Experiences of an American Muslim, Immigration Attorney Sahar Taman* This fall semester, I had the pleasure of meeting Immigration Attorney Sahar Taman during my time as a student in Dr. Iman Alramadan’s 5th-year Arabic class. Ms. Taman is a highly accomplished lawyer, activist, and public servant. It was incredible to hear about her experiences… Read more »
Muslim World
“Nowruz is Upon Us” by Dr. Negar Partow
As the month of March looms on the horizon, many parts of the Middle East and Central Asia are uplifted by the promise of Nowruz—a celebration of hope, resilience, the promise of brighter days and a better year to come. To those who celebrate it, Nowruz isn’t just a date on the calendar. It is… Read more »
Love, Gratitude, and Empowerment: March 8th in Uzbekistan by Shohida Esanova
If you see the men sad, stressfully counting their last money in their pocket, if you see young boys getting sick and missing school, or if your boyfriend breaks up with you for insignificant reasons, you feel that 8th of March is coming. These are some of the jokes associated with one of the biggest,… Read more »
Muslim Youth Camp of California 2023 by Mayesha Awal
This year, I had the privilege of serving as a camp counselor at the California Muslim Youth Camp (MYC) for the second time. My journey to MYC began unexpectedly the previous year. While en route to Lake Michigan in Chicago, I had a serendipitous encounter with a Muslim woman wearing a hijab. I approached her… Read more »
Pearl of the Indian Ocean – Sri Lanka by Hannah Niyaz
Sri Lanka is an island of diverse landscapes, ethnicities, and cultures. This enchanting country, often dubbed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” boasts a rich history shaped by various ethnic groups, each contributing to the unique mosaic that defines Sri Lanka today. As you explore the histories of this island nation, you will encounter… Read more »
“Jesus in the Quran” by Mohamed Khaled Mohamed Sayed
Every year, Christmas brings the commemoration of Prophet Isa, the name of Jesus for Muslims, in which millions of Christians celebrates his birth. Yet, Isa is significant not only for Christians but also for Muslims. The Quran, the sacred scripture for Muslims, venerates Isa and his mother Mariam, Virgin Mary, and appreciates their piety and… Read more »
An American Muslim Perspective on Thanksgiving by Dr. Heather Akou
The United States is not the only country with a “Thanksgiving” celebration. Personally, I do not view Thanksgiving as a religious holiday—at least not one that is specific to Islam or Christianity (or any other religion). Instead, I view it as an opportunity to express gratitude and to connect with friends and family. This year… Read more »
Islam in Zanzibar by Darby FitzSimmons
When most Americans think of Muslim countries, their minds immediately go to the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan – maybe they’ll think about Türkiye, or more rarely, North African countries like Tunisia. However, it’s rare that if you ask an American to name a country with a rich and vibrant Islamic history, they will… Read more »
Muslim Intellectual History: Survey, Map, and Timeline by Saulat Pervez
Muslim intellectual history is rich and complex. It started as a simple effort to continue to live according to the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (s) – Sunnah – in the aftermath of his death, became refined over time, and also branched into new directions even as it remained grounded in core revelatory concepts. Yet, too… Read more »
Hijab in Sports: Bilqis Abdul Qaadir Visits IU with Messages of Empowerment and Spirituality for Muslim Women by Narmeen Ijaz
Hijab (Veil) is a term which has multiple images associated with it. For some it might bring to surface images of the ongoing protests in Iran by women to end the mandatory hijab, while for others, it might recall images of Muslim women in France fighting against the Hijab ban. Such duality of the meaning… Read more »