Muslim Voices Blog

Need For Reform In Islamic Studies

Rosemary Pennington — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:35 +0000

The youth wants to understand Islam. But their curiosity is often misunderstood as lack of faith.

Religious Change: Creating More Fluid Religious Identities

Rosemary Pennington — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:37:51 +0000

"Whereas, before, religious elites and religious leaders could control how the symbols were used and disseminated, on what occasions, in what ways, they can’t anymore. So, those religious symbols and those religious knowledges float free and that really dislocates a lot of power as well."

Work Collaboratively To End Domestic Violence

Shireen Ahmed — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:45:00 +0000

Violence is a choice; it is not genetically mandatory nor is it innate.

Film Tackles Illegitimacy In Morocco

Rosemary Pennington — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:03:35 +0000

Very few women refused to be filmed and most wanted to tell me their stories and laugh and cry with me. It was a privilege to be allowed into their lives, and they seemed to enjoy the confessional nature of documentary making.

‘The Epichorus’: Creative Heretics Build Bridges Between Faiths

Jalees Rehman — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:55:21 +0000

One reason for the absence of true dialogue may be the inertia that prevents us from leaving our comfort zone. Few of us like to question the religious paradigms or doctrines that we grow up with.

The Wudu Room: Learning, Laughter, Islam

Rosemary Pennington — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:46:43 +0000

So if you’re listening for the first time, you can expect to learn, laugh, cry, get angry, depressed, confused, and come out after an hour wondering how you learned something. The Wudu room is a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Most of all, if you’re listening for the first time, we welcome you...

Muslim Perspectives On Peacebuilding

Rosemary Pennington — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:39:21 +0000

For the Muslim community, there are many resources in the holy scriptures and practices to advance peace.

What Is This ‘Muslim Rage’?

Rosemary Pennington — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:00:36 +0000

...the propagation of such narratives does little except reduce diverse groups (yes, groups, plural) to caricature and stereotype.

Istrabadi: ‘”Revenge is sweet” it is said, but truly it is not.’

Rosemary Pennington — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:20:06 +0000

I am a Muslim, and I am decent! I am a Moslem, and I am decent. I am an Islamic, and I am decent! I am an Arab, and I am decent! I am an Ay-rab and I am decent!

Restoring the Heart: Lessons from Solitude

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:38:08 +0000

In Ramadan I dive deep into the practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) to use this time to emulate his example in concentrated manner...

Off-Record But On-Field: Veil, Burka, Babushka Or Bedsheet?

Shireen Ahmed — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:00:14 +0000

The opposing teams seem to find it fascinating and odd that I am there- all covered. Even if we’ve met before.

Mandate For Hope

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:00:20 +0000

If a community is infused with hope, they are also imbued with a call to action.

Fasting Challenges Both Uighurs And Olympians

Liz Leslie — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:47:20 +0000

Ramadan began in London on July 20, ahead of the Olympic games. How does that affect nearly 3000 Muslim athletes?

Waving Hijab? Nah! Waving Flag!

Shireen Ahmed — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I’m a footballer. I wear hijab and openly identify as a Muslim. But, I live in a country where my participation in open sport is allowed and fostered.

Olympic Controversy In London And Rebel Fighters In Aleppo

Liz Leslie — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:28:35 +0000

The Olympics began this week in London, while Michele Bachmann made inflammatory remarks and shelling continues in Syria.

Unsealing Hearts: A Poem For Ramadan

Musa Burki — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:00:37 +0000

We welcome you, Oh Ramadan, with joy as our guest, Having to subdue our egos as a test

Training Of The Heart: Three Radical Loves

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:00:31 +0000

Allah (God) is not just the Reason for activism to make the world a better place. He is also the source of Mercy, Compassion and Justice in infinite terms and boundless amounts.

Ramadan Starts Friday, Violence In Tatarstan And Syria

Liz Leslie — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:00:57 +0000

In the Arab world, Ramadan starts Friday amid continuing fighting in Syria and attacks in Tatarstan.

Rebellious Ramadan: My Fasting Experiences In Small Town Canada

Rosemary Pennington — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:00:13 +0000

Perhaps my life’s greatest accomplishment is the creation of a blended Muslim/Non-Muslim community consisting of friends and family that offer support, love, and all that great stuff that makes life livable.

Ramadan And Peace Production

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:30:43 +0000

As a peacemaker I often reflect on Ramadan and the capacities we develop in this month. It is time for creating a model of Muslim conflict resolution that is far more preventive in its approach than interventionist.

More Bodies Brought In Srebrenica, Violence In Mali

Liz Leslie — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:00:53 +0000

Refugees flee the west African nation of Mali amid hardline violence, and Srebrenica marks the 17th anniversary.

New Film Explores World Of Islamic Art

Rosemary Pennington — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:00:10 +0000

A new documentary showcases the diverse world of Islamic art. It airs on PBS stations across the United States July 6th.

Egypt Elects New President; Businesses Closed After Shrine Fire

Liz Leslie — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:00:53 +0000

A round up of some of the major stories published or broadcast this week including coverage of Morsi's Egyptian election and the destruction of a shrine.

Calling Beauty Into Our Daily Lives

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:00:44 +0000

A smile is like charity because it spreads warmth in a room from person to person in places where chilled spaces might only have existed between people.

