Ramadan is a time of charity and spiritual growth, and food delivery initiatives for those in need is an excellent way to show love and caring during this sacred time. At Cordoba House, we salute members of the American Muslim community who work to make their communities better, stronger, and more compassionate. These are expressions of both Islamic values and American values.
Muslim Moms make Moon-Shaped Ramadan Trees… and They’re a Hit!
A group of Muslim moms in Dearborn, Michigan have hit on a novel idea: moon-shaped trees for Ramadan. The decorative trees are meant to help children—and adults alike—get into a festive mood during Ramadan. And, the trees are selling quickly, with orders coming in from across the country!
Imam Feisal on Interfaith Panel Following “Flight of the Ibis”
Imam Feisal participated via video response in a panel discussion April 29 following a special one-night-only performance of Flight of the Ibis in the Theatre of The Riverside Church. Imam Feisal was joined by Foreign Service Officer and former Director of Religion and Global Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Rachel Leslie; Minister of Justice and Advocacy at The Riverside Church Reverend Bertram Johnson; Associate Rabbi, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Benjamin Spratt; and playwright Alan Roland. The panel was moderated by Professor Katherine Pratt Ewing who is Director of the Institute for Religion, Culture, and Public Life, Columbia University. With original music by Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble member Kinan Azmeh and direction from Beth Greenberg (formerly with NYC Opera), the lead cast member was The Metropolitan Opera star Lauren Flanigan.
The Power of Listening
Read this beautiful reflection on the power of a simple act—listening—to building interfaith bridges.
Muslim Family Reaches Out to Educate Neighbors about Islam
When members of the Afzal family were bullied for their Muslim faith, they decided to fight back through education and outreach to their non-Muslim neighbors. Members of the family put together a program to teach kids about inclusion and celebrate diversity, while one family member, Maimona, was elected to the local school board. While they have faced hardships and difficulties, they have managed to turn these traumas into teachable moments and make their community a better and more just place.
