Previously published on Patheos AltMuslim. On this rainy Friday afternoon, more than 200 men and women fill the banquet hall of Dunya Restaurant in Alexandria, Va. They sit cross-legged on colorful plastic prayer mats on the carpet, listening intently to a speaker at the podium. A dark-haired man in a crisp suit and tie speaks … Continue reading A New Path for American Mosques
The first thing I noticed about the apartment was its three large windows. The second was the neon display at the deserted gun store outside the windows. As the landlord carried on, I stared at the sign until the train arrived. Faint at first, then loud, it blared past the trees partially blocking the view … Continue reading The Three Trillion Train
--Published in Dawn-- Often unable to find personal and professional independence back home, more single Pakistani women are choosing to make their home in the West – alone. For Asnia Asim, who grew up on army bases across Pakistan, moving to Washington was a no-brainer. It wasn’t the first time she would be away from home in Islamabad. … Continue reading Pakistani, Female, and Living Alone in America
To 16-year old Aiman Fatima, self-motivation came at a young age. She remembers when she was about 11, and came in fifth in her final exams at school. Her scores were above average, but Aiman was crushed. She vowed that day to top her class next year, and began studying harder. Fast forward a few … Continue reading After scoring big at home, aspiring astronaut gets a chance to pursue her dream abroad
In the spacious, sun-lit prayer hall of the Gurdwara Sahib of Rockville, Md., a teenager practices tabla with a bearded man in a blue turban and crisp white Kurta. In one corner, a woman sits surrounded by pre-schoolers, their heads covered with colorful scarves and little turbans. She switches between fluent English and Punjabi, asking them to repeat … Continue reading Sikh Americans’ best weapon to fight discrimination: A faith rooted in equality
A young Pakistani Muslim immigrant to Washington has built a platform for fellow immigrants to come together and do their part to promote peace and tolerance in Pakistan. Her biggest motivation is an unbreakable bond with the country she grew up calling home -- in spite of the systemic persecution her community has faced there for decades.
November 21 WASHINGTON – A diverse group of students, families, and activists gathered for a peaceful protest in front of the White House this afternoon to call upon federal and local governments to let more Syrian refugees into the U.S. More than 100 rally participants carried signs welcoming refugees, and chanted against a recent announcement … Continue reading D.C. Area Residents Rally for Syrian Refugees Outside White House
