بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

LIVE news updates
Jun 24 Transforming Your Reality Jun 17 A History of Muslim Americans’ Political Engagement Jun 17 My Brother is Gay: Navigating the Intersection of Religion and Family An interview with Imam Wesley Lebron Jun 10 Islam and the Romans: Early Muslim-Byzantine Interaction May 20 Reclaiming the Sunnah of Adoption and Foster Care: An Interview with Basmah Salam Apr 29 National Poetry Month: An Ode to Faith, Visibility, and the Conversations We Don’t Forget Apr 15 Beyond Ramadan: Taking Its Lessons Farther  Apr 15 The Power of Saying No: A Reflection on Boundaries

Author: Nailah Dean

  • The Beauty of Allah’s Names Al-Fattah & Al-Wadud

    The Beauty of Allah’s Names Al-Fattah & Al-Wadud

    Every year during Ramadan I attempt to learn more of Allah’s great and majestic names. I know a few friends who can recite all 99 names of Allah (SWT) from a song they learned in Islamic school as a child. While I never learned that song, I feel that surface-level memorization does more harm than good. Why? In my mind, this type of learning might give someone the illusion they truly understand the depths of Allah’s names when, in fact, if asked about what each one means they draw a blank. For example, can you distinguish between Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian) and Al-Mumin (The Supreme). Do you know what type of duas to make when invoking Al-Hasib (The Reckoner) or Al-Mani (The Withholder)? It’s so easy to recite al-asma ul husna (names of Allah), but how many of us can really say we know what they mean in our hearts and minds?

    In striving to find connectedness with Allah’s names, I picked up Imam Fode Drame’s book, The 99 Names of Allah. The author breaks down the meaning of each name by chapter and cites an ayah from the Quran to illustrate its meaning. There are two names in particular I use on a daily basis, and it is in large part due to the understanding gained from this book: Al-Fattah and Al-Wadud.

    Al-Fattah, The Opener

    “Whatever mercy Allah opens up for men, there is none who can withhold it and whatever He withholds, there is none who can release it after Him, and it is He who is the All Mighty, The All Wise.” – (Quran 35:2)

    Imam Drame describes Al-Fattah as Allah’s ability to open and close doors. Behind the metaphorical door is mercy, or understanding of truth. Allah has the ability to open doors to heaven. He alone grants access to the unseen world. He is the constrictor and enabler of goodness. Our ability to achieve closeness to Him (SWT) is our ticket to ultimate success in this life and the next.

    In daily life, I ask for openings in places where I am lost. In the darkness of my own mind, I call upon Al-Fattah to guide me. When I was seeking employment, I asked Al-Fattah to open doors for me. When I sought pathways to marriage, I called upon Al-Fattah to guide my way to new prospects. There are many moments when outcomes seem impossible and solutions limited. But with tawakal, we can rely on Al-Fattah to create openings in the most unimaginable situations. He illuminates darkness so we can find the light. He creates openings in places we thought were closed.

    Al-Wadud, The Loving or The All-Affectionate

    “Indeed those who believed and did righteous deeds Al-Rahman (The All Merciful) will endow them with affection.” (Quran 19:96)

    Imam Drame writes Al-Wadud is often paired with two of Allah’s other well-known names: Al-Rahim (The Most Merciful) and Al-Ghafur (The Oft-Forgiving). The companion names provide a gentle meaning that our Lord is both one who is a source of passion and one who inspires passion. Allah (SWT) invokes in humans the passion to do good and to ignore evil, to set up communities built upon families where we strive with one another to seek akhira. It is our passion to please Him that provides us ease and comfort when we have to endure some of this world’s more difficult tests.

    For me, the name Al-Wadud provides comfort. When I make a mistake or when I see someone acting harshly, I find safety and respite with Allah. I understand Allah’s affection or love for his creation is so vast it is almost incomprehensible. There are many teachings which inform us that Allah’s kindness and mercy is even stronger than a mother’s when caring for her infant. He provides for us in ways we will never know. This type of love inspires us to return that love and garners a heightened sense of shakur, or gratitude. It is this gratitude that allows us to continue striving in this world. No matter what comes our way, Al-Wadud is watching over us, lovingly, without any other type of ill intention that may come from others. Allah is our ultimate protector.

    Understanding Allah’s names in this very comprehensive manner has allowed me to feel closer to Allah (SWT), especially when I make dua. When I open my hands, I am calling upon Him with these attributes in mind. “Al-Wadud, please shower me with your affection and mercy. Provide me with a loving community that loves you. Al-Fattah, send openings for truth and justice.” Knowing Allah’s names is a powerful way to connect with Him and to seek His pleasure.

  • Homelessness & the Housing Crisis in America

    Homelessness & the Housing Crisis in America

    In cities across the country, the number of people either experiencing homelessness or who are one paycheck away from it is – in my opinion –staggering. What’s more, that number is growing. In 2024, the National Alliance to End Homelessness documented an 18 percent increase in homelessness over 2023, rising from 653,104 people to 771,480. Where I live in Oakland, California, the marks of a community in need of stable housing are evident. On several street corners, I see worn down RVs and tents pitched under overpasses or in abandoned parking lots. For a multitude of reasons, people end up living on the street and many are unable to escape homelessness’ grip.

    As a former eviction defense attorney, my experience tells me the current administration isn’t helping. In Washington D.C, federal agents have been tasked with “cleaning up the streets.” This entails using federal troops to physically remove people living in tents or on sidewalks, displacing them by forcing them into rehab centers or sometimes jail. Much of these actions are legally questionable. The administration claims it is doing this as a way to “help” those experiencing homelessness, but the solutions to the housing crisis in America go beyond displacing them. As I see it, such an act is an ill-informed effort to fix a problem that has thick roots that need very careful and well-planned measures to fix.

