Introduction “Be a man, stop this crying right this minute!” These words are familiar to most adult men today as a part of their upbringing, irrespective of their heritage. Undoubtedly, the conceptualization of...
Islam and Politics
An Open Letter to Muslim Men: The Sunnah Trumps Toxic Masculinity
Introduction This article is addressed to young Muslim men. Others are welcome to read on but please understand that I am addressing a specific audience. Today’s world is polarized along the lines of how people...
Courage & Commitment: The Femininity of Muslim Women
Introduction The term ‘feminine’ conjures up images of flowers and pink fluffy fabrics, soft smiles, and sweetly spoken words. Years ago, girls in Minnesota who preferred soccer to sewing were called ‘tomboys’ because...
Balancing Feminism, Human Rights, & Faith
Abstract Feminism, Human Rights, and Postsecular theorizing are three overlapping discourses that predominate our progressive social space. These approaches invite Muslims to interpret and participate in social life...
“And We Created You in Pairs”: Islam and the Gender Question
Introduction Gender informs who we are as individuals, as collectives, and as creators of civilization because it is real. The modern era, however, has uprooted much of our understanding of this defining aspect of...
Islamophobia in American Society, Culture, & Politics
Introduction Islamophobia is a complex phenomenon that exists in various spheres of US society. The purpose of this short article is to help provide a basic historical analysis of Islamophobia to better understand...
Counter-Radicalization: A Critical Look into a Racist New Industry
Abstract Radicalization is the process by which individuals develop an intent to support or commit acts of political violence. The industry of counter-radicalization, or countering violent extremism as it is known in...
What is Islamophobia? The Politics of Anti-Muslim Racism
Introduction With rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States and Europe, there is an ongoing discussion about how to define it. Since Islam is not a race, some argue that it can’t be called “racism.” Others argue...
“Why Don’t Muslims Condemn Terrorism?” Western Violence and Scapegoating in an Age of Islamophobia
When President Obama addressed the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2015, he did so in the midst of a new global crisis: the rise and spread of ISIS. News stories of ISIS beheading Western journalists and burning...
The Far-Right’s Love Affair with Islamophobia
Abstract Anti-Muslim racism is increasingly becoming a prominent feature of far-right extremist groups and political figures across Europe and North America. This article examines the growth of Islamophobic discourse...
The Crime of Family Separation & the Compassion of a Muslim Sultan
Introduction Today, in America, we see our government and its agencies separating children from their mothers in what seems to be a weekly occurrence. The tragic stories keep pouring in of children no longer recognizing...
Are Muslims Intolerant? Is that Even the Right Question?
Introduction This article is based on the publication, “What Causes Muslims to Doubt Islam? A Quantitative Analysis“. Key Findings American Muslim intolerance is not broadly and invariably applied, but is...
