ILLUME

Bay Area Summer Camp Cultivates Next Generation of Thinkers, Innovators

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:05:15 -0700

]]> CEO and Founder of Galileo Learning Glen Tripp believes that innovation and creative confidence is crucial to both personal fulfillment and in changing the world.

Saudi Arabia's $109 Billion Solar Plan

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:44:01 -0700

]]> Saudi Arabia has finally noticed it has twenty centuries of solar reserves and has made plans to tap them. For its own use.

The Tragic Transformation of Mecca

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:51:46 -0700

]]> Despite having enough solar power to energize the planet for the next 20 centuries, Saudi Arabia has instead reaped the benefits of its oil reserves for decades. This wealth has spurred a spate of massive developments in Mecca, transforming a small desert hamlet into a thriving metropolis.

The Pakistani Cargo Truck Initiative

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:34:42 -0700

]]> Asheer Akram, an artist and sculptor of Pakistani descent has started the “Pakistani Cargo Truck Initiative”, formatted around the visual aesthetic of the cargo trucks of Pakistan.

Toronto Maple Leafs Nazem Kadri

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:14:30 -0700

]]> Nazem made his NHL debut in February of 2010 against the San Jose Sharks.

The Perfect Gentleman: A Muslim Boy Meets the West

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:48:27 -0700

]]> Imran Ahmad writes about growing up in the UK after having immigrated from Pakistan at the age of two.

San Francisco Mayor Signs Civil Rights Ordinance

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:45:48 -0700

]]> San Francisco civil rights advocates concerned about what they call domestic spying on the city’s Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities are celebrating new legislation signed into law Wednesday by Mayor Ed Lee.

Collection of Portraits Shatters Stereotypes of Arab Men

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:50:07 -0700

]]> Iraqi Canadian photojournalist Tamara Abdul Hadi’s new collection of black and white portraits invites viewers to challenge their stereotypes of Arab men.

Anu Natarajan Launches Campaign to Become Nation's First Female Indian Mayor

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:55:03 -0700

]]> On Apr. 10, Fremont Vice Mayor Anu Natarajan launched her campaign to become the nation’s first Indian American woman mayor.

Beyond the Grave: Capitalizing on the Legacies of Our Favorite Artists

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:44:18 -0700

]]> Sure, the technology is impressive, but are we capitalizing off the legacies of our favorite artists who have long since past?

Qarantina: A Thriller About the Reality of Life in Baghdad

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:37:36 -0700

]]> When a movie comes out of Iraq, it's a must see if only because there are so few that do. But the critically acclaimed Qaratina is a movie that holds its own.

The Iraqi Revolution Has Not Been Televised

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:23:43 -0700

]]> Many think of Iraq as a war zone, a place that has lost its people, except for the tired and poor who remain.

Ta’leef Collective: The Union of Spirit and Sociality

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:38:29 -0700

]]> Often called a “safe space” for American Muslims, Ta’leef Collective is an independent organization that serves as an addendum to traditional mosques in the Bay Area to support spiritual growth.

Flying Free: Soaring Past Stereotypes of Afghan Women

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:03:28 -0700

]]> Choreographer Miriam Peretz says the news media too often only shows the the bad, the ugly and the evil of Afghanistan, a country that has been engaged in conflict and war, on and off since the 1970s.

Actor Sean Penn Visits Pakistan, Meets Edhi

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:03:18 -0700

]]> Academy award-winner Sean Penn with iconic humanitarian worker Abdul Sattar Edhi and his wife, Bilquis Edhi, at their home for children.

Istanbul: A City of Contrast, Color and Variety

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:10:15 -0800

]]> Istanbul exhibits architectural grandeur and expresses a broad spectrum of lifestyle and religious ideology unlike any other city in the world.

Legendary Jazz Trumpeter Khalil Shaheed Passes Away

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:10:59 -0700

]]> Khalil Shaheed had the extraordinary ability to blend genres through his music.

Saudis to Make Desert Sands into Solar Polysilicon

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:29:13 -0700

]]> Saudi Arabia has lots of open land with sand rich in silicon needed to make polysilicon for the solar industry.

Sex and Islam Do Mix, But Not in America

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:55:12 -0700

]]> Muslim youth are asked to go from 0 to 60 mph with a spouse and 2.3 children without being taught how to start the engine

Abdul Sattar Edhi: A Beacon of Hope in Pakistan

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:54:16 -0700

]]> From a single ambulance to an international charity organization, Zeeshan Suhail charts the life and accomplishments of Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who was recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Middle Eastern Americans Transcend Politics with Humor

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:07:37 -0700

]]> Can a joke break down stereotypes and dispel myths? Middle Eastern American comedians Aron Kader, Maz Jobrani, Maysoon Zayid and Dean Obeidallah are proving that it can.

El Cajon Killing Revives Fears of Islamophobia

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:35:49 -0700

]]> Members of San Diego’s Iraqi community are expressing shock and surprise at the death of Shaima Alawadi, found lying in a pool of blood in the family’s El Cajon home last week.

Saudi Artist Sucks Oxygen From a Plastic-Wrapped Tree

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:30:58 -0700

]]> Saudi Artist Abdulnasser Gharem is surviving on oxygen released by this tree in the Gulf.

Prepare For Wars Over Water

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:47:34 -0700

]]> According to a new report, conflicts over water scarcity and water control could threaten the stability of countries critical to American foreign policy in the next decade.

A New Platform of Hope for Arab Youth

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:42:32 -0700

]]> The Arab world today is home to millions of young people with hopes, plans and the desire to work.

Saudi Arabia Dumps Oil in Time for US Election Season

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:09:45 -0700

]]> A fleet of oil tankers is heading from Saudi Arabia to the US in order to drive down “unjustified” oil prices of $127 per barrel.

Book Review: Love, InshAllah

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:46:02 -0700

]]> Deeply touching and intimate, the 25 stories in Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women, reveal the elegance and universality of love and faith.

The Last Handwritten Newspaper In The World

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:30:23 -0700

]]> The earliest forms of newspaper were handwritten and now The ‘Musalman‘ remains as the last handwritten newspaper in the world.

The Arab Feminist Who Laid the Groundwork for Today’s Activists

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:07:32 -0700

]]> An Arab renaissance cannot be accomplished without the rise of women in Arab countries.

A Forest of Umbrellas Keeps Medina Pilgrims Cool

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:10:33 -0700

]]> Today’s pilgrims to Medina are way cooler than their predecessors thanks to sun shelters surrounding Islam’s second-holiest mosque.

Community Leaders Call for Transparency in SFPD-FBI Collaboration

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:37:50 -0700

]]> Arab American, Muslim and South Asian community leaders are urging Mayor Ed Lee to approve an ordinance that they believe could re-establish trust between their communities and the San Francisco Police Department.

New Book Links Bailey’s Murder to History of Racism, Religion, Violence

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:49:22 -0700

]]> On Aug. 2, 2007, veteran journalist Chauncey Bailey was murdered in Oakland for a story he was working on about Your Black Muslim Bakery, a local business that fronted for an organized crime operation.

Multiculturalism in Canada a Model for Other Countries

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:05:44 -0700

]]> Last month, United Kingdom Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles described multiculturalism as the "politics of division”.

Coming to Your Television: The Muslim Cosby Show

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:09:22 -0700

]]> Will the future of primetime television include the next Cosby Show – this time, Muslim-themed? A current project in development could bring the idea to life.

Sustainable Architecture In The Middle East – Interview with Karim Elgendy

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:53:41 -0700

]]> We speak to Karim Elgendy, founder of the Middle East sustainability initiative ‘Carboun’ about what motivates his work and why green ratings for buildings aren’t a silver bullet.

Pakistan Picture Series: Village Life

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:09:46 -0700

]]> The Pind (village) in Pakistan is a very peaceful place. Pinds are situated far from the cities. I

Why Jeremy Lin Matters: Asian Male Image in the Media

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:50:34 -0800

]]> Pop culture traditionally has painted Asians as awkward, unathletic and never the leading man, like Long Duk Dong from a 1980s film.

Bosnian Pilgrim Walks to Mecca for Hajj

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:52:34 -0700

]]> A 47-year-old Bosnian man is making a 3,600 miles pilgrimage from Bosnia to Mecca on foot.

The New Phase of Social Media in Tunisia

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:01:26 -0700

]]> The use of social media has grown popular during the days of the Tunisian revolution in early January 2011.

The Maharaja Visits San Francisco: The Splendor of India’s Ancient Royal Courts

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:10:32 -0800

]]> The Asian Art Museum is hosting a special exhibit through April 8 featuring the grandeur that was the Maharaja period of ancient India.

Oscar-Winning Film ‘Saving Face’ Exposes Acid Attacks in Pakistan

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:37:05 -0800

]]> “Saving Face”, directed by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Daniel Junge, is a film about acid violence on women in tribal Pakistan.

'One of Our People Is Going to Shoot You Dead': Sikh Family Receives Death Threats

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:54:40 -0800

]]> When a Sikh family in Sterling, Va., received a death threat in the form of a letter addressed to “Turban family,” on February 28, it was not the family’s first experience with religiously motivated threats to their safety.

A Bed of Red Flowers: In Search of my Afghanistan

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:35:08 -0800

]]> Afghanistan has yet to find its happy ending, so it isn’t a surprise that you won’t find one in author and film-maker Nelofar Pazira’s immaculate memoir of her life growing up in that country.

Pakistan Picture Series: The Slums of Gojra

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:09:11 -0800

]]> Gojra is about 30 miles from Faisalabad, Pakistan, and is a part of the Toba Tek Singh District of the Punjab District.

Hope in Pakistan: The Oscar Win that Elated a Country

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:55:01 -0800

]]> The news that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won Pakistan’s first Oscar is a bittersweet victory.

Sean Stone Hopes Conversion to Islam Fosters Understanding

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:16:17 -0800

]]> Sean Stone, son of the award-winning Director Oliver Stone, announced his conversion to Islam in Isfahan, Iran, last week.

Starbucks Serves Up More Racism

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:01:49 -0800

]]> Last month, two English speaking Koreans at a Starbucks in Georgia discovered that their barista drew slanted eyes on their cups.

Iran's Energy Minister Looks to Green Energy After Sanctions

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:51:15 -0800

]]> Sanctions have backed fossil-rich Iran into a corner, which could bode well for the country’s renewable sector.

SFPD Secret Agreement With FBI Puts Muslims in Spotlight

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:24:55 -0800

]]> The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the FBI are keeping secrets.

Reporters Notebook: The Ethical Aspects Of Islamic Banking

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:08:30 -0800

]]> Are Islamic banks anti-war? Islamic banks discourage investment in the arms and military industry as well as speculation and taking excessive risks

Ayesha Mattu: Love InshAllah

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:05:52 -0800

]]> In the United States, there are a lot topics that pop into one's head when the word "Muslim" is mentioned. The issue of their love lives usually is not usually one of them…

Couples Required to Plant Trees Before Marriage

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:49:12 -0800

]]> Couples in Indonesia are now required to plant trees before receiving their marriage permit.

NYPD Muslim Spy Scandal Grows With Newly Revealed Plan to Target Shiite Mosques

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:02:51 -0800

]]> New revelations have emerged about the New York City Police Department’s secret program to spy on Muslim communities.

Colorblind Racism: The New Norm

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:16:50 -0800

]]> Colorblind racism is the new normal in American conservative political thought.

Overcoming Islamophobia in American Elections

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:12:39 -0800

]]> Islam has become an important part of American discourse leading up to the 2012 federal elections and candidates everywhere appear eager to take a position on Islam for political gain.

20 Penguins From Texas Live at Dubai Ski Slope

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:38:21 -0800

]]> 10 King and 10 Gentoo Penguins imported from Texas are now living at Ski Dubai – an indoor ski slope in the desert.

The Bedouins Convert Ill-Begotten Tunisian Mansion into a Skate Park

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:23:49 -0800

]]> The Bedouins are a group of skaters and artists who are empowering post-revolutinary Tunisian youth.

NYPD and the Muslim American Community in NYC

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:55:31 -0800

]]> I am sure you are all following the controversy around the NYPD's use of a hateful, anti-Muslim film, The Third Jihad, to train close to 1500 officers.

Iran Launches Spanish-Language Satellite TV

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:06:24 -0800

]]> Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad officially launched HispanTV, a Spanish-language satellite TV network, on Tuesday

Zaytuna’s New Home in Mecca of Religious Studies Schools

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:12 -0800

]]> Zaytuna is currently in escrow to secure a permanent home for Zaytuna College, the first four-year Muslim university in the nation

World’s Largest Qur'an is Bound With the Skin of 21 Goats

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:27:47 -0800

]]> For Mohammad Sabir Khedri, compiling the pages of this enormous and intricately detaied holy book was a 5 year labor of love.

Remixing Public Diplomacy: American "Hip-Hop Jam Sessions" in Post-Revolution Tunisia

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:28:19 -0800

]]> This past summer, in the heat of the Arab revolution movements, I joined American hip hop collective Remarkable Current (RC), Tunisian hip hop artists and youth activists for the remaining days of their tour.

Review: Homeland

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:45:57 -0800

]]> I recently watched the entire first season of the Golden Globe Winning TV series Drama, “Homeland”. I was impressed, but disappointed as well.

Dubai to Invest $3B in Solar Farms

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:22:44 -0800

]]> Dubai is expected to run out of oil by 2020. It will invest billions in solar instead.

A Brooklyn Community on the Edge

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:18:24 -0800

]]> Ten years after 9/11, the Muslim community in Brooklyn has been forced into the public view again in the wake of recent revelations that the NYPD were conducting secret surveillance programs against them.

Pakistan Has Always Been a Negative Identity: Aatish Taseer

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:25:28 -0800

]]> Noon is a novel but in Aatish Taseer’s work, the lines between fiction and non-fiction, novel and memoir can appear blurry.

17 Countries, 343 Days, 6,237 Photographs: A Five Minute Trip Around the World

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:20:42 -0800

]]> Artist and photographer Kien Lam quit his job and embarked on an epic backpacking journey around the world shooting over 6,000 photographs.

Taliban Talks Frighten Afghan-Americans

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:38:55 -0800

]]> The U.S. has lost the Afghanistan war, says Fariba Nawa. Will Taliban brutality end gains for women and minorities?

“Healing Spices” Author Cooks Global Flavors for Better Health

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:28:22 -0800

]]> In his search for safe anti-inflammatory agents, University of Texas research scientist Bharat B. Aggarwal began 20 years ago to research the very spices that had always been a staple of his Indian diet.

Augmented Reality Brings Mosque to Life

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:31:58 -0800

]]> To celebrate the United Arab Emirates National Day 2011, technologists and designers at Obscura Digital created an augmented reality canvas over the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Power of Thank You

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:08:10 -0800

]]> This Sunday is the last installment of All American Muslim, the reality television series on TLC that was the target of fringe, anti-Muslim hate rhetoric.

Court Strikes Down Oklahoma Ban on Sharia

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:22:46 -0800

]]> A federal appeals court has upheld a judge's order blocking an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that would ban state courts from considering international or Islamic law when deciding cases.

Santorum Calls For ‘Long War To Eradicate’ Islam

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:39 -0800

]]> Max Blumenthal has dug up a speech (transcript) delivered by Rick Santorum at David Horowitz’s invitation in 2007, in which he stated that Islam was a religion that had to be “eradicated” in a “long war.”

Why I Skipped Mayor Bloomberg’s Breakfast

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:21:29 -0800

]]> I spent the morning of Mr. Bloomberg’s interfaith breakfast explaining to my children why I turned down an invitation from the mayor of New York City.

Testing a New Market - the Muslim-American Consumer

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:36:59 -0800

]]> For a second year in row, Best Buy is advertising directly to Muslim-Americans And given the community's demographics, the company may be on to something.

The Scars Inside: An Iraqi Refugee Opens Up about PTSD

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:27:37 -0800

]]> As the Iraq war ends, observers say the United States will be dealing with the legacy of that conflict for years to come.

Shahid Khan Now Officially the Owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:13:07 -0800

]]> The Jacksonville Jaguars officially have a new owner.

Eat Like a Native: An Iraqi Expat on Where to Go, What to Buy in San Francisco

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:44:44 -0800

]]> Ghazwan Al-Sharif bakes a cake at Project Open Hand.

All American Muslims Better Get Ready for a New Reality

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:58:07 -0800

]]> Reversing an earlier decision to veto provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2012, President Obama made the disturbing announcement that he would sign this legislation into law and thereby solidify the ability of the military and other factions to indefinitely detain anyone they deem an enemy of the state.

Review: Sun Dress

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:14:59 -0800

]]> Sun Dress is a beautiful film set in a small village, somewhere in the UAE. It follows the story of two beautiful sisters, caught in a love triangle.

Eazy-E's Protégé B.G. Knocc Out Releases Solo Album

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:59:00 -0800

]]> Hasan Bin Hinton, formerly known as B.G. Knocc Out, just came out with a new solo album called “Eazy-E’s Protégé.”

'Opium Nation' - The Women of Afghanistan’s Drug Trade

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:22:21 -0800

]]> Author Fariba Nawa’s new book, “Opium Nation,” tells the stories of women in Afghanistan who find themselves at the center of foreign aggression and the narcotics trade it birthed.

7 Agricultural Solutions That Will Save the Middle East

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:47:45 -0800

]]> From vertical farming to rooftop gardening, here are 7 of the best agricultural projects put in practice in the Middle East.

Dying to Live a Lie: How Symbol Replaced Substance in the Black Community

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:51:45 -0800

]]> Violence caused by the re-release of Air Jordan sneakers shows how far society has fallen under the spell of hollow status symbols.

Yemen’s Manhattan-esque Habitable Clay Towers

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:31:25 -0800

]]> If you have lost faith in earth architecture, take note: Yemen’s Manhattan of the desert boasts 400 habitable clay towers!

Review: Our Way to Fight

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:33:22 -0800

]]> Our Way to Fight is a fascinating, informative and very well-written oral history of contemporary peace-work in Israel/Palestine.

Remarkable Current's Music Brings American Flavor to North Africa

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:37:33 -0800

]]> Remarkable Current commands respects in the arena of Muslim hip hop.

Unhealthy Sperm Linked to WiFi Use

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:10:43 -0800

]]> He may appeal to the eyes, but what is all that computer use doing to his sperm?

Forgetting the Iraq War

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:04:33 -0800

]]> The last of American troops made their way across the border to Kuwait from Iraq, a short trek and uneventful one. After nearly nine years, the United States declared the end of its military operations in Iraq.

Ethnic Media Take Sober Look at US Intervention in Iraq

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:33:02 -0800

]]> In the wake of the end of the Iraq war, U.S. ethnic media are taking a sober look at the last nine years of American military intervention in Iraq, and the meaning of the war in each of their communities.

2011 in the Arab World: Change We Can Believe In

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:14:49 -0800

]]> Regionally and globally we are coming to the end of a significant year. Manifold “awakenings” have altered the strategic, social and political context of a region I refer to as “West Asia North Africa.”

Stuck in Cruise Control: Anil Kapoor in Mission Impossible

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:29:41 -0800

]]> This is what I learned at the movies, a Hollywood one no less: Indian mens are hot. (sic)

Swanky New Train Will Get Pax From Jeddah to Makkah in Under 30 Minutes

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:44:26 -0800

]]> The Haramain High Speed Rail Project (HHR) in Saudi Arabia recently broke ground, which bodes well for the future of the Kingdom’s environmental/energy footprint.

Western Companies Find Markets for Lingerie in Arab Countries

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:23:49 -0800

]]> Behind their more modest street clothes, many women in Arab countries apparently are wearing North American lingerie as western companies expand into these market

A Day in the Life of Dubai: Time-lapse Video Captures City

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:07:18 -0800

]]> Video shows Dubai's iconic cityscape over the course of 24 hours.

Seeds of Change: Zaytuna Shakes Its Roots

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:06:08 -0800

]]> As Zaytuna College forges ahead in its academic mission, the board seeks to sell the Hayward land as a possible Muslim housing community.

Church Donation Saves Bronx Food Pantry

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:54:44 -0800

]]> With the threat of being shuttered for lack of funds, a food pantry run by a Muslim women’s charity was in serious need for a holiday miracle.

Missing College Student Aisha Khan Found Safe

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:51:52 -0800

]]> The 19-year-old Olathe college student who had been missing since Friday is safe and was not abducted, officials said late Wednesday.

IMAN: Where The Action Happens

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:49:05 -0700

]]> Checkout the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) headquarters in the heart of the southwest side of Chicago.

Google Tries to Do No Evil

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:36:45 -0800

]]> Google Inc. recently announced that it's providing $11.5 million in grants to 10 organizations working to end modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

Aisha Khan: Student Missing After Leaving Frantic Voicemail

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:49:32 -0800

]]> 19 year old Aisha Khan has been missing since an encounter with who she believed was an intoxicated man last Friday.

Al Jazeera English Wins First DuPont

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:13:26 -0800

]]> Al Jazeera English has won its first Alfred I. duPont award for excellence in broadcast and digital journalism.

Pakistani-American Author, Entrepreneur Launches Website that Reviews Socially Conscious Books, Movies

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:18:46 -0800

]]> Javed Mohammed didn’t appreciate the portrayal of Muslims in mainstream cinema. So he decided to do something about it.

The Lost “All-American Muslim” Lowe’s Commercial

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:32:58 -0800

]]> Did you know that Lowe's actually had a commercial ready to go before they pulled the plug on TLC's reality show, "All American Muslim"?

White House Honors Arab-American Activist, Linda Sarsour

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:47:59 -0800

]]> The White House honored Brooklyn activist, Linda Sarsour, and nine others with the Champion for Change Award for their advocacy work in their communities.

Prince Walid bin Talal Buys $300 Million Stake in Twitter

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:29:17 -0800

]]> Saudi billionaire Prince Walid bin Talal and his Kingdom Holding Company announced a combined investment of $300 million in the social networking site Twitter, in a statement Monday.

Congressman Keith Ellison Begins 24-Hour Hunger Strike in Solidarity With Occupy DC Protesters

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:46:38 -0800

]]> Congressman Keith Ellison started a 24-hour hunger strike Thursday evening as a sign of solidarity with four Occupy DC protesters who have fasted for more than a week.

The Scary Potential of the National Defense Authorization Act

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:07:49 -0800

]]> Dilshad D. Ali discusses why the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act by the Senate is an alarming development.

Tahrir's Revolution Reverberates in Silicon Valley

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:34:18 -0800

]]> Last week both Twitter and Square paid homage to the Egyptian people and their revolution.

Lowe's Pulls TV Ads – and Gives a Christmas Gift to Target et al

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:23:01 -0800

]]> Lowe's decision to pull its advertising from All-American Muslim bows to the bigots and risks a huge commercial own goal

Florida Family Association Website Hacked Over Lowe's Campaign

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:06:15 -0800

]]> Following the Florida Family Association (FFA)’s granted requests to have Lowe’s Home Improvement pull their advertisements from the TLC All-American Muslim reality Television show, the international hacking group, Anonymous, brought down their website Monday night.

Russell Simmons Bashes Lowe’s for Pulling Advertising From TLC’s ‘All-American Muslim’

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:32:33 -0800

]]> Hip-hop mogul hammers hardware chain for bowing to conservatives: 'This can't happen in America'

Backlash Hits Lowe's After Company Pulls Ads From TLC's 'All-American Muslim' Reality Show

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:34:33 -0800

]]> Lowe's Home Improvement has found itself facing a backlash after the retail giant pulled ads from a reality show about American Muslims.

A Modern Transportation System in Makkah: Safety Precaution or Threat to Spirituality?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:22:37 -0800

]]> Though the modernization of Hajj over the past decade displeases many Muslims, a new transportation system spearheaded by a Toronto engineer will only make the pilgrimage safer for future pilgrims.

Islamic Center Park51 Cannot Be Evicted, But Must Pay Back Rent

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:21:05 -0800

]]> A Manhattan Judge has blocked Con Edison from evicting Park51.

Occupy 101: Breaking Down the Movement

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:53:38 -0800

]]> The “Occupy” movement will go down in history as a movement of the people, for the people, by the people.

Inside a Syrian Qur'an School for Women: The Spiritual Roots of a Revolution

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:52 -0800

]]> Women have been the heart and backbone of Islam from its beginnings. From the courage of Khadija, Prophet Muhammad's first wife and first convert, to the scholarship and fiery independence of his later wife Aisha; Islam has been shaped and guided by the feminine hand since its earliest days.

Republican Presidential Candidates on Islam

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:54:39 -0800

]]> As republican voters near the time to elect their presidential candidate for the 2012 election, the candidates' respective religious perspectives become significant to many.

Glenn Beck Flees From Muslim-American Mogul

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:26:21 -0800

]]> Speaking after Beck's address to Business Insider's Ignition conference, Ali was introduced to Beck and told him, "I am a Muslim, and this is what a Muslim face looks like..."

Khan on Standby for Mayweather vs. Pacquaio

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:07:42 -0800

]]> WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion Amir Khan has revealed that talks between Golden Boy and Floyd Mayweather have been ongoing and the pound for pound king is interested in making the fight with the Bolton fighter.

Muhammad Ali Recovers Following Collapse

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:04:40 -0800

]]> Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali spent Thanksgiving with his family in Las Vegas after a spell in hospital just days after attending rival ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s funeral.

7 Amazing Clean Tech Projects in the Arab World

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:23:31 -0800

]]> Despite the mainstream news depicting nothing but political drama and violence, there are all kinds of great green projects ongoing in the Middle East. Take a look at 7 that might surprise you.

The American Behind India's 9/11 And How U.S. Botched Chances to Stop Him

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:53:19 -0800

]]> David Coleman Headley was a drug informant, Islamic extremist and spy for Pakistani intelligence. Despite repeated warnings to law enforcement, he secretly paved the way for the 2008 siege in Mumbai that killed 166 people, including six U.S. citizens.

Jacksonville Jaguars Being Sold to Shahid Khan

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:18:35 -0800

]]> Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver announced the team has been sold to Shahid Khan.

No Muslim Reality Show Needed in Canada

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:52:57 -0800

]]> TLC’s “All-American Muslim” reality show has sparked lots of debate amongst the Muslim community in America. But in Canada, viewers don’t understand the controversy.

Meet the Cast of TLC's "All-American Muslim"

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:08:46 -0800

]]> All-American Muslim takes a look at life in Dearborn, Michigan--home to the largest mosque in the United States--through the lens of five Muslim American families.

Muslim Voters Hard to Predict in 2012

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 06:54:17 -0800

]]> Many still lean Democrat, but disappointed with Obama and recent events.

Journalist Mona Eltahawy Tells of Sex Assault in Cairo Ministry

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:26:15 -0800

]]> US-Egyptian writer says she had bones broken in both wrists by security officials after arrest near Tahrir Square

How Turkey Came to Our Thanksgiving Table

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:09:17 -0800

]]> My Pakistani and American Muslim social circles celebrate Thanksgiving each year alongside our Eid festivities and Super Bowl Sunday parties, featuring homemade guacamole dip, chips and samosas.

Terrorists Enlist Turkeys for Jihad: Pam Gellar

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:50:12 -0800

]]> Recently, bikini-blogger and Islamophobe extraordinaire, Pamela Gellar issued a warning that the Butterball Company is supporting international terrorism by providing “Stealth Halal” Turkeys to American families.

Pakistani-American Dairy Queen Owner Gives Back to His Community

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:41:10 -0700

]]> Dairy Queen owner Hamid Chaudhry - a Pakistani immigrant - has helped out with fund raisers for more than 100 community organizations.

Burf Khalifa Comes With the World's Longest Poop Shoot

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:00:10 -0800

]]> “After having a hefty meal at the restaurant on the top of the World’s Tallest Building in Dubai… you excuse yourself from the table and head to the W.C…and without even thinking about it, you flush the toilet.” Where does the poop go?

Leveraging Hip Hop in US Foreign Policy

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:47:40 -0800

]]> Diplomats and officials use the music of the oppressed to connect with disaffected Muslim youth.

Keffiyeh: The "War Scarf"

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:12:27 -0800

]]> The Keffiyeh, perhaps the most recognized symbol of the Palestinian struggle, has slowly become a fashion item - worn by celebrities & stocked by many high street stores.

Tying the Knot at Occupy Wall Street

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:58:19 -0800

]]> It seems like the one question that's on every marriage-seeker's mind is, "Where do I meet someone?"

The Reality of the 'All-American Muslim' Reality TV Show

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:04:27 -0800

]]> The series about five American Muslim families can't represent all of us – any more than Jersey Shore does Italian Americans

TLC’s All-American Muslim is Surprisingly Really Watchable

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:48:02 -0800

]]> It’s tough, and never a good idea for a single person, or a few families, or even a specific community to be considered the representation of an entire faith group.

Kumasi Simmons: Changing the World, One Tune at a Time

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:59:06 -0700

]]> Kumasi Simmons is changing the world one tune at a time because he believes music is too serious to be taken lightly.

FIFA Ready to Remove the Veil on Hijab Ban

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:54:01 -0700

]]> From the looks of it, Fifa is taking the upper hand in solving soccer's Hijab issue once and for all.

'The 99' Super Heroes Arrive on ComiXology

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:02:50 -0700

]]> Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa's The 99, a comic series rooted in Islamic culture and religion about 99 youths from around the world empowered by magical stones, is now available to purchase digitally on iOS devices and online through comiXology.

Interview With Green Hajj Expert Dr. Husna Ahmed

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:16:32 -0700

]]> We speak to Dr. Husna Ahmed, the co-author of the newly launched Green Guide to Hajj about the role Muslims can play in protecting nature.

Same Old, Same Old, But Different: Occupy Minar-e-Pakistan

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:56:16 -0700

]]> Pakistan, according to former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, is an international migraine.

Conference Spotlights Growing Muslim Market

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:22:54 -0700

]]> Savvy marketers are constantly working to stay leading edge — keeping a pulse on consumer trends such as shifting demographics, evolving purchase behaviors and assessing lifestyles and life stages to best identify how their brands can fit into a variety of consumers’ lives.

Zaki Hasan: The Grandmaster of Geekdom

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:13:45 -0700

]]> Zaki Hasan has been a geek all his life, though he's never felt comfortable admitting it until now.

Spirit of “Moving Forward” Pervades Arab-American Celebration

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:41:49 -0700

]]> Approximately 500 people gathered at City Hall to celebrate the citywide third Annual Arab American Heritage month.

Coming to America: The Infidel

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:42:45 -0700

]]> NBC will tackle Muslim-Jewish relations in a sitcom. The network has put in development a comedy series based on the 2010 British comedy feature The Infidel, with British-Iranian actor-comedian Omid Djalili.

Can We Really Speak of a ‘Muslim Consumer’?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:10:56 -0700

]]> When it comes to the growing arena of marketing to Muslims, the big question that the marketing industry is grappling with is: can you really speak of such a thing as a single homogeneous Muslim consumer, regardless of where they are in the world?

The Halal Consumer

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:47:11 -0700

]]> Faisal Masood, an Indian American technology director working in New York, is not the typical consumer.

Faith Leaders Prepare For Upcoming Climate Summit In South Africa

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:12:02 -0700

]]> With forty days left till the latest climate conference held in Durban, South Africa, faith leaders are preparing to fight for the environment

A Social History of Iranian Cinema

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:52:06 -0700

]]> You may be familiar with Iranian cinema -- its post-revolutionary neorealist incarnation has made waves at international film festivals for three decades now.

