics event hosted by Independent Viewpoints. The main guest speaker is Dr. Noam Chomsky. Here is an excerpt from the description of the event found on the website,
The impetus behind this event is clear: the war in Iraq is the hottest and most divisive issue in the world today. But the war and its implications do not only matter to American Muslims, they affect everyone. The tension that exists between Sunnis and Shias in Iraq has reached a breaking point, and now is the time for all of us in the global community—Muslim and non-Muslim—to act. This is why the program will not only be for Muslims, but open to the general public as well.
InshaAllah, I wil be volunteering and I hope it turns out succesful. I am really curious what Chomsky says about Sunni and Shi’a (since he never talks about religion).