    Different philosophies

    While there are many root causes for this crisis, I believe high rents and stagnant pay as well as high student debt are starting points for this causation. Studies show the spiral into homelessness can begin with someone getting sick, losing their job, or suffering from undiagnosed mental illness. Instability in work, family, and mental health can be the reason someone can’t afford rent and is subsequently forced into living out of their car or on the streets. Working with clients, I witnessed firsthand how one unexpected expense or emergency situation – a new car, an emergency room visit, or unemployment – can land a family in a hole of unpaid utility bills or rent. The dollar amounts can add up until people are way over their heads and are being served eviction papers. To make matters worse, an eviction can stay on a person’s record and make it very difficult for them to secure future housing opportunities.

    What about federal funds?

    Historically, the federal government, via the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has provided housing assistance. However, voucher-based programs like Section 8 are underfunded and have not always had a positive impact due to the discriminatory practices of some landlords. Similarly, in urban cities where affordable units are sometimes built within market-rate buildings, the application and/or waiting times for those units are long and not always easy to qualify for.

    During periods when federal funds are being slashed, which is happening now, federal housing programs are often greatly decreased. In these economically challenging times, it is even difficult for nonprofits aiming to provide rental assistance or to secure funds to help families that need just a little support with their rent.

    Amongst housing policy providers and analysts, there are disagreements about how to fix this program. On the one hand, homeless shelters are asking for more money to add more beds and provide short-term assistance. On the other, there are affordable housing developers (sometimes referred to as YIMBYs – Yes In My Backyard) who are pro-building and reason that if we just put more money into building more housing, people will be housed. Unfortunately, neither of those options help folks who can’t afford daily necessities to get on their feet and off the streets. The shelter providers fail to realize they are often only temporarily fixes for people without giving them stable income to permanently afford housing. What’s more, the YIMBY developers are not only involved in building housing for low-income folks (affordable housing units) but also for those who can afford market-rate housing. As a result, this sometimes means the buildings going up are luxury apartments with only a small number of units carved out for low-income residents which are not always permanently affordable.

    Forward thinking: Social housing

    In my view, there is a way forward, but we need to change our thinking. There is a housing model called “social housing,” defined as “a public option for housing. It is permanently and deeply affordable, under community control, and, most importantly, exists outside of the speculative real estate market.” This model embodies the philosophy that housing should be created and maintained with the community in mind. It removes the pressures that come from a capitalist mindset and it emphasizes permanent affordability and stability. It allows for other types of financial models to be used to build housing, thereby removing the pressure for developers to focus on luxury units only top earners can afford. Social housing facilitates a vision of communities where people live in complexes with more communal facilities like childcare centers or spaces for community cooking and local businesses. It may be prudent to think about alternative housing models such as social housing if we determine our current system isn’t working.

    Why should you care?

    In Islam, the principle of the ummah is central. We are taught to think beyond ourselves and consider how to support our family, friends, neighbors and institutions. Within our community, Muslims have stepped up to create shelters for women like Islamic Circle of North America’s Relief’s Transitional Housing for Women and NISA, the North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused. These shelters help Muslim women who are escaping abusive relationships and need help to figure out their next steps in life.

    And what about the community beyond the Muslims? I think lessons from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) show us we can and should extend our kindness to everyone, regardless of their faith. There are hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) was kind to his non-Muslim neighbors and community members. Even when they treated him with disrespect and outright cruelty, he always went out of his way to extend kindness.

    With this in mind, we must do our best to support charities focused on ending homelessness, vote for policies that would help us prevent people from ending up on the streets, and continue to support the existing organizations that are housing the most vulnerable. We must do more because our faith compels us to do all we can.

  • Is It Abuse? Identifying the Signs of an Emotionally Abusive Spouse

    Is It Abuse? Identifying the Signs of an Emotionally Abusive Spouse

    I have a friend who was married for nearly a decade when her husband asked for a divorce. At the time she had three young children, was a stay-at-home mom, and she was miserable. Although she had entered into her marriage with a husband she had chosen based on his good reputation within the Muslim community, she believed she had chosen wrong. Not long into the marriage, her husband’s behavior changed. He demanded everything be a certain way. If the eggs weren’t boiled for ten minutes as he liked them, he threw a fit and sent his wife to remake them. He was controlling and quick to anger. He wielded his words to belittle and humiliate his wife. It wasn’t until after he left her and their three children that she was able to process what she had endured and recognize it as emotional abuse.

    In the 2021 Netflix movie “Maid,” which is based on a memoir by the same name, we see a realistic depiction of emotional abuse where fights between the couple are heated but never rise to physical violence. At her breaking point, the woman escapes with her toddler and speaks to a social worker who informs her that, even though her partner never struck her, the emotional and financial abuse she suffered qualified as domestic abuse. Many Muslim communities lack the education needed to properly identify domestic abuse in all its forms. This article aims to educate on the topic and encourage people who are suffering in psychologically damaging households to seek help.

    What is emotional abuse?

    A 2016 CDC survey found that 41 percent of women and 26 percent of men have experienced contact stalking, physical, or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner during their lifetime. The same survey found 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

    While most people understand the signs of physical abuse, many don’t know how to identify emotional abuse. Just like the story presented above, emotional abuse can be subtle. It might begin with a few nasty fights where one person loses their temper and name calls or throws things, but it can spiral and morph into something much more serious. The National Domestic Hotline defines emotional abuse as “non-physical behaviors that are meant to control, isolate, or frighten you.”

    One way to recognize an emotionally abusive partner is when they exhibit signs seeking control. While jealousy is a natural human emotion and there are healthy ways to deal with it, controlling one’s partner is not one of them. Many people who have been in relationships with jealous spouses reported their partner’s unwarranted jealousy leads them to become controlling. The jealous spouse wants to know where their spouse is every hour of the day, often bombarding them with texts and calls. They question their partner’s intentions and accuse them of cheating with no evidence. They also begin to isolate the person from friends by inviting negativity into those relationships.