Craig Thompson's Habibi

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:12:46 -0700

]]> If you see Craig Thompson's new book, Habibi, you will think it is a sacred book. It is bound is what looks like hardened brown leather and its spine and cover are gilded with ancient trims.

TLC's 'All-American Muslim' Premieres in November

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:33:46 -0700

]]> TLC announced on Wednesday that its new eight-episode reality series, All-American Muslim, will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 10 p.m.

The Theatre of Armenian Genocide

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:59:33 -0700

]]> The Armenian Genocide began in the late 19th century and continued on through the first two decades of the the 20th

New Security Plan for Hajj in Place

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:10:53 -0700

]]> Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal said Saturday that the Kingdom would combat violations and bad practices during the upcoming Hajj.

Review: Why I Am A Five Percenter

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:29:09 -0700

]]> The supposed rule of thumb for avoiding controversy in polite society is not to have conversations about politics or religion. Apparently there aren't many people who can be rational or calm with either topic.

Irvine 11 Conviction Sets a Dangerous Precedent, Attorney Says

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:44:40 -0700

]]> From Maine to California and everywhere in between, Americans exercise their free speech rights in the form of peaceful protests every day, oftentimes with little fanfare or outside interference.

Review: Wham! Bam! Islam!

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:05:35 -0700

]]> Wham! Bam! Islam! is about Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa of Kuwait and his quest to create a band of superheroes for Muslim youth to look up to.

Interview: Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Creator of the Comic Book The 99

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:57:22 -0700

]]> Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa is the subject of the upcoming documentary Wham! Bam! Islam!, to air on PBS on October 13.

Using Martial Arts to Connect With the Divine

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:42:28 -0700

]]> A close friend introduced me to the idea that practicing martial arts has the potential to assist a Muslim in achieving a higher spiritual connection with God.

Photos: Martial Arts and the Journey to Islam

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:44:11 -0700

]]> Daliah Merzaban discusses the relationship of martial arts and spirituality.

Women Left Behind in Recovery

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:58:14 -0700

]]> A higher percentage of women are unemployed than men, according to numbers released by Gallup.

Interest-free Loans Help Women in China Start Businesses

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:04:22 -0700

]]> After eight years' toil in a garment factory with a monthly pay of 500 yuan (79 U.S. dollars) at most, Bai Fenglan has managed to become her own boss and run a rewarding business.

World’s First Turkish Womb Transplant Is A Success

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:26:06 -0700

]]> Derya Sert is the 21 year old who had the world’s first successful womb transplant at a Turkish hospital

Pine Nut Truce Brokers Temporary Peace in Afghanistan

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:49:25 -0700

]]> Some say all is fair in love and war, but for guerrilla warfare between the Taliban and Haqqani in Afghanistan, there are limits. Guns go down for pine nut season.

Lupe Fiasco Donates to Occupy Oakland

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:22:41 -0700

]]> Hip hop star stops by protest movement and donates tents, food and a generator

Rebel Without a Pause — Lupe Fiasco

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:14:48 -0700

]]> Performance: Lupe Fiasco, rocking a pro Occupy Wall Street t-shirt, puts on a titillating stage show for his powerful “Words I Never Said.” Adding to the dramatics is a burka-clad Erykah Badu.

Lupe Fiasco & Erykah Badu Perform "Words I Never Said"

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:39:20 -0700

]]> Gallery: Lupe Fiasco and Eryka Badu perform at the 2011 Hip Hop Awards.

Angelina Jolie Visits Libya, War-Torn Misrata

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:49:07 -0700

]]> Actress and U.N. goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie was in Libya on Tuesday for a visit to help agencies bringing aid to Libyans in Tripoli and Misrata, she said in a statement provided to Reuters.

Saudi Interior Ministry Approves First Hajj Safety Guide

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:19:17 -0700

]]> Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior has given his approval to a Hajj security plan. It centres on providing pilgrims with basic services and shelter centers in the event of any emergencies.

A Guide to Occupy Wall Street

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:33:48 -0700

]]> While America's airwaves, television screens and front pages have been duly preoccupied with massive street demonstrations and revolutions in the Middle East, the American people have been busy with their own protests.

Taj Mahal Could Collapse Within 5 Years

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:21:58 -0700

]]> Architecturally stunning on the outside, but increasingly fragile on the inside.

Taj Mahal - A Tribute to Beauty

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:37:11 -0700

]]> Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed.

Three Women Honored By Nobel Prize, Millions are Missing

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:40:22 -0700

]]> This year’s Nobel Peace Prize went to three women. Announcing the winners last week, the prize committee declared, "Democracy and lasting peace in the world . . . cannot be achieved unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society."

Arab Spring Female Activist Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:36:28 -0700

]]> Yemeni activist Tawakul Karman has become the first Arab woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

The Movement: Occupy Wall Street Protests Spread Across the County

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:54:11 -0700

]]> It's not just Occupy Wall Street anymore. According to occupytogether.org, there are Occupy events currently running or planned for the month of October in over 1400 cities across the globe, and in approximately 400 cities in 48 states across America.

A Patriot Act: The Story of Kareem Khan

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:16:51 -0700

]]> The words tall, dark, and handsome, come to mind as I flip through an online photo album of a stately, smiling young man fashioned in a military uniform. As I reach the last picture I feel a sharp pang in my stomach. In this album, put together for me by Kareem’s mother, Sheba Khan, is a headstone.

10th Anniversary of the War in Afghanistan

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:16:34 -0700

]]> It was exactly 10 years ago today -- just under one month after the 9/11 attacks, that the Long War began.

iRoots: Steve Jobs' Arab Ancestry

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:49:51 -0700

]]> Steve Jobs, arguably the most influential CEO in the world, is the biological son of an Arab American who was born in Homs, Syria, and studied at the American University of Beirut.

The Biography of Obama's Father

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:04:37 -0700

]]> In utter contrast to his son, Obama senior was a man whose public image was politically incorrect and rebellious -- he said and did as he wished, often without regard for his safety or his future.

Zahra's Paradise & the Iran Election Protesters

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:24:38 -0700

]]> Iran. In one word it elicits the highs and lows of reactions. It is a complex country with a complex people and it has been a mainstay of American news for a good 32 years.

Manufacturing Immigrant Hysteria in America

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:42:00 -0700

]]> America is a melting pot -- a coming together of different peoples from different countries, religions, ethnicities and ideologies. It began with immigration and it moves forward with it. But it's never been easy being different in America.

Somali Elder Helps Refugees Be Buried Affordably with Dignity

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:39:38 -0700

]]> After leaving his job eight years ago, Omar Abatiyow Mohamed, now 84, began helping other Somalis in Seattle gain the dignity of a proper and affordable burial.

A New Tribal Identity: Merging Islam with Native-American Traditions

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:47:14 -0700

]]> In October of 2009, Ashley Wolford found herself reciting the shahada - the Islamic declaration of faith. Three years later, she still has a hard time articulating what brought her there.

It’s Official - Iran Has the Most Polluted Cities in the World

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:13:44 -0700

]]> According to a report by the World Health Organisation, Iranian cities are the world’s most polluted with some cities registering air pollution 20 times over the recommended upper limit.

In Saudi Arabia, a New Era for Women

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:57:12 -0700

]]> Since its establishment as a state in 1932, Saudi Arabia has never been governed by anyone but its founder, King Abdul-Aziz ibn Saud – who was born in 1876 – or one of his 37 sons by 22 wives.

Actor Sean Penn Joins Egyptians in Tahrir Square Protest

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:37:36 -0700

]]> U.S. actor Sean Penn joined thousands of Egyptian activists who packed downtown Cairo on Friday demanding that military rulers speed up the transfer of power to civilians and end emergency laws once used by Hosni Mubarak against his opponents.

A Journey From the Catwalk to the Prayer Line

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:36:35 -0700

]]> Darrin Rich’s job is accommodating to his natural restlessness - signed with Ford Models, one of the largest and oldest modeling agencies in the world, he takes modeling jobs - commercials, magazine ads, catalog work - when he can.

Islamic Science Rediscovered

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:22:46 -0700

]]> "Islamic Science Rediscovered" seeks to break down the stereotypes of Muslims often attributed by the West and highlight the many contributions achieved in the what is often referred to as the "Golden Age of Islam."

Celebration: Muslim Day Parade, New York City

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:56:35 -0700

]]> The 26th annual United American Muslim Day Parade took place in New York City on Sunday.

Jordanian Artist Showcases Crafts in New Shop

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:08:54 -0700

]]> Local Jordanian artist, Idrees Al-Sweiss, opens a new shop - HayatCo Arts - in Bridgeview, Illinois showcasing his art.

"Fear, Inc. The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America"

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:02:11 -0700

]]> It can be called the first of its kind. "Fear, Inc.The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America," maybe the first organized attempt to examine the root cause of discrimination towards Muslim-Americans.

Students Convicted in Irvine 11 Case

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:43:49 -0700

]]> Guilty verdicts were handed down Friday in the case of 10 students accused of disrupting a speech by the Israeli ambassador at UC Irvine.

Declaration of Statehood: Is This Really the Best Move for the Palestinian People?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:22:07 -0700

]]> For the past 60 years, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been the main political issue of a very volatile Middle East.

Park51 Cultural Center Opens Without Protests

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:07:24 -0700

]]> Park51 has garnered protests since it was first announced. After two years in the making, though, last night’s opening went off without a hitch.

Park51 Cultural Center Opens Its Doors

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:05:01 -0700

]]> With no protesters and little hint of the controversy that consumed lower Manhattan last summer, the Park51 Islamic community center officially opened its doors to the public Wednesday night.

Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:27:14 -0700

]]> Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football follows the team of Fordson High School in the days leading up to their big game against their rivals from Dearborn High in September of 2009.

Chicago's Devon Street Brings South Asia Home

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:23:58 -0700

]]> The infamous Devon Street located in Chicago's Roger's Park/Edgewater is host to countless Indo-Pak restaurants, clothing and fabric shops, zabiha markets, salons, medical and law offices, travel agencies, and many other businesses.

The Post 9/11 Exclusion of Ethnic Journalists

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:56:02 -0700

]]> As America observes the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we bring you the voices of the ethnic and minority journalists whose authentic window into their communities has been lost in the quagmire of national disaster.

Hispanics and Blacks Missing in Gaming Industry

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:41:14 -0700

]]> The pixilated elephant in the room of the multi-billion dollar gaming industry: African Americans and Hispanics play and purchase video games more than any other ethnic group in the U.S., yet the overwhelming majority of characters in games are young white males.

9/11: Ten Years Later

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:40:49 -0700

]]> The tenth anniversary was a subdued, sober affair in New York City

IMAN Hosts a Day of Remembrance and Solidarity

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:55:02 -0700

]]> A Day of Remembrance and Solidarity brought together local and state leaders to commemorate the loss of life on September 11, 2001, and in subsequent years, from victims and first responders, to soldiers and innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Top Ten Films to Commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:20:04 -0700

]]> Here are three lists of films that can help provide some context of the history, politics, and culture of Muslims and the Islamic world.

Muslim 9/11 Reflections: Islam In America 10 Years Later

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:54:57 -0700

]]> I believe in an America that will overcome these difficult times in the next 10 years and help create a better future for people of all faiths (or people of no faith), be they Christian, Jewish or Muslim.

The Challenge of Being a Muslim in Post-9/11 America

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:21:58 -0700

]]> Watching the twin towers crumble on live television was the start of my deep bond with America that will endure the hate

Patriot Acts: Narratives of Post-9/11 Injustice

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:06:31 -0700

]]> Edited by Alia Malek, who also interviewed most of the people in the book, Patriot Acts compiles first hand stories from people who had been maligned to some degree due to the after effects of 9/11.

Removing the Veil

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:10:29 -0700

]]> Maria Khan no longer wears the Muslim scarf and her story has nothing to do with the aftermath of 9/11 or religious discrimination.

Coverage of Wars — A Photojournalist's Perspective

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:45:06 -0700

]]> As the U.S. prepares to drawdown its troops from Afghanistan this month, the beginning of a complete withdrawal from America's longest war by 2014, many still draw comparison of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Vietnam War.

Fighting the Defamation of Muslim Americans

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:24:01 -0700

]]> Exploiting fear, hysteria and ignorance has been a lucrative business for the Islamophobia network in America.

The Newest Avenger: Superhero to Challenge Race Politics

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:24:31 -0700

]]> It is no secret that superheroes on the big screen rake in ample box office success. This could help explain why this summer alone has already featured four films with heroes-in-tights.

Wayward Son: The Jordan Richter Story

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:22:08 -0700

]]> Wayward Son: The Jordan Richter Story documents the rapid rise of professional skateboarder Jordan Richter and his sudden disappearance from the spot light in the mid 90's.

How Medicines Are Contaminating The Earth

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:14:05 -0700

]]> A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that drugs are contaminating the earth in more complex ways than previously thought.

New Marvel Comics Spider-Man is Black-Latino

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:14:40 -0700

]]> Marvel Comics’ “Ultimate Fallout #4” hit the stands yesterday, and in it, we got our first glimpse at the “Ultimate” storyline’s new Spidey, a half-African American half-Latino kid named Miles Morales.

Saudi Prince to Build World's Tallest Tower

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:42:13 -0700

]]> 568 feet taller than the world’s current tallest building, the Kingdom Tower will feature a Four Seasons hotel, Four Seasons serviced apartments, Class A office space, luxury condominiums and the world’s highest observatory.

Leonardo DiCaprio To Join Zayed Prize Jury

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:26:21 -0700

]]> As the Middle East is short on its own green celebrities, the Zayed Prize has decided to nab some from Hollywood (and tennis) instead.

"Koran By Heart" Premieres On HBO

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:35:20 -0700

]]> “Koran by Heart”, a new documentary by HBO premieres today coinciding with the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.

Forget Zuckerberg, How About Fazal?

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:11:23 -0700

]]> The entrepreneurial world is loaded with bright, usually young, people who dream of one day founding the next Google, Facebook, or something uniquely new and revolutionary.

Muslims, Among Victims, Seek Solace

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:33:53 -0700

]]> After local media reported that Islamic terrorists may have been behind the deadly bombing of a government office in Oslo on Friday, Muslim families in this town began fearing a revenge attack. The subsequent shooting rampage compounded those fears.

The Horn of Africa Famine: A Cautionary Tale for MENA

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:17:17 -0700

]]> Tens of thousands of people, many of them children, have already died in Somalia – the seat of what is being called the Horn of Africa famine.

Ryan Seacrest to Produce New Reality Show "Shahs of Sunset"

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:15:44 -0700

]]> Soon the entire nation will know about "Tehrangeles," the tight-knit and stereotypically wealthy Persian-American community of Los Angeles.

After Islam, a Journey to the Altar

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:57:57 -0700

]]> Diana Khan, 46, never thought she would be trading in her Muslim headscarf for a wife.

‘Haboobs’ Stir Critics in Arizona

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:47:05 -0700

]]> The massive dust storms that swept through central Arizona this month have stirred up not just clouds of sand but a debate over what to call them.

Terrorism Training Casts Pall Over Muslim Employee

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:08:57 -0700

]]> In the first of two stories on counterterrorism training, NPR reports on one training session that turned a state employee into a suspect.

TLC Orders 'All-American Muslim' Series

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:30:52 -0700

]]> The cable channel best known for hits "Jon & Kate Plus 8" and "Sister Wives" will turn its focus to a Muslim-American community in Michigan.

Congressman Ellison: Herman Cain is a "Bigot"

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:55:45 -0700

]]> Keith Ellison tells Salon that the presidential hopeful's anti-Islam remarks aren't just offensive -- but dangerous

Why So Many Fallujah Babies Are Born Deformed

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:52:13 -0700

]]> The true extent of the Iraq war’s most horrifying legacies has been kept from the international public’s view: 15% of all new babies born in Fallujah have birth defects.

Billionaire Sheikh Carves Name in Desert, Visible From Space

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:27:51 -0700

]]> Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Ahyan, 63, has carved his name in sand on an island he owns with letters so big they can be seen from space.

Amitabh Bachchan Visits Moinuddin Chishti

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:44:25 -0700

]]> The king of Bollywood, actor Amitabh Bachchan visited the tomb of India's most famous Sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti, to fulfill a wish he made some 40 years ago.

Somalia Famine Claims Tens of Thousands of Lives

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:22:06 -0700

]]> Tens of thousands of people, many of them children, have already died in Somalia – the seat of what is being called the Horn of Africa famine.

Trekking From San Francisco to Pakistan on a Sport Bike

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:53:42 -0700

]]> Moin Khan, a 24-year-old Pakistani native is attempting an epic, 25,000-mile motorcycle journey from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. back to his home country.

Court Says Clothing Retailer Discriminated Against Muslim

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 02:17:24 -0700

]]> A federal district court has ruled against Abercrombie & Fitch stating the company violated civil rights law for refusing to hire a Muslim woman because she wore a headscarf.

The Accelerating Decline of World Oceans: Why It Matters for the Middle East

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:10:02 -0700

]]> War and conflict overshadows the environment in the Middle East, and oceans overlooked, are now on brink of catastrophe.

Her Ticket To Space: $20 Million

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:35:06 -0700

]]> Anousheh Ansari, like many, dreamed of traveling to space in her childhood. And though she didn't pursue it as a career, this passion of hers has become a huge part of her life.

Praying Toward Mecca...In Outer Space

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:27:16 -0700

]]> Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's historic space flight on the Discovery shuttle in 1985 marked many firsts for the shuttle program. He was the first Arab, Muslim, and member of royalty to travel into space.

Jordan Richter: The Comeback Kid

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:21:01 -0700

]]> Professional skateboarder Jordan Richter's rapid rise and his sudden disappearance from the spot light in the mid 90's after seeking a spiritual path is documented by the recently released documentary, Wayward Son: The Jordan Richter Story.

Syria’s Beehive-Shaped Green Architecture

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:27:53 -0700

]]> How do the Syrian beehive-shaped houses made out of mud manage to stay so cool in extreme desert conditions?

Women's Soccer Scarf Ban Spurs Cultural Battleground

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:47:04 -0700

]]> Over thirty years after Canada’s Persons Case, women are still fighting for personal freedom.

The Black History of the White House

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:39:49 -0700

]]> "The Black History of the White House", is a comprehensive statement about the fact that black people have not only lived in the White House before the Obamas, but they actually built it, in more ways than one.

How Pornography Destroys Lives

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:57:59 -0700

]]> Pamela Paul was shocked by what she found while researching how pornography is changing our culture: everyone is doing it.

True Stories of Detained Japanese Americans

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:44:45 -0700

]]> Hundreds of thousands of Americans of Japanese ancestry were rounded up and incarcerated in the name of national security. Several years later, when they were released, they found themselves rebuilding their lives and communities.

Iran Warns of Serious Action for the BBC "Life of Muhammad" Series

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:16:59 -0700

]]> The BBC has introduced "The Life of Muhammad", a three-part series on the Prophet of Islam, just before of the holy month of Ramadan.

FIFA Makes Contingency Plans for Qatar World Cup 2022

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:30:00 -0700

]]> FIFA is unofficially mulling over plans to change the rules of the game to accommodate Qatar’s high summer temperatures.

Clinton Promotes Technology for Arab Girls

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:51:37 -0700

]]> After having launched TechWomen last year, Hillary Clinton announced the launch of TechGirls, an educational initiative for girls from Arab countries interested in technology.

"Race and Hollywood" Explores Arab Depiction On Screen

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:52:18 -0700

]]> The Arab culture is in the spotlight at the Race and Hollywood project developed by Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

Neuroscience and the Changing Media Stereotypes of Muslims

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:51:01 -0700

]]> Popular film and television has relied on stereotypical portrayals of Muslims and Arabs since its existence. There is, however, a quiet revolution afoot inside television and film, and the predictable box of the Muslim-as-terrorist is slowly fading.

"News Channels Are Biased Against Islam" Claims Survey

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:49:47 -0700

]]> An independent poll carried out by Consumer PI claims vast majority of British Muslims perceive the three mainstream TV news channels (BBC, ITV and Sky) to be biased against their religion.

Man Claims Nation of Islam Connected to Murder of The Notorious B.I.G.

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:19:05 -0700

]]> While the murder of The Notorious B.I.G. still remains a mystery, a man has stepped forward with an interesting allegation.

Meet The Mexican Muslim Tree Huggers

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:26:49 -0700

]]> Beginning as a meeting once upon a time in Mexico, Trees Give Life is the co-effort of Arif Malik and performing artist Mohammed Yahya.

Gaza’s Children Parachute into Record Books

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:21:38 -0700

]]> Keeping their feet firmly on the ground, Gaza’s children stormed into the Guinness Book of World Records Thursday for the third year in a row, as they broke the record for the world’s biggest parachute game.

Is Pornography Driving Men Crazy?

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:52:02 -0700

]]> Could the widespread availability and consumption of pornography in recent years actually be rewiring the male brain?

30 Mosques: The Ultimate Road Trip

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:39:02 -0700

]]> Stand-up Comedian Aman Ali and filmmaker Bassam Tariq, founders of the project "30 Mosques in 30 Days", will hit the road again this year during the Holy month of Ramadan.

Sacred Space: Islamic Architecture 2.0

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:00:53 -0700

]]> Maryam Eskandari, an architect at the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard and MIT, currently has a traveling exhibit on American Mosques called, Sacred Space: (Re) Constructing the Place of Gender in the Space of Religion.

One Pakistani’s Epic Solo Motorcycle Journey from San Francisco to Lahore

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:30:00 -0700

]]> Moin Khan attempts an epic 25,000-mile solo motorcycle journey from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California to Lahore, Pakistan on his sport bike.

Kids in Gaza Parachute to World Record Glory

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:32:14 -0700

]]> Schoolchildren from across the Gaza Strip gathered at Khan Younis stadium, breaking the record for the world’s biggest parachute game.

Weightlifting Organization Modifies Rules to Allow Islamic Attire

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:28:04 -0700

]]> Kulsoom Abdullah will be able to compete in weightlifting after the International Weightlifting Federation (IWT) approved new guidelines that allow more modest attire during competitions.

Comic Books Draw Up Muslim Super Heroes

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:35:14 -0700

]]> With the influx of Hollywood blockbusters featuring American superheroes, some are looking to the creation of Muslim superheroes on one of America’s oldest entertainment mediums, the comic book.

Tulsa Federal Judge Rules Against Abercrombie & Fitch in Lawsuit Over Hijab

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:02:17 -0700

]]> A Tulsa federal judge ruled Wednesday in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in its lawsuit against Abercrombie & Fitch for not hiring a Muslim teenager who wore a hijab, or religiously mandated headscarf.

Tom Cruise Climbs Dubai's Burj Khalifa

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:37:30 -0700

]]> Paramount Pictures has released this Tuesday the trailer of the latest chapter in the Mission Impossible series, Ghost Protocol.

Central Security Forces in Clash With Protestors in Tahrir Square

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:19:20 -0700

]]> On June 28, Central Security Forces (CSF) clashed with protestors who were at Tahrir Square who were families of the martyrs killed in the January 25 Revolution.

LivingSocial-GoNabit Deal Marks First E-Commerce Acquisition for Middle East

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:21:24 -0700

]]> The acquisition of GoNabit.com, the Middle East’s original group-buying website, by LivingSocial, the online source for handpicked experiences at a great value, marks a milestone development for the region’s e-commerce industry.

Indians Pay Surgeons to Turn Girls into Boys

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:39:18 -0700

]]> Indian doctors have been accused of conducting sex change operations on young girls whose parents want sons to improve the family's income prospects.

Plans For Cleaner Zam Zam Distribution In Medina

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:31:08 -0700

]]> This past Sunday, officials in Medina released a statement on plans to install a new Zam Zam water project.

Dutch Calls for Ban on Religious Slaughter

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:38:48 -0700

]]> Animal rights activists and a far-right party join forces to ban kosher and halal slaughter methods.

Prince Finds Islam Orderly

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:32:18 -0700

]]> The 'Purple Rain' singer respects the “order” of Islamic countries.

Conversation With Shareef Nasir: Executive Producer, "The African-American’s Journey to Al-Islam"

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:37:21 -0700

]]> Shareef Nasir, in an uninhibited, in-depth conversation, speaks about the necessity of the Nation of Islam, the egotistical side of Malcolm X, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s illegitimate children, and the arrogance and deceit Louis Farrakhan.

"My Fellow American", A Project To Break Down Muslim Misconceptions

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:03:11 -0700

]]> Social media helped bring about changes in North Africa and the Middle East. Muslims in America are also utilizing these tools to help shape their narratives.

The Golden Age of Islam 2.0

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:38:24 -0700

]]> The role of social media as a common denominator in aiding and abetting social progress is undeniable.

Afghan-Americans Fearful of Quick Withdrawal

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:03:37 -0700

]]> President Obama announced Wednesday his plans to withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year, and a total of 33,000 troops by next summer. But for some Afghan Americans, such a quick military withdrawal may not be good for Afghanistan.

Iran To Put a Monkey Into Space: Report

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:46:23 -0700

]]> Iran is going to send a monkey into space to prepare for the country’s plan to send a man on a similar journey by 2020.

Alarming Facts on Academic Experience for Young Men of Color

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:09:23 -0700

]]> Nearly half of young men of color -- ages 15 to 24 - who graduate from high school will end up unemployed, incarcerated or dead.

Reach Muslim Consumers During Ramadan

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:02:56 -0700

]]> For brands and retailers, Ramadan offers an ideal entry point for creating rapport with Muslim consumers -- a growing niche that is increasingly gaining attention.

My Dad, Muhammad Ali

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:21:00 -0700

]]> Muhammad Ali, my father, has never been afraid of confronting conflicts outside of the ring.

Saudi Women Ask Clinton Why She Hasn’t Supported Female Drivers

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:12:18 -0700

]]> A group campaigning for the right of Saudi women to drive sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking why she hasn’t expressed support for those who defied a ban on driving last week.

Muslim Hearings Recall My Life in Internment Camp

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:05:05 -0700

]]> Make no mistake. Growing up in internment Camp Amache in Colorado was no joy ride -- just look at the pictures.

Saudi Women Defy Ban to Take Driver's Seat

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:45:59 -0700

]]> Several women drive around in kingdom in open defiance of rule that prohibits them from driving.

The Emergence of the Muslim Superhero

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:01:07 -0700

]]> David Lewis, who is studying for a doctorate in religion and literature, probes the rise of Muslim comic book superheroes.

From Software Engineer to Social Entrepreneur

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:30:46 -0700

]]> Bags for Bliss is a social enterprise that empowers adolescent girls in Pakistan through education and entrepreneurship.

“Muslim For A Month” Project In Turkey Grows Interfaith Seeds

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:16:34 -0700

]]> Working closely with peace activists and scholars, the Muslim for a Month program in Istanbul has brought communities together through shared “Islamic” experiences.

Tony Blair 'Reads the Qur'an Every Day to Stay Faith Literate'

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:31:31 -0700

]]> He was notoriously reluctant to discuss religion while Prime Minister, with his chief spin doctor Alastair Campbell famously commenting: ‘We don’t do God.’

The Loyalty Test

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:45:20 -0700

]]> First, in an interview with Glenn Beck, former Godfather Pizza CEO Herman Cain, a Republican candidate for president, said he would want Muslim Americans to take a loyalty test if they were to be part of his cabinet.

MPAA Pulls Hollywood Films from Indonesia Cinemas

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:41:05 -0700

]]> At one of Jakarta’s biggest movie theaters, Richard Olsen, an Indonesia-based filmmaker, runs down what’s playing on the big screens.

Miss USA Defends Pole-Dancing, Partying

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:28:17 -0700

]]> As she gets ready to hand over the crown this weekend, reigning Miss USA Rima Fakih defended her controversial time as last year's beauty winner.

Afghanistan Most Dangerous Country for Women, Survey Finds

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:48:35 -0700

]]> A survey of more than two hundred gender experts conducted by TrustLaw, a legal news service run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has found that Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in the world for women, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, India, and Somalia.

Jihad, Persona Non Grata on Facebook

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:02:14 -0700

]]> His name is Jihad Meroueh. He wants to create a Facebook account like the other 17 million people who live in France but Facebook does not want him.

IRS Errors Cause Problems for Nonprofits

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:38:03 -0700

]]> Mistakes in IRS List Cause Headaches for Some Nonprofits.

The Shelf-Pod House

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:48:03 -0700

]]> A definitive architectural answer to the problem of never having enough shelf space.

Yemeni Photographer Turns Her Lens On The West

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:56:22 -0700

]]> Photojournalist Amira Al-Sharif is undertaking a project that compares and contrasts lives of young women in Yemen and the United States.

After Imam's Arrest, Protesters Want Margate Mosque Closed

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:03:46 -0700

]]> A mosque whose imam has been charged with sending money to the Pakistani Taliban has become the target of a small group of protesters seeking to shut it down.

How an Afghan Methadone Clinic is Fighting to Counter HIV

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:43:33 -0700

]]> In the Pul-i-Sokhta neighborhood of Kabul, Afghanistan, hundreds of men gather under a bridge in the dark. They hunch over sheets of foil and breathe in the fumes from boiling heroin.

Buying Lingerie in Saudi Arabia

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:52:55 -0700

]]> If you are a woman in Saudi Arabia and you need a new bra or a pair of underpants, you have to buy them from a man. Now, the Saudi king says he wants female sales assistants in lingerie stores.

Halal Carts: New York

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:15:41 -0700

]]> Over the last 5 to 6 years, New York City has seen an exponential growth of it’s “Halal Food” industry.

Controversy Surrounds F1 in Bahrain

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:27:17 -0700

]]> It seems there won’t be a Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain this year. The most powerful man in Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone, says there can’t be.

Designer Headcover for Female Muslim Athletes

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:35:50 -0700

]]> Marco Werman talks to Iranian-born designer Elham Seyed about the sports head cover she designed.

AIPAC 2011: America-Israel Relationship “Remains Strong”

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:09:54 -0700

]]> If there was ever any doubt about the continuing clout and strength of the pro-Israel movement in American politics, they were put to rest last week.

New Smart Phone App to Understand Islam, Muslim365

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:12:21 -0700

]]> Educating people and fighting misconceptions about Islam is the challenge taken up by Amanda Quraishi who developed a new smart phone application, Muslim365.

Khan Academy: A Classroom in Your Pocket

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:21:04 -0700

]]> Salman Khan hopes that anyone with an Internet connection will use his YouTube lessons to learn.

Women's Group Launches 'Jihad Against Violence'

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:06:50 -0700

]]> Inspire's campaign aims to combat all forms of violence but with an emphasis on crimes justified in the name of Islam

'Obedient Wives' Club: Malaysia Group Says Good Sex Is A Duty

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:30:02 -0700

]]> The "Obedient Wives Club" says it can cure social ills such as prostitution and divorce by teaching women to be submissive and keep their men happy in the bedroom.

The Man Behind the Aladdin Boycotts: Sameer Asad Gardezi

Sun, 29 May 2011 18:43:49 -0700

]]> ILLUME sits down with Sameer Asad Gardezi, creator of the Boycott Aladdin series.

