Illinois College has begun a new minor in Interfaith Studies. According to the school, Interfaith Studies helps students build important life skills, providing students with a crucial background in "religion with knowledge and skills relevant to life and work in a global economy." Illinois College is one of only about a dozen colleges and universities in the US to offer an interfaith studies degree or minor. Read more (Illinois College) ...
Victim of Hate Crime Will Donate $10,000 to Other Refugees
Hasel Afshar is an Iranian-born immigrant whose Troutdale, OR home was recently ransacked and vandalized with racist and—even though he is not Muslim, but Baha'i—Islamophobic graffiti. Less than 24 hours after the attack, more than $10,000 had been donated to a GoFundMe account set up in Afshar's name. But, Afshar has decided not to keep the money. Instead, he says he will use the funds to help other Iranian refugees. Afshar also says that he forgives his attacker and hopes that his ...
“Re-tweet If You Want Me Here as an American Muslim”
When Muslim human rights activist and U.S. lawyer Qasim Rashid was told on Twitter "Go home. We don't want you here" he took steps to prove the online troll wrong, asking people to "Re-tweet If You Want Me Here as an American Muslim." The response was huge: His tweet garnered over 100,000 re-tweets, proving how wrong his bully really was. Read more (Stepfeed) ...
Children’s Museum ‘Surprise Blockbuster’: A Show on Islam
During this time of heightened Islamophobia, cultural connections are more important than ever. A new exhibition at the Children's Museum of Manhattan titled "America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far" showcases the history, art, and traditions of Muslims. The organizers hope that this exhibition will help dispel misconceptions about Muslims and Islam and expose young children to new ideas. According to Andrew S. Ackerman, the museum's executive director, "People really want to dig in ...
Don’t Know Muslims? These Seattle Women Invite You to Dinner
A new Seattle-based project, Eat with Muslims, aims to break down stereotypes and misconceptions one dinner party at at time. Fathia Absie, co-founder of Eat with Muslims, says she started the project to counter hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric, saying, "Nothing beats fear like face... Once you talk to someone, all the differences you think you have just melt away. And our commonality will start revealing itself." Read more (KUOW.org) ...
