Syrian Muslims have long been a part of the mosaic of people in Midwest America. The stories and extensive records of their grit and determination to adapt and thrive in the Midwest are the sources for Edward E. Curtis IV’s splendid new book, Muslims of the Heartland. Read more
During my freshman year in public high school, my English literature teacher took me aside after class and asked me, “Did your parents force you to wear that?” referring to my headscarf. I distinctly remember the feelings of confusion, surprise, and anger I felt, wondering why she would assume that I was being forced to cover my hair. Twenty-five years later, I am no longer surprised by my high school teacher’s assumption. I now understand her question as to the... Read more
The concept of God can be summarized briefly in four words. “Four Words” that provide a remarkable insight for an understanding all. Read more
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, begins this week. While many Americans know that it involves fasting, what most don’t know is that the holiday also essentially flips day into night. During Ramadan — which commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s receiving of the Quran — Muslims stay up late praying more than usual, reading the Quran, eating and socializing. Together, all of these disrupted routines create a physical shift — and, ideally, spiritual shift — that helps them transcend the self and... Read more
As Muslims in America, we should recognize this unique chance to make good on this moment and the fight against racism. Read more
In the early 1960s the world was on the brink of a nuclear war because of the escalated tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The crisis made Bertrand Russell write a book titled Has Man a Future, in which the British philosopher criticized human beings’ intoxication with power. Given the fear dominated the world at the time, Russell’s recommendations for future generations were remarkably wise and insightful. Indeed, this book constitutes a great example of a survival crisis... Read more
Every year Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, remembering Prophets Abraham and Ishmael’s sacrifice. But what is the true meaning of that story and why is it held with such importance? Read more
It’s a historic evening at the Viatorian Province Center. Beyond the gently rolling lawn and tree-lined drive, the center’s customary calm is pervaded with a hum of excitement. A peek into the building’s meeting room reveals a flurry of dinner preparations. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, guests of all faiths filter inside to a filled-to-capacity event, to join their Muslim friends and neighbors for a Ramadan iftar – a meal marking the end of a day... Read more
In Ramadan, Muslims awake at insane pre-dawn hours to eat and drink so they can fast until night descends. They repeat this for a month with joy—and patience. Fasting is beautiful, when it’s genuine. But for some, Ramadan is a time of disappointment. Either we want to fast but can't, or we're just plain old struggling. Read more
On March 23, 160 individuals were killed in the Mopti region at the hands of extremists linked to the terrorist organizations Al Qaeda and Islamic State. Since the responsibility of the Mali Massacre falls on Jihadists, let’s also discuss what Jihad in Islam actually is. Read more
