Extracts from Ambiguities of Heritage, reminiscences and reflections on TwoDays that shook India

BY C.M. Naim 30 December 2019

The spatial context of our growing up played an important role in characterizing the Islam we grew up learning. The diminution of the women's role has removed the poetry, ambiguity, and humility that my generation commonly experienced from the religi

BY C.M. Naim 16 June 2017

The controversy in Malaysia shows the arrogance and ignorance that often underlie fanaticism. But it is also heartening to discover the strength of Malaysia’s public sphere.

BY C.M. Naim 8 June 2017

While the ‘Shahi’ Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi has been much in the news lately, he is not alone—there are atleast three others with similar ‘Shahi’ delusions.

BY C.M. Naim 25 November 2014

If in the process of discovering his or her place within the greater scheme of things, an individual human being appears to be imprudent—nay, impudent—vis-à-vis God, so be it. It could be all for the good.

BY C.M. Naim 26 December 2012

How a Delhi Urdu paper used the Chinese earthquake photos of 2010 and spread hatred against Tibetans and Buddhists

BY C.M. Naim 19 August 2012

Hasrat Mohani was not just a maverick when it came to publicly championing the radical thinking of Tilak. He also wrote verses expressing deep love for Krishna, and often went to Mathura to celebrate Janmashtami.

BY C.M. Naim 11 January 2012

Closed gates; zipped lips. What happens when an exhibition on the Quran opens in New Delhi.

BY C.M. Naim 17 November 2011

Today marks the 194th birthday of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. In 1869, he travelled with his two sons to England, from where he sent dispatches about his experiences for publication in India. Those dispatches reveal a man that is now little written about

BY C.M. Naim 16 October 2011

Under the usual cover of 'Islam is in Danger', a pernicious campaign seems to be getting mounted against the Ahmadis in Hyderabad.

BY C.M. Naim 21 July 2011