Community

5 things you won’t hear the Imam say

Six years ago I was compliant. I would quietly use the side entrance reserved for women to walk into the mosque. I would find an inconspicuous seat in the back row and dutifully listen to the Imam’s sermon, which usually advised that when problems arise in our home or community,…

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#NoAllMalePanels: The need for change

The poor representation of women on panels discussing important social, policy, and theological questions at Muslim centered events has “dire consequences for our communities” explains Samar Kaukab, who’s Executive Director at Arete, University of Chicago. She goes on to add that the Muslim communities in the U.S. lose out because…

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Professor Atiya Aftab

Living out gender equality at home

My father grew up in India. He was raised in a conservative family and lived in a patriarchal culture. His sisters and mother lived lives that revolved around the home– raising children, preparing meals and hosting guests. However, more was expected of my father. He was, after all, the eldest…

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Islamic Spiritual Masculinity

My father-in-law told me something wise one day: He said the problems the Muslims have today is because Muslim males do not know how to be men. Properly developed men are those who are best to their families. Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Among the Muslims…

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#NoAllMalePanels Twitter Storm

Many Muslim women have been actively raising the issue of #AllMalePanels at Muslim events, as witnessed by the recent Twitter conversation #NextTimeRememberHer. Responding to this dilemma of all-male, or otherwise male-dominated, panels, Muslim women have created a pledge that they urge Muslim men to sign. The pledge asks the signatory…

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It’s Not Just Me, Every Muslim Loves This Pope

A recent cartoon showed Pope Francis calling for America to take action on social justice, immigration and climate change. Standing next to him, a somber adviser reads a piece of paper and comments to the pontiff, “43% of Republicans now say you’re a Muslim.” Political satire aside, Pope Francis’ message is resonating…

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