September 21, 2017

The NbA Muslims Authors Speaks interview series returned with an exciting conversation between Islamic erotologist and historian Habeeb Akande and managing editor Layla Abdullah-Poulos. They discussed an array of thought-provoking issues about sex, sensuality and faith as well as problems and dysfunctions stemming from modern Muslims’ cultural aversion to thinking of sex as an Islamic endeavor. Enjoy these recap clips of their stimulating conversation. Reviving Islamic Erotology Layla and Habeeb talk about the disappearance of Islamic erotology as a science.... Read more

September 3, 2017

 This Storify highlights the conversation that Layla Abdullah-Poulos and Khalil Ismail during the premiere of NbA Muslims Art and Society series. Topics included: Characteristics of Manhood The Feminist Threat to Manhood Protection and Masculinity Follow Khalil Islamil Website: khalilismail.com Facebook: kicreatives Twitter: @khalilismail YouTube: khalilismailtv Instagram: khalilismail Follow Layla Abdullah-Poulos Twitter: @deenonthebrain YouTube: deenonthebrain Instagram: deenonthebrain [<a href=”//storify.com/nbamuslims/nba-muslims-art-society-khalil-ismail” target=”_blank”>View the story “Recap NbA Muslims Art & Society – Khalil Ismail” on Storify</a>] Read more

September 3, 2017

Manhood is a consistently changing notion in societies, especially here in the US. The idea of what comprises manhood shifted in the last few decades. Consequently, elements of masculinity that may have once been prided are now considered outdated or even vilified as “toxic.” Across cultural lines, men continually assess and reassess what comprises manhood in the context to their social spheres, including African American Muslim men. Join Layla Abdullah-Poulos as she interviews producer Khalil Ismail about his artistic social commentary... Read more

September 3, 2017

By Layla Abdullah-Poulos Originally Published: About Islam NEW YORK – For Muslims around the world, `Eid festivities provide a chance to gather for communal worship and revelry. There are large congregational prayers, with crowds that can number in the hundreds and thousands as well as family gatherings and an array of festivals. Despite the potential for spiritual development and fellowship, for Muslims with social anxiety, celebrating `Eid involves huge challenges to prevent or work through symptoms while participating in prayers... Read more

September 2, 2017

By Layla Abdullah-Poulos Eid-ul-Adha is a day rich with blessings, spiritual growth, and fellowship. Around the world, Muslims follow the sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saws) and dress in their finest to worship and, let’s be honest, party! So, one of the many things this blessed day brings is a chance for some fun and fashion. I let Muslims know early in the day that I would be scanning social media and the famous #blackouteid for threads and looks.... Read more

August 29, 2017

Review by Layla Abdullah-Poulos HIS OTHER WIFE Umm Zakiyyah $25.99, 286 pp, Paper; $9.99, Kindle Normally, I have a strict policy against reading books longer than 300-350pp, and an author is pushing it the further away from 300pp a book gets. I am a product of my society, and if you can’t tell me a story by 300pp, then I am not interested. Umm Zakiyyah’s His other Wife is an exception. She kept me riveted to the development of main... Read more

August 27, 2017

Muslim authors produce valuable artifacts that reveal the foundations and evolution of our cultural identities. As part of her research, NbA Muslims founder Layla Abdullah-Poulos read a variety of books written by NbA Muslims as well as Muslims from different subcultures in the United States and Great Britain. When provided the opportunity, she invited authors to NbA Muslims Authors Speak so readers can learn their motivations and perspectives. Now NbA Muslims Authors Speak is returning! Join us and authors as... Read more

August 6, 2017

7/6/17 at 2 pm Google Hangout Live In this NbA Muslims online discussion, host Layla Abdullah-Poulos, author Zara J and producer Khalil Ismail explore the past, present and future of AA Muslim arts and entertainment. Topics include: The historical and modern placement of African American Muslims in American Muslim culture Erasure of African American Muslim culture in social media. *Co-opting and appropriating Building systems of support and networking Appealing to and navigating cultural exchanges with the broader culture.   Zara... Read more

July 27, 2017

Originally Published in About Islam Layla Abdullah-Poulos Philadelphia The third annual convening of the Black Muslim Psychology Conference (BMPC), organized by the Muslim Wellness Foundation, focused on the importance compassionate leadership, community well-being and healing justice.  With a new larger venue, the conference hosted double the attendees as last year. Workshops and panels centered on the BMPC theme Leading with Compassion: In Search of Healing Justice & Collective Well-Being. The conference is the vision of Kameelah Rashad, founder and president... Read more

June 27, 2017

Alhamdulillah, the blessed month of Ramadan has ended, and Muslims gathered to pray and celebrate with family and friends. One of the best parts of the day for me is to hit social media and see all the Eid photos of Muslims wearing their beautiful clothes. This is a vast country, and NbA Muslims from sea to shining sea donned some pretty awesome threads that shows their unique styles and ability to slay. Although there were tons of stylish Muslims attending... Read more


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