A Prophetic Example of Fatherhood

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:00:27 +0000

Perhaps we too need to think about how in contemporary times we are welcoming as parents, as leaders and builders of houses of worship to children of the community?

To Fast Or Not To Fast During The Olympics?

Liz Leslie — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:40:21 +0000

Muslim athletes are no stranger to the dilemmas between keeping the fast during Ramadan and keeping up with demanding training schedules.

Arab Women Making Their Mark In Sports

Liz Leslie — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:37:45 +0000

What's remarkable isn't that Arab women are playing sports -- what is remarkable is the ordinary.

Continued Attacks In Nigeria Have Religious Groups On Edge

Liz Leslie — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:56:55 +0000

Muslim and Christian groups are calling for calm in Nigeria after church attacks over two weeks have left several people dead.

DC-Area Schools Consider Adding Muslim Holidays

Liz Leslie — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:18:12 +0000

Washington, D.C.-area schools are considering closing for Muslim holidays -- but closing may not be simple.

As Sectarian Violence Grows, Curfew Placed In Myanmar

Liz Leslie — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:12:12 +0000

A curfew was placed on in Myanmar Sunday as violence escalated between local Buddhists and Bengali Muslims.

Operationalizing Mercy: The Inner Struggle

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:00:18 +0000

I find that when I express my work as a peacemaker it is often captured in ways that make the assumption of the ‘soft’ skills of negotiating directly or as a third party neutral. Peacemaking is seen as only a means within itself and not as a values based modality for engaging with one’s self and others.

NJ Muslims Sue NYPD Over Surveillance

Liz Leslie — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:49:20 +0000

In the first direct legal action, eight New Jersey Muslims sued the New York Police Department to end their surveillance of ethnic groups.

A British Pakistani Muslim And His Support For Israel

Liz Leslie — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:10:58 +0000

Kasim Hafeez grew up in a close Pakistani Muslim neighborhood in England, but as an adult chose to travel to Israel.

Man Jailed In Kuwait Over Tweets

Liz Leslie — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:44:19 +0000

A 26-year-old Kuwaiti man was sentenced to jail for sending tweets that insulted Islam.

Tennessee Mosque Construction Halted

Liz Leslie — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:35:14 +0000

Construction of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro was halted after a judge ruled the county government did not give proper notice to the public.

Mali Rebels Form Alliance, Declare Islamist State

Liz Leslie — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:35:06 +0000

Two rebel groups have united in Mali and agreed to enact a "moderate Islamist state."

2nd Largest Muslim Convention This Weekend

Liz Leslie — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:29:18 +0000

The second largest Muslim convention in the U.S. kicks off this weekend with the focus of understanding Shariah.

Woman Told To Remove Niqab In Mall

Liz Leslie — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:45:19 +0000

A New Jersey woman filed a complaint against a shopping mall after a security officer tried to remove her face veil.

Iranian Ambassador To Azerbaijan Ousted Over Pop Music Event

Liz Leslie — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:20:39 +0000

The Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan was removed over accusations of a "gay parade."

UK Community Reinstates Muslim March

Liz Leslie — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:05:21 +0000

Muslims marched in the Butetown area of Cardiff in memory of Sheikh Said Hassan Ismail, the founder of the South Wales Islamic Center.

Yoga Guru Calls For Equal Treatment Of All Dalits In India

Liz Leslie — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:27:04 +0000

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev called for equality for Muslim and Christian Dalits Sunday in front of the All India United Muslim Morcha.

Bringing Communities Together Through Metal Music

Liz Leslie — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:50:48 +0000

Israeli heavy metal band Orphaned Land does more than play music -- they connect communities that might not otherwise.

Islamic Center of America Turns 50

Liz Leslie — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:49:37 +0000

Dearborn, Michigan's Islamic Center of America is celebrating 50 years this week, and looking forward to 50 more.

Anti-Islam Class Taught To Military Professionals Ended

Liz Leslie — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:03:24 +0000

An anti-Islam course taught to Army professionals has been suspended by the Pentagon after a student objected.

State Lawmakers Pass Shariah Ban In Kansas

Liz Leslie — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:56:37 +0000

"It's based on fear, it's based on intolerance and it is not based on understanding of the Constitution," Republican state senator Tim Owens said.

Storytelling to Restore the Sacred in Our Lives

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:18:51 +0000

Sometimes, the content of the story is less important that the way we tell the story.

Pro-Assad Forces Continue Assault On Syrians After Ceasefire

Liz Leslie — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:51:57 +0000

Syrian forces killed seven civilians in a rural village Sunday as the opposition loses faith in a UN-backed ceasefire.

India Hajj Subsidy Ending

Liz Leslie — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:56:54 +0000

India's Supreme Court has ruled it will phase out the government's hajj subsidy over the next ten years.

Journalists Attacked, Detained In Egypt

Liz Leslie — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:20:18 +0000

More than 30 journalists were attacked covering clashes in Cairo last Friday, media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders has said.

The Crying of an Ant: Finding a Theory of Change

Najeeba Syeed-Miller — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:20:55 +0000

Silence becomes complicity in so many ways when a truth of human rights is being systematically violated or pounced upon.