After a bomb was thrown through the window of Dar Al Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomfield, Minnesota, hundreds of people of all faiths turned out in a show of support for the Muslim community, denouncing the attack with a poignant and important message: We are all one Minnesota. We will not let hate win. People also took action online, raising over $100,000 to help the Islamic Center rebuild. Dar Al Farooq community members have expressed thanks to their supporters, saying that the outpouring of ...
Art and Empathy
Issues of religion, gender, and ethnicity can often seem difficult to discuss or fully understand when not tied to our daily lives and concerns. Rohina Malik, a nationally-recognized playwright and performer, talks with us about how theater can spotlight these issues in an approachable and empathetic way. Her one-woman show, Unveiled, looks at the lives of five Muslim women from differing backgrounds and how they challenge, confound, and exceed the stereotypes placed on them by others. LISTEN ...
The Dynamic American Muslim Community
New Book and Toy Aim to Teach Kids about Islam
In the spirit of "Elf on the Shelf" and "Mensch on the Bench" comes a new toy and book to teach children about Islam: "Imam Adam." According to its creator, Danny Shakoj, "Imam Adam" is meant to serve a dual purpose: Supporting the faith of Muslim families and also educating non-Muslims about the basic tenets of Islam. As Shakoj says, "I'd like people to get a different perspective [on Islam.]... Usually, with younger kids, parents will read to them, so this way both the parents and the kids get ...
Teaching – not Preaching – Religion in Public Schools
Increasingly, educators are realizing that, in our connected and diverse societies, it is important to teach students religious literacy—knowledge of, and ability to understand, different religions. But, teaching about religion in public school can often prove tricky, and teachers must find ways to teach their students about religion without accidentally promoting a religion or religions. In Chicago, public school educators are taking part in workshops on teaching religious literacy, which ...
