In the southern United States, disaster relief and charity organizations are often religious, typically Christian, initiatives. But now, new Muslim disaster relief groups have emerged to help their neighbors recover in times of crisis, often in partnership with interfaith organizations. Muslim volunteers come from all over the country to lend a had, thankful for the opportunity to help others get back on their feet. As one Christian organizer in North Carolina says, "It just tells me you have ...
After Hurricane Harvey, Muslims in Houston Hit the Streets to Help
Hurricane Harvey has devastated Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas, creating dangerous flooding and leaving many people displaced. But, in the wake of the storm, a group of young Houston Muslims has stepped to help their neighbors during this time of crisis by handing out food, clean water, and other important supplies and checking that people are safe. According to one volunteer, "Whenever your fellow Americans are in need, you need to be the first ones on the ground to help ...
Muslims in Tulsa Give Back to their Community
A group of Muslims in Tulsa, Oklahoma has started a new charity called Muslims4Mercy. Their mission is to provide food to local homeless people, but they also hope that their initiative might help bring people together. As one Muslims4Mercy organizer said, "With all the negativity often seen on the news, we are really excited about Tulsans seeing Muslims giving back." READ MORE (Tulsa World) ...
Interfaith Vigil for Charlottesville
Over 100 people of different religious and cultural backgrounds came together for an interfaith vigil honoring the three people who died during the hateful rally in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier this month. In addition to honoring the victims, the vigil also sent a powerful message of peace. As one participant said, the remedy for hatred is "more speech—speech to challenge the hatred, speech to educate the haters, speech to expose their moral vacuity." View photos from this event at ...
“Ask a Muslim Anything” Events Break Down Misconceptions
At this time of heightened bigotry, there has been a rise in events hosted by Muslims that are designed to help dispel misconceptions and bring Muslims and non-Muslims together. One New Hampshire man, Robert Azzi, has begun a series of "Ask a Muslim Anything" events, which he has been leading at community centers, churches, and town halls across New Hampshire. The events give him the chance to teach people about his faith and reach out to neighbors, but the positive response he's received from ...