I Heart Hamas: an Arab-American Comedy

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:30:44 -0700

]]> It's not easy being an Arab-American, it's even tougher trying to make it in the comedy business, but Jennifer Jajeh is a woman who likes a challenge. Her one-woman show, I Heart Hamas, has made headlines, and not just because she hearts Hamas (or does she?)

The New Muslim Cool: Islamic Eco Rap

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:50:23 -0700

]]> A humanities instructor by day and social activist by night, California based hip-hop artist 'Professor A.L.I.' is behind a cool new era of enviro-activism in a bid to raise awareness of Islamophobia in America.

Reviving the Islamic Spirit : Looking to Recapture the Universality of Faith

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:57:22 -0700

]]> This past Memorial Day convened the long awaited, Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference in Long Beach, Calif. RIS is touted as the most well regarded and well attended Islamic conference in North America, with nearly 10,000 in attendance this year.

Daycare Caterer Passes Off Meals From Discount Stores as Organic, Kosher, Halal

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:52:06 -0700

]]> A Toronto catering company that claims to have fed one million of the “highest-quality” meals to Ontario children is a fly-by-night operation working out of a fast-food restaurant and passing off conventional or poorly cooked food as premium fare.

Tortured and Killed: Hamza al-Khateeb, Age 13

Tue, 31 May 2011 16:21:57 -0700

]]> The mutilation and death in custody of a 13-year-old child has sparked further furious protests in Syrian city of Daraa.

World's Largest University for Women Opens

Mon, 30 May 2011 16:19:01 -0700

]]> Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah inaugurated Sunday the SR20-billion Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University.

Imam Teaches Islam With a Distinct U.S. Style

Sat, 28 May 2011 01:04:32 -0700

]]> Oklahoma-born convert Suhaib Webb, who sprinkles public addresses with pop culture references, has a growing following, especially among young Muslims. Traditionalists are leery.

Saudi Arabia Scrambles to Limit Region’s Upheaval

Sat, 28 May 2011 01:00:57 -0700

]]> Saudi Arabia is flexing its financial and diplomatic might across the Middle East in a wide-ranging bid to contain the tide of change, shield other monarchies from popular discontent and avert the overthrow of any more leaders struggling to calm turbulent nations.

A Legacy for a Son Whose Character, After 9/11, Was Misjudged

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:46:03 -0700

]]> If memory serves, the police captain met me over coffee on a Wednesday night in October 2001, when the world was dizzy with menace.

"Reverse Racism" on the Rise: Report

Thu, 26 May 2011 11:24:54 -0700

]]> A study by researchers at Tufts University and Harvard Business School has found that many white people believe that anti-white racism has increased and even surpassed racism towards black people.

Is Rape Inevitable in War?

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:37:58 -0700

]]> From ancient Rome to Libya today, armed conflict has been marked by sexual violence on a mass scale. But what links the two, and can it ever be stopped?

The "Nations" Odyssey: Roadmap of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad

Wed, 25 May 2011 10:00:46 -0700

]]> Deana Nassar highlights two films that explore Islam's transformative role and the African-American narrative.

Inside Al Jazeera

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:31:47 -0700

]]> Nothing prepared us for what we saw happening across the Arab world this year. One network knew damn well how to report a revolution.

Why Guantanamo Lawsuits Can't Make it to the Supreme Court

Tue, 24 May 2011 09:44:38 -0700

]]> Despite landmark decisions giving Guantanamo Bay prisoners the right to bring an action in Federal Court, why is the Supreme Court is still declining to review most Guantanamo cases?

The Hot-Money Cowboys of Baghdad

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:56:02 -0700

]]> Akabi is the chairman of the Almco Group of Companies, a conglomerate he built from nothing in the wake of the American invasion in 2003.

Photo: Manuscripts

Mon, 23 May 2011 15:58:36 -0700

]]> Chinguetti, a medieval trading center founded in the 13th century is now home for some libraries full of ancient manuscripts. Here the library of the Fondation Ahmed al Mahmoud in Chinguetti, Mauritania.

Palestinian Refugees Making High Fashion

Fri, 20 May 2011 14:45:03 -0700

]]> Women living in refugee camps are embroidering clothes and accessories sold in high-end department stores, through a business started by a 27-year-old Palestinian woman.

The Secret World of Child Brides

Fri, 20 May 2011 14:13:41 -0700

]]> American photojournalist Stephanie Sinclair presents her unique reporting on child marriage.

Rapper Talib Kweli Speaks on Malcolm X’s Legacy

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:42:23 -0700

]]> Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli speaks to Sway of MTV about the legacies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Activist Puts His Faith to Work in Troubled Chicago

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:36:18 -0700

]]> On a cool, grey April morning on Chicago's South Side, Rami Nashashibi walked purposefully into the conference room of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (Iman) and sat at the head of a rectangular table, where four of his charges awaited instruction.

Obama's Middle East Speech: A Significant Step Forward but a Long Way to Go

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:46:06 -0700

]]> Speaking to the Muslim world Thursday, President Barack Obama faced a much more skeptical audience, disappointed with his seeming inability to deliver on his Cairo speech and agenda.

Obama Gives Mideast Speech

Thu, 19 May 2011 09:11:29 -0700

]]> Watch the Video: Obama Gives Mideast Speech

Tuning in for Obama’s Middle East Speech

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:12:34 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama plans a major speech on the Middle East Thursday. Marco Werman speaks with Tariq Ramadan about what Muslims communities around the world will be listening for Obama’s speech.

Christians, Muslims and Solidarity: The Egyptian Challenge

Wed, 18 May 2011 10:22:43 -0700

]]> As sectarian violence escalates in Cairo, what can Egyptians do to rekindle the patriotic unity that defined their recent revolution?

I Speak For Myself: American Women on Being Muslim

Mon, 16 May 2011 10:37:09 -0700

]]> This is the sort of book that I wish people would discover now, and years from now. Whether online or on the shelves of popular bookstores, and perhaps someday even at local rummage sales, this is a book that should become a common and necessary find.

Food Politics: What Everyone Needs to Know

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:35:40 -0700

]]> Consumers today are thinking more and more about where their food comes from, how it’s produced and what impact their grocery shopping choices have on the world.

Saudi Woman Defies Driving Ban

Wed, 18 May 2011 11:48:00 -0700

]]> A Saudi mother said Sunday she defied a ban on women drivers in the ultra-conservative kingdom by getting behind the wheel for four days without being stopped.

Lebanese Man Turns Garbage Into Beautiful Glass

Tue, 17 May 2011 14:15:20 -0700

]]> Chafic Abi Abdallah used to work in the hospitality industry, but grew weary of sitting in front of the computer for twelve hours a day.

Reversed Garbage: Beautiful Glass Made From Unwanted Items

Tue, 17 May 2011 14:20:06 -0700

]]> The idea behind Reverse Garbage originated in early 2011 from a need to be creative and socially responsible.

Census: Asian-Indian Population Explodes Across U.S.

Tue, 17 May 2011 10:23:53 -0700

]]> The nation’s Indian American population has exploded over the past decade, far outpacing the growth of other Asian groups, according to newly released 2010 Census data.

Afghanistan Girls Take to Skateboarding

Fri, 13 May 2011 11:51:33 -0700

]]> For a group of young Afghan skateboarders, moving is all they seem to be doing these days at Afghanistan's first -- and only -- skate park.

Photo: Prayer at the Square

Sun, 15 May 2011 05:22:35 -0700

]]> Imam Zaid Shakir leads the congregational prayer at Union Square in San Francisco, during the afternoon of the fifth annual Generation M conference. Photo by Yasmine Khan

U.S. Imams Arrested for Alleged Pakistani Taliban Links

Sat, 14 May 2011 13:18:20 -0700

]]> Two South Florida imams and a third family member were arrested Saturday on charges of providing support to the Pakistani Taliban, the Justice Department said.

Taliban Join the Twitter Revolution

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:20:08 -0700

]]> When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, they eschewed most modern technology, including television and music players.

Ali Saleh Chosen as Bell's Next Mayor Following Salary Scandal

Fri, 13 May 2011 06:13:31 -0700

]]> On Monday night Bell's new City Council elected Ali Saleh as mayor.

$2M Laundered in Food Stamp Fraud, Authorities Say

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:56:55 -0700

]]> Authorities seized a bank account that at one time contained $2 million and was controlled by Al-Idu Al-Gaheem, the owner of some Dayton View neighborhood businesses and imam of a local mosque.

Social Conservative Bryan Fischer: Muslims Are Stupid Because Of Inbreeding

Sat, 14 May 2011 13:37:11 -0700

]]> Social conservative Bryan Fischer said Thursday that centuries of inbreeding has resulted in an enormous cost in intellectual capacity among Muslims.

Review: The Light Thief

Fri, 13 May 2011 13:30:03 -0700

]]> It is not easy to take an unknown country and put it on the map. But the film, The Light Thief, does just that.

French Football Federation Accused of Racism

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:30:37 -0700

]]> The French Football Federation (FFF) and the French Sports Ministry concluded this Tuesday that there is no evidence of plans to impose quotas on players who might opt to play for countries other than France.

Hunger Strike for Syria in Front of the United Nations

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:47:04 -0700

]]> Five Syrian men are holdin a week-long hunger strike in front of the United Nations, to protest the Bashar Assad regime and the failure of the US and UN to intervene.

J.P. Morgan's Hunt for Afghan Gold

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:57:41 -0700

]]> A team of bankers starts to tap the country's vast mineral riches, with help from the Pentagon.

70 Insanely Beautiful Mosques Around the World

Fri, 13 May 2011 06:27:56 -0700

]]> This gallery highlights 70 of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Some of them are ancient, some are modern but they all exhibit the creativeness of Islamic Architecture.

Inside Masdar City: A Modern Mirage

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:56:57 -0700

]]> Masdar City is like a mirage: a walled city growing out of the desert sands in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Young Arab-Americans and the ‘Arab Spring’

Thu, 12 May 2011 10:40:49 -0700

]]> Arab-Americans have, understandably, been avid followers of news about the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa.

President to Renew Muslim Outreach

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:26:50 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama is preparing a fresh outreach to the Muslim world.

American Muslims Still Live in a Climate of Hate

Wed, 11 May 2011 12:41:10 -0700

]]> News of Osama bin Laden’s death has not come without more incidents of backlash towards American Muslims.

Omar Ahmad: Muslim, American, Cowboy Boot Aficionado

Tue, 10 May 2011 23:11:07 -0700

]]> This week, we lost a real Muslim leader, a man who offered hope, compassion, love, humor, and most importantly, friendship.

San Carlos Mayor Dies

Tue, 10 May 2011 10:00:56 -0700

]]> Sad news from the peninsula today as a city announced the death of its mayor Omar Ahmad.

Man Commits Suicide Off of World's Tallest Building

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:00:08 -0700

]]> A man jumped to his death from the Burj Khalifa yesterday in the first recorded suicide from the world’s tallest building.

How Saudi Arabia Plans To Win The Food War

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:30:52 -0700

]]> Without its oil wealth, Saudi Arabia’s 27 million inhabitants would eventually starve.

50 Years After Freedom Rides, Race Drives Debate on U.S. Future

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:55:26 -0700

]]> During a week when the national media are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides and the progress made since then against racial bias, concerns persist about deep-seated racism in the United States.

Muslim-Americans Reaction to Islamophobia

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:18:23 -0700

]]> T.J. Holmes with CNN producer Maria Ebrahimji on the book, "I Speak for Myself," and on Muslim reaction to events.

Teardown: Inside an FBI Tracking Device

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:39:57 -0700

]]> iFixit's latest teardown victim is not a shiny phone or fancy tablet, but an FBI tracking device for automobiles.

Snoop Dogg Brings Gangsta Luv to Abu Dhabi

Mon, 09 May 2011 10:35:04 -0700

]]> The Doggfather wraps up an incredible six months of entertainment in Abu Dhabi.

Hasidic Newspaper Edits Hillary Clinton Out Of Famous Bin Laden Situation Room Photo

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:45:03 -0700

]]> Remember that iconic photo of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the White House Situation Room watching the raid in Pakistan which killed Osama bin Laden?

Madonna Dumps Muslim Boy Toy Over Religion

Mon, 09 May 2011 07:50:47 -0700

]]> He's 24, but she is older than his mother. He’s a strict Muslim, she has fervent Kabbalah beliefs.

The Post-Osama Muslim-American

Mon, 09 May 2011 07:15:11 -0700

]]> In the eyes of many Americans, bin Laden has also become one of the most visible icons of "Islam" alongside Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.

Jim Caviezel's Hollywood Golgotha

Mon, 09 May 2011 13:13:06 -0700

]]> The Passion of the Christ actor has complained Hollywood shunned him after he played Jesus – but was it really because his performance was so definitive?

Growing Up During War On Terror Hard On Young Muslim-Americans

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:41:50 -0700

]]> The specter of Osama bin Laden and the Sept. 11 attacks defined an entire generation of young Americans.

Jets' Draft Pick, Muhammad Wilkerson's Tribute to Mom

Sun, 08 May 2011 14:35:23 -0700

]]> Muhammad Wilkerson talks about his inspiration and source of strength, his mother, Janice Wilkerson.

Muslim-American Rockstar Moms

Sun, 08 May 2011 01:54:35 -0700

]]> Happy Mother's Day, Moms! We love you! On this mother's day, we bring you a gallery of some of the rockstar Muslim-American moms.

Women and Children Rally for Syria

Mon, 09 May 2011 14:03:53 -0700

]]> Dozens gathered outside the UN in New York to show solidarity with the people of Syria in their uprising against President Bashar Assad.

Kingdom Rejects BBC Claim of Zamzam Water Contamination

Sun, 08 May 2011 14:29:00 -0700

]]> Saudi authorities have refuted a BBC report claiming that the Zamzam well in Makkah is polluted and that drinking the holy water could cause diseases such as cancer.

No Knockout, But Philippines Stops for Pacquiao

Sun, 08 May 2011 16:56:05 -0700

]]> Muslim separatist rebels and troops in the southern Philippines silenced their guns in an informal truce to watch the action.

What Really Happened in Abbottabad? Stories, Accounts Change

Sat, 07 May 2011 12:01:17 -0700

]]> As many speculate what really happened at the Abbottabad compound last Sunday, conspiracy theories are on the rise.

Was Osama Bin Laden My Neighbor?

Thu, 05 May 2011 13:01:04 -0700

]]> Around 1:00 am, while my family and I were sleeping, I awoke to the sound of a helicopter, gun-fire and then an explosion which shook the house.

Osama Bin Laden and The Arab Uprising

Wed, 04 May 2011 13:10:55 -0700

]]> As a Brit, I’ve seen the effects of al-Qa’eda’s style of violent Islamism firsthand.

Review: Incendies

Sun, 08 May 2011 02:45:11 -0700

]]> French for “conflagrations,” Incendies lives up to its meaning of a blazing fire, set primarily in the middle-east.

Contaminated Zam Zam Holy Water From Mecca Sold in UK

Fri, 06 May 2011 17:04:22 -0700

]]> Holy drinking water contaminated with arsenic is being sold illegally to Muslims by UK shops, the BBC has found.

Reconciling Cat and Yusuf

Tue, 03 May 2011 15:17:26 -0700

]]> How well I remember the sixties and the seventies, that singular musical era!

Obama Pays Respects At Ground Zero

Thu, 05 May 2011 13:15:36 -0700

]]> President Obama laid a wreath at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan Thursday afternoon. He led a moment of silence during the ceremony for the victims of 9/11.

The Man Behind Palestine’s Green City Rawabi

Thu, 05 May 2011 10:53:00 -0700

]]> Since announcing plans to build Palestine’s first planned and green city back in 2008, the Rawabi project has faced its fair share of criticism.

Al Jazeera Wins Top Journalism Prize in New York

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:31:11 -0700

]]> Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera's English service will be awarded the highest honor of New York's Columbia School of Journalism.

Obama Rejects Releasing Bin Laden Death Photos

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:45:16 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama has told a television channel that he has decided not to release photos showing the body of Osama Bin Laden.

Florida Mosque Bombing: Wanted Man Shot Dead By FBI

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:09:42 -0700

]]> Agents say Sandlin Matthews Smith shot in Oklahoma after he waved a weapon at them as they tried to serve arrest warrant

Math Genius Solves Century Old Problem, Refuses Million Dollar Prize

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:51:47 -0700

]]> Russian mathematician Grigory Perelman solves century old problem.

After Nine Years, DHS Drops "SB 1070 for Muslims"

Wed, 04 May 2011 10:05:49 -0700

]]> After nine years of pressure from civil rights advocates, the Department of Homeland Security has quietly announced the end of NSEERS.

Pop Stars Who Performed for Gaddafi

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:39:59 -0700

]]> It's well known that dictators aren't averse to holding a party or two and, since they often have almost as much cash as all their people combined, it's not unusual for them to spend a few million on a private show from a world-famous pop star.

Bigger, Taller, Better? Architecture and Modernity in Contemporary Dubai

Wed, 04 May 2011 11:13:46 -0700

]]> If one could imagine Gotham City in the Arabian Gulf, they would undoubtedly think of Dubai.

Muslim Women Debate Harassment, Feminism

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:49:34 -0700

]]> Conservative Muslim bloggers and women’s rights activists bring harassers and inadequate legal and cultural protection to task, with women leading the charge.

Abbottabad Stunned by Bin Laden Revelation

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:36:42 -0700

]]> "Nobody here believes that it really happened." Those were the words spoken today by the dean of an Abbottabad area girls' college.

Inside Bin Laden's Abbottabad Hideaway

Mon, 02 May 2011 13:29:02 -0700

]]> Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Abbottabad (pronounced "Ahb-ta-baad") seems an unlikely place to house one of the most notorious men of all time.

9/11 Healing: The Mothers Who Found Forgiveness, Friendship

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:57:18 -0700

]]> Phyllis Rodriguez and Aicha el-Wafi have a powerful friendship born of unthinkable loss.

Iraqi-American Physics Teacher Perfects the Formula for Inspiring Students

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:27:32 -0700

]]> Dos Pueblos High School physics teacher Amir Abo-Shaeer leads a high-achieving engineering academy at the Goleta, Calif., campus.

Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Video May Be Released

Tue, 03 May 2011 10:00:39 -0700

]]> Video of Osama bin Laden's dead body being dropped into the North Arabian Sea from the USS Carl Vinson early this morning could be made public, according to officials.

President Obama: Osama Bin Laden Is Dead

Sun, 01 May 2011 20:00:04 -0700

]]> President Obama addressed the nation late Sunday night with the announcement that Osama Bin Laden is dead.

Islamic Scholars Criticize Bin Laden's Sea Burial

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:05:35 -0700

]]> Muslim clerics said Monday that Osama bin Laden's burial at sea was a violation of Islamic tradition that may further provoke militant calls for revenge attacks against American targets.

Twitter User Unknowingly Reported Bin Laden Attack

Mon, 02 May 2011 11:44:45 -0700

]]> As U.S. forces in Pakistan swooped in on Osama bin Laden on Sunday, at least one Twitter user was unknowingly reporting details of the raid.

Exclusive: New Yorkers Fill Times Square on News of Bin Laden's Death

Mon, 02 May 2011 11:27:08 -0700

]]> New Yorkers took to the streets Sunday night over news that America's most wanted man was dead.

Exclusive: Bin Laden's Death Brings Thousands to Ground Zero

Mon, 02 May 2011 10:20:03 -0700

]]> Several thousand New Yorkers gathered at Ground Zero Sunday night to mark Osama Bin Laden's death.

The Most Wanted Face of Terrorism

Sun, 01 May 2011 21:24:39 -0700

]]> Osama bin Laden, who was killed in Pakistan on Sunday, was a son of the Saudi elite whose radical, violent campaign to recreate a seventh-century Muslim empire redefined the threat of terrorism for the 21st century.

Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Leaving the U.S.

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:09:03 -0700

]]> In a speech last week to Facebook employees, President Obama discussed the role immigrant entrepreneurs play in U.S. economic competitiveness.

Mosque in Zone Fight

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:12:35 -0700

]]> An Islamic group sued Bridgewater, N.J., for religious discrimination after the town changed zoning rules to block a mosque from opening in a residential neighborhood.

Inside a Crowded Marriage

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:10:34 -0700

]]> I was 11 years old when I figured out why my grandfather had two bedrooms. He alternated, sleeping one night with my grandmother and the other night with his second wife.

Video Preview: Lupe Fiasco, 'Words I Never Said'

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:23:14 -0700

]]> Never one to shirk on incendiary visuals, Lupe Fiasco brings a hyperkinetic style to his politically-minded video for "Words I Never Said."

Arizona Rep Drops Effort to Remove Sikh Man from 9/11 Memorial

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:55:35 -0700

]]> Arizona Rep. John Kavanagh has changed his mind about possibly removing a post 9/11 hate crime victim’s name from a memorial.

Justice Department Considers Reinvestigation of Malcolm X Assassination

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:30:56 -0700

]]> The U.S. Department of Justice is studying whether to reexamine the 1965 assassination of Malcolm X.

San Francisco Prosecutor Disciplined Over 'Misguided Attempt at Humor'

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:53:49 -0700

]]> A veteran prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office has been disciplined after imitating Middle Easterners in an effort to demonstrate search procedures.

In A First, Women Surpass Men in Advanced Degrees

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:26:57 -0700

]]> For the first time, American women have passed men in gaining advanced college degrees.

Help Save The World’s First Green Synagogue

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:13:03 -0700

]]> Help save the world’s first green synagogue which is currently under threat of closing down due to financial difficulties.

Sacramento to Welcome New Mosque, Islamic Center

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:45:41 -0700

]]> The Muslim community of Sacramento will welcome its new Islamic Center (IC) this Saturday.

What Is The Key Spiritual Issue of Our Time?

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:04:57 -0700

]]> Every day we see in the newspaper and hear in the evening news stories of religion playing a bomb or barrier.

Assistant DA Makes Off-Color Remarks about Middle Eastern People

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:15:18 -0700

]]> A senior official in the San Francisco District Attorney's Office apologized to staff this week after making off-color remarks about Middle Eastern people, sources familiar with the incident said.

Headscarves Slam Brakes on Women's Careers

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:05:41 -0700

]]> In secular Turkey, judges, teachers and other officials are forbidden from wearing traditional Muslim head coverings in public buildings

Guantanamo Files Offer New Insights Into Detainees

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:21:30 -0700

]]> A trove of more than 700 classified military documents provides new and detailed accounts of the men who have done time at the Guantánamo Bay prison in Cuba, and offers new insight into the evidence against the 172 men still locked up there.

Muslims Asked to Pray for Rain in Texas

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:59:11 -0700

]]> The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX) has called on mosques across that state to offer prayers for rain.

A Glimpse Into the World of Anas Canon

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:30:48 -0700

]]> Anas Canon brings positive messages to the masses through his music.

'Ground Zero Mosque' Developer Says It's Full Steam Ahead: Park51 Will Rise in Lower Manhattan

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:11:27 -0700

]]> Talk to 10 people about the "Ground Zero Mosque" and you'll get 10 different views of what they think it is and where it is located.

What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:58:16 -0700

]]> People are often surprised when I tell them that my faith, Islam, has an ecological imperative. In fact, I believe that all faiths have, at their very core, this same imperative.

Botox May Deaden Ability to Empathize, New Study Says

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:49:47 -0700

]]> According to a study published in the journal Social Psychology and Personality Science, Botox may not only numb facial muscles, but also – and for the same reason – numb users’ perception of other people’s emotions.

San Francisco International Film Festival in Full Swing

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 12:56:33 -0700

]]> The 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFiFF) just kicked off on April 21 and will go through May 5.

Emiratis Fear Dwindling Water Supplies Will Impact Future Generation

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:50:13 -0700

]]> In the United Arab Emirate the average citizen consumes 550 litres of water per capita daily, which is three times the global average and quite high for a country located in the water-scarce Middle East.

Israeli Designer Creates a Green Toilet for India’s Slum Dwellers

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:54:20 -0700

]]> Israel’s Noa Lerner is developing a mobile public toilet for third world urban slum dwellers.

New Eco-Park Opens In Jordan

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:48:43 -0700

]]> Last week, the Sharhabil Bin Hassneh EcoPark in Jordan was opened after six years of planning which saw the development of several thousand dunams of land in the Jordan Valley.

Iranian-American Fashion Icon Bijan Dies

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:30:51 -0700

]]> Bijan Pakzad, the legendary fashion designer to heads of states, business moghuls and movie stars, died Saturday.

Dubai Fashion Week - Mariam Al Mazro's Abaya-based Mimi Collection

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:05:40 -0700

]]> Mariam Al-Mazro unveiled her collection at the Dubai Fashion Week 2011. She is known for the mismatched colors and patterns, which is her usual signature on all of her designs.

Be Muslim For a Month in Istanbul

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:41:26 -0700

]]> It has the ingredients of a conventional holiday – experiencing the culture and hospitality of one of the most exciting cities in the world. But few getaways encourage its participants to pray five times a day or try their hand at fasting, especially when those people are not Muslim.

Lifting The Veil: Muslim Women Explain Their Choice

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:08:02 -0700

]]> American Muslim women discuss their choice to unveil; many now wear the headscarf only for prayers.

I Wanted to be Free: Muslim Model Upsets Family by Posing Nude for Playboy Cover

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:39:30 -0700

]]> A Muslim model has upset her family by stripping for a series of saucy shots for Playboy.

Afghanistan's Che Guevara Is a Woman

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:30:35 -0700

]]> Shirin Sadeghi interviews revolutionary Afghan activist Malalai Joya, about her new memoir, A Woman Among Warlords.

'Effeminate' Boys in Malaysia Sent to 'Anti-gay' Camp

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:06:17 -0700

]]> Sixty-six Muslim schoolboys in Malaysia identified by teachers as effeminate have been sent to a special camp for counselling on masculine behaviour.

Anti War Demonstration: "Bring Home the Troops Now!"

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:24:44 -0700

]]> Thousands of people gathered at Union Square for an anti-war rally.

Ku Klux Klan Says It Doesn't Condone Tea Party or Qur'an Burning

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:31:53 -0700

]]> A clear sign that perhaps you've gone off the deep end? When even the Ku Klux Klan tries to distance itself from your actions.

Arab Rappers in Solidarity With Uprisings in Middle East & North Africa

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:06:19 -0700

]]> Many prominent Arab hip-hop artists inspired by uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa have released music in solidarity with protesters in the region.

Beyond the Egypt Referendum

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:46:42 -0700

]]> The ”yes” camp in the recent Egyptian referendum for constitutional reform, which was supposed to bring forward early parliamentary elections, got 77 per cent of the vote. The ”no” vote got the rest.

How Donald Trump Lost the Black Vote

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:33:47 -0700

]]> There's a great scene in Pulp Fiction where Vincent, John Travolta's introspective contract killer, complains to his bathrobe-clad heroin dealer about an unknown scoundrel.

'Miral' Writer Rula Jebreal Discusses Her Controversial New Film

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:57:42 -0700

]]> Miral, a movie about a Palestinian girl who grows up in an orphanage in Jerusalem, recently opened in New York City and Los Angeles with plans to expand in the next few weeks.

Why Islam Needs Stephen Colbert

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:46:55 -0700

]]> Quick question: When you think of Buddhism, whose name comes to mind? What about Islam?

Khan Wins Over McCloskey in Controversial Welterweight Title Fight

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:37:59 -0700

]]> Amir Khan has retained the World Boxing Association light-welterweight title.

Al Jazeera Launches Its Great Social Media Experiment

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:40:27 -0700

]]> Not only did social media change the course of political history in the Middle East, it changed the charges of illegitimacy against Al Jazeera by some American politicians.

Qur'an Scholar Chuck Norris Warns Of Creeping Sharia

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:55 -0700

]]> Walker Texas Ranger and Internet meme Chuck Norris is writing a special week-long series at WorldNetDaily on the dangers of creeping Islamic Sharia law in American society.

Heroin Addiction on the Rise in Pakistan

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:54:31 -0700

]]> Islamabad struggles to cope with the spike in heroine addiction across the country.

The Jersey Shores of Tripoli

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:03:37 -0700

]]> If you've ever been through New York's Museum of Natural History, and you're a person of color, conscience, or a student of critical race theory, I'm sure you walked out feeling deeply offended.

For Some Latinos, Islam Is Simple

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:20:57 -0700

]]> Milena recently began attending Qur’an classes on Wednesday nights at the North Hudson Islamic Center, in Union City, New Jersey.

Akbar Ahmed Explores the Challenges Facing Latino-Muslims

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:57:02 -0700

]]> Ambassador Akbar Ahmed is the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and Professor of International relations, the American University in Washington DC.

The Biographer Who Shattered Malcolm X Myths

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:05:59 -0700

]]> Manning Marable, my academic mentor and a well-respected scholar, died just three days before his decades-long project, "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention," was released on Monday.

One on One With Aasif Mandvi

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:57:04 -0700

]]> Actor-comedian Aasif Mandvi was born in India, raised in Britain and earned fame in the US on The Daily Show by satirising East-West relations.

Halal Meat Practice Heats National Debate

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:11:09 -0700

]]> The controversy over the appropriate method of slaughtering an animal while taking account of the Islamic rules and meeting consumers’ demand erupted again with a recent decision by the Al-Safa company.

Justin Bieber Upset To Be Pulled Into Israeli Politics

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:19:05 -0700

]]> Pop heartthrob Justin Bieber is set to perform in Israel after a three-day visit tarnished by frustration at the paparazzi and being, in his words, "pulled into politics".

Bahraini Woman Alleges Government Abuse

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:24:50 -0700

]]> Zainab Alkhawaja tells her horrifying account of how police officers from the Al-Khalifa regime stormed into her apartment on Feb. 8, tortured her father, husband and brother in law and kidnapped them.

Ten Must-Read Blogs from the Middle East

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:33:46 -0700

]]> A list of 10 of the most interesting blogs from Middle East.

Palestinians Get Their First Technology Venture Fund

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:30:58 -0700

]]> An Israeli resident who has been backing that country’s superior high tech development for nearly two decades has now co-launched a Palestinian venture capital fund called Sadara.

2012 Candidates Stake Out Positions on Sharia

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:25:27 -0700

]]> Sharia law is quickly becoming a hot-button topic on the campaign trial, as conservatives debate the role of Islam in the United States and the conservative movement.

Controversial Face Veil Ban Takes Effect in France, 2 Women Arrested

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:08:08 -0700

]]> Starting April 11 wearing a face veil in France becomes a crime punishable by a €150 ($217) fine or citizenship lessons.

How Sharks Keep Us Breathing: An Interview with Filmmaker Jonathan Ali Khan

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:30:43 -0700

]]> Swapping fashion for fish and wildlife, film-maker Jonathan Ali Khan has been working on marine conservation for a quarter century.

The Day I Met Abdul Sattar Edhi, a Living Saint

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:30:28 -0700

]]> In the course of my duties as a reporter, I have met presidents, prime ministers and reigning monarchs. Until meeting the Pakistani social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi, I had never met a saint.

Dealing with Saudi Arabia

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:59:38 -0700

]]> Q&A with Fareed Zakaria.

Another Delay in Trial of Ft. Hood Shooter; Defense Attorney Blames Obama

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:23:37 -0700

]]> On March 30 Lt. General Robert Cone, commanding general at Ft. Hood, granted a request from the attorney for accused Ft. Hood murderer, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, to postpone the trial until late April.

