: “American Jihad” Graduation Speech at Harvard Draws Flak

Harvard is apparently having second thoughts about approving a commencement speech by Zayed Yasin, former president of the Harvard Islamic Society, entitled “American Jihad”. In his speech, Yasin hopes to link the Qur’anic concept of jihad – a struggle to better oneself – with American ideals, although it is admittedly a concept most people don’t associate with the word. Muslim workers. Programs initiated included adhering to Islamic dietary requirements, adjusting hours for prayers, and allowing prayers in certain areas of the factory. A CAIR representative acknowledged the company’s past efforts, but stated that “while the company’s stated policy accommodates diversity, the actions at the LaVergne plant do not.”

Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com.  He is based in London, England.