    Control also may surface in respect to finances. It’s most prevalent if one spouse is working and the other is not. Limiting access to money as a means of manipulating someone to exert control is a form of financial abuse and falls under the umbrella of emotional abuse.

    Gaslighting is another form of emotional abuse. This occurs when one person attempts to make the other person question their reality. Emotionally abusive partners will unfairly blame their partners for making them upset, and make it seem like their partner’s sanity is the issue. Other forms of gaslighting could involve a person telling they’re partner “you’re crazy” or that people are lying to them, despite the fact they are usually at the forefront of deceitful behavior.

    Withholding affection is yet another common tactic to gain control. In such cases, a person may withdraw from all forms of intimacy, including simple acts of love and kindness until they get what they want. Other forms of manipulation include exaggerating flaws, guilt-tripping, and using emotions against their partner. Sometimes abuse is downplayed because the abuser likes to be sarcastic and make jokes about everything and everyone. But an abuser’s words are chosen carefully to injure their partner. They will attempt to humiliate, even in the presence of their partners’ friends or family, and if their partner confronts them about it, they’ll say they’re just joking and do so with everyone.

    Keep in mind this is not an exclusive list of emotionally abusive behaviors. There could be other signs not mentioned that would still be considered abusive. Please consult with a professional if you think you may be experiencing abuse.

    How to get help

    For many people, the decision to leave a harmful relationship is thwarted because of the stigma attached to divorce. I’ve heard many encounters of women going to their family or a trusted imam for help only to be told they should stay, downplaying the actions of the abuser as a one-time ordeal. The advice is always rooted in a cultural belief that divorce is wrong. While it’s true divorce is something Allah does not like, it is permitted in Islam. Unlike other religions like Catholicism, divorce is a tool people can use to remove themselves from bad situations. In fact, there are lengthy descriptions in Surah At-Talaq about how a divorce should be handled under Islamic law.

    Sadly, there is a serious lack of education in the Muslim community about how emotional abuse is just as harmful as physical abuse and should not be endured. As a result, people often stay in abusive marriages for decades, leaving them with severe negative impacts. Not only may the abuser attempt to take their partner’s money or children if they try to leave the marriage, but they can trigger depression, low self-esteem or self-worth or even Post Traumatic Stress syndrome.

    If you think you may be in an emotionally abusive marriage, please seek the help of a mental health professional or a domestic violence advocate. Organizations like Wasilah Connections and ICNA Relief aim to support and guide Muslims who are struggling with the idea of divorce and can guide folks who need help exiting an abusive marriage or healing from one. If you need immediate help, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

  • Eid Al-Adha: A Story of Sacrifice

    Eid Al-Adha: A Story of Sacrifice

    It is the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah, a month which holds the best 10 days of the year. It is the month where we must spend our time reflecting on the mercy of Allah (SWT) and engaging in good deeds. It is also a time we send our pilgrims on their way to hajj. But amidst all the frenzy to give in charity, fast, and prepare for Eid, we sometimes forget the significance behind the month. We forget the story. We forget the miracle. So, what exactly is Eid-Al-Adha about?

    A father’s sacrifice

    Eid- al-Adha occurs on the 10th day in the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Dhul Hijjah.It marks the completion of the holy pilgrimage of hajj, which is obligatory on all able-bodied and financially able Muslims. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, demonstrating its importance.

    The day people celebrate will depend on the sighting of the moon. For those making the pilgrimage, the journey begins on the eighth of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims on hajj travel to Makkah to begin the sacred rituals in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We follow in his footsteps as he acted in commemoration of his prophetic predecessor Ibrahim (peace be upon him). The hajj commemorates parts of Prophet Ibrahim’s life as well as the lives of his wife Hajar and son Ismail. The focus of Eid-al-Adha is the commemoration of Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) sacrifice.

    Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was a friend of Allah: “For Allah did take Ibrahim for (an intimate) friend.” (Quran 4:125)

    He was a model for good adhab, or manners, as noted in Surah An-Nahl: “Ibrahim was indeed a model. Devoutly obedient to Allah, and true in faith, and he joined not gods with Allah.” (Quran 16:20)

    Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was the son of an idol-maker. He was surrounded by an entire tribe that rejected tawheed, the oneness of God. Yet he argued with his father and the other unbelievers about the existence of Allah (SWT). His efforts led to the destruction of the idols in the Kabah.

    As an adult, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) dreamed Allah (SWT) commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him). Initially he believed it was Shaytan tricking him to commit an evil deed. However, when he had the dream again, he realized it was indeed a directive from Allah (SWT).

    This news was difficult for Ibrahim (peace be upon him) because he loved Ismail (peace be upon him),but he had full conviction in his faith and Allah’s (SWT) plan. He told his son what he was commanded to do, and Ismail (peace be upon him) understood as well. He too was a believer and wanted his father to follow his Lord’s command.

    When Ismail reached the age to work with his father, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”(Quran 37:102)

    In the moment in which Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was ready to sacrifice his son, Allah (SWT) removed Ismail(peace be upon him) from harm’s way and replaced him with a ram who was slaughtered instead. It is said that Allah (SWT) wanted to reward Ibrahim’s(peace be upon him) obedience and spared the life of his beloved son.

    What are you sacrificing?

    Today, we don’t engage in any ritual human sacrifice. We are not commanded to harm anyone, but we are commanded to remember Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) sacrifice by slaughtering an animal – normally a sheep or goat – or paying someone to slaughter one on our behalf. Beyond this requirement, we also are encouraged to fast during the nine days of Dhul Hijjah, specifically the ninth day, which is sunnah. Just like during Ramadan, we sacrifice food and water for the sake of our Lord (SWT).