French Face Veil Ban Comes Into Force

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:28:37 -0700

]]> Veiled protesters arrested as controversial law banning women from wearing niqab or burqa in public is implemented.

My Student, the 'Terrorist'

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:18:12 -0700

]]> Pale and gaunt, he stood there, having endured three years of pretrial solitary confinement. "Alhamdullilah," he said.

On Eve of Redefining Malcolm X, Biographer Dies

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:03:51 -0700

]]> For two decades, the Columbia University professor Manning Marable focused on the task he considered his life’s work: redefining the legacy of Malcolm X.

CNN Explores the Unwanted Neighbor Phenomenon

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:12:38 -0700

]]> ‘Unwelcome: The Muslim Next Door’, the struggle of a Murfreesboro’s Muslim-American community to exist.

Bollywood's Veena Malik Takes on Muslim Cleric on Live TV

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:32:34 -0700

]]> They say there is some truth to every stereotype—that generalizations passed down as fact have some universal merit.

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters Condemns Israel's Wall

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:24:34 -0700

]]> One of the most popular musicians of all times joined Al Jazeera's Riz Khan to talk about Pink Floyd's The Wall being used for political purposes and how he feels about that.

New Yorkers Rally in Solidarity with the People of Yemen

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:33:31 -0700

]]> New Yorkers stand with the people of Yemen in their demand for an end to the crackdown, for their freedom, their basic human rights and immediate reform.

Mos Def Breaks Down the Musicians Institute

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:24:20 -0700

]]> Dante Terrell Smith, better known to the world as Mos Def, is perhaps one of the best known Muslim-Americans out there. The iconic hiphop MC recently sat down with the Musicians Institute to talk about his art.

U.S. Launches Missiles as French Jets Patrol Libya

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 13:19:14 -0700

]]> The U.S. military has launched its first missiles in Libya against Moammar Gadhafi's forces, a senior Defense Department official said Saturday.

Why Yasir Qadhi Wants to Talk About Jihad

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:49:06 -0700

]]> On a chilly night in the dead of a New England winter, Yasir Qadhi hurried down the stairs of Yale University’s religious-studies department, searching urgently for a place to make a private call.

Muslim-American Country Singer Talks About Working With the State Dept.

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:45:11 -0700

]]> Country singer Kareem Salama shares his cultural exchange tour experience in the Middle East and talks about his unique upcoming album, City of Lights.

Clinton Denies US Paid Pakistan for Release of Contractor

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:13:32 -0700

]]> While U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denied that America paid any money, the Pakistani government released American contractor Raymond Davis, who is accused of killing two Pakistanis.

In Pictures: Rally in Solidarity With People of Libya

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:25:27 -0700

]]> Libyan-Americans gather in the heart of Times Square to protest against Muammar Gaddafi's regime

Muslims, Copts Aim to Ease Tensions in Egypt

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:19:33 -0700

]]> Reconstruction has begun on an Egyptian church set ablaze last week. But, as Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reports, some fear the gesture will not be enough to ease tensions between Muslims and Coptic Christians.

Students Face Charges Over Protest

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:49:39 -0700

]]> Eleven Muslim college students may face up to six months in jail if convicted. The students disrupted a speech by Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to the United States.

Muna AbuSulayman: Successful Businesswoman and Role Model

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:49:46 -0700

]]> Muna AbuSulayman, Saudi media personality, international humanitarian, teacher, mother, divorcee and now, fashion designer speaks to ILLUME.

Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:17:23 -0700

]]> A preview of CNN's special, "Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door". Does freedom of religion mean freedom from suspicion?

Saudi Arabia Sends Troops to Bahrain

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:19:43 -0700

]]> After weeks of anti-government protests, Saudi Arabia is sending troops to its neighboring island state of Bahrain to bolster security.

Peter King's Subversive Fantasy

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:37:55 -0800

]]> Congressman Peter King is now the self-appointed protector of America from future terrorist attacks by holding a congressional hearing on the Extent of Radicalisation in the American Muslim Community.

8.9-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan, Triggers Tsunami

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:13:18 -0800

]]> A tsunami warning is in place following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Japan early Friday. Building swayed for several minutes, sending people out on the streets.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Explores Whether Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Is Rising

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:55:55 -0800

]]> Zaytuna College co-founder speaks with Al Jazeera's Riz Khan about Thursday's Congressional hearings on Muslim-Americans.

FBI Declines to Testify at House Radicalization Hearing

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:20:42 -0800

]]> Lost in the emotion, hysteria and defense of the House Homeland Security Committee's hearing on the radicalization of Muslim-Americans was the fact that a representative from the FBI did not testify.

Saudi Police Open Fire on Protesters

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:15:11 -0800

]]> The government of Saudi Arabia is determined to not allow an uprising similar to what was seen in Egypt and Tunisia to happen in its kingdom.

House Hearing on Islamic Radicalization in America

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:15:15 -0800

]]> The House of Representatives controversial hearings about the radicalization of some Muslim-Americans opened Thursday morning with emotional testimony from Congressman Keith Ellison.

'Today, I Am a Muslim Too' Rally

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 07:54:56 -0800

]]> Protesters faced the rain as they gathered Sunday at the ''Today, I Am A Muslim, Too'' rally to protest against a planned congressional hearing on the role of Muslims in homegrown terrorism in New York.

Hearings on Muslim Americans Is un-American: Rep. Mike Honda

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:36:54 -0800

]]> My father loved this country and proudly served in the U.S. Military. Yet when I was a young child during World War II, we were confined for several years at Camp Amache, an internment camp.

Egyptian Revolution Must Now Turn to the Women

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:20:39 -0800

]]> Over the recent weeks, many people around the world have been shocked and inspired by the non-violent revolution in Egypt.

Spike in Islamophobia Taking Toll on Sikhs

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:30:41 -0800

]]> This past weekend, two Sikh men, aged 78 and 65, were shot in broad daylight as they were walking down a street in Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento.

There's No Muslim Way to Fill a Pothole: Calif. Mayor

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:24:49 -0800

]]> Omar Ahmad was recently appointed the Mayor of San Carlos, California, becoming one of the few Muslim mayors in the country. Mr. Ahmad is passionate about service and being involved in the community.

Qasim 'Q' Basir: Bringing Mooz-lum to the Big Screen

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:06:51 -0800

]]> I recently interviewed writer/director Qasim 'Q' Basir about his movie Mooz-lum, a film about a Muslim-American trying to come to terms with himself and his faith.

Muslim-Americans 'Are Not Part of Terrorism Problem': Security Advisor

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:31:48 -0800

]]> Peter King is sticking to his guns. For the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, the problem today in the United States, is not terrorism or its sympathizers; the problem is Muslims in general.

Putting Muslim Americans on Trial Moves the US back

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:55:29 -0800

]]> It is a nightmare for an entire religious tradition to be put on the stand as a collective for the actions of an extreme few.

Emirati Auto Show Blings Gold Bentley

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:09:58 -0800

]]> In a glitz race to see who owns the most outrageous symbol of unrestrained wealth, a white gold plated Bentley sports coupe was recently featured at a United Arab Emirates auto show.

Clashes Continue in the Middle East, Many Killed

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:39:14 -0800

]]> After the fall of authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and Egypt, the hunt for long-reign rulers in Middle East is spreading from North Africa to Persian Gulf.

Pakistani Playhouse Breaks New Ground

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:07:56 -0800

]]> Imran S. Javaid and Imran W. Sheikh, two young Pakistani-American Muslims, started “Parwaz Playhouse” – the first major Pakistani Theatre Company in the Fall of 2009.

Mubarak's Valentine's Day

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:34:35 -0800

]]> OBAMA: All right, SOS, have we sent the usual fruit baskets, Gilmore Girls DVD's, snarky e-cards, Fair and Lovely cream, and excessive weaponry and gratuitous foreign aid to our questionable allies?

Mooz-lum: A Powerful, Riveting Drama about Muslims in America

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:39:06 -0800

]]> In MOOZ-lum, writer/director Qasim “Q” Basir makes his feature film debut with a story about a Muslim-American named Tariq entering college.

Iran Opposition Preparing to Protest

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 09:26:48 -0800

]]> 48 hours after Hosni Mubarak’s fall, the Iranian opposition is planning to protest on Monday, in Tehran.

Swiss Freeze Mubarak's Assets

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:26:39 -0800

]]> Mohamed ElBaradei said the Egyptian people deserve to have any money that former president Hosni Mubarak stole back.

Mubarak Egypt: Country's President Steps Down

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:14:32 -0800

]]> Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, has resigned from his post, handing over power to the armed forces.

Young Egyptian Elites Share First Hand Experience Protesting at Tahrir Square

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:06:26 -0800

]]> Nourhan Hussein, an Egyptian student at American University of Cairo, had two choices: to take the risk and softly sneak out of her house or to play it safe and stay put.

Millions of Egyptians Continue Protesting: Week Two

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:00:11 -0800

]]> Millions of Egyptians have been protesting the ouster of Hosni Mubarak since Jan.25 Most of these photos are from Feb. 8 protests, one of the largest protests from the uprising.

Egypt’s Social Change Begins With Cleaning The Streets

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:46:36 -0800

]]> As the world’s eyes are watching Egypt’s people uprise against its government, the need for change has already began impacting the streets of Cairo.

Musharraf Accused of Bhutto Assassination

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:33:35 -0800

]]> Pervez Musharraf, former president of Pakistan, has been formally accused in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case in a report submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency Monday.

Obama in the Muslim World

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:30:12 -0800

]]> Since President Barack Obama made his historic speech in Cairo addressing the United States’ contentious relationship with the Muslim world, the range of Muslim emotion has run the gamut.

What Happened To Islam’s Environmentally Friendly Architecture?

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:10:19 -0800

]]> From luxury architecture in Mecca to the blinged-out buildings of Dubai, it seems that Islamic architecture is all about opulence and grandeur.

Egypt Protest: The Aftermath

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:53:56 -0800

]]> Egyptian's have been protesting since Jan.25, demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak who has been ruling the country for 29 years.

Lupe Fiasco Slams Limbaugh, Obama in Controversial New Track

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:36:02 -0800

]]> Criticizing President Barack Obama is not just for Rush Limbaugh anymore. In fact the conservative commentator has come under fire along with Mr. Obama by Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco.

French Denounce Manipulation of Islam

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:00:31 -0800

]]> The French magazine, Respect Mag, initiated a rally that took place last Saturday in Place du Trocadéro, in Paris, to stand up against extremists who kill innocent people in the name of religion.

Kill Switch Would Give President Power to Shut Down the Internet

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:06:17 -0800

]]> As Mubarak’s regime completes its blackout of internet access in Egypt to quell protestors, the US discusses the renewal of a bill that could be used to shut down the internet here in the US.

I Won't Run for Another Term: Hosni Mubarak

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:24:36 -0800

]]> A defiant Hosni Mubarak addressed his nation via a recorded message and announced that he will not run for re-election in September but he has no plans of leaving the country or ending his term early.

Cut the Chord: Google, Twitter Partner to Help Egyptians Tweet Without the Internet

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:44:33 -0800

]]> A new service created by Google allows for tweeting without an Internet connection.

Hosni Mubarak Prepares to Step Down: Report

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:25:22 -0800

]]> Hosni Mubarak is preparing to give up, according to reports from people close to the Egyptian president.

Protests Fire Up Around the Arab World, Egypt Continues to Revolt

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 08:44:22 -0800

]]> The Arab world is fired up and continues to revolt against their corrupt governments.

We've Waited for This Revolution for Years, Other Despots Should Quail

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:48:00 -0800

]]> My birth at the end of July 1967 makes me a child of the naksa, or setback, as the Arab defeat during the June 1967 war with Israel is euphemistically known in Arabic.

Mohamed ElBaradei: When Will the West Stand for Self-Determination?

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:50:59 -0800

]]> If Western leaders cannot stand before the Egyptian people today and say unequivocally, we support your right of national self-determination, when can they do it?

Mubarak Refuses to Let Protest Push Him Out of Egypt

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:45:34 -0800

]]> The Egyptian president has dismissed his government, saying that he will replace it with a new one on Saturday.

Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Yemen

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:44:08 -0800

]]> In the latest sweep of demonstrations in the Arab world, tens of thousands of Yemeni protestors took to the streets yesterday. Inspired by events in Tunisia, they are demanding no less than the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Pew Study: Muslim Population Growing Twice as Fast as non-Muslims

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:35:54 -0800

]]> The world's Muslim population is expected to increase by about 35% in the next 20 years. It will reach 2.2 billion by 2030, up from 1.6 billion in 2010.

Portrait of a Muslim-American Family

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:05:42 -0800

]]> One of its kind. Fresh. Brilliant portrait of a Muslim American family by playwright Wajahat Ali, who takes his audience through three generations of a Pakistani American family of six.

Tony Blair's Sister-in-Law Says He Should be Charged for War Crimes

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:54:30 -0800

]]> Lauren Booth believes her brother-in-law, former British prime minister Tony Blair, should be tried for war crimes for his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Egypt President's Son Gamal Mubarak Flees to Britain With His Family: Report

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:40:25 -0800

]]> Gamal Mubarak, the son of Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak has fled to Britian along with his family.

Silencing the Song: An Afghan Fallen Star

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:35:30 -0800

]]> In a follow up to the award-winning documentary Afghan Star, which followed four finalists to Afghanistan’s answer to American Idol, Director Havana Marking returns with Silencing the Song: An Afghan Fallen Star, airing tonight on HBO2.

Noble Brother: Poetically Prophetic

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:23:15 -0800

]]> In summing up the book, Muslim blogger Aziz Poonawalla put it best: ''This is not a book to be read in one sitting, but to be savored in small pieces at a time.''

Thousands Fill the Streets in Egypt Protests

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:01:45 -0800

]]> After 29 days of protesting injustice, stagnation and corruption, Tunisia’s ruler of 23 years, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, fled the country on Jan. 14. Many believe that the social network world played a large part in the revolution and Tunisia’s revolt has been dubbed, as Iran’s once was, the “Twitter Revolution.”

Over 40,000 Protest in Egypt

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:33:08 -0800

]]> Over 40,000 protest in Egypt, chant ''Down with Mubarak.'' Protests took place in Cairo, Alexandria, Tanta, Suez other cities in Egypt. There were some clashes with police and protesters, including tear gas and rubber bullets, according to several reports from news sites and Twitter.

New Terrorism Expert on National Security Council

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:12:22 -0800

]]> A former government official at the US Embassy in London, Quintan Wiktorowicz has just taken over as the senior director of global engagement in the National Security Council.

NYPD Screens Islamophobic Documentary to Counterterrorism Trainees

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:25:01 -0800

]]> Last week, The Village Voice released a report that the NYPD used the Islamophobic documentary, “Third Jihad” in its counterterrorism training program for police officers. Insiders say the video was shown by an instructor who warned they might find the film offensive.

Negotiating a Team: Olympic Committee Brings Israeli and Palestinian Officials Together

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:19:27 -0800

]]> With the 2012 London Games fast approaching, International Olympic Committee officials met in Switzerland this past week with Israeli and Palestinian Olympic Committee officials to build a partnership to send stronger teams to the games.

Judge Dismisses Case Against Shariah-Compliant Finance Services

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:57:57 -0800

]]> Last week, Judge Lawrence Zatkoff dismissed a constitutional challenge to the government bailout of AIG brought forth by Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) and co-counsel David Yerushalmi on behalf of Marine Corps veteran, Kevin Murray.

On Muslims, Gays and Tolerance in America

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:00:21 -0800

]]> No one was happier to wave goodbye to 2010 than American Muslims. Favorability ratings for our faith actually declined last year. Leading public figures compared Muslims to Nazis, swift-boated one of our most respected religious leaders and basically suggested we were planning a hostile takeover of America.

Bombing Kills Dozens at Moscow's Busiest Airport

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:27:30 -0800

]]> A deadly explosion resulted in 35 dead and approximately 180 injured at Moscow’s busiest airport earlier Monda

Dubai's World Is Sinking

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:28:32 -0800

]]> If Dubai's financial crisis was not enough of a problem now its world is falling down.

Arab World Needs (Entrepreneurial) Heroes

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:20:08 -0800

]]> Dubai is a city that defies the laws of physics. It is a place where architects are regularly commissioned to build the Dali-esque.

Tunisia, Arab Youth, Rebellion and Twitter

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:48:48 -0800

]]> Columnist Mona Eltahawy says the Tunisia uprising that toppled the ruling regime, was fueled by disaffected youth and spread by social media

Group Removes Helen Thomas Award

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:57:17 -0800

]]> The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) board of directors voted to discontinue the Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award last Friday, reports The Arab American News.

Unity Through Fashion

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:36:18 -0800

]]> Keeping the American style and mixing it with an Islamic flavor is the challenge taken up by the founder of ''Inshallah Clothing Co.''

Imam Leaving Park51 Project

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:23:26 -0800

]]> Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and Daisy Khan, the husband and wife team behind the controversial plan to build a 13-story cultural center housing a mosque in lower Manhattan, are stepping down from the project, although Rauf will remain on the board of directors.

Humans Rights Group Denounces Executions in Iran

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:46:52 -0800

]]> Iran has hanged 47 prisoners since January 1st of this year, a human rights group alleges.

Social Media's Role in Tunisia's Uprising

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:15:37 -0800

]]> When Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook, he was not necessarily thinking of providing a platform for Arab protestors to express their frustration with hunger, unemployment and corruption.

Ehud Barak Defects From Israeli Labor Party

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:02:36 -0800

]]> Israel’s defense minister announced today his decision to leave a popular political party in order to start his own.

American-Born Radical Cleric Sentenced in Yemen

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:59:52 -0800

]]> A Yemeni court sentenced a radical Islamic cleric to ten years in prison Monday.

Israel-Palestine Conflict Plays Out on Subway Signs

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:51:11 -0800

]]> BART has approved new posters headlined Stop Palestinian Terrorism: Teach Peace at six stations, reports j., the Jewish news weekly.

Tunisia on Lock Down as President Flees

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:59:36 -0800

]]> Tunisia’s president has reportedly declared a state of emergency, dissolved the government, and fled the country, according to the North African country’s state television.

The Muslim Batman Flap

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:41:55 -0800

]]> After a several month interregnum during which he was dead (which, in comic book terms, has about as much permanence as a rub-on tattoo), millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne has announced to the world that he is funding Gotham City's vigilante hero.

School Lunches Get a Makeover

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:00:49 -0800

]]> The federal government revealed new nutritional standards Thursday, upgrading school lunches for the first time in fifteen years.

Exhibit Documents WWII's Muslim Heroes

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:41:56 -0800

]]> An exhibit new to the Soho Photo Gallery retells the story of a tragic crime against humanity with a new eyewitness.

Is Qatar Too Hot for Football?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:06:40 -0800

]]> FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, set the soccer world afire during the opening of the Asian Cup when he stated that Qatar would be far too dangerous for the World Cup to be played there during the summer of 2022 as scheduled.

Skokie Man Busted for Impersonating a Lawyer

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:03:20 -0800

]]> A frequent convict conned his way into courtrooms, where law enforcement officials say he tried over 60 cases before getting caught.

A Tale of Two Gunmen

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:05:36 -0800

]]> The storylines are strikingly similar. A moderate centrist politician who had taken some controversial stances is gunned down in broad daylight. The gunman is caught.

Malaysia's 'Young Imam' Reality TV Show Goes Global

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:32:40 -0800

]]> The latest hit reality show is calling for young men to audition, but unlike this season’s Jersey Shore, the only ‘’Situation’’ you’ll find here is a religious one.

Bollywood Bond Girl Furious Over Elle's 'Fair & Lovely' Airbrushing

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:23:58 -0800

]]> Women around the world blanched at the bleached version of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the cover of Elle India.

We Need More Than A 'Muslim Cosby Show'

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:34:40 -0800

]]> The seminal TV show rode a wave of black achievement to challenge racial stereotypes. But Katie Couric's well-intentioned statements to the contrary, American Muslims will need more than a situation comedy to counter Islamophobia.

'Muslim Cosby Show' Not A Crazy Idea

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:33:37 -0800

]]> Katie Couric's recent comments recommending a Muslim Cosby show to combat anti-Muslim bigotry has been decried by some as a naïve, simplistic remedy for the festering sore of Islamophobia in America.

Eco-Lessons To Empower Women in Abu Dhabi

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:06:38 -0800

]]> The launch of a ‘Sustainable Lifestyles’ campaign will give more than 720 women in Abu Dhabi the opportunity to learn about the environment and how they can take positive action to protect the planet.

World's Thirstiest Country May Be First To Run Out Of Water

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:22:49 -0800

]]> According to experts cited by CNN, Yemen could be the first nation to completely run out of water in as little as 10 years, a prospect that creates a grim future for the young population of 24 million that is expected to double in 20 years.

Poll Results on Muslim-Western Relations Advocate Action, and Interaction

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:30:07 -0800

]]> The vast majority of individuals in both Muslim-majority and Western countries surveyed in a recent poll believe greater interaction between them would be a benefit rather than a threat.

Saudi Arabia: License to Blog

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:36:41 -0800

]]> If you are in Saudi Arabia, you’re going to need a license to blog starting next month.

Iran Arrests Spy Ring Linked to Israel

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:22:37 -0800

]]> Iran has reportedly arrested a band of Israeli spies in connection to the death of a nuclear scientist from Tehran University.

Luxury Architecture in Mecca: Has Hajj Lost Its Egalitarian Spirit?

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:56:31 -0800

]]> As the most iconic structure of Islam, the cuboid Ka’bah in Mecca is one of striking simplicity.

Vulnerable Muslim Youth: The Challenge of Counter-Radicalization

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:05:06 -0800

]]> Many of us are still bewildered by the bizarre news of the 19-year-old Somali-born American citizen, Muhammad Osman Mohamud, arrested on November 25 for attempting to bomb a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

Plane Crash in Iran Kills Many

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:14:27 -0800

]]> A jet plan making an emergency landing crashed in northwestern Iran, killing 72 people and injuring 33 Sunday evening.

New York Exhibit Highlights 1,001 Muslim Innovations

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:40:56 -0800

]]> Eight-year-old Marissa Campis is playing a game that is part of the new exhibition, “1,001 Inventions: Discover the Muslim Heritage in Our World” at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, New York.

Earth's Magnetic Poles Shift, Impacts Tampa Runway

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:22:20 -0800

]]> Earth’s North Pole is gravitating towards Russia with the ramifications felt all the way in Florida.

Ariz. Congresswoman Shot At Grocery Store

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:56:22 -0800

]]> An Arizona congresswoman was critically wounded and six others died of gunshot wounds Saturday.

Circumcision Cuts Down HPV Risk

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:10:17 -0800

]]> Researchers have found one more good reason for male circumcision, and this one is for the ladies.

A Silver Lining to Egypts Dark Cloud

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:50:20 -0800

]]> The recent bombing outside a Coptic church in the Egyptian seaport of Alexandria that claimed 21 lives and 96 injuries sent shockwaves throughout Egypt and made headlines around the world.

Mail Bombs Explode in State Buildings

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:58:08 -0800

]]> Two packages exploded in two Maryland state government buildings, but initial reports say no one has been injured.

Muqtada al-Sadr Returns to Iraq from Exile

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:37:24 -0800

]]> An influential religious leader reportedly returned to Iraq after spending several years residing in Iran.

Passengers Tackle Attempted Hijacker

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:38:31 -0800

]]> A handicapped man attempted to hijack a Turkish Airlines flight Wednesday.

Reviving the Islamic Soul

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:00:14 -0800

]]> Last month’s Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference was hailed as “a unique youth effort” and featured renowned international speakers and scholars who provided diverse viewpoints and a range of voices on the religion.

Islam, Hip-Hop, and the Gods of New York

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:17:22 -0800

]]> New York City has been the birthplace of many important American cultural movements—from artistic trends, to social movements, to a wide variety of religious sects from many different traditions.

Pakistan's Punjab Province Governor Assassinated

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:35:33 -0800

]]> Riots broke out in the Pakistani province of Punjab after its governor was shot to death by his own bodyguard in Islamabad Tuesday.

Iran's Nuclear Invitation to the World

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:48:41 -0800

]]> Several nations from around the globe may be visiting Iran soon. The Middle Eastern country has invited several delegates to tour its atomic facilities before pursuing a second round of talks on its nuclear program later this month in Istanbul.

Scores of African Migrants Feared Dead

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:13:19 -0800

]]> The Coast Guard in Yemen combs for survivors in the Gulf of Aden after two boats recently capsized. Just three Somali emigrants survived while at least 80 African migrants are thought to have drowned during rough storms of the coast of southern Yemen.

Obama Signs 9/11 Health Bill

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:28:25 -0800

]]> Almost four years after the death of James Zadroga, President Barack Obama signed a health bill in the police officer’s name Sunday.

Midnight Mass Interrupted

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:13:29 -0800

]]> Presidents Barack Obama and Hosni Mubarak condemned a deadly terrorist attack in the Egyptian port city of Alexandria.

Demise of the Dream Act

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:42:06 -0800

]]> Supporters of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act suffered a major setback Saturday when the DREAM Act fell five votes short from moving forward.

Khan Defeats Maidana, Silences Critics

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:47:28 -0800

]]> After defeating Paul Malignaggi in May, 2010, Amir Khan was quoted as saying he wanted to ''take on the heavy handed Marcos Maidana, as to unify the lightweight division titles.''

Southern California Mosque Gets Approval Despite Controversy

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:43:15 -0800

]]> A proposed mosque for the Southern California city of Temecula recently got the city’s approval to develop. But those opposing the mosque say they plan to appeal the project’s permit, according to the Riverside Press Enterprise.

New Ads Promote Peace in a Region Fraught with Fear

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:28:32 -0800

]]> Now you can champion a cause on your way to work. Ads calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel are now up at three stations on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system.

Sadaf Syed Highlights Diversity of Muslim American Women

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 -0800

]]> Sadaf Syed, recognized as one of today’s leading feminist photographers, is best known for breaking down stereotypes as she educates and inspires her audience through the eyes of photography and the perspectives of her subject.

Imran Khan Raises Awareness of Pakistan Flood Victims

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:15:00 -0800

]]> Imran Khan has a long history of achieving greatness as an athlete, philanthropist, humanitarian, member of the Parliament and leader of the political party Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf.

Rizwan Manji: Taking Jobs From White America

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:15:13 -0800

]]> ILLUME caught up with rising star Rizwan Manji on the set of his new show Outsourced. He talked about what its like to be Muslim in Hollywood and the importance of 'good Muslim' roles.

Tariq Ramadan: What I Believe

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:50:54 -0800

]]> When our book club decided to read this little treatise written by Tariq Ramadan, I cringed. Listening to him at various fora over the years, I’d often get overwhelmed with the multiple threads in his arguments and manage to leave with only a fraction of the message. I doubted I’d be able to get through one of his books.

Riz Khan: Life, Journalism and Politics

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:25:55 -0800

]]> A renowned and respected news anchor, Riz Khan has reported for BBC Radio and Television, and has been a news anchor for BBC World Service News and CNN.

WikiLeaks Release Secret Diplomatic Communications

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:25:01 -0800

]]> WikiLeaks began releasing thousands of classified U.S. State Department documents Sunday. The documents contain information that is being condemned as “reckless and dangerous” and some worry this will affect international relations.

The documents expose confidential American diplomatic cables revealing back-room bargaining at embassies, assessments of terrorist and nuclear threats and frank, unflattering views of foreign leaders.

Publications such as the New York Times and Britain’s The Guardian received the documents beforehand so reporters could analyze the information. The newspapers began publishing stories based on the leaks Sunday. Topics covered included a 2007 standoff with Pakistan over nuclear fuel, a U.S. spying campaign on United Nations leadership, suspicions of corruption within the Afghan government, bargaining to empty Guantanamo Bay prison, plans for uniting South and North Korea, and Saudi Arabian King Abdullah “frequently” urging the U.S. to attack Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear program.

International reaction and response to the leaks is growing. The Pentagon announced Sunday that it has changed procedures to make it harder to steal secrets. Presidential Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said President Barack Obama wants transparency in government but called WikiLeaks’ actions “a risk.”

“By releasing stolen and classified documents, WikiLeaks has put at risk not only the cause of human rights but also the lives and work of these individuals,” Gibbs told the Associated Press. “We condemn the strongest terms of unauthorized disclosure of classified documents and sensitive national security information.”

Gibbs also said the cables contained incomplete information that didn’t express policy and didn’t influence decisions. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office joined the United States in the condemnation while the countries issued statements defending their political decisions. On Monday Pakistani officials defended their stance to deny the United States access to the nuclear research reactor in question.

WikiLeaks will release its 251,287 cables in a gradual manner, reviewing them with media partners. The cables date from late December 1966 to February 2010 and contain communications between the State Department and 274 embassies. The documents are marked unclassified, confidential and secret. None of them are top secret. A post on the WikiLeaks website claimed that no one has been harmed by any disclosures made during the four-year year publishing history of the whistle blowing group.

“These cables, by giving the players an unvarnished description of how they are seen, there will be a common ground on which to effectively negotiate peace and stability,” wrote one WikiLeaks member. “We do not see this as a risk to destabilisation, but an opportunity for stabilisation and reform in the Middle East.”

WikiLeaks writers said they asked the UD State Department officials to review the documents with them so they would know who would be put at risk by the publication but that State Department Legal Advisor Harold Hongju Koh wrote back saying the Obama administration wouldn’t negotiate with efforts to release classified materials. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to address the leaks Monday as she embarked on a four nation tour of Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.

News organizations worked with WikiLeaks in taking precautions before unveiling the stories and The New York Times reported that WikiLeaks redacted some of the cables to protect diplomatic sources. The New York Times also advised the U.S. State Department about when it received the documents and both the New York Times and Guardian excluded information they felt could jeopardize individuals.

WikiLeaks does not reveal its sources, but authorities allege Army intelligence analyst Pfc. Bradley Manning gave the documents to WikiLeaks. Manning has been charged with illegally leaking information and faces a possible court martial and a long prison sentence if convicted. Earlier this year WikiLeaks released documents on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a video of civilian killings in Iraq.

''Green Deen'' Connects Environmentalism With Islam

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:51:01 -0800

]]> For the past ten years, Ibrahim Abdul-Matin has been a passionate voice for transforming our pollution based way of life to one that prioritises our planet and its people.

Muslims Targeted In $30M Ponzi Scheme

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:47:49 -0800

]]> Federal prosecutors announced last week they are searching for two Chicago businessmen they say swindled hundreds of Muslims out of millions of dollars.

Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:19:13 -0800

]]> The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear took place on October 30, 2010 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., led by Jon Stewart and an in-character Stephen Colbert. The rally drew about 215,000 people.

Hajj: The Annual Muslim Pilgrimage

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:05:29 -0800

]]> Millions of people converge on Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage, one of the world's largest gatherings, and a sacred rite for all Muslims.

Thilo Sarrazin Finds Muslims Inferior

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:06:42 -0800

]]> Author Thilo Sarrazin has published a book in Berlin which concludes that Muslim immigrants in Germany are “socially, culturally, and intellectually inferior to most everyone else.”

Facebook Announces New Email, Messaging System

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:55:45 -0800

]]> Everyone can now sign up for their own @facebook.com email address.

Oklahoma Sharia Law Ban on Hold Temporarily

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:40:01 -0800

]]> Anti-Muslim rhetoric has been trumpeted on fringe websites for years.

