This is Day One of Altmuslim’s #30Days30Writers series for Ramadan, 2015. By Rahim Snow Ramadan is the month when many Muslims practice fasting from sunrise to sunset. But what exactly does restraining ourselves from eating food have to do with our devotion to God? Let’s explore this through a few stories. There is a tradition in myth and fairy stories — well-known to the fairies but less known to their human visitors — that says, “Never eat the food of... Read more
By Afeefa Syeed I am an aspiring potter and love to be covered in clay. I’m excited about the process of what clay does even more than what products my playing with mud might yield. More than anything else, being a potter gives me head and heart space to reflect on humility, patience, submission and being passionately hopeful that whatever comes out of the process is just what I needed to learn, experience, and live to be who I am.... Read more
This upcoming Ramadan includes fasting on the longest day of the year in many parts of the world – June 21. And while much of the Muslim blogosphere is abuzz with “get-ready-for-Ramadan” posts and advice articles, the obvious question we have for you is — are you Ramadan ready? Neither are we, but we’re getting there! And, instead of our usual call-out for Ramadan reflection pieces, we’re honored to bring back the second iteration of our wildly successful Altmuslim Ramadan project... Read more
Editorial Note: This two-part article was to be the last piece in the series Altmuslim ran on MLI back in January, which included this article by Samar Kaukab, this article by MLI participant Maggi Siddiqui, this article by Deanna Othman and this article by Shalom Hartman President Rabbi Donniel Hartman. Dr. Hatem Bazian, for a number of reasons, was unable to submit his piece at the time and now submitted his piece to Altmuslim. Click here for part one. Part... Read more
Editorial Note: This two-part article by Dr. Hatem Bazian was to be the last post in a series Altmuslim ran on Muslim Leadership Initiative (MLI) in January, which included this article by Samar Kaukab, this article by MLI participant Maggi Siddiqui, this article by Deanna Othman and this article by Shalom Hartman Institute (SHI) President Rabbi Donniel Hartman. Dr. Bazian, for a number of reasons, was unable to submit his piece in January and now has written the article for Altmuslim ahead... Read more
By Ahmed Shaikh In the Los Angeles area, one of three “pilot program cities” for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), advocacy for it inside the Muslim community has failed. It is likely to fail elsewhere. This result should have been self-evident. Anyone who believes Muslims will simply accept becoming second-class citizens more prone to violence than other faith groups is living in an orientalist dream world. Opposition to the program was overwhelming from the get-go. The Islamic Shura Council of Southern... Read more
Editorial Note: Zainab F. Chaudary wrote a post, “Girl Bachelor” for the Love, InshAllah blog that struck a real nerve with readers around the world. What is wrong with choosing yourself? Making yourself a priority, and then being open to a relationship. Why are we still wringing our hands over a purported Muslim marriage crisis? Maybe our approach needs to change. Here, she explores this subject more and maps out those ways to change our approach to marriage and relationships.... Read more
By Zainab Chaudry On the holy day of Friday, Muslims around the world set aside daily distractions and re-direct their focus solely on God. Today, however, as Muslim communities across the nation prepare to gather for congregational prayers, one community in Arizona has reason to be more distracted than usual. As Muslims drive to their mosques this afternoon, they will glance more frequently in their rear view mirrors. As they arrive and park their cars, they will avert their gaze from the... Read more
The Muslim Leadership Initiative, sponsored by the Shalom Hartman Institute, has been a topic of great controversy in the American Muslim community and beyond. Altmuslim published a few perspectives in late January/early February, for and against the program. The third cohort is readying to leave for Jerusalem this summer. With the recent withdrawl of support from the program’s sole Palestinian participant (thus far), Altmuslim felt it was important to include his essay as part of this series, albeit four months later.... Read more
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Seek Understanding and Stop Infighting on Countering Violent Extremism
By Salam Al-Marayati Attorney General Eric Holder announced three pilot cities in September 2014 for a federal countering violent extremism (CVE) program – Boston, Minneapolis and Los Angeles — leading many to believe that funding and implementation were taking place. On the one hand, some thought those cities were chosen because they were positive examples of community-led initiatives to empower communities. On the other hand, some thought those cities were chosen because of local cases of violent extremism. The case... Read more