    But what else can we sacrifice for Allah (SWT)?  Perhaps during these blessed days, we give more to charity and spend more time performing good deeds for family. And what about after? Is there a haram relationship to give up? Is there a type of clothing to give away because it’s not modest enough. Maybe there is a favorite television show or musician you no longer want to support or listen to because it is tainting the heart? What in your life are you willing to sacrifice to prove your love and devotion to Allah (SWT)?

    Ways to commemorate

    Besides fasting, you should spend your time in deep contemplation of Allah (SWT). There are great series from Yaqeen Institute and Celebrate Mercy to help us reflect and ponder upon our deen. Listen to and read more Quran, and spend time with other Muslims who also are working to move closer to Allah (SWT). Most importantly, when it comes time for Eid, take the time to celebrate! Just as some of us take time to partake in western holidays, we should prioritize celebrating Eid. So, spend the day enjoying good food and good people while in remembrance of Allah (SWT)!

  • The End of an Era: Are Muslim Matrimonial Apps Dead?

    The End of an Era: Are Muslim Matrimonial Apps Dead?

    Since I began my writing career, I have studied the highs and lows of the Muslim matrimonial digital applications. Launched around 2014, these technologies popped up just a few years after Tinder hit the scene. At the time, Generation X was either already married or still using Shaadi.com, Millennials were just beginning their hunt for love, and Gen Z was still in diapers. It took many years before Minder – later rebranded as Salams – became a household name, used without shame, and before other matrimonial apps like Muzz – formerly Muzmatch – gained traction as competition.

     

    Despite the social stigma, I was an early proponent and adopter of the apps. I knew the opportunities to meet single Muslims were few and far between and that mosques and Islamic organizations were failing in their efforts to facilitate successful matchmaking programs. The matrimonial apps enabled people from across the U.S. and even the world to meet and mingle for the prospect of marriage. In my view, this was a game changer.

     

    Subsequently, I spent years writing about the good, bad, and the ugly of online dating, or courting, and despite the rash of horror stories I encountered or experienced myself, there were just as many success stories that led to nikkahs. But what about everyone else who never made it off the apps? And what about those that never made it on? Where are they looking for love?

     

    Millennials and Gen-Z: Different paths

     

    Millennials were the first to test out the murky waters that were the matrimonial apps, and Gen-Z – namely 18- to 27-year-olds – are the generation to reject them. It’s been widely reported that Gen-Z has little appetite for finding love online. Although they are growing up glued to iPhones, iPads, and Tik Tok, they have largely rejected dating apps. In fact, a 2023 Statista Survey found only 26 percent of dating app users are Gen-Z.  Although that statistic isn’t specific to the Muslim community, we can imagine Gen-Z Muslims have similar attitudes if we consider how they were likely all similarly socialized.

     

    So, what’s behind the shift? Sociologists who study Gen-Z have noted they experience more social anxiety and a greater fear of rejection. Growing up in a world of video games, social media, and non-stop cyber stimulation has created more tendency for isolation. They also may be moving away from the apps because Gen Z has listened to their older friends and siblings complain about the problems that came from using them and determined they want no part of the drama.

     

    Millennials have been very vocal about their annoyance – and sometimes trauma – from time spent on the apps. A decade of sexually explicit messaging and advancements, ghosting, endless texting, stalled meetings, and anxiety-ridden phone calls have left a bad taste in their mouths. Those that remain single, or divorced and seeking prospects for a second time, are fed up. They are tired of the hamster wheel of never-ending options that often lead to nowhere.

     

    The anecdotal bad experiences I’ve heard and encountered aren’t just one-offs – they’re part of a systematic design flaw and there is pending litigation seeking to expose it. Just last year, a federal lawsuit was filed against MatchGroup, the new owner of Salams app, for creating apps that create an addictive, game-like experience including algorithms that favor increasing profits over compatibility. This latest move from Salams resulted in pushing more people to delete their profiles and look elsewhere for love and marriage.

     

    What’s next?

     

    Even though the situation seems bleak, it’s important to remember that when one door closes, Allah (SWT) opens another – or several. The news on the ground is Gen-Z is advocating for an offline approach. They have grown up on Zoom classes, live streams, Snapchat, and a myriad of other ways to interact with people digitally, but it seems meeting their romantic partner is in-person business.

     

    For Muslims, this could translate to increased attendance at social events at mosques like conferences, iftars, or hiking groups. It also could be an opportunity for the apps to create more offline events. The website Half Our Deen has been doing just that with  HOD Live events that include games, food, and facilitated conversations between men and women. Their events take place in various cities across the U.S and the U.K. Muzz also hosts large singles mixers with varying amounts of success.

     

    Formal matchmaking also seems to be making a comeback. Just a few months ago, streaming service Hulu released the first season of the reality television show Muslim Matchmaker, which showcased a healthy, modern-day approach to matchmaking for young Muslims. I believe all the buzz stirred people’s curiosity about the prospect of using traditional matchmakers to find love, sparking interest in sites like InPairs . And while the site still has a few wrinkles to iron out, founder Zachariah Elkordy has the right idea and the right intention by trying to integrate his system into programs at mosques across the U.S.

     

    At the end of the day, it’s important for people to remember it is Allah (SWT) who will facilitate marriage. Whether the apps are the key to that is left for Him (SWT) to reveal. May all those searching for the coolness of their eyes find their sakeena in this life and in the next. Ameen.

  • December Conventions Set to Welcome Thousands

    December Conventions Set to Welcome Thousands

    It’s the holiday season, and Christmas festivities are everywhere. As Muslims, it can be hard to find anything else to enjoy during the holidays, but we’ve got you covered! Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and the Muslim American Society (MAS) are hosting regional and annual conventions, respectively, during the month of December. Both events – set for Atlanta and Chicago – are wonderful opportunities for attendees to join fellow Muslims for a myriad of educational and religious programs that foster community and drive positive change.