Language Matters: Islam, a Definition

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:35:06 -0800

]]> Language is to ideas what the body is to the soul. It is the physical manifestation of thought. It is the mortar with which we shape our understanding of the world.

Songs of Blood and Sword: A Daughter’s Memoir

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:17:33 -0800

]]> She was 14 years old when her father was shot dead in a gun battle across their home in Karachi, Pakistan.

Building Bridges With Graffiti Art

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:52:47 -0800

]]> We hear government officials, academics and politicians talking about the problems of multiculturalism and community cohesion, but I feel they have left one resource untapped when it comes to finding solutions: art.

US to Send New Cultural Ambassadors

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 07:52:22 -0800

]]> The Obama Administration has announced a new $1 million dollar program which expands the existing State Department cultural diplomacy program to include visual artists like painters and sculptors

Mehserle Sentenced to 2 Years Prison in Oscar Grant Case

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:02:19 -0700

]]> In July, Johannes Mehserle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 22 year-old, unarmed African-American commuter Oscar Grant.

Community Clinic Gives Health Care to All

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:45:50 -0700

]]> For 14 years, UMMA Community Clinic has provided treatment to people of all backgrounds. Since its inception the clinic has served 24,000 patients and is expanding its operations. The clinic is the first charitable clinic established by Muslims.

UN Establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:39:40 -0700

]]> In October, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution deeming the first week of February each year to be ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Prayer on Capitol Hill

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:02:36 -0700

]]> On October 15, Muslims in the greater Washington DC area joined Imam AbdulMalik for Jumma Prayer on Capitol Hill.

Alcohol ‘Most Harmful Drug’

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:54:35 -0700

]]> According to The Lancet, a well-established British medical journal, alcohol ranks among the “most harmful” among a list of 20 drugs.

Wrigleyville Bomb Plot FBI Orchestrated, Not Jihad

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 11:43:05 -0700

]]> There's an adage between political activists: If you want to know who the undercover agent is, it's the guy advocating violence.

Halal Food Hits The Shelves of Whole Foods

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:23:17 -0700

]]> Shopping in the local grocery store is a daunting task for many Muslims Americans who normally tend to buy their produce in one market and purchase their meat from another.

Arizona Immigration Law Mostly Unconstitutional, Judge Says

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:41:08 -0700

]]> A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of SB 1070, Arizona’s controversial immigration law, from going into effect -- a ruling that temporarily ''squashed'' a state policy that sparked a heated national debate.

Federal Findings Show Faulty Testing by BP Contractor, Halliburton

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:17:38 -0700

]]> Despite findings of a federal investigation highlighting Haliburton Co.’s alleged role in the BP oil spill in April, the company will likely avoid additional liability in the accident, according to analysts and legal experts.

Mohammed: Britain’s Most Popular Boy Name

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:35:50 -0700

]]> Having maintained the titles of “most popular boy name” in Britain for a long time, both “Oliver” and “Jack” have been replaced by “Mohammed” for the year 2009 according to Britain’s Office of National Statistics.

Saudi Prince Advises Re-Location of Park 51

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:22:02 -0700

]]> At a SoHo party last night honoring “100 innovators, visionaries, and leaders,” Arianna Huffington welcomed both New York Mayor Bloomberg and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, whom she referred to as “Game Changers.”

Pakistani Man Arrested for DC Terrorist Plot

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:38:56 -0700

]]> Arrested Wednesday for aiding in what he thought was a plot to bomb and kill commuters in Washington, DC, Farooque Ahmed, a Pakistani-born resident of Virginia, is being tried in a US district court today in Alexandria.

The 99 Comes to America

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:16:25 -0700

]]> This week DC Comics, the same comic book company that churns out Wonder Woman and Superman comic books will publish a set of six crossover issues featuring The 99, a group of Islamic superheroes who will be fighting along with the Justice League of America.

The Palestine Buy-cott

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:24:31 -0700

]]> The first official boycott of Israel was spearheaded by the Arab League immediately after Israel was established in 1948

Deep Budget Cuts for California

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:16:05 -0700

]]> Tatieana Jones is a 24-year-old single mother of three children; Jatiana, Jayana and Raniyah. She works for the IRS in Oakland, Calif. as a contact representative, a position she has held for three years.

Fury Arises as NPR Combats Bigotry

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:18:44 -0700

]]> The controversial comments made by Juan Williams on The O'Reilly Factor last Monday and the subsequent termination of his position as news analyst from the National Public Radio (NPR) have resulted in a fury of debates and voicing of opinions on NPR’s decision.

Selma Al-Radi's Legacy: Madrasa Al-Amiryah

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:21:14 -0700

]]> On October 7, the Arab world lost one of its premiere scholars. Dr. Selma Al-Radi lost her battle with ovarian cancer and died at the age of 71.

NPR Analyst Canned for Muslim Remarks

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:33:22 -0700

]]> Longtime National Public Radio (NPR) News analyst Juan Williams is fired after remarks he made on the Fox News Channel about Muslims.

Radicalization in Muslim Societies

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 04:45:00 -0700

]]> Dr. John Exposito is the Director for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. Professor Esposito has been studying Islam and Politics for decades. He sat down with ILLUME to talk to us about the issue of radicalization in Muslim societies - how they interpret their text, and despite worldwide condemnation - how they build momentum and gather support.

Long-running Indonesian Gay Film Festival Faced Attacks

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:27:02 -0700

]]> Gay film festival Q!, an annual fixture in Indonesia and the largest gay film showcase in Asia, was condemned for the first time this year by Islamic groups.

FBI Tracking Device Found on Another Arab American

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:30:34 -0700

]]> After last week’s discovery that the FBI had placed a tracking device on an Arab-American 20 year old college student, Yasir Afifi, news has come out to suggest that Afifi is not alone.

The Day Atheism Became a Religion

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:27:37 -0700

]]> When the Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics (AHA!) student group became one of Stanford University’s Associated Religions (SAR), they were met with no resistance.

Palestinian Boy’s Gift For Music

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 06:40:22 -0700

]]> Nine-year-old Mahmoud Kohail lives in Gaza City. Like many children who lived through the conflict with Israel, he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder – but not when he plays his instrument.

Pastor Terry Jones Wins Car for Not Burning the Qur'an

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:35:45 -0700

]]> Known for radio ads that focus heavily on current events, car dealer Brad Benson made a pitch to Pastor Terry Jones urging him to drop plans to host the Qur'an burning event this summer.

Religious Bias in US Textbooks?

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 07:05:23 -0700

]]> Last week, the Texas Board of Education adopted a resolution with a 7-6 vote that ''accuses textbook publishers of favoring Islam over Christianity and tells them to stop it.'

FBI: GPS Tracking and Invasion of Privacy

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:06:46 -0700

]]> Last week, a 20-year-old California college student discovered a GPS tracking unit on his vehicle, planted by the FBI as part of a terrorism investigation.

The View Gets Riled Up

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:45:36 -0700

]]> Fox News host Bill O’Reilly caused a stir on a different channel Thursday morning. In an appearance on the popular ABC talk show “The View,” O’Reilly met with panelists Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd, and Barbara Walters to discuss Park51, the proposed cultural center to be built in New York two blocks away from the site of the World Trade Center.

The Radiant Sounds of Rahim Alhaj

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:20:58 -0700

]]> The World’s Marco Werman speaks with Iraqi musician Rahim Alhaj about his new recording “Little Earth,” and why the consequences of the wars in Iraq will always lend a melancholy to his music.

A Living Legend: Senegal's Omar Pene

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:01:03 -0700

]]> The World’s Marco Werman introduces us to one of Senegal’s most under-recognized musicians, singer Omar Pene.

A Green Consumer Diet: Fasting from Oil

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:22:44 -0700

]]> Fasting is a natural, religious and spiritual affair which is practised by many people all over the world.

Al Shasha Screenwriting Competition Finalists Announced

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:41:47 -0700

]]> The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) announced the 6 finalists of the Al Shasha screenwriting competition on September 22.

Rallying the Indo-Pak Express to Peace

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:57:18 -0700

]]> Ever since rumors that the Maharaja of Kashmir was for a union with India in 1947, the tensions between Pakistan and India have been befitting the Montagues and the Capulets.

The Society and Culture of Philippines

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:35:19 -0700

]]> The following images are of the Philippine country side. On the island of Luzon, just a couple hours drive south of the capital city of Manila. Most photos were taken in the towns of Tagaytay or Tuy, in the city of Batangas.

Exhibiting Beauty and Diversity Through Art

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:27:16 -0700

]]> The Second International Muslim Artists Exhibition 2010 [IMAE2010] will take place on Nov. 26 in New Orleans, LA.

A Muslim Superhero in a Wheelchair

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:16:15 -0700

]]> It's not a bird, or a plane… but a Muslim superhero - in a wheelchair.

A Filipino in Qatar

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:05:34 -0700

]]> At Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines, it is striking to take an inventory of airlines dominating the terminals. Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air, and the list goes on. Planes are filled with Filipino migrant workers.

Dreams Do Come True at Disney

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:56:32 -0700

]]> Just over a month ago, Imane Boudlal sued Disney for not being allowed to wear the hijab, or headscarf, as an employee for the Storyteller’s Café in the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

City of Life Comes to Vancouver

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:45:40 -0700

]]> 28-year old Emirati director Ali F. Mostafa is bringing his first feature City of Life to the Vancouver International Film Festival this October.

Scandal Sparks Unity in the City of Bell

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:39:05 -0700

]]> The city of Bell, a small town located in Southern California, sparked national outrage when city officials were discovered to be making six figure salaries out of taxpayer money.

A Call to End Discrimination

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 07:59:25 -0700

]]> Arabs, Muslims, Central and South Asians from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area say they are fed up with being discriminated against because of their religion or appearance.

The $35K Pitch for Pakistan

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:29:17 -0700

]]> It was 90 degrees out on a softball field in Long Island, New York. Hundreds of softball players stood in their diamond formations or waiting behind the cage- hungry, thirsty, but ready to play.

I am Taqwacore

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:26:57 -0700

]]> The title, The Taqwacores, a novel by Michael Muhammad Knight, is a combination of the Arabic word Taqwa, describing the balance of love and fear the pious have of God, and the core of hardcore punk.

Salma Arastu: Art Lives in the Lyrical Line

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:02:47 -0700

]]> Born into a Hindu family in Rajasthan, India, Salma Arastu's passion for art was with her from early childhood.

Minorities in America: Here's Our Side of the Story

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:18:01 -0700

]]> Support independent journalism! Help ILLUME continue to dispel stereotypes, eliminate bias and combat extremism.

Blogger Focuses on Hijab Fashion

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:05:07 -0700

]]> Asma Q. Parvez believes fashion and hijab go together like biryani and raita or hummus and tahini.

Sitting With a Sage: Saeed Malik

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:11:15 -0700

]]> A few months ago I was given Saeed Malik's book, Signs of Al-Qur'an: Through the Prism of the Heart, by a friend. To be honest, I find many contemporary writers on Islam quite dry in their approach.

Ramadan Gives Rise to Egyptian Soap Operas

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:46:06 -0700

]]> Television watching in the Middle East reaches an all-time high during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Religious Search Engines Yield Tailored Results

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:39:24 -0700

]]> If you like what the Internet has to offer but are concerned that your Web searches may lead you to content that's offensive to your religious beliefs, there's a solution for that. You can now use one of several search engines that cater to religious users.

Littering and Lack of Moderation Violates Important Islamic Tenets

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:37:49 -0700

]]> With businesses in the UAE slowly beginning to take the environment message seriously, it seems that scholars and imams are now doing the same.

Yemen's Many Shades of Islam

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:16:52 -0700

]]> CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom reports from a town in Yemen where different strands of Islam compete for influence.

Hey, America: I’m a Muslim, Let’s Talk

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:16:34 -0700

]]> I have developed an overwhelming urge to tell everyone I meet I’m a Muslim. As a Muslim woman who doesn’t wear a headscarf, I’m often mistaken for a Latina and other ethnicities that my features match. But as anti-Muslim sentiment has risen across the United States, so has my urge to say: “Hey America: I’m a Muslim. Let’s talk.”

Faith and Football: The Abdullah Brothers

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:43:39 -0700

]]> Hamza and Husain Abdullah grew up in Pomona, CA in a family of 12 children. They have been playing football the majority of their lives. Both brothers were defensive stars and leaders at Washington State University and are currently in the NFL; Hamza for the Arizona Cardinals and Husain for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Middle-class Indian Life

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:40:14 -0700

]]> Andaleeb Wajid would rather be identified as a story teller rather than just a writer. Wajid, from Bangalore, India, has published one novel, her second novel is going to be published soon and is currently working on the third, all in English.

The Reluctant Mullah

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:15:57 -0700

]]> I know everyone says that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but that's exactly what I did with The Reluctant Mullah by British-Pakistani writer Sagheer Afzal.

France Approves Burqa Ban

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:06:55 -0700

]]> It’s official. The French Senate has banned the voile integrale” (total veil) in all public places less the streets.

Ernest Withers: Civil Rights Photographer, FBI Informant

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 06:32:35 -0700

]]> Ernest Withers was known by many as “the original civil rights photographer.” He captured the iconic images of Martin Luther King Jr. on the night King was shot in Memphis, and other leaders of the movement in the 1960s.

Ernest Withers: Pictures Tell the Story

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 06:32:32 -0700

]]> Ernest Withers spent more than 60 years documenting history from the blues music of Beale Street to the civil rights movement.

The New Tools of Protest in the Arab World

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:45:51 -0700

]]> Khaled Said is not the first Egyptian whom police allegedly beat to death. But his death has sparked a virtual revolution that is affecting Egypt's tightly controlled society.

Movements Through Prayer: Malaysian Martial Arts

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:58:03 -0700

]]> Guru Mazlan Man stood in a neutral stance, hands at his side, feet side by side, a natural and relaxed stance, which is the starting point of all Silat Kalam movements.

A Conversation With Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:23:52 -0700

]]> Join us for an onstage conversation with Seyyed Hossein Nasr, one of the world’s leading teachers on Sufism and Islamic spirituality.

EXCLUSIVE: 9/11 Rally - SIOA/FDI Stop the 'Ground Zero Mosque'

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:44:47 -0700

]]> On September 11, 2010 a rally organized by the Freedom Defense Initiative (FDI) and Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) was held in remembrance of the 9/11 attack and to voice an opposition of the selected location for the Park51 (formerly known as Cordoba House) Islamic Cultural Center and Mosque.

EXCLUSIVE: 9/11 Rally - Nine Years Later - Lower Manhattan

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:42:30 -0700

]]> This collection features street photography in Lower Manhattan on 9th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Much has changed in the city, but one thing that remains unchanged is its character: always diverse, controversial and human.

African-American Muslims Speak Out Against Intolerance

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:09:06 -0700

]]> Recently gathering to condemn an increasing level of Islamophobia, the Coalition of African-American Muslims joined together to address bigotry and discrimination in light of the Park 51 Mosque controversy.

Enter the Hijabi: Chinese Wushu Martial Arts

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:04:48 -0700

]]> Muslim school girls from St. Maaz high school practice Chinese Wushu martial arts inside the school compound in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. Girls from ages 10-16 participate in weekly sessions during the school terms.

Rethinking Islamic Schools

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:23:00 -0700

]]> One of the most popular forms of education within the Muslim-American community is the full-time Islamic school. Conservatively estimated to number 250 Islamic institutions in the U.S. alone, these schools have made great strides in the past decade in keeping academic performance up and creating a well-balanced Muslim-American identity.

Love in a Headscarf: Muslim Bridget Jones

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:16:10 -0700

]]> It took Shelina Zahra Janmohamed ten years of fixed blind-dates to find Mr. Right. An arranged marriage? Poor thing. A tradition that is “oh so old-fashioned,” and “uncool,” and receives instant sympathy. But guess what, Shelina’s story is anything but a misery memoir.

EXCLUSIVE: 9/11: March Against Racism and Anti-Islamic Bigotry

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 19:36:14 -0700

]]> Organized by the National Action Center, a gathering and march in opposition to “September 11 Remembrance Rally Stop the Ground Zero Mosque” was held in Lower Manhattan.

Stand Up for the Freedom to Offend

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:21:19 -0700

]]> Offence drew me to Park51, the proposed Islamic community centre and mosque in Lower Manhattan, two blocks from Ground Zero. But not for the reasons you think.

Mud Structures: Spectacular And Sustainable

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 04:57:16 -0700

]]> Mud buildings have withstood the test of time; will they populate our futures too?

Bay Area “Muslim Serve”

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 04:18:53 -0700

]]> Re-launched this year to encourage Muslim-Americans to fight positively against the increased bigotry that the Park 51 controversy and Qur'an burning event have brought, citizens across the country will be participating in community service and interfaith efforts this Saturday, September 11.

Park51 Opposition Erupts in Vandalism and Violence

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 03:57:28 -0700

]]> Anti-Muslim sentiment has exploded all over the country triggered by the controversy surrounding the proposed Park51 Islamic cultural center in lower Manhattan.

Shedding Light on the Burgeoning Middle East Comedy Scene

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 03:53:49 -0700

]]> According to Jamil Abu Wardeh’s recent talk on TED, there is an explosion of comedy in the Middle East - an unfortunate choice of words, he admits, but apt nonetheless.

Muslim-Americans Have a History Before 9/11

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:20:30 -0700

]]> I live in Harlem on a street that is home to three churches and a mosque. The mosque is next door to one of those churches and when male congregants mingle on the sidewalk, it’s impossible to tell who had just been in church and who in the mosque. It’s only some of the women’s headscarves that tell you.

“Ground Zero Dialogue” Informs Mosque Debate

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:14:46 -0700

]]> Created by Unity Productions Foundation, a documentary filmmaker dedicated to “promoting peace through its media,” “Ground Zero Dialogue,” is a free website that provides visitors with access to a number of informed and well-produced videos on Islam and Muslims in America.

Qur’anic Artwork for the American Soul

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:32:26 -0700

]]> The Qur’an is in the process of being featured in art gallery across the nation. Sandow Birk, an American artist from Southern California, wants to shed light on the true message of the holy book through an art project known as “The American Qur’an."

Building on Faith in Lower Manhattan

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:51:35 -0700

]]> As my flight approached America last weekend, my mind circled back to the furor that has broken out over plans to build Cordoba House, a community center in Lower Manhattan. I have been away from home for two months, speaking abroad about cooperation among people from different religions.

Muslims Mourn On 9/11 Alongside Fellow Americans

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:56:56 -0700

]]> New York City population, 8,008,278 – according to recent government estimates. Out of the about 8 million, somewhere between 600,000 to 850,000 are Muslim.

Eid Al-Fitr Overlaps with Anniversary of Attacks

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:17:24 -0700

]]> Although most Muslim-Americans are observing Eid Al-Fitr to commemorate the end of the holy month of Ramadan on Friday, September 10 this year, fear exists that this celebration will be misinterpreted as anti-Americanism.

Responses to “Burn the Koran Day” Anticipated

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:34:49 -0700

]]> With the anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaching, many Muslim-Americans are awaiting the date with anxiety and even fear. This year’s 9/11 has been declared by Florida Reverend Terry Jones to be “Burn the Koran Day.”

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:25:03 -0700

]]> British and American soldiers fighting forces of terrorism in Afghanistan have recently been shocked at an age-old Afghan practice known as “bacha bazi.”

Who's Afraid of Shariah?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:01:52 -0700

]]> Hasn't the whole notion of shariah in America gotten a bit out of control? No, it hasn't -- it's gotten hugely, obscenely, ignorantly out of control.

Artist Hand-makes Painted Islamic and Middle-Eastern Inspired Jewelry

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:12:48 -0700

]]> Imagine walking into a dazzling home resembling a “livable folk art” and Islamic art museum: wood panels from the Swat Valley, Palestinian bedouin textiles, and sand blasted tiles from Morocco and Afghanistan.

Indigenous Muslim Support Network Rising in Australia

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:58:53 -0700

]]> In Australia, the network of support for the indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Muslim community is set to expand and diversify, according to its founder, Chinese and Aboriginal woman, Eugenia Flynn.

America, A Mosque and Me

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:18:44 -0700

]]> When the planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001, I was living in Seattle, on the other side of America. My brother and his wife were visiting me. We did not leave the house for two days because we were worried that Americans angry at Muslims would attack my sister-in-law, who wore a hijab.

Austrian Political Party, Neo-Nazis Promote Mosque-and-Muslim Shooting Game

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:23:15 -0700

]]> The Austrian far-right has capitalized on fears about mosques and minarets with an online video game where the player “shoots down” minarets and fez-wearing Muslims.

Muslim Community at a Crossroads with a Leadership Vacuum

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:54:02 -0700

]]> Muslims are a very diverse people. Although they share timeless universals that weave them together into a common fabric, it would be dishonest to paint them with a broad brush.

Halal Sex Shop for Muslim Couples

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:36:37 -0700

]]> CNN's Atika Shubert meets the man behind what's billed as the world's first online sex shop catering to Muslim couples.

African-American Muslims: Left Out of the National Conversation on Islam

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:03:56 -0700

]]> “We have to be able to decode what’s happening and realize that this is religious intolerance on one hand, and it’s [also] good ol’ red-blooded American racial and ethnic bias on the other hand,” said Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, sitting in his office at the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood Inc. in Harlem.

Jewish Paramilitary Group Brings West Bank Tactics to US

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:22:30 -0700

]]> Using West Bank settlements’ paramilitary organizations as a model, a group of Israeli Defence Force (IDF) veterans have formed a "paramilitary emergency armed response team."

Hidaya Foundation Ramps Up Aid in Pakistan

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:17:02 -0700

]]> During the long Summer Ramadan fasts, many of us are fortunate enough to spend our weekends in the comfort of our air-conditioned homes.

Minorities Attacked During Pakistani Floods

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:12:53 -0700

]]> In addition to the country-wide chaos, affliction, and death due to the catastrophic Pakistani floods, religious minorities in the country are suffering increased levels of persecution and the denial of aid and resources in many cities around the nation.

Burmese Muslim Refugees Seeking Shelter and Survival

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:00:33 -0700

]]> “We know you help Shan people Burma. Please help we. We Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.”

Abercrombie & Fitch: Feds Sue Retailer

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:44:50 -0700

]]> The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued popular youth clothing company Abercrombie and Fitch yesterday over a case in which a young 18 year-old woman’s job application was turned down because she wore the hijab.

Muslim-Americans: A Call to Action

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:35:52 -0700

]]> In response to the heightened bigotry against Muslim-Americans in recent weeks, a number of prominent Muslim organizations are calling their communities to action.

Five Years of Struggles, a Future of Hope

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:35:27 -0700

]]> The five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina marks more than just the five years since the initial Category 3 storm that hit on August 29, 2005.

Exibit Celebrates Muslim Contributions

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:42:11 -0700

]]> Reporter Matthew Brunwasser toured a new exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey examining the technological innovations of Muslim civilization.

US Mission in Iraq "Draws to a Close"

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:33:01 -0700

]]> What began as mission to purge the world of terrorism and remove weapons of mass destruction from Iraq, is finally drawing to a close today. Tonight at 5 pm EST, the American combat mission in Iraq officially ends.

My Faith My Voice

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:38:04 -0700

]]> My Faith My Voice is a grassroots effort by American Muslims from across the country looking to present their voice on issues affecting Muslims and Islam in America

Distributing Meals to the Homeless

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:35:49 -0700

]]> Two years ago in the middle of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, Fizza Ahmed became concerned about the needs of the homeless population in San Francisco. Fasting is supposed to teach empathy, and with so many people in need, Ramadan presented a great opportunity to put that empathy into practice.

Wrapping For Literacy, Senegalese Mix

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:02:51 -0700

]]> Twelve pages of diversified head-covered women in the 2011 wall calendar, Beautifully Wrapped, will contribute to the literacy of 10,000 girls from Senegal.

New York Cab Driver Facing Trauma

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:03:14 -0700

]]> Ahmed Sharif, the New York Muslim cab driver who was attacked for allegedly practicing Islam, is facing extensive trauma and monetary difficulties as a result of last week’s stabbing.

Samira Atash: Fashion-Easta

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:57:27 -0700

]]> The fashion world is full of labels named after their designers: Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, to name a few. But it’s still rare to see a Muslim name on a popular brand of clothing in the west.

Exploring the Voices of Female Clerics

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:33:49 -0700

]]> Brigid Maher, Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at American University, recently took a journey of discovery into the worlds of three female Muslim religious leaders in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.

Gates Applauds Khan Academy's Ingenuity

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:27:20 -0700

]]> Weeks ago at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Bill Gates applauded the educational efforts of Salman Khan in front of a 2,000-man audience. Khan, the only teacher of the online Khan Academy, produces videos and tutorials that have made his website one of the most popular educational sites on the internet.

Striking A Blow For Women's Rights

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:19:57 -0700

]]> In 1999, a woman was executed in front of 30,000 spectators in Kabul’s Ghazi Sport stadium by the Taliban for fighting back against her abusive husband.

Eid on 9/11 Anniversary?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:19:23 -0700

]]> This is the way the Muslim calendar works: because it’s lunar, it slips back about 11 days each Gregorian year. Lunar months are 29 or 30 days (years are 354 or 355 days). So every 33-odd Gregorian years, the Muslim calendar makes a full pilgrimage through the seasons.

Game Time: Great Muslim Athletes

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:30:08 -0700

]]> What makes an athlete great? Is it their natural born ability? Their determination? Their heart and drive to be the greatest? Their love of the game? How about all of the above plus one extra “it” factor—that indefinable attribute that elevates talented athletes to once-in-a-lifetime legend status. And though we can’t define exactly what that special trait is, we know one thing for sure—every one of the athletes we included in our list has it.

Cab Driver Allegedly Stabbed for Being Muslim

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:46:14 -0700

]]> New York taxi driver Ahmed Sharif was allegedly stabbed Tuesday night for being Muslim. The 43-year old victim is now in stable condition.

Nation's First Muslim College Opens Its Doors

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:40:47 -0700

]]> What promises to be America’s first Muslim full-time institution, Zaytuna College, has opened its doors to students this week.

iMuslim: There's an App for That!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:52:09 -0700

]]> In the midst of the Silicon Valley, Muslims are making use of advanced technology to keep in practice with their religion. With the development of the iPad and various versions of iPods and iPhones, more and more applications are being designed to accommodate a diverse range of lifestyles.

Afghan National Army's First Female Faces

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:32:42 -0700

]]> Three years ago Habiba Sayed, 28, witnessed the Taliban kill her 15-year-old cousin. The boy’s body was so badly mutilated she could only identify him by a scar on his hand.

The Gold Dinar is Gaining Ground

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:20:32 -0700

]]> Harsh criticisms of Islam and Muslims are becoming increasingly common in Western media, but one area they continue to command respect is in the financial sector, especially among Austrian economists.

Civil Rights Groups and News Outlet File Lawsuit Against the FBI

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:10:15 -0700

]]> The American Civil Liberties Union, the Asian Law Caucus and the San Francisco Bay Guardian filed suit today against the FBI after the federal agency failed to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain records on surveillance against Muslim communities in Northern California.

Filed in March of this year, the request requires the FBI to disclose records to show ‘whether and how’ they are investigating Islamic centers and mosques, Christian churches and Jewish synagogues, “assessing” religious leaders, and whether the agency is infiltrating communities using undercover agents and informants.

They also seek to find out whether the FBI trains agents in Islam and Muslim culture and use race, religion and national origin in deciding whom to investigate.

The records are sought in part in response to concerns reported extensively by major media outlets about the “chilling effects of possible racial and religious profiling and the potential harm such tactics may have on national security,” according to a statement from the Asian Law Caucus.

In addition to the media attention, the ACLU and the Asian Law Caucus have received many complaints over the past several months from community members in Oakland, San Mateo and San Francisco about visits from FBI agents, and to voice “broader community anxiety” over the FBI’s attempts to recruit informants and infiltrators, which the agency has allegedly done through gyms, community centers, and mosques, the statement said.

“We get calls from community members, leaders, and organizations every week regarding unwanted FBI attention,” said Veena Dubal, staff attorney for the Asian Law Caucus. “We need to understand the FBI’s own policies and practices so that the communities we serve can make informed comments and seek policy changes as appropriate.”

While the FBI officially granted the organizations expedited processing in March, meaning they would receive the documents as fast as possible, the agency has yet to release any documents, Dubal said.

Federal law mandates that even without the expedited processing, the statutory deadline is a 20-day response, she said.

“When you file an FOIA, you should get the document requested, unless there are exceptions,” she said. “They just keep delaying - we haven’t seen a single document in five months. Not only are they not in compliance, but they have far extended the expedited request.”

The Freedom of Information Act states that each federal agency is required to disclose statements of policy and interpretations adopted but not published in the Federal Register, and administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public, among other items.

The FBI admitted in March that the requests were entitled to expedited processing because of the widespread media attention on the issues.

“This lawsuit is about transparency,” said Raj Chatterjee, attorney for Morrison & Foerster, the international law firm representing the three groups. “The public is entitled to this information under the Freedom of Information Act.”

Documents requested include records, internal policy memos, information on training of agents and religious profiling, and aggregate data of how many mosques are being investigated.

According to Bill Carter, spokesperson for the FBI, FOIA requests are processed in a "first-in, first out" order, but take time for the staff to review all documents.

Requests that include thousands of pages must be read through to make sure all the information included is permissible to release.

"The job of the FBI, our #1 priority, is to prevent an act of terrorism," Carter said. "We don’t investigate buildings, we investigate individuals. If there is an individual involved (in terrorist activity), that would be of interest to the FBI. If it just so happens they are part of a mosque, we'll investigate."

Carter said the FBI does not investigate mosques based on religious activity.

Also of interest to the civil rights organizations are details on whether FBI agents are recruiting Muslim and Arab children at Bay Area schools to serve in the agency’s Junior Agent Program, according to their statement.

“We don’t know much about (the Junior Agent program), which is why we’re seeking records,” Dubal said.

The Asian Law caucus received word from several parents in the Fremont area that the FBI was on campus at FAME, a charter school with about a 90% Muslim population and an Arabic curriculum in addition to the regular coursework.

The FBI reportedly teaches a fifth grade class at the school, Dubal said.

“Upon further investigation, we learned of the Junior Agent program,” she said. “That raised questions and concerns for us.”

The Junior Agents program is part of the FBI's Community Outreach program, which aims to reach out to concerned citizens, according to the spokesperson.

"(The community outreach program) is an organization where we have employees who provide assistant to schools who would have problems with a number of issues (with the FBI)," Carter said. "Employees - agents or non-agents - act as mentors to kids to help them in their studies and encourage them to stay in school and become good citizens."

The Citizens Academy program is another effort where the FBI invites members of the community to come in and get briefings on what the FBI does in order to foster a better understanding of what they are.

Zahra Billoo, attorney and Director of the San Francisco-Bay Area chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, has represented about 20 individuals who have been visited by the FBI in different circumstances.

In the past, investigations into certain groups appear to reflect trends in international politics, she said.

"For example, when there is unrest in Yemen, or when there is news of Anwar Awlaki out of Yemen, we see an increase in FBI visits in the Yemeni community," she said.

Billoo is waiting to see if the documents evidence a disproportional targeting of Muslims.

