Muftah Magazine
@muftah.org
Muftah is a biannual digital magazine that probes key issues at the intersections of religion, culture, and politics. Follow our podcast @proteanview.muftah.org
Asad Haider was a singular presence on the U.S. left: rigorous, optimistic, and relentlessly focused on the problem of political thinking. He died in November at 38.
“Socialists Think”: In Memory of Asad Haider
On socialism, self-criticism, and the end of a political sequence.
www.muftah.org
January 6, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Asad Haider was a singular presence on the U.S. left: rigorous, optimistic, and relentlessly focused on the problem of political thinking. He died in November at 38.
When did “community” come to mean “a service you subscribe to”?
For Muftah’s latest issue, Jamal Mehmood takes on the hollowing of “community” in tech and corporate culture to show how subscription platforms co-opt a term of real human connection by turning it into a “pay-to-say” product.
For Muftah’s latest issue, Jamal Mehmood takes on the hollowing of “community” in tech and corporate culture to show how subscription platforms co-opt a term of real human connection by turning it into a “pay-to-say” product.
Your Subscription Service Is Not a Community
Corporate-born "communities" are astroturfed projects that fabricate connections and make purchasing power the limiting, necessary, and determining point of access.
www.muftah.org
January 4, 2026 at 11:27 PM
When did “community” come to mean “a service you subscribe to”?
For Muftah’s latest issue, Jamal Mehmood takes on the hollowing of “community” in tech and corporate culture to show how subscription platforms co-opt a term of real human connection by turning it into a “pay-to-say” product.
For Muftah’s latest issue, Jamal Mehmood takes on the hollowing of “community” in tech and corporate culture to show how subscription platforms co-opt a term of real human connection by turning it into a “pay-to-say” product.
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Interesting essay by Moshik Temkin
"In an era of rising authoritarianism meant to destroy democracy, FDR knew that a certain degree of authoritarianism was necessary to protect democracy, since it couldn’t just save itself."
"In an era of rising authoritarianism meant to destroy democracy, FDR knew that a certain degree of authoritarianism was necessary to protect democracy, since it couldn’t just save itself."
Democracy survived the 1930s because of (not despite) authoritarian and populist tactics, argues Moshik Temkin. Procedural restraint alone is never enough to preserve democratic life. Restoring material security and public faith matter, even at the cost of elite consensus and institutional decorum.
When Populism and Authoritarianism Saved Democracy
In the past thirty years, the top 1% in America have added $21 trillion to their wealth, while the bottom 50% has lost $900 billion. We know from history that democracy cannot survive such conditions.
www.muftah.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:07 AM
Interesting essay by Moshik Temkin
"In an era of rising authoritarianism meant to destroy democracy, FDR knew that a certain degree of authoritarianism was necessary to protect democracy, since it couldn’t just save itself."
"In an era of rising authoritarianism meant to destroy democracy, FDR knew that a certain degree of authoritarianism was necessary to protect democracy, since it couldn’t just save itself."
Unilateral demands for “disarmament” seem to have little to do with achieving peace. In fact, they actively avoid the politics that make actual peace possible. Militant movements can’t be disarmed by force; mutual political arrangements must make their weapons unnecessary and even counterproductive.
Is Disarming Hezbollah and Hamas Possible?
The lesson of history is that armed movements do not disarm because they are defeated, but because political developments and integration make their arms functionally obsolete.
www.muftah.org
December 30, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Unilateral demands for “disarmament” seem to have little to do with achieving peace. In fact, they actively avoid the politics that make actual peace possible. Militant movements can’t be disarmed by force; mutual political arrangements must make their weapons unnecessary and even counterproductive.
Democracy survived the 1930s because of (not despite) authoritarian and populist tactics, argues Moshik Temkin. Procedural restraint alone is never enough to preserve democratic life. Restoring material security and public faith matter, even at the cost of elite consensus and institutional decorum.
When Populism and Authoritarianism Saved Democracy
In the past thirty years, the top 1% in America have added $21 trillion to their wealth, while the bottom 50% has lost $900 billion. We know from history that democracy cannot survive such conditions.
www.muftah.org
December 30, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Democracy survived the 1930s because of (not despite) authoritarian and populist tactics, argues Moshik Temkin. Procedural restraint alone is never enough to preserve democratic life. Restoring material security and public faith matter, even at the cost of elite consensus and institutional decorum.
Muftah Magazine’s final issue of 2025, “Community & Crisis,” is here.