    Up first is the regional Southeast ICNA-MAS convention scheduled for Dec. 20-22 in Atlanta. This was preceded by the South Central regional ICNA-MAS convention in Houston the weekend after Thanksgiving and will be followed by a regional convention in San Francisco on July 4.

    The regional Atlanta convention, themed “Unshakable Faith: Trusting the Will of Allah,” will feature educational programming, a youth conference, matrimonial services, and a bazaar. For more information on this December event or to register, click here.

    ICNA’s annual convention, which takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, May 24-26, shares the same theme as its regional events. In addition to a host of educational and religious sessions, there will be a Quran competition and debate tournament, as well. For more information, click here.

    Also happening in December is the upcoming MAS-ICNA annual convention, set for downtown Chicago at the McCormick Convention Center. The mega event – 40,000 strong in 2023 – attracts people from across the United States to listen and to learn from esteemed scholars and community leaders. The 2024 convention runs from Dec. 26-28, including a knowledge retreat set for Dec. 24-25.

    For more information, including registration and ticket prices, click here.

    MAS-ICNA Convention Slate of Programming

    Amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, the theme of the convention is “Breaking Chains & Driving Change.” While the program’s goals is to center our hearts on the tens of thousands killed in Palestine, it also will help us to focus our minds on how we can be arbiters of change. According to the convention program, the aim is to “explore the process of breaking free from limitations, fostering unity, and methodically building a foundation for positive change.”

    As in years past, the convention offers a range of activities, special sessions, workshops, marriage events, and youth-oriented programming for children of all ages.

    Main Convention

    During the main session, programming will be based in a large hall to accommodate hundreds of people while parallel lectures and workshops will be happening in smaller spaces. These events convene some of the most reputable Islamic speakers from across the country and around the world. Insha’Allah, the knowledge they share will help attendees navigate any difficulties that come with being a Muslim in America. With lessons from the Quran and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), insha’Allah you will leave the lectures feeling uplifted and inspired, ready to navigate the stressors of everyday life. For a full list of programs, click here.

    2024 Knowledge Retreat

    If you’re looking for a more intimate setting and a deeper dive into Islamic learning, consider joining the Knowledge Retreat. The event, which will be presented in English and Arabic, is billed as a two-day lecture series and is scheduled a few days ahead of the convention Dec. 24-25. Seats are limited, ensuring in-depth discussions. These sessions are ideal for people who’ve engaged in formal Islamic sciences study as well as those looking to begin that type of learning.

    Another retreat component is the Marriage Rejuvenation track, which advises spouses about ways to improve their marriage. Here attendees will engage in lectures, role playing, as well as discussion and group exercises. The registration fee includes one textbook, two workbooks, and writing materials. The session is limited to 50 couples.

    Matrimonial Event

    For Muslims looking to wed, it can often be difficult to connect with good prospects or even to meet other singles seeking a spouse. With that in mind, MAS-ICNA Convention 2024 partnered with matrimonial service Pious Hearts to help marriage-minded singles find one another. During the singles event, folks will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with those looking for a partner. To attend, fill out a registration form and share a little bit about yourself and what you’re looking for. This helps the Pious Heart team to pre-select candidates to ensure everyone has a positive experience. Payment will only be processed if you are selected to attend the event.

    Bazaar

    In between lectures, workshops, and other learning opportunities, you can bet on a bit of fun! The bazaar, which features more than 650 booths, boasts shopping from a wide range of Muslim business owners including artists, entrepreneurs, food vendors, and those selling apparel and books. Additionally, representatives from travel agencies, matrimonial services, Islamic educators, charities and activists will be on hand to talk about their services. Wandering the many rows of vendors and booths is the perfect way to meet and chat with new people. For me, I love browsing the bazaar to support Muslim businesses, and I always make sure to pick up a souvenir to take home with me.

    Youth Program

    Finally, the MAS-ICNA Convention isn’t just for adults. For those with children ages 14-16, encourage them to attend the Youth Program. There they can listen to a host of lectures on a range of topics including community activism, public services, mental health and other issues they might be interested in. The setting also invites them to pose anonymous questions in a safe and nurturing environment. Being in a group setting with their Muslim peers can be a welcome change for many, particularly those who attend schools with few or no Muslims.

    There also will be separate programs for younger children including daycare for kids from birth to age 2, Fun Land for youngsters ages 3-8, and the Young Youth Program for kids 9-13.

    Insha’Allah I have the opportunity to attend this year’s MAS-ICNA convention in Chicago. I am excited to connect with old and new friends as we come together to remember the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, to learn and listen to learned scholars as we strive to be better Muslims and to come together as one Islamic community.

  • Israel: Exploding International Law

    Israel: Exploding International Law

    On September 17, pagers exploded across Lebanon. According to a UN press release, as of 9/19, 32 people were killed and 3,250 wounded. An NPR article states that a “U.S. official told NPR that Israel told the U.S. it carried out the attack.” The deaths resulting from the exploding pagers were not only Hezbollah fighters, but many civilians including two children. Surveillance video from a grocery store showed a small handheld device next to a cashier exploding. Other pagers exploded throughout southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has a strong presence. After the explosion, hospitals saw an influx of patients who had been injured by the attack, suffering with wounds to the face, eyes, and hands. The following day more explosions occurred, this time with walkie-talkies.

    A Violation of International Law

    Human rights and international watchdog groups called for an investigation of the attack. The day after the explosions, Lama Fakih, Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa director posted this on X: “Lebanon: International law prohibits the use of booby traps precisely to avoid the devastating scenes that continue to unfold across Lebanon today. A prompt and impartial investigation into the exploding pager attacks should be urgently conducted.”

