Moving is never easy. Moving away from your home country is, well… at first, the thought of a brand new place, unknown people and fresh experiences feels thrilling and even dangerous. You approach your new home wearing rose-colored glasses and a surprising determination to discover everything. But then, after the…
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Though there are women’s only mosques internationally, the Muslim Women’s Mosque of America appears to be the first of its kind in the States. As such, it is being lauded as a step forward in “empowering” American Muslim women by offering them a safe space to learn and find spiritual…
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In California, a community clinic founded by Muslims and based on Islamic values is providing free healthcare to anyone who needs it. In Dallas, the first Muslim-founded shelter for domestic abuse survivors is providing first-class care to central Texas women of all faiths. In Florida, an organization that provides civic…
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Reflecting on Dr. King’s words in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attack throws them into sharp relief. If the French are to heal and do not want the…
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When I was asked about my position on the Iraq war, I responded that I felt we were in Iraq needlessly. After an awkward silence, the inquisitor, shamefaced, admitted he had meant what I thought of the war as a Muslim, not as an American. As a Muslim? Well, my…
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The much anticipated conclusion to the wildly popular podcast, Serial, was released yesterday morning – and it was flat. As listeners we knew that this “one story, told week by week,” was also being written week by week as new information came to the attention of the producers. There was…
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Please see this important note from Asher, CEO of Naya Jeevan: Dear Colleagues and Supporters of the Naya Jeevan mental health action plan for for the survivors/families of the Peshawar attack: – we’ve been overwhelmed by your show of support and have received over 100 requests to volunteer/provide mental health services…
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There are days when I wish I never stepped foot into Pakistan. The leers from strange men older than my grandfather and the constant electricity shortages in above 100 degree weather can compel anyone to consider fleeing the country. And yet, I can’t help but love it. I was born…
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I remember as a little girl, learning the meaning of Ramadan from my parents. The month that the Qur’an was revealed…the idea of the month enthralled me. “Every day was Ramadan.” My mother said this and she and my father laughed…but I know they were speaking the truth.
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Over the last fifteen years I have collected dozens of books on Islam: Tariq Ramadan, Al-Ghazali, Ingrid Mattson and Martin Lings, along with many other authors, share the bookshelf. My passion for collecting Islamic literature quickly outpaced my ability to read the books I bought and many still languish on the shelf with unopened bindings. Every Ramadan I make an effort to make my way through two or three books in hopes of slowly shrinking the “To Read” section which far outnumbers the “Read” section.
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