Our first two essays—on the challenges of disarming groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and the curious history of rescuing American democracy by “authoritarian” means—are now available, with the rest to follow soon.
Our first two essays—on the challenges of disarming groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and the curious history of rescuing American democracy by “authoritarian” means—are now available, with the rest to follow soon.
Issue 4: Community & Crisis
Our final issue of the year focuses on questions of community, crisis, and the tensions in between.
www.muftah.org
December 30, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Muftah Magazine’s final issue of 2025, “Community & Crisis,” is here.
Our first two essays—on the challenges of disarming groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and the curious history of rescuing American democracy by “authoritarian” means—are now available, with the rest to follow soon.
Our first two essays—on the challenges of disarming groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and the curious history of rescuing American democracy by “authoritarian” means—are now available, with the rest to follow soon.
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
William Barylo recently sat down with us to talk about neoliberalism, its effects on Muslims in the West, his experience being homeless as a graduate student, the folly of the "hijra industry," and more.
This is our 12th and final episode of 2025. See you for more in 2026 ✌️
This is our 12th and final episode of 2025. See you for more in 2026 ✌️
The Burdens of Neoliberalism with William Barylo
Episode 12 of the Protean View podcast
www.muftah.org
November 7, 2025 at 10:29 PM
William Barylo recently sat down with us to talk about neoliberalism, its effects on Muslims in the West, his experience being homeless as a graduate student, the folly of the "hijra industry," and more.
This is our 12th and final episode of 2025. See you for more in 2026 ✌️
This is our 12th and final episode of 2025. See you for more in 2026 ✌️
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Pleased to share Episode 12 of the Protean View podcast: The Burdens of Neoliberalism, in which @alarian.muftah.org and I speak with sociologist William Barylo. Other URLs in the replies.
www.muftah.org/the-burdens-...
www.muftah.org/the-burdens-...
The Burdens of Neoliberalism with William Barylo
Episode 12 of the Protean View podcast
www.muftah.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Pleased to share Episode 12 of the Protean View podcast: The Burdens of Neoliberalism, in which @alarian.muftah.org and I speak with sociologist William Barylo. Other URLs in the replies.
www.muftah.org/the-burdens-...
www.muftah.org/the-burdens-...
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
It’s easy to publish something loud. It’s much harder to publish something that lasts. If you’ve followed Muftah Magazine, you know we care about great writing that earns your attention and holds up under scrutiny. 🧵
October 17, 2025 at 10:53 PM
It’s easy to publish something loud. It’s much harder to publish something that lasts. If you’ve followed Muftah Magazine, you know we care about great writing that earns your attention and holds up under scrutiny. 🧵
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
It’s been less than a year since Bashar al-Assad was deposed, and much is still in flux, but I think the arguments @mesbushra.muftah.org and I made in June about Syria’s present condition and possible future continue to hold 👇
Is the New Syrian State Revolutionary?
Post-Assad Syria was, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary transformation—in reality, its leaders inherited conditions that narrowed the horizon of possibility before the first stroke was made.
www.muftah.org
October 12, 2025 at 2:24 PM
It’s been less than a year since Bashar al-Assad was deposed, and much is still in flux, but I think the arguments @mesbushra.muftah.org and I made in June about Syria’s present condition and possible future continue to hold 👇
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Very pleased to announce the latest from @proteanview.muftah.org
Episode 10: On the Politics of Analytic Philosophy, in which @alarian.muftah.org and I speak with @schuringa.bsky.social.
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube URLs in replies.
www.muftah.org/the-politics...
Episode 10: On the Politics of Analytic Philosophy, in which @alarian.muftah.org and I speak with @schuringa.bsky.social.
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube URLs in replies.
www.muftah.org/the-politics...
The Politics of Analytic Philosophy with Christoph Schuringa
Episode 10 of the Protean View podcast
www.muftah.org
October 7, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Very pleased to announce the latest from @proteanview.muftah.org
Episode 10: On the Politics of Analytic Philosophy, in which @alarian.muftah.org and I speak with @schuringa.bsky.social.
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube URLs in replies.
www.muftah.org/the-politics...
Episode 10: On the Politics of Analytic Philosophy, in which @alarian.muftah.org and I speak with @schuringa.bsky.social.
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube URLs in replies.
www.muftah.org/the-politics...