"There has been a chilling effect on the freedom to practice: people think twice about attending and becoming involved at their mosques as a result of increased complaints of FBI visits," she said. "I think profiling individuals based on nation or origin is ineffective. People who will commit violent acts against innocent civilians come from all backgrounds – profiling should be based on behavior, patterns, or criminal history not religious or ethnic background.”

Crocheter Knits Hope for Flood Victims

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:05:45 -0700

]]> 30-year-old freelance artist, Savera Iftikhar, discovered her talent of crocheting accidentally - literally.

Miss USA Fasts Ramadan, Strips Away Stereotypes

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:24:11 -0700

]]> Miss USA Rima Fakih says she is fasting from sunrise to sundown in accordance with her religious beliefs. The 24-year-old beauty queen is in Las Vegas preparing for today's Miss Universe beauty pageant, but says observing the Islamic month of Ramadan is important to her.

American Muslim Leaders Visit Nazi Concentration Camps

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:12:16 -0700

]]> A group of Muslims praying outside a concentration camp; such a sight stopped passer-byers in their tracks. Earlier this month, a delegation of prominent US Muslims and Jews visited camps in Dachauin, Germany and Auschwitz, Poland.

More Girls Jumping into Youth Olympics

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:36:20 -0700

]]> At this weekend’s opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics, Jihan El Midany will lead the Egyptian delegation and mark a remarkable moment for her country.

Barack Obama, 'Muslim' President

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:03:17 -0700

]]> One wonders why only 20% of Americans believe President Obama is a Muslim, considering the overwhelming evidence conclusively proving his slavish allegiance to Islam and utter disregard for Christianity.

The Many Flavors of American Islam

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:05:34 -0700

]]> Two comedians visit a different mosque on each of Ramadan's 30 days.

Woman Alleges Hijab Is Not Welcomed at the Happiest Place on Earth

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:08:06 -0700

]]> Around the world, the personal decision to wear the hijab remains controversial for many governments, companies, and people.

The Power of Storytelling: Creating a New Future for American Muslims

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:02:25 -0700

]]> In 7th-century Arabia, the storyteller was valued more than the swordsman. The audience sat on the floor surrounding the gifted orator as he captivated the eager listeners with beautiful poetry narrating their history. In the 21st century, the art form may have evolved to include motion pictures, TV shows, theater productions, novels, and standup comedy, but they all serve the same function: storytelling.

Balancing Spirituality with Sports: Training While Fasting

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:24:58 -0700

]]> For the National Football League (NFL), late summer translates into intense workouts and opportunities for players to build up their endurance. This Ramadan, Husain Abdullah, safety for the Minnesota Vikings, will be practicing for his team while fasting.

Issues Affecting Muslim Youth

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:11:39 -0700

]]> Tayyibah Taylor, editor of Azizah Magazine, and Shaykh Jihad Brown of Tabah Foundation talk about the role of Islam.

World’s Largest Museum of Islamic Art Re-opens

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:37:36 -0700

]]> After a $10-million restoration project that lasted 8 years, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt officially reopened the world’s largest Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

Bhangra Empire: Remixing the Classics

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:46:06 -0700

]]> When Omer Mirza, the coach and choreographer of Bhangra Empire, received an email asking him to call a number in Washington, D.C. he wasn't sure what to do. It was a strange enough request that he was intrigued enough to call

One of the Worst Humanitarian Disasters Ever Seen

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:10:54 -0700

]]> Described as one of the worst humanitarian disasters ever seen, the devastating floods in Pakistan have destroyed the lives of many and brought catastrophe to the nation.

Photographer Celebrates Muslim Women in iCOVER

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:47:43 -0700

]]> A professional boxer, a cross-country truck driver and mechanic, an American soldier, a surfer and tri-athlete, and a court judge were a few of the plethora of hijabie’s featured in Sadaf Syed’s photo documentary book: iCOVER: A Day in the Life of a Muslim American covered girl.

China's Female Imams

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:21:36 -0700

]]> China distinguishes itself in the Muslim world with a long tradition of female imams.

Ramadan Road Trip

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:26:35 -0700

]]> In the midst of the national commotion around the proposed mosque near Ground Zero and the President’s recent defense of the plan at the Annual White House Ramadan Iftar, two Muslim-Americans have announced their intention to visit 30 mosques in 30 different states during the holy month of Ramadan.

Singing Lessons for Muezzins

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:45:11 -0700

]]> With thousands of mosques broadcasting the call to prayer five times a day, it only takes one muezzin singing with a froggy voice to make life miserable for neighbors. To make it easier on the ears – and nerves – of local residents, the city’s chief religious official has set up singing lessons. From Istanbul, Matthew Brunwasser reports.

Muslims Get Grant For Liquor Stores To Become Grocery Stores

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:49:56 -0700

]]> The gold plated “Allah” sign hangs in Saeed Azimzadeh’s store right next to his license to sell liquor in the San Francisco Bay Area. Born and raised in Yemen, Azimzadeh earned a degree in Civil Engineering.

Unveiling the Haute Hijab

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:00:38 -0700

]]> Melanie Elturk has always dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. At the age of 25, she is not only a fashion designer and an attorney, but she's preparing to launch her online store, Haute Hijab, this fall.

Obama the Menteng Kid Premieres in Jakarta

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 06:00:17 -0700

]]> Obama the Menteng Kid (Obama Anak Menteng in Indonesian), a film depicting US President Barack Obama's early childhood in Indonesia, premiered in Jakarta on June 30 to an audience of Indonesian celebrities, politicians and US Ambassador Cameron Hume. The film opened to nationwide release the next day on July 1.

Neighbors Stand in Opposition of Mosque Minaret Plans

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:35:23 -0700

]]> In the midst of high-profile national opposition to the building of a mosque near "Ground Zero" and a heightened sense of resistance to mosque projects across the country, the Muslim Community Association of Santa Clara, Calif. has announced its hopes to build a symbolic 63-foot minaret to add to the existing facility.

Feeding the Needy

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:30:30 -0700

]]> Every Saturday from 8:30 - 10:00 volunteers from Lighthouse and other Oakland Mosques join to feed the needy at the Rainbow Recreation Center. The event, organized by Alice, is located at: 5800 International Blvd in Oakland. All are welcome!

Honoring Women

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:27:18 -0700

]]> Time magazine’s August 9 edition features a photo of an Afghani girl with her nose cut off, purportedly at the order of a local Taliban commander as a punishment for running away from her abusive in-laws. The photograph is a hauntingly horrific reminder of some of the most extreme abuses suffered by Muslim women at the hands of Muslim men

Striving Towards a Green Ramadan

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:40:28 -0700

]]> Ramadan is a time to nurture the spirit of sacrifice, God-consciousness and self-awareness. It is an opportunity to learn the twin lessons of moderation and conservation as we forgo food and drink and embrace the ideal of less is better.

Ramadan Blues

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:34:47 -0700

]]> “I promise.” The young boy – ashamed, dishonored, and fearing the wrath of a vengeful, omnipotent Allah – promised his Pakistani immigrant father with conviction and resolve.

Mecca Hopes With Time It Will be the Center of the World

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:51:40 -0700

]]> As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Saudi Arabia has announced plans to complete a four-faced clock on what will be the second tallest building in the world, towering over the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba.

MOOZ-lum: The Movie

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:21:37 -0700

]]> Sunday, August 8 saw the release of the official trailer for the long-awaited feature film MOOZ-lum: The Movie. Written and directed by Qasim "Q" Basir, starring Danny Glover, Nia Long and Evan Ross, it promises to be a ground-breaking film about the American Muslim experience.

In the Shadow of the "Ground Zero Mosque" Controvery

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:25:58 -0700

]]> Over the years, since the first Persian Gulf War and up until the September 11 attacks, questions about Islam have been slowly evolving from the very basic relating to beliefs and practices, to the more complex and practical as Muslims found themselves confronted for the first time with questions about where Islam stands on issues such as democracy, human rights and pluralism.

Journey Into America: The Challenge of Islam

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:53:04 -0700

]]> Akbar Ahmed and his team of American assistants visited Muslim communities in 75 towns and cities in the U.S. to find out the views of people there on various topics including religion, terrorism, and American politics. He presents his findings in his latest book, Journey into America.

Master of Calligraphy Shares His Craft

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:35:41 -0700

]]> Every other Wednesday, on a leafy cul-de-sac in Arlington, Virginia, students trickle in and out of the home studio of Mohamed Zakariya, who teaches Islamic calligraphy. Reporter Bruce Wallace went to a recent lesson at Zakariya’s home to see and hear the master at work.

Muslim Holidays in Public Schools

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:27:23 -0700

]]> In U.S. cities where Muslim populations are growing fast, families are pushing to make their holidays part the calendar in schools. Some cities have adopted the idea – but in the nation’s largest school system – New York City – the debate continues. Lily Jamali reports from New York.

Fareed Zakaria Returns Anti-Defamation League Award

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:40:03 -0700

]]> Indian-American journalist Fareed Zakaria returned an award he received from the Anti-Defamation League due to the group's opposition to the proposed "Ground Zero Mosque."

Clowns Who Care

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:12:35 -0700

]]> The Clowns Who Care, Mina Liccione and Ali Al Sayed, recently brought their unique brand of humor to the Special Families Support, a support group in Dubai for children with special needs and their family, and Senses, a residential care facility for children with special needs.

Muslim Leader Speaks Out Against "Ground Zero Mosque"

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:53:55 -0700

]]> A controversial plan to build a 13-story cultural center housing a mosque in lower Manhattan has incited an anti-Islamic backlash across the country. Park51, formerly known as the "Cordoba House" and widely referenced as "Ground Zero Mosque", was favored by the New York City community board in a 29-1 vote with the full backing of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Obama Helps Fundraise for Illinois Senate Candidate Alexi Giannoulias

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:14:30 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama aided U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias on Thursday, raising much-needed campaign funds and reassuring voters that the Democrat is a trusted ally who can be counted on to help advance a progressive agenda.

Clinton Praises Kenyan Road to Democracy

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:38:15 -0700

]]> US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement on Thursday praising Kenyan citizens who turned out in large numbers to vote on their new constitution.

Denial: A Memoir of Terror

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:33:41 -0700

]]> Jessica Stern is perhaps best known for her work interviewing terrorists about their motivations, research that culminated in the acclaimed book Terror in the Name of God: Why Religious Militants Kill. She’s now written a very different book called Denial: A Memoir of Terror. It is a deeply personal account of the childhood traumas that have shaped her life and work.

Home Is Where the School Is

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:12:49 -0700

]]> Ask Omar Alwazzani to name all the countries in Western Europe and he’ll do it at the speed of light.

Eco-Islam in Africa

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:27:30 -0700

]]> Green is the color commonly associated with Islam and some scholars say the Qur'an also commands Muslims to be green in the modern environmental sense. In East Africa, a development project using Islamic ethics has taught locals the Qur'anic imperatives of conserving natural resources. Some say eco-Islam has taken root. From Pemba Island in Tanzania, Matthew Brunwasser reports.

US Plans to Impose New Sanctions on North Korea

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:20:51 -0700

]]> Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has expressed her disapproval over warnings made by North Korea regarding US naval drills set in South Korea. The Secretary of State said it is "distressing" that North Korea keeps issuing threats.

"Leaving Islam" Bus Ad Parodies "Why Islam" Campaign

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:41:04 -0700

]]> Anti-Muslim activist, Pamela Geller continues her controversial bus ad campaign, this time in the streets of the liberal San Francisco Bay Area.

President Obama Celebrates 49th Birthday

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:48:31 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama celebrates his 49th birthday today with old friends in Chicago as First Lady Michelle Obama and their younger daughter Sasha vacate in Spain while their oldest daughter is spending a month at an undisclosed camp.

Clinton Promises Pakistan Support For Natural Disasters

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:31:46 -0700

]]> U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke on Wednesday stating that the White House will stand by and assist Pakistan with much needed disaster relief as well as a recent suicide bombing that killed a Pakistani military commander.

Hijabi Bassist Rocks Cairo

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:10:50 -0700

]]> Before getting up on stage, Shams Ahmed makes sure her hijab and pin are properly in place and checks the guitar straps so they don’t get stuck in her hijab.

Obama Praises Plan to Withdraw Troops from Iraq as a Promise Kept

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:27:09 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama says this month’s plan of withdrawing troops from Iraq comes “as promised and on schedule,” during a speech to the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans on Monday.

Rahm Emanuel's Fundraiser Declared a Success

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:22:23 -0700

]]> White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel’s fundraising dinner hosted for Florida Democratic Senatorial candidate Kendrick Meek was called a success in garnering Democratic support for the four-term House representative.

The End of the Iraq War Is Near: Obama

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:58:03 -0700

After seven years of having a strong military presence in Iraq, President Barack Obamaannounced Monday the plan of withdrawal for U.S. troops is going to follow “as promised and on schedule.”

Food Justice for the Urban City

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:22:19 -0700

]]> Bay Area youth were drawn to Oakland this past weekend, for an interfaith service day focused on food justice.

City Refuses to Landmark "Ground Zero Mosque"

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:53:38 -0700

]]> The Landmarks Preservation Commission in New York City decided Tuesday to reject the landmark status for 45-47 Park Place in lower Manhattan.

The Battle of the Veils

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:15:59 -0700

]]> In its first installment of the USATvs video series, USA TODAY contributing writer Souheila Al-Jadda, a Muslim American, and Muslim-American feminist Mona Eltahawy discuss whether the recent ban on veils in Europe should come to the U.S.

Everyone Loves a Free Lunch

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:30:38 -0700

]]> In his 2009 speech in Cairo, President Barack Obama promised to ensure that American Muslims would be able to give their Zakat, a religious obligation to give to those in need, despite a recent crackdown on Islamic charities.

Clinton Pledges $10 Million to Help Pakistan Flood Victims

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:11:22 -0700

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised $10 million in emergency funds to Pakistan to aid in the relief efforts after the catastrophic floods in the country’s northwest region.

Uzbek Government Accused of Forcibly Sterilizing Women

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:54 -0700

]]> Hundreds of women allege the Uzbekistan government surgically sterilized them without their consent to manage population growth, said victims, human rights groups and health officials to the Associated Press.

Cat Poo Coffee Gets Halal Green Light

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:43:23 -0700

]]> Indonesia's top religious body has declared a premium coffee made from civet cat droppings fit for Muslims to drink.

Leap of Faith: Marrying Outside Your Religion

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:46:08 -0700

]]> Chelsea Clinton, raised Methodist, and Marc Mezvinsky, Jewish, was wed this weekend.
Statistics show that 37 percent of Americans have a spouse of a different faith.

Jummah Tea Party Protest Against Temecula Mosque

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:25:57 -0700

]]> Heightened tension between Muslims and self-proclaimed American patriots are on the rise. With the Park51 protests inciting nation-wide Islamophobia paired with accusations of Tea Party racism, it’s no wonder that one of the biggest battle grounds that brings these two heavyweight issues face to face is in our own backyard – Temecula, California.

Rahm Emanuel Promises $1.5 Billion for Struggling Farmers

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:27:47 -0700

Though President Barack Obama’s small business initiative was blocked by Senate Republicans this week, its addendum to support struggling farmers remains on the executive fiscal agenda.

Oil Industry Reform Bill Passes in House

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:49:52 -0700

]]> On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to impose new safety regulations on the offshore oil-drilling industry in light the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the explosion of a drilling rig.

Iran Makes an Offer to the President: We Will Help Clean Up the Gulf

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:41:13 -0700

]]> Iran has offered to assist President Barack Obama in dealing with the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the response to which many Americans say has not been swift and adequate enough on part of the Obama Administration.

Clinton to Discuss Cooperation With Indonesian Foreign Minister

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:05:07 -0700

]]> Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa are scheduled for a series of diplomatic meetings in the coming months.

Texas Muslim Women's Group Helps All Domestic Abuse Vicitms

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:28:14 -0700

]]> The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation is dispelling misconceptions while trying to help people of all faiths, particularly domestic abuse victims.

The Power of Knowing Your Rights

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:08:49 -0700

]]> In 2006 Ahmadullah Niazi, a 34-year-old regular at the Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI), befriended Craig Morteilh, who presented himself as a recent immigrant who was interested in converting to Islam.

Clinton Welcomes New Sanctions Against Iran

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:56:28 -0700

]]> Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner approve of the new sanctions against Iran.

Clinton Provokes Chinese-U.S. Tensions

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:48:35 -0700

]]> Last Friday, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke at an Asian security forum in Hanoi, Vietnam, criticizing Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Rahm Emanuel Plans to Host Fundraiser for Florida Democrat

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:32:13 -0700

]]> White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel plans to hold a fundraiser for Democratic Representative Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), who is competing for the Democratic nomination in Florida’s Senate race.

Obama Urges Congress to Support Small Business

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:30:05 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama spoke in a New Jersey Sandwich Shop on Wednesday, calling on Congress to put forth legislation that would provide financial incentives, and said he anticipates legislation to be passed by mid-August.

The Cost And Courage Of Wearing A Scarf: Hani Khan’s Story

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:52:16 -0700

]]> Hani Khan woke up on February 15 and got ready for her day. She laid out her clothes, put on some lip-gloss, and wrapped the hijab around her head, the religious head covering she has been wearing since kindergarten. She walked into her job at Hollister at the Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo, California and punched her employee ID into the system as usual but that day, something seemed off.

Emirati and Indian Culture to Meld in Mini-feature Mallal

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:05:28 -0700

]]> This summer, award-winning director Nayla Al Khaja, chief executive officer and producer of D-7 Motion Pictures, and a plethora of foreign collaborators from eight different countries will shoot the first ever Emirati Indian cross-cultural film Mallal, meaning bored in Arabic.

Groups Accuse the FBI of Ethnic Profiling

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:30:16 -0700

]]> Civil rights organizations are accusing the FBI of ethnic profiling and using mapping techniques to target the Muslim community.

Access to HIV/AIDS Prevention Should be Universal

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:45:22 -0700

]]> Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at the 18th annual International AIDS Conference today in Vienna, Austria, saying that the United States is the largest financial supporter of global AIDS programs.

"Flowers of the Heart" Celebrates Spirit and Skill

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:21:25 -0700

]]> A few years ago Ustad Ghulam Farid Nizami was honored to be able to perform traditional Pakistani classical music during one of President George W. Bush's visits to Pakistan.

Obama: Leaked Documents Expose Nothing New

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:06:58 -0700

]]> In his first public comment regarding the leak of over 90,000 secret documents about the Afghanistan war, President Barack Obama says the information released is nothing new and "don't reveal any issues that haven't already informed our public debate on Afghanistan."

Rahm Emanuel to Host Fundraiser for Kendrick Meek

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:08:02 -0700

]]> White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is scheduled to host a fundraiser for Senate candidate Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) on

Obama Asks Senate to Pass Campaign Funding Discloure Act

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:37:59 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama advised the U.S. senate to pass a law that mandates groups to reveal the funding sources for their political ads, in a speech given at the White House today.

Obama and Clinton Pledge to Support Global AIDs and HIV Relief Efforts

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:36:43 -0700

]]> This Friday at the culmination of the 2010 International AIDs Conference, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised US assistance in the international fight against HIV and AIDs.

Emanuel Takes on Big Business Critics

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:38:21 -0700

]]> Emanuel spoke on behalf of the Obama administration last Friday in response to a number of complaints from the business community.

Clean-up Resumes After Tropical Storm Bonnie Downgraded

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:35:12 -0700

]]> Cleanup resumed at the site of the blown-out BP well Saturday after threats of a tropical storm system delayed crews for three days.

Afghan War Docs Revealed

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:42:20 -0700

]]> Ninety-two thousand pieces of classified military documents were leaked online Sunday, detailing the United States' war in Afghanistan.

Obama Urges Iraqi Leaders to Form Government

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:30:07 -0700

]]> On Thursday, President Barack Obama urged Iraqi leaders to form a government at their earliest discretion as he announced that the military was ahead of schedule in its plan draw down troops.

Egyptians Protest Torture in Alexandria

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:12:04 -0700

]]> On July 23, 2,500 Egyptians silently protested police brutality along Alexandria’s boardwalk.

Emanuel Set to Testify on Blagojevich’s Defense

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:17:59 -0700

]]> US Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will be called to testify for the defense in former IL. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial, according to Attorney Sam Adam Jr.

UK Muslim Women Pay Tribute to Soldiers

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:06:49 -0700

]]> A group of Muslim women honored soldiers who died fighting for the UK by placing a wreath at the National Memorial Arboretum in England, according to the BBC.

Clinton: US-Vietnam Ties Are of Strategic Importance

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:47:44 -0700

]]> Continuing her trip through Southeast Asia, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam on Thursday to meet with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and other government officials to discuss the relationship between the two countries.

Clinton Advocates for Kosovo’s Recognition

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:41:25 -0700

]]> U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is calling upon all nations, including Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, which was supported by the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

Obama too ‘Unclear and Ambiguous’ for Palestine-Israeli Peace

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:26:02 -0700

]]> Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas criticized U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday at a closed meeting with members of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah for not providing clarity in response to a number of questions surrounding the future of peace talks with Israel.

It was a Gun that Took Away Asama's Life

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:42:19 -0700

]]> On June 28, the Supreme Court upheld the right of Americans to own a gun for self-defense anywhere in this country, scoring a victory for the all-powerful gun lobby.

Emanuel May Stay in the White House Through 2011

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:05:53 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel may be staying in the White House well through 2011, according to Washington insiders.

Obama Praises Yemen’s ‘Determination’ to Combat Extremists

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:49:18 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama praised Yemen’s efforts to fight terrorism on Thursday during a phone call with Yemeni President Ali Abdulla Saleh.

Clinton Announces New Nuclear Weapons Sanctions on North Korea

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:23:21 -0700

]]> Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced new US sanctions upon North Korea in an effort to curb its nuclear weapons program in a highly publicized visit to Seoul, South Korea.

Couple Revive Old-School Hip Hop

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:23:25 -0700

]]> You wouldn't know it if you looked at her. Christie Z-Pabon, a 41-year-old hijab-and-robe wearing Muslim American woman, is the curator of hip hop past.

Barack Obama Shows Support for Paycheck Fairness Act

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:24:44 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama released a statement Wednesday detailing his support for the elimination of wage discrimination.

Emanuel Pushes Senate Democrats to Break Bipartisan Stalemate

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:15:03 -0700

]]> Senate Democrats are expected to push a bill allotting $34 billion in unemployment benefits Tuesday, aimed at U.S. citizens who have remained unemployed for six months or longer.

Clinton unveils $500 million aid package for Pakistan

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:59:24 -0700

]]> Monday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton unveiled a $500 million aid project for Pakistan, which would finance the construction of hospitals, water purification systems, and two hydroelectric dams to provide relief and resources to Pakistan’s most impoverished and disadvantaged regions.

Testimonies Reveal Emanuel’s Possible Involvement in Blagojevich Conspiracy Case

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:31:43 -0700

]]> It is reported that former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich attempted to get White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel to host a fundrais

Obama Corrects NASA Director on Muslim Outreach

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:17:47 -0700

]]> On July 6, NASA director Charles Bolden said in an interview that reaching out to the Muslim world in joint space exploration projects was a primary goal of renewed NASA efforts.

Clinton Works to Change Perception of America

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:02:28 -0700

]]> U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton initiated talks with Pakistan in the capital city Islamabad on Sunday urging the Muslim state to play a stronger role in the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan.

Farewell From Yankees Stadium

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:30:34 -0700

]]> George Steinbrenner, owner of New York Yankees, passed away on July 13. He was quoted during his introductory press conference as saying “We plan absentee ownership as far as running the Yankees is concerned.” But his 37-year ownership was anything but that.

Egypt College Senior Sells Personalized Crafts, Spreads Love

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:48:02 -0700

]]> Mona Mohamed is spreading the love in Cairo, Egypt -- one clay figure at a time. “It started as a hobby. I used to make cute little things for my friends for their birthdays and then it increased,” 20-year-old Mohamed said. “I gained more experience as time went by.”

Funny in Farsi Put On Hold

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:50:37 -0700

]]> Middle Eastern-Americans need to be on television, and not in the kind of 24 way playing Terrorist #1 and Terrorist #2. The world really needs to see the family dynamics, the rich culture, and the constant struggle to completely fit into a country that holds values very different from what we are raised with.

Army Suicides on the Rise

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:47:59 -0700

]]> On June 23, a U.S. Army sergeant shot and killed himself outside an Alameda, Calif. recruitment office.

Gulf Coast Oil Contained; Next Steps, Undecided

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:00:29 -0700

]]> After 85 days, 184 million gallons, and a (benchmark) of one of the nation’s worst environmental disasters, oil stopped spilling into the Gulf Coast on Thursday.

Israeli Millionaire Builds Mosque

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:05:30 -0700

]]> A Jewish businessman has decided to fund the construction of a large Muslim house of worship in France

Rahm Emanuel Overjoyed at Passing of Wall Street Overhaul Bill

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:17:18 -0700

]]> Rahm Emanuel was overjoyed as Congress passed the financial-overhaul bill, which places stiff restrictions on banks and Wall Street, limiting lending practices and increasing consumer protections.

Obama Needs to Re-modify Exit Strategy for Afghan War

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:03:01 -0700

]]> US politicians expressed their concern about President Obama’s lack of an exit strategy to Afghanistan during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing that took place on Wednesday.

Clinton Condemns 'Horrific' Mosque Attacks in Iran

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:27:01 -0700

]]> U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement Thursday condemning the "horrific twin suicide bombings carried out in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran." Clinton says those claiming responsibility should be held accountable for the actions.

Saudi Arabian Airlines Killed The Last Caliph

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:22:55 -0700

]]> The Arabian Peninsula’s monarchies remind me of five hundred years ago. Seriously.

On 'Draw Muhammad Day'

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:26:09 -0700

]]> When Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris was put on an Al Qaeda hit list for her "Draw Muhammad Day" project, my inbox started filling up.

MWA: Muslims With Attitude

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:58:44 -0700

]]> Most people when they think of rap music, they think of the Three B’s: bitches, blunts and Bentleys. The hip-hop culture has always been associated with violence, rebellion, and aggression.

Hillary Clinton Advocates for Women's Rights in Afghanistan

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:53:49 -0700

]]> Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently met with the president of Afghanistan to advocate for women’s rights.

Emanuel and Jarret: No More Lax Business Regulation

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:07:26 -0700

]]> On Tuesday, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and senior adviser Valerie Jarrett sent a letter to the US Chamber of Commerce responding to concerns voiced by the chamber about excessive economic regulation under the current administration.

Pakistani Bombings Highlight Theological Tensions

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:53:24 -0700

]]> In a series of deadly attacks around Pakistan, a suicide bombing in Northwest Pakistan on last week killed at least 105 people, and injured at least 115 - the deadliest attack in the country this year.

Terrorist Groups 'Do Not Regard African Life'

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:28:34 -0700

]]> President Barak Obama told the South African Broadcasting Corporation Tuesday that terrorist groups devalue the lives of Africans.

Iranian Woman Spared from Stoning

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:51:00 -0700

]]> Iran's judiciary chief temporarily spared a wido, convicted of adultery, from a stoning sentence but the execution will still take place when the judiciary chief decides on a date, according to the BBC.

Clinton and Davutoğlu Discuss Turkey's Role in the Middle East

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:46:35 -0700

]]> In a phone conversation with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu Monday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed the role of Turkey in the Middle East. Clinton urged Turkey to continue its diplomatic relations and dialogue with Israel.

Obama's New Policy on Islam and Terrorism Hits a Roadblock

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:45:49 -0700

]]> As a part of his effort to bridge the gap between America and the Muslim world, President Barack Obama has laid out a White House policy of detaching any reference to Islam when talking about terrorists, be it Al-Qaeda, the Taliban or any other group.

Emanuel Says Removal of Russian 'Illegals' Sends a Message

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:42:34 -0700

]]> In the past week, 10 Russian "sleeper agents" plead guilty to working for the SVR, Russia’s foreign intelligence service.

Kicking Down Gracie Barra's Door

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:48:36 -0700

]]> When looking at the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in America, the Gracie Barra School plays such a crucial role. This amazing grappling art looks somewhere between judo and wrestling.

Data Darbar - Shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:00:00 -0700

]]> On the evening of July 1, 2010 Data Darbar was attacked by suicide bombers, killing dozens of people and injuring many more. The attack reminded me of my visit to the shrine during my trip to Lahore in 2009. Although I've been to Lahore many times and have family that live not too far from Data Darbar, this was my first visit to the popular shrine.

Emanuel: Obama Takes Responsibility for Country's Economic Struggles

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:31:12 -0700

]]> White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel suggests President Barack Obama takes responsibly for the economy, despite placing the ultimate blame of policies set in motion by President George W. Bush.

Tyson's Spiritual Journey

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:19:51 -0700

]]> Mike Tyson's life is a highlight reel of personal tragedy. Rising from petty criminal to heavyweight champion over a span of five years, it was assumed he would go on to become one of the greatest boxers of all time; however, his personal demons continued to haunt him leading him back into prison and the demise of his boxing career.

Obama Suspends Deepwater Oil Drilling Until November

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:15:36 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama sent a clear statement Monday that he is committed to continue deepwater drilling after the administration fully investigates and enforces safety standards to avoid future hazards.

Clinton Condemns World Cup Terror

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:03:06 -0700

]]> In a statement released Monday morning, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton condemned attacks that had taken place in Kampala, Uganda.

Iran Cuts Down the Mullet

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:47:36 -0700

]]> Iran has established a national fashion faux pas and mullets top the list. Known for being short and maintained in the front while remaining long and loose in the back, the country’s strict Islamic regime banned the coiffure at this month’s Hijab and Chastity Festival.

Obama's New 'Silent Raids' Sneak Out of the Shadows

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:34:20 -0700

]]> Many illegal immigrants might be happy to hear that there won't be any more federal immigration raids at factories and farms.

White House Chief of Staff Conveys President's Thanks

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:42:46 -0700

]]> White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel says the decision to conduct a spy swap between Russia and the United States was not made by President Barack Ob

Clinton Builds Bridges With Muslim Community

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:36:25 -0700

]]> In an attempt to strengthen ties with the international Muslim community, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, alongside with President Barack Obama, is making an effort to engage Muslims.

Obama Tells NASA Not to Alienate Muslim World

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:23:15 -0700

]]> NASA Administrator Charles Bolden expressed plans to utilize NASA programs for foreign diplomacy. The remarks made in an Al-Jazeera interview aired on June 30 resulted in a national debate as to the proper uses of NASA.

Radio for Palestinian Women

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:12:38 -0700

]]> The World’s Matthew Bell reports on a unique radio station in Ramallah dedicated to Palestinian women.

Cricket a Mirror of Global Politics?

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:52:06 -0700

]]> Cricket, though not very popular in America is the world’s second most popular sport after soccer. In the past two years the developments in the cricketing world have pointed to some fascinating shifts in global realities.

Funds for 'Burqa Ban' Penalties

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:32:23 -0700

]]> French lawmakers passed a law Tuesday banning the full veil in public spaces. The veil, also known as a burqa, covers a woman's entire body, revealing just the eyes.

Former BART Police Officer Apologizes

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:43:20 -0700

]]> Johannes Mehserle apologized publicly for the first time for killing 22-year old Oscar Grant on a BART station platform New Year's Day 2009.

