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Habituation, Passion, and Wonder By: Hossam Badrawi “You must step outside the frame of routine and overcome habituation to regain wonder. It is a positive act of will.” ———————————————- I pondered the relationship between habituation, the absence of wonder, and the withdrawal of passion in human relationships, and I found …

The Giving That Enriches the Soul By: Hossam Badrawi “Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, the sun does not shine for itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves” — With these words, Pope Francis begins his beautiful reflection on …

The Culture of Noise: A Louder Voice, a Lost Meaning By: Hossam Badrawi When a human utters a single letter, no meaning appears. But once that letter meets another, language begins to emerge, meanings are born, and civilization is built. So, where did language begin? And how did the air …

A Eulogy for the Passing of Pope Francis By Hossam Badrawi I am a Muslim, a researcher in the relationship between religions and science, and a firm believer in the importance of using reason in a time when the voices of fanaticism and isolationism are growing louder. Since the dawn …

The Arab Spring and the Western Autumn By Dr. Hossam Badrawi Truth depends on the mind’s perception, connecting pieces of information, and extracting knowledge. It is said that every reality was once an imagination, and political science and sociology are no different. In the spring of 2015, I was invited …

From the Soil of the Earth to the Sky of Meaning By Dr. Hossam Badrawi In a silent moment of contemplation, I encountered an image of a rare flower called Elata, known among people as the “Flower of the Holy Spirit.” It looks as if it were born of legend—its …

Prof. Hossam Badrawi, a prominent physician, a well-known politician, and former head of the OB/GYN department in Cairo University’s Medical School, reflects on the emerging neurofeedback technique and its benefits. Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is an innovative technique that helps individuals train their brain activity using real-time feedback. …

  A Message to the Doctors of the Future By: Hossam Badrawi The profession of medicine and the service of healing the sick is among the greatest and most honorable professions, deserving the highest appreciation. But, like everything else around us, knowledge has evolved along with the means of accessing …

At the café “Dreamers of Tomorrow”“Speak so that I may see you”Again and again“In the beginning was the Word.” And the wise Socrates says: “Speak so that I may see you.” Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib also says: “Speak so you may be known, for a man is hidden beneath …

Between Dream and Politics By Hossam Badrawi In the realm of principles, the rigid rule prevails: “All or nothing.” It is a call for pure idealism that refuses half-measures and sees gradual progress as a retreat from what is right or a compromise on core values. However, in the world …

In a more complex world, many people feel like they’re walking down a path without knowing where it leads. Some may seem successful on the outside but feel lost or disconnected. Material achievement alone is no longer enough. Relationships may falter, motivation may fade, and crucial decisions may become burdensome. …

Forgiveness, pardon, and mercy are interconnected concepts in Arabic, especially in religious and moral contexts. When a friend asked me about the difference between them, I reflected and came to the following understanding: Pardon (العَفْو): It refers to waiving punishment for the offender, meaning letting go of holding them accountable …

My Beloved Mother By Hossam Badrawi Mama, mama, mama, mama My beloved mother Not only on Mother’s Day But every day You were the gentle breeze around me, And you still are. The music in my soul, A presence we all felt without intrusion, A warmth we turned to without …

  Trump’s retreat from the plan to forcibly displace Gaza residents to voluntary displacement is merely a superficial change. The approach has shifted from a powerless Palestinian state to no state and no rights for Palestinians. Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 2:46 PM During my visit with the Round Table …

Fifteen Years of Wisdom and Renewal By Dr. Hossam Badrawi This year marks the 15th anniversary of my dear friend, His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, assuming the leadership of Al-Azhar. This is an occasion worth reflecting upon, to appreciate an exceptional figure who combines profound knowledge, intellectual …

This title is taken from an editorial in The New York Times, on March 16, 2025.   In response and as an addition to the article, I want to clarify my perspective on universities and the role of higher education, before returning to the article and its implications.   The …

What is the Truth? By Hossam Badrawi The experience of living in complete darkness is known by several names, with one of the most notable being the “Dark Retreat” — a spiritual and meditative practice used in some Buddhist and Taoist traditions. In this practice, a person lives in a …

The foreign policy of the United States underwent a dramatic shift with Donald Trump’s presidency, characterized by what is known as “Trumpism.” This approach emphasized American interests through unconventional tools such as confrontational rhetoric, symbolic aggression, withdrawal from multilateral agreements, reliance on direct diplomacy, and a shift from multilateralism to …

I once had a fascinating experience meeting five people I had never known. We were not allowed to get to know each other in advance. The experiment occurred in a completely dark environment, where the sense of sight was absent. We met and introduced ourselves without seeing each other, moving …

Ramadan and a Better Human By Hossam Badrawi The holy month of Ramadan has begun, and I wonder: How is it that, in the 21st century, we still rely on the naked eye to sight the crescent moon to determine the start of the month, when science now allows us …