🙌
The release of our latest episode today marks a modest milestone for Protean View––our tenth episode! Keeping the show running at a consistent pace is a challenge, but we're excited for what's ahead. We hope you're enjoying our content. Thank you for your support ✌️
October 7, 2025 at 2:20 AM
🙌
Don’t miss this—the recent response of philosophy departments to the Gaza genocide is also discussed.
Other topics include Rawls’ early religious & political influences, the meaning of the analytic-continental divide, & how philosophy has historically reinforced the status quo.
Other topics include Rawls’ early religious & political influences, the meaning of the analytic-continental divide, & how philosophy has historically reinforced the status quo.
We have a new episode out with @schuringa.bsky.social on the politics of analytic philosophy. Want to know how and why analytic philosophy framed itself as apolitical even as it was bankrolled by the CIA and the RAND corporation? Listen to our conversation, out now wherever you podcast.
The Politics of Analytic Philosophy with Christoph Schuringa
Episode 10 of the Protean View podcast
www.muftah.org
October 6, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Don’t miss this—the recent response of philosophy departments to the Gaza genocide is also discussed.
Other topics include Rawls’ early religious & political influences, the meaning of the analytic-continental divide, & how philosophy has historically reinforced the status quo.
Other topics include Rawls’ early religious & political influences, the meaning of the analytic-continental divide, & how philosophy has historically reinforced the status quo.
With Syria back in the news, here’s our article from June in which @alarian.muftah.org and @mesbushra.muftah.org reflect on the condition of the new Syrian state and where it’s headed in the future.
Full, un-paywalled article 👇
Full, un-paywalled article 👇
Is the New Syrian State Revolutionary?
Post-Assad Syria was, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary transformation—in reality, its leaders inherited conditions that narrowed the horizon of possibility before the first stroke was made.
www.muftah.org
September 25, 2025 at 12:30 AM
With Syria back in the news, here’s our article from June in which @alarian.muftah.org and @mesbushra.muftah.org reflect on the condition of the new Syrian state and where it’s headed in the future.
Full, un-paywalled article 👇
Full, un-paywalled article 👇
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
This is an interesting piece, but I think the authors underestimate the depth of the new Syrian leaders' adhesion to neoliberal economics, which was already patent when they were ruling over Idlib.
Is the new Syrian state revolutionary?
In Muftah Magazine's new issue, @alarian.muftah.org &
@mesbushra.muftah.org argue that while post-Assad Syria seemed, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary change, its inherited conditions narrowed the horizon of possibility.
In Muftah Magazine's new issue, @alarian.muftah.org &
@mesbushra.muftah.org argue that while post-Assad Syria seemed, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary change, its inherited conditions narrowed the horizon of possibility.
Is the New Syrian State Revolutionary?
Post-Assad Syria was, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary transformation—in reality, its leaders inherited conditions that narrowed the horizon of possibility before the first stroke was made.
www.muftah.org
July 3, 2025 at 10:50 AM
This is an interesting piece, but I think the authors underestimate the depth of the new Syrian leaders' adhesion to neoliberal economics, which was already patent when they were ruling over Idlib.
For Muftah Magazine's latest issue, Zaid Adhami asks: What does it mean to hold commitments 'in the gray'?
Though our culture often extols the critical virtues of 'being skeptical,' with Gaza, it can often be an excuse to waver and mask moral evasion.
Though our culture often extols the critical virtues of 'being skeptical,' with Gaza, it can often be an excuse to waver and mask moral evasion.
Commitment in the Gray
Many praise doubt as a critical virtue—but what happens when skepticism becomes an excuse to waver in the face of injustice? As Gaza burns, intellectual ambivalence becomes a mask for moral evasion.
www.muftah.org
July 1, 2025 at 1:52 AM
For Muftah Magazine's latest issue, Zaid Adhami asks: What does it mean to hold commitments 'in the gray'?
Though our culture often extols the critical virtues of 'being skeptical,' with Gaza, it can often be an excuse to waver and mask moral evasion.
Though our culture often extols the critical virtues of 'being skeptical,' with Gaza, it can often be an excuse to waver and mask moral evasion.
Is the new Syrian state revolutionary?
In Muftah Magazine's new issue, @alarian.muftah.org &
@mesbushra.muftah.org argue that while post-Assad Syria seemed, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary change, its inherited conditions narrowed the horizon of possibility.
In Muftah Magazine's new issue, @alarian.muftah.org &
@mesbushra.muftah.org argue that while post-Assad Syria seemed, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary change, its inherited conditions narrowed the horizon of possibility.
