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American Muslim hip hop: a cultural conversation
It is not well known in American mainstream culture, but some of the most famous African-American musicians are Muslim. They include numerous hip-hop stars such as Ice Cube, Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, and T-Pain. The close...October 8, 2018 1979 0 -
Why I dedicated my book on Islam to AU researcher Frankie Martin
When I launched my new book Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigration, and Identity about Islam in Europe at SOAS in London earlier this summer, the renowned political theorist Lord Bhikhu Parekh chaired the session. Lord Parekh was a...September 24, 2018 1864 0 -
The man who reformed understanding of Islam among African-Americans
Not long after 9/11, I was invited to the White House to attend an Iftar dinner given by President George W. Bush. Some of the most prominent Muslim leaders in the United States were there, including...August 25, 2018 867 0 -
African-American icon on how slaves preserved their Muslim identity
Last October, Mrs Cornelia Bailey, a leading member of a tiny community of African-Americans living on Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast, passed away. This remarkable woman was a spokeswoman, storyteller, historian and preserver of her...August 19, 2018 1270 0 -
An example of interfaith cooperation
Photo Credit Islamic Society of Basking Ridge Some may be inclined to be skeptical and even dismissive on hearing that a Jewish organization has formed an active body to defend mosques in the US. But this...August 4, 2018 1301 0 -
In Swat, an organization strives for health and education for women, children
The world has come to know Swat through the extraordinary Malala and how she stood up heroically for girls’ education. It is also well worth taking the time to learn of Swat’s other extraordinary female heroes....July 29, 2018 1690 0 -
Sonoma Valley Authors Festival – American hospitality in troubled times
The Lodg, the venue of Sonoma Valley Authors Festival Photo: SVAF/Twitter Image In early May, Zeenat and I had the privilege of traveling to Sonoma, California to speak as part of the inaugural Sonoma Valley Authors...June 30, 2018 1085 0 -
When institutions of higher learning thrive with cosmopolitan embrace
Kings College Chapel West, Cambridge Photo: Andrew Dunn/Wikimedia Commons I have been fortunate to live in and visit many incredible communities around the globe. But time and time again, my heart leads me back to one of...June 9, 2018 1302 0 -
What spirits be these in the town of Newton and Hawking!
The River Cam from the Green Dragon Bridge, Photo: FinlayCox143/Wikimedia Commons In the town of Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking, there dwell strange spirits, and there are strange happenings, that science cannot fully explain....June 2, 2018 1166 0 -
The royal inclusiveness in an era of conflicts and divisions
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Christmas 2017, Photo: Mark Jones/Wikimedia Commons I was fortunate to be in England during the marriage of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. I watched on television with millions of others, Prince...May 26, 2018 1746 1