    Ms. Fakih was referring to the international treaty signed by more than one hundred countries, including Israel, which bans “the use of booby traps or other devices in the form of apparently harmless portable objects that are specifically designed and constructed to contain explosive material.” A booby trap is defined as “any device designed or adapted to kill or injure, and which functions unexpectedly when a person disturbs or approaches an apparently harmless object,” according to Article 7 of a 1996 additional protocol  of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

    Hezbollah members used pagers, wireless telecommunications devices that receive and display messages, as a means of communicating with one another in attempts to avoid Israeli surveillance. The New York Times reported that Israel hid explosive material in the Taiwan-made Gold Apollo pagers before they were imported to Lebanon. Inside the pager, the explosive material was placed next to the battery with a switch that could be triggered remotely to detonate. It is believed that a message was sent to thousands of pagers and triggered the explosives.

    While a plain reading of the treaty and description of the explosive device demonstrates that this was a coordinated attack using everyday objects, there are some that say it still might not be considered a violation of international law. Retired Lieutenant Charles Faint at West Point, said that if Israel actually intended to target Hezbollah fighters knowing they used pagers for secret messages, then that would be considered a “legitimate target” and therefore would not violate international law. However, international law also prohibits indiscriminate attacks that “are not directed at a specific military objective.” Using a method of war, however, that creates no distinction between civilians and combatants is a violation of international law.

    Some go even further than justifying the attack. Srulik Einhorn, in an opinion piece in The Jerusalem Post, glorified the operation, writing this: “This operation stands as one of the most successful military feats since the Second World War—not only because of its flawless execution but because Israel achieved something unprecedented: the most precisely targeted anti-terrorist operation in the history of the world. This was not just a disruption of terrorist capabilities but also a psychological dismantling of the minds of tens of thousands of Hezbollah members. Even those who were not physically harmed are now mentally wounded. Their mindset will never be the same. They will no longer view a refrigerator, microwave, or light bulb in the same way. Until their last day, they will never feel safe, no matter where they are. They will live in constant fear of what might explode next.”

    This kind of mindset does not bode well for the world.

    Looking at the Bigger Picture

    Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has repeatedly shown that it does not care to abide by international law in its retaliation. This can be seen through both their words and actions. Over the last year, the world has witnessed countless attacks on hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches in Gaza. Israel has targeted refugee camps and people sleeping in tents, and there have been reports of IDF soldiers running over bodies, both dead and alive, with tanks. Israel has also stopped aid from entering the country and created a man-made famine and a hotbed for disease.

    According to an NBC news report on October 14, the “Israeli military has launched a series of deadly strikes in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, including on a flour distribution center, a school and a hospital where displaced Palestinians were sheltering.” Even areas designated by Israel itself as safe zones for Palestinians have been targeted. An Israeli air strike in Deir el-Balah was near a hospital which had been designated by Israel as safe so Palestinians could bring their children for a polio vaccine. Ilan Pappe, an Israeli historian who supports economic, political, and academic boycotts of Israel, was interviewed after the strike and had this to say: “We’ve been here before…when supposedly safe zones for Palestinians in Gaza were bombed, this keeps repeating itself.” Pappe states that Netanyahu “would do everything possible to make sure that there are no conditions or circumstances for ending the Israeli genocidal attack on Gaza.”

    Israel claims to be searching for Hamas fighters, but in reality, their objective is to clear the land for settlement purposes. If Israel had any respect for international law, there wouldn’t be mass casualties of civilians with entire cities and towns destroyed. Given Israel’s actions over the last year, and the fact that major powers like the United States have turned a blind eye to the abuses of international law, I believe the international bodies and their laws are at risk. While the ultimate arbiter of human rights law, the United Nations, has largely denounced Israel for their actions, they have failed to act in a way that would definitively push Israel to stop. I fear that Israel’s ability to act in such unlawful ways without repercussion by the international community will set a precedent for continued erosion of international law. If Israel can get away with this, so can other nations. Therefore, to preserve the sanctity of international law, Israel must be held accountable.

  • Supreme Court Ruling Harms the Homeless

    Supreme Court Ruling Harms the Homeless

    In the United States, the homeless crisis continues to worsen. While the U.S. sends billions of dollars to other nations for military purposes and other aid, millions of Americans face the risk of homelessness or are already homeless. Housing advocates, legislators, and even the president have all recognized that the housing supply is insufficient and that the number of people in need of assistance has reached unprecedented levels. In states such as California, Washington, and Oregon, the housing crisis is a constant concern, partly due to laws that limit the policing of the homeless. With limited action from local officials to move individuals off the streets, these states have historically been areas where those facing housing insecurity seek refuge.

     

    However, this situation is changing. On June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that negatively impacts the homeless. In the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Court determined that laws related to camping on public property do not violate the Eighth Amendment. The case involved three ordinances enacted in Grants Pass, Oregon, a city with a population of 38,000 where an estimated 600 people were living on the streets. To address the homeless crisis, the city introduced ordinances that prohibited “sleeping on public sidewalks, streets, or alleys; camping on public property; and camping and overnight parking in city parks.” Violations of these ordinances result in escalating penalties that could ultimately result in criminal prosecution and jail time.

     

    In a class action lawsuit, two unhoused plaintiffs challenged the city of Grants Pass in U.S. District Court, arguing that the ordinances violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Their case referenced two important precedents:

     

    • Robinson v. California (1962): This Supreme Court decision found that a California law criminalizing narcotics addiction violated the Eighth Amendment because it punished individuals for their “status” rather than their actions.

     

    • Martin v. City of Boise (2019): This Ninth Circuit Court case, which relied on Robinson, ruled that a Boise ordinance prohibiting camping on city streets and public places constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The ruling emphasized that ordinances cannot penalize unhoused individuals for acts they are compelled to commit due to a lack of available shelter space.

     

    Involuntarily Homeless

     

    In the Grants Pass suit, the plaintiffs argued that the lack of shelter openings made them “involuntarily” homeless, thereby forcing them to violate city ordinances due to the unavailability of shelter options. Although the District Court initially ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering the city to cease enforcing the ordinances, the Supreme Court reversed this decision.