Is the New Syrian State Revolutionary?
Post-Assad Syria was, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary transformation—in reality, its leaders inherited conditions that narrowed the horizon of possibility before the first stroke was made.
www.muftah.org
July 1, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Is the new Syrian state revolutionary?
In Muftah Magazine's new issue, @alarian.muftah.org &
@mesbushra.muftah.org argue that while post-Assad Syria seemed, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary change, its inherited conditions narrowed the horizon of possibility.
In Muftah Magazine's new issue, @alarian.muftah.org &
@mesbushra.muftah.org argue that while post-Assad Syria seemed, in theory, a blank canvas for revolutionary change, its inherited conditions narrowed the horizon of possibility.
Muftah Magazine’s new issue is out.
We explore the theme of ‘authenticity,’ with essays on revolution and the state, capitalism and self, activism, democracy, and more.
Articles are being released weekly, and the first two are available now.
We explore the theme of ‘authenticity,’ with essays on revolution and the state, capitalism and self, activism, democracy, and more.
Articles are being released weekly, and the first two are available now.
Issue 3: Authenticity
What does it mean to be authentic in our politics, within systems of power, and in acts of resistance? How is “authenticity” claimed, challenged, or co-opted?
www.muftah.org
July 1, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Muftah Magazine’s new issue is out.
We explore the theme of ‘authenticity,’ with essays on revolution and the state, capitalism and self, activism, democracy, and more.
Articles are being released weekly, and the first two are available now.
We explore the theme of ‘authenticity,’ with essays on revolution and the state, capitalism and self, activism, democracy, and more.
Articles are being released weekly, and the first two are available now.
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Religion and the American Border with @bethhurd.bsky.social F'19 on @proteanview.muftah.org podcast: www.muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Religion and the American Border with Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
Episode 9 of the Protean View podcast
www.muftah.org
June 24, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Religion and the American Border with @bethhurd.bsky.social F'19 on @proteanview.muftah.org podcast: www.muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Such a pleasure to speak with the @muftah.org crew about my new book. 👇
Our conversation with @bethhurd.bsky.social is out now wherever you podcast. We discuss the American border, its religious meanings, and 'AmericaIsrael' as a single entity.
Check out her new book: Heaven Has a Wall: Religion, Borders, and the Global United States.
muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Check out her new book: Heaven Has a Wall: Religion, Borders, and the Global United States.
muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Religion and the American Border with Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
Episode 9 of the Protean View podcast
muftah.org
June 16, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Such a pleasure to speak with the @muftah.org crew about my new book. 👇
Our conversation with @bethhurd.bsky.social is out now wherever you podcast. We discuss the American border, its religious meanings, and 'AmericaIsrael' as a single entity.
Check out her new book: Heaven Has a Wall: Religion, Borders, and the Global United States.
muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Check out her new book: Heaven Has a Wall: Religion, Borders, and the Global United States.
muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Religion and the American Border with Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
Episode 9 of the Protean View podcast
muftah.org
June 16, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Our conversation with @bethhurd.bsky.social is out now wherever you podcast. We discuss the American border, its religious meanings, and 'AmericaIsrael' as a single entity.
Check out her new book: Heaven Has a Wall: Religion, Borders, and the Global United States.
muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Check out her new book: Heaven Has a Wall: Religion, Borders, and the Global United States.
muftah.org/p/religion-a...
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Had a great time talking with Muftah for their new podcast series. Discussing the role of policing "superstition" and the secular, the history of magic-religion-science, my more recent work on critical history. If that sounds like your kind of thing, give it a listen: www.muftah.org/p/superstiti...
Superstition and the Secular with Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm
Episode 8 of the Protean View podcast
www.muftah.org
May 19, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Had a great time talking with Muftah for their new podcast series. Discussing the role of policing "superstition" and the secular, the history of magic-religion-science, my more recent work on critical history. If that sounds like your kind of thing, give it a listen: www.muftah.org/p/superstiti...
Reposted by Muftah Magazine
Please consider supporting our work, either by subscribing on the @muftah.org website www.muftah.org
Muftah Magazine | The Muftah Team | Substack
A biannual digital magazine that probes key issues of the metamodern. Click to read Muftah Magazine, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
www.muftah.org
May 15, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Please consider supporting our work, either by subscribing on the @muftah.org website www.muftah.org