Bringing Youth Into the 9/11 Conversation

By Saadia Faruqi

 

Where were you on 9/11? It's a question most American adults can answer in a heartbeat, even though it happened eleven years ago. As a thirty-something now, I remember the fateful day of 9/11 vividly. At the time I was in college, but more importantly I was Muslim at a time when the world suddenly hated Muslims. But ask this question to a fifteen year old, even a twenty year old, and they look back at you blankly.

Is Mutual Respect Too Much To Ask?

By Saadia Faruqi

Over the Eid weekend, a Muslim woman made headlines by calling out the Houston Police Department for their lack of cultural awareness. She alleged that she was frisked by HPD in a way she deemed offensive. Thankfully she hasn’t sued yet (although that might change depending on who’s advising her), but once again the cultural clash between “us and them” seems more prominent than ever. Islamophobia is alive and well in the world today, but one should also carefully consider if every case is in fact one of Islam-bashing. To me, this doesn’t look like it.
 

Fasting Isn't Just For Islam

By Saadia Faruqi

The month of Ramadan is upon me, and so far it's been going well. Yes, most days I'm tired and hungry and a bit snappy with my kids. But overwhelmingly the feeling is one of happiness - the feeling that comes with being grateful for a wonderful opportunity. During my interfaith work I'm asked by several people every year why I and other Muslims fast so completely - no food or drink for the entire day every day for a whole month has got to take its toll, they think. My response: not really.