Hundreds Protest in Oakland After Mehserle Verdict

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:08:45 -0700

]]> A Los Angeles jury convicted former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter Thursday.

Call to Justice Answered? Mehserle Verdict: Guilty

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:20:46 -0700

]]> After over a year of protests and trial delays, a jury found a former transit officer guilty in the death of 22-year-old Oscar Grant.

Bridging Wickets Through Cricket

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:35:50 -0700

]]> Cricket is wildly popular among South Asians, a passion that survives the journey of immigrants to the United States. Now cricket is gaining fans among some New York City police officers as a way to connect to New York’s growing South Asian communities. Correspondent Lily Jamali reports.

CNN Editor Canned Over Hezbollah Tweet

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:34:36 -0700

]]> CNN’s Octavia Nasr was fired Wednesday over a controversial tweet she posted last week.

Questions and Tension in Aftermath of Kyrgyzstan Riots

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:12:38 -0700

]]> Officials want to know what sparked deadly inter-ethnic clashes in south Kyrgyzstan, which drove thousands from their homes.

A Conversation with Willow Wilson

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:04:26 -0700

]]> Join us on Saturday July 10, 2010 at 6 pm for an on-stage conversation with American author G. Wilson about her latest book "The Butterfly Mosque".

Where the Homeless Live

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:10:22 -0700

]]> The homeless in America are invisible to most people even when they are within sight. These invisible individuals each have their own unique stories of struggle and survival. With these photos I hope to shed some light on the dark corners and allies that the homeless occupy in society, if only to make people aware of their plight.

Obama and Netanyahu Try to Rekindle the Flame

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:00:36 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama is expected to talk with Binyamin Netanyahu this Tuesday after their last meeting was cancelled in the wake of Israel’s deadly raid on an aid flotilla delivering goods to Gaza.

Emanuel Takes a Pay Cut But Still Makes Six Figures

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:05:02 -0700

]]> Congress released a full list of its White House employees and their salaries last Thursday.

Clinton Warns Against the 'Crushing of Civil Society'

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 07:52:32 -0700

]]> U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned against intolerant governments around the world this weekend while in Poland.

Relations Warm Up With Former Cold War Enemy

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:32:18 -0700

]]> A recent visit from Russian president Dmitry Medvedev to the U.S. has resulted in what President Barack Obama called reset relations, an improvement from what had dropped to a dangerous low in recent years.

Time to Recruit Lebron for the Next World Cup

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:29:06 -0700

]]> The ousting of the United States national soccer team by Ghana from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the round of 16 was extremely disappointing.

Ex-Muslim's True Past Emerges

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:47:56 -0700

]]> Ergun Caner, President of Liberty University's Baptist Theological Seminary in Virginia, was recently let go from his post as seminary dean from the university for the story that previously propelled him within the conservative Christian circles - that he is a reformed Muslim, having turned his back on Islam and extremism after discovering Jesus in a church in Ohio.

Nikki Haley Wins Runoff; Favored to Win in November

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:08:35 -0700

]]> Nikki Haley won the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina on Tuesday, easily defeating her opponent, Rep. Greshem Barrett, in the state's run-off election.

Shooting Kabul

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:15:22 -0700

]]> "Shooting Kabul." The title would have you thinking it's a war story, a story about terrorism and heartbreak. And while it is all of those things, it's also a children's book, a story about starting fresh with a hole in your heart, and in your family.

King Khan Looks to Climb to the Top

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:05:17 -0700

]]> What does one get when they cross boxing hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach, the Oscar De La Hoya-led Golden Boy Promotions and a quick-handed young boxer? If trends continue, a superstar.

Catholic Archbishop Condemns Anti-Mosque Phobia

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:30:30 -0700

]]> In response to a controversies over the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero and on Staten Island, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, on his official blog condemned Islamophobic prejudice.

School Cuts Raise Tuition

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:42:53 -0700

]]> California State University trustees voted Friday to raise tuition at the nation's second-largest public university system. The proposal increased fees by 5 percent for undergraduate, graduate and teacher credential students as well as 10 percent for education doctorate students. It also lifted the cap on nonresident tuition.

Panic and Prejudice Over New Mosque in Tennessee

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:46:14 -0700

]]> A proposal for a mosque re-location and expansion on the outskirts of Murfreesboro, Tennessee has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many residents expressing fear of Muslims and hostility to Islam during a two hour public meeting at the Rutherford County Commission.

Clinton to Arizona: See You in Court

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:38:35 -0700

]]> Although President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have said the Justice Department is still in the process of deciding whether to file suit over SB 1070, Arizona's controversial immigration law, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated in a recent television interview that the suit will be filed

UCLA Coach John Wooden

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:37:37 -0700

]]> I wept on Friday evening when I heard the news of the death of Coach John Wooden.

Sufi Leader, Peacemaker Buried in Jerusalem

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:45:59 -0700

]]> Jews, Christians and Muslims prayed together as regional Sufi leader, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukhari was laid to rest in his home in Old City Jerusalem.

Allah and the Los Angeles Lakers

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:35:09 -0700

]]> On June 17, 2008, I turned 28. I also got to watch the Lakers get spanked in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, a 39-point shaming by the Boston Celtics.

Call for Kurdistan to Ban Female Genital Mutilation

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:17:45 -0700

]]> Human Rights Watch on Wednesday urged Iraqi Kurdistan's government to take action against female genital mutilation (FGM). The international rights organization's report shows that female genital cutting is a widespread and severe human rights violation.

Bay Area Resident Shot and Killed in East Oakland

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:28:49 -0700

]]> On Friday, June 11, at 7:57 p.m. in the 8600 block of International Boulevard in East Oakland, 22 year old Samier Ayesh, a Hayward resident, was shot and killed outside the store his family owned.

Nikki Haley Faces Questions about Conversion from Sikhism to Christianity

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:39:36 -0700

]]> Nikki Haley, front-runner for the Republican nomination in South Carolina governor's race and a convert to Christianity, faces questions and doubts from some evangelical Christians about her religion.

Halal Meals on Wheels: Soup Kitchen Goes Mobile

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:43:55 -0700

]]> Lots of food trucks pepper city streets around the Bay Area, but there's only one bringing fresh, hot meals to the hungry.

Oklahoma Considers 'Shariah Ban'

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:26:36 -0700

]]> Oklahoma voters may be voting on a "shariah ban" in November. SQ 755 would amend the Oklahoma state constitution by forbidding state courts from considering shariah or other forms of international law in their rulings. The measure specifically refers to shariah.

College Group Faces Suspension

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:31:07 -0700

]]> School officials may suspend UC Irvine's Muslim Student Union for one year. The group is accused of repeatedly disrupting Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren last February.

Jerusalem Gets First Beach, Volleyball Tournament

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:31:31 -0700

]]> Mayor Nir Barkat of Jerusalem is officially inaugurating the opening of Jerusalem's first beach.

Japan Accused of Using Prostitutes, Bribes on Whaling Vote

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:27:38 -0700

]]> The Sunday Times (London, UK) claims that its undercover investigation shows Japan bribed officials from six small governments with cash and prostitutes to influence their votes on the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Reform or Renounce? Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Muslim Women

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:57:24 -0700

]]> Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the Somali-born former Dutch parliamentarian and fellow at the American Enterprise Institute is clear about one thing: There is no hope for Muslim women who do not renounce their faith.

Sending ‘Anchor Babies’ – and Parents – Home

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:37:43 -0700

]]> The latest in Arizona’s crackdown on illegal immigrants focuses on what some refer to as ‘anchor babies’ – a label that describes children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants.

Hate Crimes on the Rise

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:28:36 -0700

]]> A Sunnyvale, Calif. man was beaten after allegedly being called a "terrorist."

Self-definition as Freedom

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 07:11:03 -0700

]]> Critical Self-Definition is the most significant challenge facing American Muslim communities today.

Radio Station Hopes to Reach Muslims With Latest Technology

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 07:06:57 -0700

]]> One Legacy Radio, a radio station created by young Muslim-American professionals, utilizes the latest technology in a bid to be more accessible to Muslims, distinguishing itself from many other stations.

Will Condoms Protect Against World Cup Fever?

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:33:21 -0700

]]> Soccer fans surged into South Africa this week, waving national flags and bearing face paint. The month-long World Cup 2010 kicked off with a celebration concert featuring Shakira and The Black Eyed Peas but the first round of games ended in a draw.

Saudi Man Kisses and the Cameras Tell

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:50:36 -0700

]]> 4 months of jail time and 90 lashes is the sentence given to a Saudi man for kissing a woman in a public space.

Pro-Gay Rights Muslim Wins Primary

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:54:07 -0700

]]> Ako Abdul-Samad, a Muslim incumbent in the Iowa state legislature (and one of nine Muslim state legislators in the entire United States) easily defeated his challenger Clair Rudison Jr, a Christian minister, in Iowa’s Democratic primary on June 8.

Defining 'We'

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:20:44 -0700

]]> We are all familiar with the great challenges our nation faces; high unemployment, health care reform, reductions in essential public resources and a long litany of other issues.

Obama Looking for 'Ass to Kick'

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:50:37 -0700

]]> In response to criticism over the federal response to the Gulf Oil Spill, President Obama said he is consulting with experts so he can learn “whose ass to kick.”

It's the Occupation, Stupid

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:40:55 -0700

]]> With its deadly commando raid on a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla that left nine civilians dead and dozens injured, Israel once again resembles a self-destructive Goliath to much of the world.

Taking Back Our Religion

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:35:05 -0700

]]> In January, Dr. John Esposito of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, and one of America's foremost authorities and interpreters of Islam, spoke with fellows from the American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute about his new book, The Future of Islam.

Malcolm X Killer Released After 44 Years

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:49:22 -0700

]]> Forty four years after the brutal assassination of Malcolm X, the only suspect who admitted to his role in the murder was freed from prison.

Red Cross Trains Taliban in First Aid

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:32:50 -0700

]]> The International Committee of the Red Cross is in Afghanistan teaching the Taliban basic first aid and giving them medical equipment.

Arab-Americans Reflect on Obama

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:45:19 -0700

]]> Reporter Lily Jamali speaks with Arab-Americans in New York about
whether President Obama’s speech in Cairo one year ago has made a
difference to them.

Obama's Muslim Strategy 2.0

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:31:52 -0700

]]> One year ago in Cairo, Barack Obama promised “a new beginning” for America and Islam.

Mom Denied Foster Kids Because She Won't Serve Pork

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:09:06 -0700

]]> A potential foster parent in Maryland is being denied the chance to provide a stable, caring environment for foster children in need of nurturing all because she does not eat pork.

EXCLUSIVE: 'No Mosque at Ground Zero' SIOA Rally

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:19:41 -0700

]]> On June 6, Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) hosted a rally in lower Manhattan to protest the planned construction of a mosque near Ground Zero. Several hundred protesters had gathered in Zuccotti Park to voice their opposition to the selected location of a proposed community and prayer center.

Reza Aslan on Obama's Speech One Year After Cairo

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:04:54 -0700

]]> It's been one year since President Barack Obama gave his speech in Cairo, where he laid out his plan for the U.S. engagement with the Muslim world. ILLUME speaks to Professor Reza Aslan about the speech, what was significant, where Obama has had his wins and where he's come up short.

Moral Failure of Dubai

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:44:04 -0700

]]> “Dubai may have the world’s tallest building and the world’s largest shopping mall, but it also has the world’s tiniest soul.”

Flotilla Raid Floats International Call to Ending Gaza Blockade

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:27:07 -0700

]]> Israeli soldiers attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships early Monday in international waters off the coast of the Gaza Strip

Thousands Protest Arizona Immigration Law in San Francisco

Mon, 31 May 2010 10:48:22 -0700

]]> Thousands of Bay Area residents joined forces Saturday in San Francisco to protest the passage of Arizona’s controversial immigration bill, SB 1070.

Prayerful Protest in Phoenix

Sun, 30 May 2010 16:35:33 -0700

]]> Tens of thousands took to the streets of Phoenix to protest the new immigration policies of Arizona on Saturda

Arab TV Station Spotlights Women Others Ignore

Sat, 29 May 2010 16:24:06 -0700

]]> If you are a single mother, or a victim of rape or domestic violence, chances are you will not show up on Arab television.

Por Que No Burqa?

Sat, 29 May 2010 15:53:00 -0700

]]> Two months after 9/11, I was at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York for the World Economic Forum summit that was moved there from Davos and I was talking with Rabbi Meir Lau, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, when a vaguely familiar diminutive woman walked over and held her hand out to the Rabbi.

Swimsuits Bare Little on Turkish Catwalks

Sat, 29 May 2010 00:20:08 -0700

]]> This is not your typical fashion show. The show is highlighting Islamic women's clothing -- even though very few of the models working here are Muslim.

Driving the Bus Out of Islam

Fri, 28 May 2010 16:17:38 -0700

]]> Soon, a bus trip in a city nearby may leave you questioning your faith. Pamela Geller, the conservative bikini blogger behind the site Atlas Shrugs, has sponsored a month-long ad campaign to run on at least 30 city buses in New York.

New Yorkers Come Out to Level Proposed Ground Zero Mosque

Thu, 27 May 2010 18:07:07 -0700

]]> A New York City community board voted Tuesday to support a Muslim-led plan to build a mosque near ground zero.

EXCLUSIVE: New Yorkers Protest Proposed Ground Zero Mosque

Thu, 27 May 2010 18:00:05 -0700

]]> On May 25, 2010 Community Board Hearing was held to review proposal plans for Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center, known as Cordoba House.

A controversial vote was cast in favor of building 15-story high Islamic Community and Prayer Center by Ground Zero, New York City.

Gulf Oil Spill: Biggest in US History

Thu, 27 May 2010 13:33:33 -0700

]]> Having surpassed the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is the biggest oil disaster in United States history, according to federal scientists.

A Troubling Cultural Gap

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:26:53 -0700

]]> Ishak Khan, 17, wants to know if it's OK to get a tattoo in his religion. He also wants to know if it's OK to write rap songs and if it's OK to have a Muslim girlfriend.

'Sex and the City 2's' stunning Muslim clichés

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:07:24 -0700

]]> I'm a heterosexual, Muslim dude who until recently thought pleated khakis and loafers were "hip" and mistook Bergdorf Goodman for an expensive Swiss chocolate.

Towards a Younger, Hipper Islam

Wed, 26 May 2010 09:30:01 -0700

]]> When talking to those of my generation and younger from the Muslim American community, an oft-mentioned challenge is a disconnect from the Islam one knows and believes in and the messaging received in places of worship.

The Creolization of Islam

Wed, 26 May 2010 08:43:47 -0700

]]> There has been a lot of research and reporting on Muslim populations living in the United States and Europe. That work often centers around issues of identity and integration. And these issues are often portrayed as being unique to the “West.”

TV Soap Dramatizes Islam's Cultural Clashes

Wed, 26 May 2010 08:26:12 -0700

]]> Most weeknights since March 8, 21-year-old college senior Alia Dahhan has rushed home to tune in to "El Clon" to watch her favorite character Jade on the Spanish-speaking network Telemundo.

The Butterfly Mosque

Tue, 25 May 2010 18:08:11 -0700

]]> Meet G. Willow Wilson. She's an American. She lived in Egypt for a while. She converted to Islam. She fell in love with a local. She wrote a book about all of this called The Butterfly Mosque. You should read it.

Gil Scott Heron's Revolution Is Being Televised in Tel Aviv

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:42:48 -0700

]]> Gil Scott Heron made sure his revolution was not televised in Tel Aviv but some prominent people are broadcasting his message anyway.

The Blue Interview With Ahmad James

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:01:47 -0700

]]> Late one evening I was fixated on my laptop screen with several windows open: editing material, dodging Facebook junkies, replying to correspondence and sifting through my inbox. Typical late night multitasking.

A Hero Hidden by Media Bias

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:07:30 -0700

]]> Arab and Muslim media coverage of the failed car-bombing in New York’s Times Square aimed to fill holes in U.S. mainstream media reporting and expose its biases.

Confronting Tyrants

Fri, 21 May 2010 06:55:41 -0700

]]> Listening to men and women women testify at the Oslo Freedom Forum in April, I thought how apropos it was that the night before I flew to Oslo I had attended a performance in London of “Macbeth,” Shakespeare’s depiction of a “bloody-sceptered” tyrant, which could have applied to any number of the dictators we heard of.

Politics From the Ground Up

Thu, 20 May 2010 14:42:46 -0700

]]> Local elections are coming up. But do we really know the value of getting involved in local politics?

FUND THIS STORY: Making it Count: U.S. Census Workers Face Obstacles with Arab Americans

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:20:00 -0700

]]> Census workers have started knocking on doors, in an effort to visit the 48 million households across the country that haven’t mailed back their forms. Who hasn’t filed? Arab-Americans. Why? That’s where the issues gets complicated.

Middle East Gets Countrified

Thu, 20 May 2010 07:40:38 -0700

]]> Egyptian-American country singer Kareem Salama embarked last month on a multi-million dollar tour across the Middle East sponsored by the United States government.

So That You May Come To Know One Another

Tue, 03 May 2011 09:07:12 -0700

]]> United in love of God over tribe.

Afghanistan: First Day of School

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 03:00:04 -0700

]]> An Afghan girl learns the letters of the Dari alphabet on a blackboard in an outdoor classroom.

How Miss USA Will Push the Secret Muslim Agenda

Wed, 19 May 2010 19:11:00 -0700

]]> Gentleman, our nefarious plots for infiltrating America and creating a "politically correct, Islamo-pandering climate" has yielded mixed results. We need a new strategy.

South Park Gets Facebook's Pakistani Visa Revoked

Wed, 19 May 2010 12:47:48 -0700

]]> A call to use social-networking as a tool to promote free speech has one Muslim country blocking access to the king of all social media sites: Facebook.

Rearrange Your Head

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:05:19 -0700

]]> When she came to speak at New York University, she packed the room. It might have been the weirdest crowd I’d ever seen at an Islamic Center at NYU event. (Okay, “weird” is likely too strong—how about odd?)

The Interfaith Approach to Eradicating Malaria

Wed, 19 May 2010 07:58:35 -0700

]]> This year, 30 young faith leaders combined efforts to eradicate deaths due to malaria worldwide.

The Politics Behind the Miss America Pageant

Tue, 18 May 2010 09:32:53 -0700

]]> Every American girl's dream was won Sunday night by a Lebanese immigrant when 24-year-old Rima Fakih of Dearborn, Michigan was crowned Miss USA 2010.

Noam Chomsky Denied Entry Into West Bank

Mon, 17 May 2010 19:47:59 -0700

]]> Professor Noam Chomsky, famed linguist and American intellectual, was denied entry into the West Bank this past Sunday.

Arizona Unwittingly Puts Divestment on the Front Page

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:42:10 -0700

]]> In response to Arizona legislation that critics say targets Latinos in the state, cities across the nation are cutting business ties with the Grand Canyon State.

Takin' It to the Street Was Never So Cool

Mon, 17 May 2010 10:40:10 -0700

]]> This summer's calendar of events once again includes the Inner-City Muslim Action Network's (IMAN) bi-annual one-day summer festival called "Takin' It To The Streets" on June 19.

The New Miss USA: Progress or Bigger Problems for Muslims?

Mon, 17 May 2010 06:00:52 -0700

]]> Long before the now-infamous scantily clad pictures of the newly crowned Miss USA gyrating against a pole surfaced, the debate surrounding Rima Fakih's triumph was already well under way in certain households.

New York’s Pakistani Community

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:34:33 -0700

]]> Lily Jamali reports on how the New York City Police Department is reaching out to the Pakistani community there in the wake of the failed Times Square bombing. The man facing charges for the plot is a Pakistani American, and the Pakistani community fears a backlash.

Last Chance for Middle East Peace?

Mon, 10 May 2010 12:13:22 -0700

]]> It’s amazing that David Gardner and Christopher Caldwell both write for The Financial Times. Caldwell’s Reflections on the Revolution in Europe: Immigration, Islam, and the West (reviewed earlier) makes the reader feel more like his wearied psychologist than anything else.

Illume Blazes New Frontiers in Digital Journalism

Fri, 07 May 2010 05:15:40 -0700

]]> "See a cow, say a cow." If you have no clue what those words mean, then chances are that you weren't at Illume 's first in a series of events on multimedia journalism.

Looking Like Them

Thu, 06 May 2010 16:19:34 -0700

]]> “You’re beginning to look like them,” an Egyptian policeman told me one day at Cairo airport during the year I lived in Israel.

White Intifida: The Non-Violent Resistance

Wed, 05 May 2010 10:18:36 -0700

]]> There was the Orange revolution in the Ukraine. And last last year, the Green Revolution in Iran. Now, there's the White Intifada in the Palestinian Territories. Hasting Law Professor, George Bisharat says, "The White Intifada is a growing movement that is gaining support worldwide."

Against Terror, Our Liberty is Our Best Defence

Wed, 05 May 2010 07:47:38 -0700

]]> The arrest of Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year-old US citizen of Pakistani descent, as the alleged driver of the vehicle used in the failed Times Square bombing represents an opportunity to respond effectively to a potential act of terrorism – instead of reacting with fear and hysteria that will inevitably be manipulated by extremist elements.

Birthers: "Illegitimate Obama Is Illegal Alien No. 1"

Tue, 04 May 2010 07:37:00 -0700

]]> The Nativist sentiment in America is rooted in the earliest history of the United States – whether it was the Italians, Jews or Germans, the Chinese, Japanese, or African Americans, it’s been a messy ordeal.

Why One Saudi Woman Decided to Leave Saudi Arabia?

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:13:01 -0700

]]> On April 5th, Hassna’a Mokhtar celebrated her first birthday in Montreal, she moved here from Saudi Arabia just last month.

Border Security Leads to Citizen Insecurity

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:31:35 -0700

]]> Much to the dismay of immigration rights activists everywhere, the Arizona state senate bill that calls for increased border security was approved by governor Jan Brewer.

Parked

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:24:53 -0700

]]> As a fan of South Park going all the way back to its debut in '97, I just have to sort of shake my head at the dust-up that's been working its way through the news cycle since last Wednesday.

Pakistan's Rock 'N' Roll Jihad

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:40:44 -0700

]]> With over 30 million records sold, Salman Ahmad and his band Junoon have become the largest selling South Asian rock group, of all time. He has worked with the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Mick Jagger and Led Zeplin. Now he is using his music against conservative and extremist elements - groups that are trying to impose their ideology - on the society and culture of Pakistan.

San Francisco Hate Crimes On The Rise

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:42:40 -0700

]]> We usually hear about hate crimes when Muslims are the victims. When a girl's hijab is pulled off on the school bus or obscenities are spray painted along the wall of a masjid, the community rallies and cries foul. But what happens when it's Muslims who are the perpetrators of a hate crime? Apparently, six months in jail.

Being Out and Being Muslim

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:09:00 -0700

]]> Often, individuals who identify as non-heterosexual are found in the fringes of not only societies, but communities and families as well. They are often over-looked and cast aside as individuals that have a place only in the margins of society, safe in the outer-realms of our comfort zone.

Voices From The Muslim World

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:21:55 -0700

]]> This week on New America Now - Voices From the Muslim World: Stephen Franklin talks about the dangers faced by Arab bloggers in the Middle East, author Reza Aslan the "clash of civilizations" mentality in No god But God, Sumbul Ali-Karamali explains how Muslim women are participating in society and changing the world in The Muslim Next Door, and filmmaker Parvez Sharma on his award winning documentary Jihad for Love which shows the pressure of being a gay Muslim.

Spicing Up a Humdrum Marriage: Is Swapping the New Thing?

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:25:45 -0700

]]> A bizarre sexual revolution is gaining momentum in Asia: spouse-swapping. Hordes are swarming the Web for couples of a like mind using the new buzzword. Pakistan, India, the Middle East and China all seem to be shadowing the hub of this queer phenomenon, Italy.

Feds Point Finger at Goldman's Sachs of Gold

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:06:26 -0700

]]> In January of 2010, they were voted the 2009 Best Bank of the Year by the Investment Dealers Digest.

America's Muslim Roots: A Conversation With Jonathan Curiel

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:46:33 -0700

]]> On Saturday, April 24, Islam and Authors will have an on-stage conversation with Jonathan Curiel about his book Al 'America: Travels Through America's Arab and Islamic Roots.

A Stranger to the Arabs

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:45:21 -0700

]]> He seems to overfill the social categories of religion, language, ethnicity, national origin, and nationality. Not to mention the music to which he’s dedicated his life’s labor to

Divesting From Injustice

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:39:48 -0700

]]> It was with great joy that I learned of the recent 16-4 vote at UC Berkeley in support of divesting the university's money from companies that enable and profit from the injustice of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and violation of Palestinian human rights.

Justice Stevens' Gavel Leaves a Mark on History

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:39:11 -0700

]]> Justice doesn't need to be blind. Impartial justice can be an asset to Americans and those living within our borders. But the impartiality of justice, at the national level, relies largely on the availability of Supreme Court Justices that lean in both directions: left and right.

Obama's International Nuclear Problem

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:31:18 -0700

]]> President Barack Obama is encouraging a select group of the world's leaders to keep a better eye on their nuclear arsenal this week.

Security at the Cost of Freedom

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:42:19 -0700

]]> The No Fly List controversy takes off once again with a lawsuit filed by Rahinah Ibrahim who was arrested upon her arrival in San Francisco at a United Airlines ticket counter five years ago. It turned out to be a case of false positive but Ms. Ibrahim who was a Stanford doctoral student, decided to sue.

San Francisco's Top Cop Stumbles to an Apology

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:31:11 -0700

]]> San Francisco is an eclectic city, home to all walks of life and known for its international flavor and open-minded residents. While its mayor is known to stand up for egalitarian causes and laud civil rights efforts, the city's outspoken police chief seems to be a different story.

Website Leaks Video of Civilian Killings in Iraq

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:57:47 -0700

]]> On Monday, April 5, the nonprofit independent media site WikiLeaks.org released a video online of an U.S. Apache helicopter attack on Iraqi civilians from July 12, 2007.

SF Police Chief: Muslims a Possible Threat

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:12:47 -0700

]]> When one of the nation's top cops in one of the nation's top cities says members of its Muslim community are potential terror suspects, it puts the Muslim community on edge, and at risk.

What Drives Chechen Terrorism

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:47:03 -0700

]]> “You Russians hear about the war on television and the radio. I promise you the war will come to your streets, and you will feel it in your own lives and on your own skin.”

Marriage: A Beginner's Guide

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:44:50 -0700

]]> Many men and women spend years looking for a suitable spouse without knowing what to look for. Perhaps, it would have been easier if the options were laid out on a sheet of paper, like an order form of a luxury car that allows you to pick leather interior, wooden dashboard, automatic transmission and the color. But that's not the case when looking for a spouse.

In The Name of Honor

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:17:06 -0700

]]> The recent murder of a 16-year-old Muslim girl reportedly buried alive by family members in southeastern Turkey puts the hot button issue of honor killings in the Islamic World back on the front burner.

Footnotes in Gaza

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:15:27 -0700

]]> Comics books are mostly associated with superheroes and fantastical stories. Yet, some use comic books, or graphic novels, as a medium to tell a compelling narrative.

Is France Right to Ban Wearing The Burka in Public?

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:34:37 -0700

]]> Egyptian-born columnist and lecturer on Arab and Muslim issues As a Muslim woman and as a feminist I support banning the face veil, everywhere and not just in France where they are to vote on a resolution and possibly a ban on wearing the garment in public places [hospitals, schools and public transport, but not in the streets] after regional elections end.

Pictures of Pakistan Series – Wazir Khan Mosque

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:25:31 -0700

]]> Upon entering Wazir Khan Mosque, you are immediately taken aback by its beauty, especially during sunset. The din of the adjacent street vanishes, providing a quite place to pray and reflect.

Rachel Corrie's Voice

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:06:51 -0700

]]> Rachel Corrie was a 23-year-old peace activist killed by a bulldozer driven by an Israeli army soldier. The time, day and place of her death are known, but, the question of whether she was murdered or whether her death was an accident continues to be as controversial today as it was when it happened March 16, 2003.

Digital Journalism in the Age of Multi-Media Story Telling

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:07:31 -0700

]]> Learn how to write and produce news for the web

Banned Muslim Scholar Slated to Speak in U.S.

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:24:20 -0700

]]> Muslim scholar and author Tariq Ramadan who had been previously banned from the United States, is now allowed entry in this country and is already scheduled to make his first appearance.

Knowing Palestine Through Edward Said

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:14:26 -0700

]]> Najla Said's one-woman show is a gripping narrative of a father and daughter relationship, identity in the West, and the feeling of being "out of place" for both the father and the daughter.

A Teacher's Financial Struggle

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:02:21 -0700

]]> Phil Black meets a teacher in Kabul struggling to provide for her family
on her government wage.

Maureen Dowd Meets Islam

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:55:10 -0700

]]> Maureen Dowd tells us, at the end of her most recent column [“Pilgrim Non Grata in Mecca”], that she was “surprised” to learn that Abraham, father of the Jews, built the Ka’ba, Islam’s holiest shrine. (He was father of the Arabs, too, but heaven forbid she makes that connection.)

Islam Online Goes Offline

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:08:59 -0700

]]> This week, on the 15th of March, I recalled the Shakespearean play "Julius Caesar" and posted on my Facebook wall, "Beware the Ides of March." Little did I know it would foreshadow what would be happening to me in the U.S. and numerous other courageous and intelligent journalists in Cairo, Egypt.

Women Judges Under Threat in Egypt

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:23:54 -0700

]]> Over the past 8 years, Egypt made great strides in women’s rights when it started appointing women as judges. That move met with great resistance and now, there’s a move to ban women judges altogether. Ursula Lindsey reports from Cairo.

Spiritual Sounds for Haiti

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:50:30 -0700

]]> Khalil Shaheed and the Mo'Rockin' Project, Taneen Sufi Music Ensemble, Riffat Sultana and Lua Hightower are coming together to raise funds for Islamic Relief's work helping earthquake victims in Haiti.

Sharia Arbitration in Britain

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:05:50 -0700

]]> Two years ago Britain’s Archbishop of Canterbury provoked a storm of criticism by suggesting it might be necessary for the British legal system to incorporate certain aspects of sharia for its Muslim citizens.

Event Explores Social Networking and Islam

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:15:07 -0700

]]> This past week signified the continuation of the Islam Today: Youth, and New Media series put on by the Centers of Middle Eastern Studies, South Asia Studies, and Southeast Asia Studies of UC Berkeley.

Jihad Jane and the Muhammad Cartoons

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:32:19 -0800

]]> The recent arrest of American Colleen LaRose (who reportedly called herself Jihad Jane online) and seven individuals for allegedly plotting the murder of Swedish Cartoonist Lar Vilks, could be a teachable moment.

Influential Cleric Issues Fatwa Against Terrorism

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:51:43 -0800

]]> An influential Pakistani cleric issued a 600-page fatwa on March 2, described as an "absolute" condemnation of terrorism without "any excuses or pretexts." Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri declared that terrorists and suicide bombers were unbelievers and that "terrorism is terrorism, violence is violence and it has no place in Islamic teaching and no justification can be provided for it, or any kind of excuses or ifs or buts."