     

    The Supreme Court’s ruling was based on an interpretation of the Eighth Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishment.” The Court found that the Eighth Amendment regulates the type of punishment a locality can impose but does not address whether certain actions should be punishable. The Court rejected the plaintiffs’ reliance on Robinson, stating that the Grants Pass ordinances did not punish individuals based on “mere status” but rather on their actions. They concluded that it does not matter whether an individual is homeless — the law applies to anyone found sleeping or camping in public places.

     

    Furthermore, the Court determined that the penalties imposed by the Oregon ordinances, including fines and jail time, did not constitute punishment designed to cause “terror, pain, or disgrace,” which are prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. Fines and jail time are standard forms of punishment throughout the U.S. for various criminal offenses.

     

    The Court also raised practical concerns, criticizing the Martin ruling as an “experiment” that was unworkable. They noted the challenges city officials would face in determining when someone is “involuntarily” homeless or has been denied shelter.

     

    The Court’s Real-life Consequences

     

    The Supreme Court’s decision has significant real-life consequences. Going forward, localities considering laws aimed at curbing homelessness through police sweeps will face less judicial resistance. Housing advocates will have fewer opportunities to challenge such laws, as the decision now limits only the type of punishment rather than the circumstances. Essentially, the Court’s ruling allows those who become homeless due to economic and racial realities to be criminalized.

     

    As a housing attorney, I have observed that this decision is already causing harm. In California cities, sweeps have increased, and those forced to dismantle their tents often receive no compensation for their belongings that get discarded in the process. The most vulnerable members of our communities are disproportionately affected. As Muslims, we are called to support those in need through acts of charity, zakat, and sadaqah. It is crucial that we back local organizations with donations to increase housing and protection for those unable to secure shelter for themselves.

  • ICNA-MAS Convention 2024: ‘Unshakable Faith’

    ICNA-MAS Convention 2024: ‘Unshakable Faith’

    Every year Muslims gather for the ICNA-MAS convention in Baltimore, Maryland. It is estimated that 30,000 Muslims will convene this Memorial Day weekend, May 25- 27, 2024, to bask in the beauty of the deen as one ummah. The Summer 2024 conference will bring together world renowned scholars who will present lectures and workshops on a variety of topics. The theme of this year’s conference is learning to live a life full of conviction and trust during turbulent times. The conference aims to orient hearts and minds by the idea that we must rely on Allah now more than ever as we witness a period of constant social, political, and personal unrest. This convention allows us the opportunity to refocus and ground ourselves in the teachings of Islam.

    In 2019, I attended the ICNA-MAS convention. I went to connect with old and new friends, listen to incredible lectures, and shop in the bazaar. I also attempted to get into the popular matrimonial event, but it was sold out because it was in such high demand! I was so impressed by the sheer number of Muslims attending the convention. People from across the country came together to learn with one another, network, and socialize.

    I remember my favorite part of the convention was getting to listen and interact in person with scholars that I follow closely on social media. This year, the discussions will be centered on some of the ongoing challenges Muslims are facing in America. The scholars will engage with the audience to discuss potential solutions within a practical and spiritual framework.
    In addition to programs offering religious knowledge per se, there are speeches and workshops on mental health, parenting and child psychology, finance, law, and education, all of course from an Islamic perspective. There are over one hundred breakout sessions including a special Youth Conference, an interfaith dialogue seminar, matrimonial services, hands-on workshops and a Qur’an Competition. It is highly suggested by convention organizers that one pre-register for things like the Qur’an Competition and the Matrimonial Event.

    For those interested in the Matrimonial event, take note that it will begin on Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s important to go in with the understanding of how the event will work. Participants must provide accurate information and should not conceal or misrepresent any important information (e.g., previously married, divorced, children, country of origin, citizenship, etc.). ICNA cannot take responsibility for any false or misleading information provided by candidates. It is required that women are accompanied by their wali (parent or legal guardian) during the session. The parent(s) or wali should not interrupt the flow of the conversation but should be there to ensure Islamic etiquette. Most importantly, ICNA volunteers try their best to match everyone, but there are no guarantees in this process. There is an advantage to registering ahead of time in that your spot will be secured; slots may run out fast, and also the fee is more expensive if you register on-site.

    For the young children, between the ages of four to nine, one can register for childcare services. Parents can safely leave their children with dedicated staff while they attend sessions throughout the day. The children will engage in activities like a science show, arts and crafts, and a moon bounce. There is another program called Muslim Children of North America (MCNA) for kids between the ages of six to nine. The program will bring together children of all backgrounds to learn about Islam and engage in real-life concerns that they might encounter as young children. For middle school-aged children, Young Muslim Jr. (YMJ), is a program that will help them engage in project-based activities in their community, allowing them to grow deeper in their faith. This program includes a variety of activities including YMJ courses, Book Club, and Journey through the Qur’an. The full program can be found here.

    For middle schoolers and high schoolers who are interested in debate, there is the Muslim Youth Debate Tournament. This is a youth enrichment platform of the Mafiq Foundation that hosts parliamentary-style debates. The competing teams participate in a preliminary round of four virtual debates. Each debate consists of two pre-assigned topics and two topics given on the day-of. The top four performing middle school teams and the top four performing high school teams will be invited to compete in the semifinals and finals at the convention. It is necessary to register in advance and one can do so here.

    There is an opportunity for Muslim women to express themselves through the written word, in a Poetry Slam. Hosted by Strange Inc., a non-profit publishing house in New York, the Slam is an opportunity for twelve talented contenders to showcase their poetry skills and share their creative works in a safe space. They will be judged based on both the content of their work and their performance. There are two rounds of the competition. Interested participants must submit their work in advance, and only twelve winners will be invited to complete the final round on a live stage, on May 26, at 3:30 p.m. Those interested in performing should register here.

