The current presidential race has left many unbiased Americans stunned and not-so-broadminded others rejoicing, as we all witness a surge in derogatory attacks by candidates against entire minority groups, such …
Model for Civic Engagement – Dar al-Noor Masjid (MAV) in Manassas, VA
Civic engagement for America’s Masajid could not be more crucial than now. America is facing challenges that can only be overcome by propelling the voices of reason into public and …
Planting Seeds of Hope: Raising Muslim Kids in an Era of Islamophobia
I’m one of those parents who stares at her kid as she sleeps. I notice every curve of her face and arch of her eyebrows. I know what her steady …
Why Have We Normalized Islamophobia?
The horrific attacks in Paris and San Bernardino have captured headlines and triggered responses from journalists, politicians, and religious leaders. Some Western heads of government have once again threatened a …
America’s ‘Peculiar Institution’: Slavery and the Making of a Nation
Slavery, in all its hideous iterations throughout history, was, paradoxically, the outgrowth of “civilization.” In more primitive groupings of human beings such as hunters/gatherers or subsistence farmers, slaves would have …
Slavery, Supremacism, and Hegemony
What is the mentality of a slaveholder? He looks upon his slave as his property, to be used for his benefit, profit, and convenience. He does not see a human …
Post 9-11: Adversity Transforming and Strengthening the Muslim Community
Terror in Paris. Mass killing in San Bernardino. These words were burned into my mind in the past few months as we were faced yet again with the horrific slaughter …
Islam Has Been Part of American History Since Its Founding
Muslims are feeling unwelcome in America today, but followers of Muhammed were living here before the arrival of English in Spanish-controlled Florida and French Louisiana, where slaves were imported from …
Lessons of the ‘War on Terror’ Can Provide Strength
Fifteen years ago, who would have foreseen that the United States government would be openly engaged in widespread assassinations around the world, “targeted killings” of individuals, including U.S. citizens, deemed …
Muslims Have Been Here for Centuries
Islamic presence in the Americas since the 1400s is well documented 1178 – Muslims Sail to America A Chinese source known as the Sung Document records Muslim sailors journeying to …