Old Delhi

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:41:43 -0800

]]> Boys in a mosque at Delhi. Photo by deesign

Writing on the Wall

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:33:58 -0800

]]> Muhammad Ali (Aerosol Arabic) takes graffiti-art and weaves it together with live spoken-word poetry in a theater space.

Amreeka

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:38:51 -0800

]]> Award-winning filmmaker Cherian Dabis makes her directorial debut with "Amreeka," (2009) a semi-biographical account of a mother and son trading in war-torn West Bank for small town Illinois.

Zaytuna's Quest to be the West's First Muslim College

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:43:58 -0800

]]> As interested students race to beat the fast approaching enrolment deadline, Muslims are turning their sights to the Zaytuna College in California to see if America's first ever Muslim college will live up to the high expectations.

Anwar Ibrahim Discusses Trial, Muslim Issues

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:01:36 -0800

]]> Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is on trial in Kuala Lumpur on sodomy charges for a second time, speaks to Wajahat Ali about the controversy and discusses the country's ethnic and religious conflicts as well as issues facing the Muslim world.

Being a Black Muslim in Contemporary America

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:59:29 -0800

]]> Black History Month is celebrated in America and Canada in February each year. The UK celebrates it in October. The aim is to recognize the important role Blacks have played around the world, and honouring the likes of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Fahad Farruqi caught up with Preacher Moss of the group 'Allah Made Me Funny', to talk about what being a Black Muslim in contemporary America means.

Film Festival Presents Movies on Islam

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:48:41 -0800

]]> The Berlin Film Festival, which came to a conclusion this weekend, became a platform for movies that dealt with Islam in one way or another. Three movies featuring Muslim characters were showcased at the festival and vied for the Golden Bear, the festival’s top honor. Although none of these films won the award, they were still well received at the festival and advanced the stories of Muslims through film.

Creativity and the Spiritual Path

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:03:10 -0800

]]> Creativity & the Spiritual Path is a gathering of conversations. The intention is to facilitate dialogue on topics relevant to Artists, Designers, Musicians, Directors, Writers, Thinkers and Creative types linked by an interest in Spirituality and Islam.

Mute Man Talking

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:47:48 -0800

]]> Hip-hop artist Amir Sulaiman with brothers Suliman (left) and Hamza (right) Perez of the MTeam. Photo by Crystal Ny'imah Byrd

The Wolfman's Joe Johnston

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:33:21 -0800

]]> To look at Joe Johnston's thirty-plus year film career is to see a snapshot of Hollywood history. From his early work helping to design and create the worlds of Star Wars and Indiana Jones to his diverse directorial catalog, Johnston's filmography paints the picture of an artist seeking constantly to expand not only his own creative boundaries, but also the palette of what is visually possible.

Pop Star Turns Public Figure

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:29:10 -0800

]]> SheSoWriteous host Yahsmin Mayaan Binti BoBo continues into the second episode of her new podcast featuring an interview with Islamic Relief rep and Native Deen member, Naeem Muhammad.

A Journey by Any Means Necessary

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:09:46 -0800

]]> A day after President Barack Obama ushered in a new chapter of American history, it was a cold, snow filled day in New York.

Daughters of Facebook Generation

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:57:52 -0800

]]> Mona Eltahawy speaks at "Islam and the Media: Who Speaks for Islam?" presented by The University of Colorado at Boulder Center for Media, Religion and Culture.

Rumors of a Facebook Fatwa Strike at the Core of Society

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:27:08 -0800

]]> Like any other social media platform, Facebook hosts a wide range of users, some looking for intellectual stimulation, and some others looking to seek companionship. One has to be no less careful with Facebook friends than with next-door neighbors, perhaps more so given its 400 million active users that it boasts about.

London Exhibit Showcases Inventions from Islamic Civilizations

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:21:07 -0800

]]> The London Science Museum recently opened an interactive exhibition titled 1001 Inventions: Discover the Muslim Heritage in Our World that is proving to be quite popular, educating people about the technological achievements originating from Muslim civilizations.

Burqa Barbie: News Anchor

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:36:18 -0800

]]> After fans decided to make Barbie's new career a TV journalist in an online vote, Mona Eltahawy wonders why an Italian designer recently chose to outfit a "Muslim" Barbie in a burqa.

The King of Bollywood's Muslim Roots

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:21:04 -0800

]]> By no means am I a Bollywood (Indian Cinema) fan. I have only seen a handful of Bollywood movies in my life and never watched one in a theater – before last night.

Charter School Finances Come Under Fire

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:54:57 -0800

]]> The FAME charter school in Fremont was recently the subject of an audit by the Fremont Unified School District in which it was discovered that founder Maram Alaiwat received substantial compensation for her role as director.

Swiss Politician's Conversion Sparks Rumors

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:11:08 -0800

]]> The recent passage of a ban on the construction of minarets in Switzerland has a very interesting side story. A member of the political party that pushed for the minaret ban announced that he had become a Muslim.

IMAN at the Apollo

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:21:14 -0800

]]> Pictures from the IMAN Central event at the Apollo Theater in New York

Reflections in Aswan

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:53:46 -0800

]]> The hidden color of the Muslim world. Photo by Walker Dawson

One Spiritual Unit

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:08:53 -0800

]]> It took a trip to New York approximated at 5,793 miles within a tight 22 hour window of time for me to affirm one thing – the Muslim Arts movement is one of the most powerful platforms for social change in the Western hemisphere.

Zeitoun

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:22:14 -0800

]]> I remember back when Hurricane Katrina happened in 2005 in New Orleans. I heard about the lawlessness that took over New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit and I saw the images of destruction on TV, but in no way was I prepared for Dave Eggers’ new book Zeitoun.

Zeitoun: Dave Eggers' American-Muslim Hero

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:49:21 -0800

]]> One rarely imagines the quintessential image of an American hero having a Muslim, Arabic name. The Syrian American protagonist of Dave Eggers’ elegant and powerful new book entitled Zeitoun bravely endures the harrowing tragedy of an apocalyptic, post Katrina New Orleans while honorably exhibiting the best of America’s virtues and ideals.

In Love and Hip-Hop

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:42:25 -0800

]]> SheSoWriteous host Yahsmin premieres a new podcast featuring an interview with Colorado based hip-hop couple The ReMinders and a classic track off their album, ReCollect.

Yahoo Chooses to Remember a Smiling Malcolm X

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:14:39 -0800

]]> It's February and that means it's time to honor African-Americans. But in the annual month-long celebration, one prominent civil rights leader is often left out because he is deemed "too dangerous" to touch.

Latest Victim to Sororities' Purr: Muslim Women

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:46:10 -0800

]]> Meet the members of the first Muslim sorority in the United States.

Haiti Shakes Muslims to Give a Hand

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:25:14 -0800

]]> Haiti is experiencing unimaginable suffering from its devastating earthquake, with more than 150,000 dead and one to three million individuals displaced. Individuals, groups and governments from around the world have stepped in to do what they can. United by their religious tradition of charity, Muslims have emerged as effective partners in aid and relief work.

Home of the Free and the Brave

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:21:53 -0800

]]> Crescent at "Arlington West" in Santa Monica.

Fox News Slams Google's Conclusions on Islam

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:12:38 -0800

]]> Hard hitting Fox News is going hard at what it does best. The national network news station, notorious for egregiously propagating Zaytuna College's alleged desire to enforce sharia law in America, is now taking aim at tech giant Google's conspiracy to convert the masses to Islam.

King Of Pop's Conversion Finally Put To Rest

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:26:56 -0800

]]> A rumor that even forced a prominent Muslim-American cleric to retract his statement has finally been put to rest: Michael Jackson was not a Muslim at the time of his death.

Muslims Online Encourage Debate, Not Hate

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:42:27 -0800

]]> Columnist Mona Eltahawy says a new generation of Muslims are using the Internet to challenge tyranny and reform Islam

The Allah Controversy in Malaysia

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:23:43 -0800

]]> I had to stop and read the headline a second time: Roman Catholics in Malaysia sued for the right to call God "Allah." Speaking to Time magazine, Reverend Lawrence Andrew said, "We have been using the word for decades in our Malay-language Bibles and without problems." Now, they wanted to use the word for their publications. The Home Ministry of Malaysia banned the use of "Allah" for their Malay-language editions in 2007. After suing, the court agreed with the Catholics and overturned the ban.

Children of Dust

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:43:54 -0800

]]> Children of Dust is about the evolution of the author from Abir, Amir, and then finally, into reformist blogger Ali Eteraz. In his first book, this former blogger takes the reader through his childhood from a village in Pakistan to his life in the United States.

A Conversation With Wajahat Ali

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:15:57 -0800

]]> Onstage Conversations with Authors of New Books and Plays on Islam

Public Trial, Private Nightmare

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:25:20 -0800

]]> Syed Fahad Hashmi, also known as Fahad Hashmi, has been imprisoned in Britain and the United States since June 2006. Hashmi is a graduate of Brooklyn College with a 2003 degree in Political Science and lived with his Pakistani family in Queens, New York. In 2006, Hashmi earned a master's degree in international relations from London Metropolitan University. Hashmi was known in his college years to be a political and outspoken student.

FBI's Newest Recruits: Arabic-Speaking Kids

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:06:05 -0800

]]> The Bay Area is a melting pot of languages and culture, and local schools are no exception. But one Arabic-language school is standing out for a different reason:the interest it's drawn from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Avatar is a Metaphor for Palestine

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:06:19 -0800

]]> Honestly, I want to have a strong opinion one way or another about James Cameron’s epic, Avatar. I really do. I love Star Wars, Starcraft, and any other movie, video game, or book that incorporates the future*, aliens, or spaceships in pretty much any combination of the three.

Dr. Jack Shaheen Discusses The Ft. Hood Tragedy

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:25:11 -0800

]]> Dr. Jack Shaheen, a national expert on the portrayal of Arabs and Muslim in the media, discusses the negative stereo types of Arab and Muslims in the mainstream news media in the aftermath of the Fort Hood shooting, where U.S. Major Nidal Hassan shot and killed 14 of his fellow comrades in arms.

Illume Magazine Receives 'Excellence In Journalism' Award

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:43:31 -0700

]]> We launched Illume Magazine in October 2006 hoping to tell stories that mattered to the Muslim-American community and those who wanted to better understand the emerging, and still developing, segment of society.

Illume Speaks With Muslim-American Playwright Wajahat Ali

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:02:22 -0700

]]> In writing a simple story, Wajahat Ali made history. His once college writing assignment has become the critically acclaimed play "Domestic Crusaders." Ali will make history when "Domestic Crusders" premiers at the Nuyorican Poets Café in New York on September 11. Ali, a lawyer by trade, becomes the first Muslim playwright to debut off-broadway.

GTMO, Torture and the Cover-Up

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:18:05 -0700

]]> Notorious for allegations of torture and prisoner abuse, the controversial detention facility at Guantamo Bay, or GTMO, is home to alleged terrorists, the 'worst of the worst' as we are told. But talk to Terry Holdbrooks, a former GTMO prison guard, and he says when it comes to GTMO, America has it all wrong.

Thugs in The Masjid

Wed, 06 May 2009 22:24:37 -0700

]]> Hip-Hop was born out of the ashes of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. The messages of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and other Muslim activists arose naturally into the lyrics of Hip-Hop from day one. Today, there are Muslim rappers in every major metropolitan city.

Mother of the Believers

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:35:08 -0700

]]> The premise of the new book Mother of the Believers by Kamran Pasha is a familiar one: the book is about one of the most beloved wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Aisha. There was a book last year that was released under much controversy, Jewel of Medina, which focused on Aisha's relationship with the Prophet (peace be upon him).

The Happy Muslim Men And Women Who Confuse You

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:27:33 -0700

]]> There’s something wrong with the pictures coming out of Pakistan these days. Ever since Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari reinstated the country’s chief justice, I’ve been trying to figure out what it was. And then it hit me. Happiness. Joy. Celebration.

Muslim westerners have built - and become - a bridge

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:24:46 -0700

]]> That fateful day in July of 2005 came scarcely a few days after I completed the initial draft of my book on Muslim Europeans. People from the community I had studied for years carried out that operation, which we now call “7/7”. As I look back on the last few years since then, I consider how Muslim westerners have contributed far beyond the security agenda – to the West, to their own communities there, but also to the Muslim world as a whole.

I Pledge Allegiance

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:47:59 -0700

]]> One day my son came home from school and told me he had been sent to detention for not pledging the flag in his classroom. It’s only his second year in public school and yet, he braves these challenges day after day. It was a delicate matter to transfer him from an Islamic private school to a charter school and finally, to the environment of public education. These institutions are comparably more resourceful than the former, which prompted the change of direction in his educational path.

Al’ America: Travels Through America’s Arab and Islamic Roots

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:32:51 -0700

]]> In Al’ America: Travels Through America’s Arab and Islamic Roots, journalist Jonathan Curiel explores the influence Arab and Islamic culture has had on the United States of America. Curiel provides Americans with an accessible book that forces one to look at America since its inception and recognize that we should not all fear Arabs and Muslims because in fact, many things can be traced back to these origins.

Watchmen

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:12:35 -0700

]]> This is no crowd-pleaser. And proudly so. Unabashedly, even. Whatever enthusiasm the opening night audience may have had for director Zack Snyder’s mammoth epic Watchmen when the film began, it was barely palpable as the credits rolled.

Understanding The Arabs

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:20:57 -0700

]]> Speaking at the University of Delaware's Global Agenda series on the Middle East, Egyptian-born writer Mona Eltahawy described today's Arab world through the lens of electronic communication, which has become a vibrant political arena in a region where traditional politics generally stifles political discussion.

Catch the Cold of Equality!

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:35:01 -0800

]]> Mona shares her hopes on the positive impact that new U.S. President Barack Obama will have on religious understanding, as well as how women in the Middle East are employing new media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and blogs in the movement for gender equality.

A wake-up call for the community

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:49:58 -0800

]]> The brutal dismembering of Aasiya Hassan, a Muslim Pakistani-American mother of four, will finally force a community to confront and remedy the overwhelming – but frequently ignored and intentionally hidden – demon of domestic violence that has persecuted its silenced women for far too long.

Respect Is Not Enough

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:06:54 -0800

]]> In his historic interview with the Al-Arabiya TV channel, President Obama’s inclusive and respectful rhetoric towards Muslims attempted an elegant coup de grace to the divisive, insecure and arrogant bravado of the Bush administration. For many Muslims worldwide, however, the sincerity of such honey-coated words will only be legitimized by a responsible and balanced foreign policy that is no longer rooted in selfishness and historical amnesia.

Cash Rules Everything Around Me

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:03:25 -0800

]]> In the midst of the Black and Brown neighborhoods across America, you find liquor stores posted on residential corners every few blocks or so. We call them convenience marts. In the land of milk and honey, these businesses are perfectly lawful because no legal infringement forbids the exchange of cash for alcoholic substances.

The Center Of Obama's Universe

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:39:51 -0800

]]> I live in Harlem, New York City, which on election night was the centre of the universe. I have never seen people so happy.

Israel Is The Opium Of The People

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:05:39 -0800

]]> "Why aren't you as an Arab lady writing about Gaza?" "Where are your columns about Gaza?" "Say the Israelis are wrong!"

Big Love gets Big Props

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:47:55 -0800

]]> Barb, Nicki and Margene have only one thing in common-their husband. In a modern day polygynist household on HBO series Big Love, these women share one man and several children altogether. Seeing themselves as “sister wives”, they survive by holding onto the Mormon practice, often referred to as “The Principle”, of plural marriage where one man can take as many women as he sees fit into his life.

Muslims Off a Plane: More Dangerous than Snakes

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:46:57 -0800

]]> The prescient journalist and satirist HL Mencken one wrote, “People would rather feel safe than be free.” After witnessing the unjustified removal of nearly 10 American Muslims from an AirTran flight due to “security” concerns, it seem some Americans would readily jettison their fellow citizens’ civil liberties in exchange for a temporary and false sense of safety and comfort

19 Hour Journey

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:31:15 -0800

]]> Sarah Kamsoshy documents her 19-hour journey by bus from Cairo, Egypt to Palestine.

Business As Usual

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:09:57 -0800

]]> Moral relativism, political double talk, and a military juggernaut blind to its violence against an occupied people highlight the most recent, tragic conflagration in Israel and Palestine.

Boy in Striped Pajamas

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:15:22 -0800

]]> I cried watching “Boy in Striped Pajamas,” a film directed by Mark Herman and written by John Boyne. But the uncomfortable truth is that most Muslims around the world, like myself, will witness something entirely different than most watching on the western side of the hemisphere. In fact, many of the director’s audience will construe what I saw as utterly blasphemous.

Indian Muslims: Defining their Loyalty

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:03:22 -0800

]]> Although the smoldering fires from the Mumbai attacks illuminate hateful violence, the spread of Islam in India came at the benevolent, inclusive hands of Sufi Muslims instead of the oppressive scimitar of the Mughal rulers.

Pebbles and Boulders

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:02:50 -0800

]]> It was a Friday night at the premiere screening of Slingshot Hip Hop, a documentary about the underground music scene in Occupied Palestine. I strolled into a thick crowd of Arab Film Festival enthusiasts ready to watch the film we’d been hearing about for at least three years.

Guest Editorial: Zaid Shakir

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:48:31 -0800

]]> Recently, 28 million copies of the anti-Islamic propaganda documentary, Obsession, were distributed free of charge in what are being considered the “swing” states in the current election campaign.

Desperately Seeking Paradise

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:09:13 -0800

]]> Ziauddin Sardar is a writer, broadcaster and cultural critic. He is considered a pioneering writer on Islamic science and the future of Islam

Evolution Theory And Islam

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:08:02 -0800

]]> People of no faith are either agnostic or atheist. Agnostics suggest that they don’t know (or don’t care) and atheists argue with firm conviction for their position of disbelief. A central plank of the atheist argument is the theory of evolution.

W.

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:05:07 -0800

]]> “Oliver Stone’s fascinating and entertaining portrait of W. depicts George W. Bush as the prodigal son whose desire for paternal validation breeds a paralyzing insecurity that simultaneously drives and suffocates his ambitions.

The Most Merciful

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:01:05 -0800

]]> It is only natural that, as we embark on the journey of reflection on the names and attributes of God, that we first reflect on the most ubiquitous of God’s names in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition: Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem.

From Ramallah to Rikers Island

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:40:20 -0800

]]> On 25 May 1998, I arrived to my home in Ramallah to find a mob of armed Palestinians inside my house, including members of the Palestinian security forces. All my belongings were scattered in the yard outside, and a bulldozer had leveled part of my bedroom walls and roof.

Fatima Bhutto: The New Daughter Of Destiny

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:29:21 -0800

]]> Wearing Bhutto as a last name in Pakistan is analogous to carrying a flamboyant, rare, elitist Prada bag: an accessory that assures you will never be common nor anonymous. The Bhutto merchandise captivates the political landscape as a dynamic, privileged, legendary and plagued real estate that encapsulates all that is wildly schizophrenic, volatile but ultimately endearing about Pakistan.

Should Muslims Use The 'N' Word?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:11:15 -0800

]]> I was recently involved in a forum entitled, Should Muslims Use The ‘N’ Word. The event could have more appropriately been entitled, Should Anyone Use The ‘N’ Word? However, the reason for the gathering was the frequency young Muslims, of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, are employing the term.

Using Hip-Hop To Defeat The Devil

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:03:35 -0800

]]> Illume Magazine sat down with Bay Area based hip hop artist T-Kash and talked about his journey to Islam and more.

The Crescent And The Mic

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:55:13 -0800

]]> I sat there in my pajamas, hypnotized by the woofer pulsing as the crowd cried to the heavens with Malcolm. It was a happy, yet seemingly insignificant moment in my life, that is, until 1988. That was the year I bought Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back on the first day it came out.

An Apology

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:50:57 -0800

]]> On Sept. 11, 2008, while countless American flags whipped in the wind and the television and radio waves were dominated by remembrances, recordings, and stories about the terror attacks of seven years ago, I attended the funeral of Warith Deen Muhammad.

The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:24:09 -0800

]]> What if you could sit down at a kitchen table with an American Muslim mom and ask her anything you wanted about her faith and religious practice? So starts the description on the back of the book The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing. Author Sumbul Ali-Karamali is the American Muslim mom in this description and her book serves as a response to a person who can ask anything they want about Islam and Muslims.

Life In Afghanistan

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:05:49 -0800

]]> Naeem Randhawa takes you behind the scenes of ILLUME, on a powerful photo journey that introduces you to the sites and sounds of Afghanistan.

Digital Decorating

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:03:30 -0800

]]> Digital transfer offers endless possibilities for creating custom décor elements. I recently came across a company that expanded my ideas regarding the medium. The company, Orangepiel of Sausalito, California offers creative technology that has intriguing possibilities on a grand scale.

Slumdog Millionaire

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:29:33 -0800

]]> The best move of the year (so far) wears its Dickensian spirit and soaring optimism shamelessly and proudly on its tattered, slumdog sleeves.

Traitor

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:54:08 -0800

]]> Like its protagonist, the movie Traitor exists with conflicting loyalties and a fleeting sense of fidelity to its honorable, yet ultimately porous, intentions. The Don Cheadle-headed action/thriller, co-written by comedian/playwright Steve Martin and director Jeffrey Nachmanoff, inelegantly attempts to combine cardboard, blockbuster plot mechanics with the important, philosophical musings of a complicated post 9-11 world.

Sex In The City

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:41:08 -0800

]]> Driving to the “Sex and the City: The Movie” premiere, I felt like Morgan Spurlock, the director of “Super Size Me” who foolishly consumed fast food for 30 days; a man voluntarily condemning himself to masochistic pain for sake of a cultural experiment. Even before entering, the publicity coordinator, who knows me and the other frequent movie critics, said, “Dude, you’re like one of 6 guys in the entire movie theatre.”

Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:08:25 -0800

]]> “How much of human life is lost in wait,” muses a character towards the end of the highly anticipated, twenty years in the making Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Appearing on the OReilly Factor and being a Bumble Bee

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:15:55 -0700

]]> Appearing on the OReilly Factor and being a Bumble Bee

Boom Box, Ballot Box

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:30:00 -0700

]]> I admit, I have never voted. In my short 30 years of living, the inclination to vote has entered my mind a few times and was usually impelled by a discussion about how Civil Rights elders fearlessly sought the privilege.

Adisa Banjoko At Dickinson College On Non-violence

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:49:14 -0700

]]> Adisa Banjoko At Dickinson College On Non-violence

The 2003 Colin Powell: A Politically Incorrect [But Honest!] Satire About Bush's First Administration

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:06:42 -0700

]]> [In honor of the end of the Bush Administration, I share with you this piece from 2004 written after the invasion of Iraq. Starring Hall of Famers Bush II, Colin Powell and Ashcroft.]

Muslims For America

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:08:12 -0700

]]> After being treated as political kryptonite and depicted as enraged Orcs for the past seven years, Muslims and Arabs – the media's modern day Morlocks – temporarily emerged as human beings thanks to Colin Powell's Obama endorsement on Sund

Talking Elections With The President

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:29:59 -0700

]]> Former President Jimmy Carter lives an illustrious life that can be traced from his beginnings in Plains, Ga. A career in politics surfaced after he spent time in the Navy and tended to the family farm.

48 Laws of Obama: An Interview with Strategy Expert Robert Greene

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:00:50 -0700

]]> On May 20, 2008, Barack Obama won the state of Oregon. No matter what opinion people made about Obama "not being ready to lead" a bi-racial man with a Muslim father and a Christan mother had taken one more step toward entering the Oval Office. The mauling he gave Senator Clinton in several predominantly White states in massive numbers seemed unthinkable. Or was it?

Tea With The Taliban

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:32:39 -0700

]]> The Kam Air flight left Dubai and is touching ground in Kabul in less than three hours. The Boeing 737 dips under the mountain range and the pilot circles the plane to position for landing.

Star Wars: An Islamic Perspective

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:57:10 -0700

]]> As most “Star Wars” fans know, director George Lucas took spiritual elements, which are common in most major world religions to create his epic saga of good vs. evil. As a Muslim, I always thought of the “Jedi” as what a true follower of Islam should be like.

American Muslim Catch 22

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:21:25 -0700

]]> A woman wrote to me recently to ask “how can a non-Muslim EVER trust the word of a Muslim.” She said she “knew it is ok for all Muslims to lie to infidels” and, just for good measure, informed me that being a Muslim was incompatible with being an American because “the ultimate goal of Muslims (or you are not a true Muslim) is to have Sharia in the U.S.”

McCain Unleashes a Cougar for the PUMAs

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:06:54 -0700

]]> Sarah Palin, a good looking, former beauty queen, hockey mom who reads “Guns N’ Ammo,” was announced as John McCain’s Vice Presidential running mate yesterday. “Tina Fey with an AK-47” exploded on the international political scene shocking everyone – except those of us who predicted it last week – as the second ever-female VP candidate since Geraldine Ferraro.

How Does it Feel to be a Problem: Being Young and Arab in America

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:55:02 -0700

]]> With his book, How Does it Feel to be a Problem: Being Young and Arab in America, author Moustafa Bayoumi writes about Arabs coping with their home, the United States, turning their back on them in this post 9/11 world we live in.

Obama Bin Biden?

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00:51 -0700

]]> Barack Obama, that Presidential coquette who teased the world by not announcing his running mate for nearly two months, finally unveiled his vanilla, Vice Presidential bride, thus ultimately opting for a marriage of blandness, predictability and conciliation.

Tropic Thunder

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:57:48 -0700

]]> Now, if you were to see a very well made, faux trailer promoting a cartoonish, hyper-sexualized rapper’s version of “Red Bull” known as “Booty Sweat” and you laugh, then this movie is for you.

The Dark Knight Ascends

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:02:23 -0700

]]> The Dark Knight boldly deconstructs and resurrects the superhero movie, confidently allowing the comic book genre to soar beyond superficial assumptions and transcend new heights as a legitimate, epic, philosophical narrative.

Profiling Muslims and Arabs May Become Legal

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:06:59 -0700

]]> Salon.com published an article today, The FBI's Plan to "Profile" Muslims and Arabs, about impending new rules from the Department of Justice that will allow the FBI to profile solely based on one's religion and/or race, i.e. will let them legally go after someone just because they are Muslim or Arab.

Harvard University Video Lecture

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 02:25:41 -0700

]]> Adisa Banjoko, Co-founder of Hip Hop Chess Federation, Lectures @ Harvard on Islam and Hip-Hop.

Fox Just Gets Sillier And Sillier

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:42:45 -0700

]]> A lot of us with liberal leanings have never really thought much of the Fox News Channel. Recent actions not only reinforce our views that Fox News reporters were not quite right in the head, but may also prove to alienate those who actually did go to Fox News for, well, news.

Wanted

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:49:28 -0700

]]> WANTED is a relentless, kick ass summer action movie that succeeds where most summer entries have failed: it actually entertains.

Warriors Of God

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:13:32 -0700

]]> Acclaimed scholar and writer, James Reston Jr., sometimes writes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, and sometimes he combines both; and it is in this book that he successfully infuses both elements of writing ability: his mastery of medieval history with his ability to write a thrilling narrative.

Literary Theory

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:11:15 -0700

]]> In Terry Eagleton’s Literary Theory, the author astutely points out that readers are never objective. In fact, Eagleton conveys that our understanding of a particular literary text is controlled by how we as individuals perceive the world, suggesting our subjectivity and partiality.

Islamic Art And Spirituality

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:02:29 -0700

]]> We know that Islam is more than a religion. It is a way of life that integrates body, mind, and soul towards living on earth as the ambassador of the Creator of all. Life, politics, faith and religion are not separated.

Lupe's New Libretto

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:54:17 -0700

]]> Lupe Fiasco’s second album contains an odd number of songs - 19 to be exact - but there is nothing odd about this masterwork. Lupe delivers substance, style, versatility, originality, superior production, and exceptional lyrics on The Cool, which was released in mid-December.

Sand And Sorrow

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:50:36 -0700

]]> Never again” is the mantra that the masses utter every time an atrocity around the world occurs. Yet, this does not stop further incidents from happening.

The Incredible Hulk

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:26:04 -0700

]]> If “Hulk Smash?” was the agonizing, introspective question asked in Ang Lee’s disappointing Hulk, then “Hulk Smash!!!” is the loud, mindless, action packed answer in this summer’s Incredible Hulk reboot.

Editor's Note

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0700

]]> I remember sitting in a small coffee shop on the banks of Lake Merritt waiting to meet with a stranger. A teacher had set up a meeting with one of his friends who wanted to launch a “media project.” He asked me to meet with his friend because I was working as a reporter in Oakland at the time and maybe I could offer some guidance.

The PhD Kid

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:43:04 -0700

]]> The measuring stick by which an MC’s skills are determined truly depends on who’s holding it. These days, the depth of one’s talent is overlooked to estimate the weight of platinum one wears around his neck.

Consciously Cultivating Hospitality

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:37:24 -0700

]]> Some time ago I was struck by an epiphany. It was nothing major in fact it was the essence of simplicity. It had to do with hospitality, to be specific having guests

The Muslims Of Cham

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:34:58 -0700

]]> Followers of the religion of Islam make up less than one percent of the predominantly Buddhist population of Cambodia. Roughly 80 percent of Cambodia’s Muslims belong to the Cham ethnic group.

God Has 99 Names

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:27:45 -0700

]]> od is Infinite, transcendent above any and all complete comprehension. No finite human mind can fully comprehend the infinite true reality that is the precious Lord.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama And The Fate Of America

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:22:47 -0700

]]> As we celebrated the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on a national holiday dedicated to his honor, many people point to the surging presidential candidacy of Barack Obama as evidence of how far this country has come in terms of race relations since the days of the Civil Rights struggle led by Dr. King.

From Climbing Mountains To Moving Them

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:06:14 -0700

]]> Greg Mortenson’s altruistic struggle led him to find a basic solution to the challenge of illiteracy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Going 15 Rounds With Seymour Hersh

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0700

]]> "I‘m having a horrible day,” grumbled Seymour Hersh, the 70-year-old Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, arguably the most revered of his time, and reporter for the prestigious New Yorker magazine.

Al-Jazeera: Bridging The Divide

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0700

]]> In 1996, Al-Jazeera, the Qatari-based Arab satellite station, gained world renown as the first Arab news channel to broadcast dissenting views in the Middle East, pushing the envelope of free speech in the region.

Passing The Torch Of Police Brutality

Tue, 27 May 2008 09:34:56 -0700

]]> I got my first car when I was 18. “Now when you get pulled over, it’s a serious thing,” my dad said to me before he handed me the keys to a brown Toyota Celica. “You keep your hands on the wheel if you get stopped. Move slowly. If you are going to reach for anything like a wallet you tell him what you are going to do and do it slow. If you move too fast they will kill you."

Drillbit Taylor

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:37:26 -0700

]]> The Hollywood Pitch: Ok, imagine 3 O’clock High meets a netuered Superbad. Throw in Owen Wilson and Judd Apatow’s name as producer - voila! Hit, baby, hit!

10,000 B.C.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:34:22 -0700

]]> Movies like 10,000 B.C. assuage the hearts with the knowledge that even without a writer’s strike, movies this inane, ridiculous and stereotypical are still written and mass produced by Hollywood.

Stop Loss

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:30:47 -0800

]]> Stop-Loss: In the United States Military , it is the involuntary extension of a service member’s enlistment contract in order to retain them beyond the normal end term of service.