    Another interesting event that is part of the Technology Track Session is the Hackathon. The Hackathon aims to bring together community, innovation, and technology through a timed event in which teams or individuals work on creative projects to invent and generate new ideas to solve big problems. The Hackathon consists of designing, building, and presenting solutions to problems. The teams then pitch a final concept, prototype, or presentation to judges to demonstrate why their idea would solve the problem at hand. One can register in advance here. The Hackathon is part of a larger track of the conference where topics will include parenting in the digital age, responsible AI, robotics, and cybersecurity awareness.

    The number of opportunities to learn, grow in faith, network, and socialize are endless at the convention. Take advantage of the long holiday weekend and head to the ICNA-MAS Convention!

  • A Housing Crisis: What Are the Solutions?

    A Housing Crisis: What Are the Solutions?

    For the last four years, I’ve been working as an attorney in the housing sector in California. I have worked directly with tenants at risk of being evicted; and I have also worked on the policy side with those fighting for legislative change at the local, state, and federal level. On both fronts, I have witnessed the massive failure of our government to preserve and increase affordable housing.

    Housing is a basic essential need and therefore should be a right of all U.S. citizens. In a 2022 report, the authors state, “Federal law does not yet recognize a right to housing, in the Constitution or via legislation. The United States Constitution only protects civil and political rights such as freedom of speech and trial by jury. It does not recognize social and economic rights, such as food or housing. Federal housing legislation grants the government discretion to assist persons in need, but it does not go as far as recognizing a general right to housing. This leaves federal agencies under no specific obligation to uphold housing rights.”

    As an attorney working in the housing sector, I witnessed firsthand how a lack of security in housing can send people into a downward spiral impacting their mental health and their ability to find or keep a job. Why is that? Because if you do not have a safe and comfortable place to eat and sleep at night, it becomes harder to maintain a routine and preserve stability in your mind, body, and soul. This is why shelter is at the base level of the pyramid set out by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

    When I worked as an eviction-defense attorney at a Legal Aid in Northern California serving low-income communities, I witnessed how easy it was for families to end up living on the streets. Sometimes the root cause was divorce that left a single mom to have to work part-time while being the sole care-giver for her young children. Other times it was an injury that forced an elderly person out of the work force and into massive credit card debt, leaving them unable to pay their rent. There were so many instances when a little bit of misfortune or misdirection had a domino effect and caused people to be at risk of losing everything.

    Now, as I work on the policy side, fighting for reform at the local and state level, I have learned how the government, both at the state and federal levels, is ill-equipped to help our most vulnerable individuals and families stay housed or get housed. I have also learned about ways that we can forge ahead to find positive and long-lasting solutions.

    Current State of Affairs

    Two years ago, I wrote an article about homelessness in the aftermath of the 2020 covid-19 crisis. At that time, there were lingering protections in place to keep tenants who had been impacted by the pandemic housed. Since then, the housing crisis has worsened.

    The number of homeless persons has been increasing due to rising inflation and out-of-reach rents. There is research that rising rent costs lead to an increase in homelessness of both individuals and families The numbers show a rise in homelessness among Hispanics and Blacks. Nearly 40% of the unhoused were Black and a quarter were seniors. Those numbers do not take into account individuals who are at risk of being homeless – those sleeping on their friend’s or family member’s couch or who live with multiple families in one house.

    It has traditionally been thought that homelessness is a problem in big cities like Los Angeles, New York, and D.C, but it has spread to historically more affordable parts of the country. Texas, Ohio, and Arizona are just a few of the states with a reported growth in unsheltered populations due to rising local housing costs.

    Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found that roughly 653,000 people reported  homelessness in January of 2023. That figure was a 12 percent increase from the same time a year prior. Harvard researchers report that as the largest single-year increase in the country’s unhoused population on record.

    Possible Solutions: A Fork in the Road

    States like California have attempted to use a coordinated effort of state and federal funds to improve shelter options. Programs like Homekey and Project Roomkey have helped tens of thousands of Californians stay off the streets.

    While these programs have shown positive effects for vulnerable communities, it is not enough. It has proven to be only a band-aid approach to solving the housing crisis. Because billions of federal pandemic relief funds have expired for California, and the $97.5 billion surplus from 2022 has dried up, there is now a “funding cliff.”  Without new avenues for funding, the California housing crisis may slip backwards rather than move towards achieving its goals.

    Lawmakers and housing policy analysts say that there is a fork in the road: one way is to innovate and dedicate ongoing funding to development of affordable housing; the second way is to continue to make ad hoc investments that are nothing more than band-aid fixes to a massive problem. The first option addresses homelessness as an ongoing challenge that compels hands-on creative solutions, coupled with reforms to justice, health, and the foster care systems.

    There must be a willingness to consider radical change like “social housing,” a European term that refers to “government-owned or regulated affordable housing,” in practice in Vienna and Singapore as two prime examples.

    Social housing was popular in the U.S. in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It was a mixed-income type of housing sponsored by tenant and labor unions. Last year, California passed SB555, the first state “social housing” legislation in the U.S., which requires the state “to produce a study and recommendations on expanding the state’s social housing sector.” Social housing tackles the housing crisis by removing the development  of housing from only the hands of for-profit entities. It prioritizes setting rent prices at rates that individuals and families can practically afford. By re-tooling and re-investing in housing models like community land trusts and public housing, we can expand on availability and affordability of housing.

    I believe we need to continue to push for radical change like California’s social housing bill. To find long-lasting affordable housing solutions, we need to take a look into our past efforts to address this challenge, to incentivize new and creative ideas, and also to look at practicable and effective programs that exist in other countries. Both the states and the federal government must pool resources in order to build lasting solutions rather than quick fixes to a worsening crisis.