Archive for November, 2011

By: Sami H. Elmansoury

I have watched both episodes of “All-American Muslim”, and I sincerely applaud TLC for putting it on the air. Despite a handful of personal frustrations, I absolutely love the message that the show portrays. I have also heard two major criticisms from a few individuals within the Muslim community – namely that the show does not represent Islam well, and that the show does not promote or highlight the clear diversity within the Islamic faith. Both seem to be reasonable criticisms, on their surface.

On the first point, I do not believe that “All-American Muslim” is meant to represent Islam as a religion. Rather, it is meant to portray Muslims and their standard lives. It is meant to humanize them, and to help many people to understand the normalcy and diversity in their various views and practices. The show features both practicing people, and non-practicing ones – as is the reality of the American Muslim community, or of any community. To be clear, I believe that an approach that presents a flowery ideal is not only not believable, such an approach actually serves to dehumanize Muslims in a different way than they have been traditionally dehumanized today – but still in a dangerous one. Even if respect for a faith itself should ideally be left intact, followers of any religion should never be made to be seen as almost above-human, and therefore, less than approachable. And it is worth noting that the characters in the show, out of respect for their faith, frequently differentiate between what is common religious practice, and what is their own.

As for the frustration that “All-American Muslim” does not represent the diversity of Muslims, I frankly do not believe that it was ever supposed to.

For example, some criticize and state that the show should be called “All-American Arabs”. I vehemently disagree. Among some other reasons:

a) This is not about Arab-American Christians – who in fact make up two-thirds of the Arab-American community – it is exclusively about Arab-American Muslims and their practices/daily lives.

b) Its focus is about various religious practices, with far less weight on cultural practices. Being Muslim is the focus, not being Arab-American.

c) It is not a documentary series. A “reality” show has to have a focus group/community. Had TLC put the entire focus on African-American Muslims or on the convert community, I would have said the same thing – that that should be its focus. That is how a “reality” show works – like Jersey Shore or Keeping Up with the Kardashians or 19 and Counting (sorry, I had to use three of the most “interesting” examples) – it has to be somewhat specific to be successful, based on “reality” trends.

Yet “All-American Muslim” could be the necessary spark for the increased involvement of American Muslims – of all communities – in media and entertainment. That is a truly positive step, and a blast against fanatics on all fronts. And that is desperately needed in order to help quell the dehumanization and bigotry that often, subtly or not, lace our national conversation.

Ultimately, with roughly 1.6 billion Muslims, disagreement is bound to happen. But rather than become angered and assess whether “All-American Muslim” is helpful based on a lack of ethnic/racial diversity or some “incorrect” statements in the show, let the show encourage a community conversation. From my work with other faith-based communities, there is always a wide range of opinions – some viewed as right by some, and some viewed as wrong by others. They face the same need for consistent intra-faith dialogue as American Muslims do. But that growing pain is part of having an open and truthful community conversation – and in that regard, “All-American Muslim” is a strong step in the right direction, for all American Muslims – and for all Americans.

The most dangerous thing for the bigots opposed to this show – including (no surprises in this list, but they are all louder than many reasonable human beings,)Robert Spencer, Pamela Geller, ACT! For America, Clare Lopez, Debbie Schlussel,World Net Daily, Free Republic,BareNakedIslam, Florida Family Association,American Decency, and the new OfficialBoycott TLC Facebook page - is to see a show that portrays the reality and truth of American Muslims; that they are human, are prone to normalcy, and are working for the best interests of their respective communities. And that “danger” is the reasonable human being’s victory.

The show itself has received significantly high viewership thus far – roughly 2.8 million in two episodes – and rave reviews from high-level sources such as the New York Times, Time Magazine, Hollywood Reporter, the Atlantic, and many others. “All-American Muslim”‘s premiere received the second-highest number of viewers in key demographics for any TLC reality show (second only to Sarah Palin’s Alaska.) This being on a channel (TLC) that has its highest viewership in traditionally conservative states in our country where American Muslim populations are often not as prevalent. That is why these people (Spencer, Geller, Schlussel, etc.) and their bigoted organizations/teams are deeply frightened by humanization “tactics” that could ultimately affect their fear-mongering industry.

The blunt truth is that if American Muslims are humanized, the bigoted “market” could be threatened – thereby reducing their book sales, the success of their speaking appearances, etc. In the end, their concern is in keeping their positions of dominion over people’s fears, at the expense of dehumanizing a significant and patriotic minority in our country, that is as diverse as it is proud. And yet, many if not most people still do not see how these individuals are profiteering off of a continuous and misdirected fear. Ultimately, if the bigoted critics listed above are truly concerned about their commonly-repeated question “so, where is this so-called mainstream?” – then they should celebrate an effort like this, not condemn it. Yet their reactions leave no more proof necessary of their actual intentions.

So, in your own capacities, work for the greater good. I have it from insiders that TLC executives were not too surprised to receive criticism from the bigots, but were indeed surprised to receive much of the same from mainstream American Muslims, who did not seem adequately informed about the purpose and scope of the show. I can say with confidence that their intentions with this show are positive for the health and future of relations in America. Whether you are Muslim or not, post about the show, get trustworthy friends on board, produce informed blog pieces, publish Facebook notes, write newspaper op-eds, submit letters to the editor, etc., in solidarity, that will all fight back against the bigoted criticism that TLC has received on the other side. Encourage friends to take a moment to watch the show, so that the advertisers do not find reason enough to pull their endorsements. And ultimately, work to get over your personal criticisms, and look at the bigger picture.

In the end, look at who the real enemies of “All-American Muslim” are. If these bigots can campaign against something so desperately-needed, then so too can level-headed citizens of our country, who still make up the overwhelming (if often less vocal) majority, campaign for it. It is unreal and unacceptable that fanatics of any sort make up the minority of any pot, but that they are always the loudest. So we need to bombard that dynamic with some positive change – it is possible – and I have personally seen the impact of that type of good work in action.

The question is – who will win over the dialogue in the end? And which side will each of us be on?

Sami H. Elmansoury serves on the Executive Board of the Muslim Public Affairs Council of New York City, on the Immigrant Rights Task Force of the Office of the Borough President of Manhattan, on the Advisory Board of the New Leaders Council of New Jersey, and as a Muslim Leader of Tomorrow for the American Society for Muslim Advancement. In 2005, he was the first recipient of the People of the Book Award, presented by Rutgers University for his persistent work in bridge-building, for promoting a stronger appreciation for the strength in America’s diversity, and for positively altering the campus climate. In 2010, Elmansoury was one of just 70 young people nationwide to be invited into the Department of State’s Generation Change initiative.

By: Editor

Founded in 2011 by the Islamic Center of Southern California, Bayan College is the newest member of the Claremont Lincoln University Consortium, located in Claremont, California. As a uniquely American and non-sectarian institution, Bayan College will educate men and women as Islamic religious leaders, scholars and educators in this new multireligious and multiethnic graduate school.

Bayan College represents an important next step in Islamic education in the American context. Bayan College will educate leaders who are qualified and well-positioned to effectively present Islam to American Muslims and the broader American society. These indigenous imams, chaplains, educators, activists and scholars will help serve the needs of the Islamic community in the religiously and culturally pluralistic realities of American society.

Currently, Bayan College is a program of Claremont Lincoln University, which offers the fully accredited M.A. in Muslim Leadership. In coming years, this degree will become the first program of Bayan College. Click here to visit Bayan’s website and learn about degree programs. 

By: Hassaan Shahawy

“O you who believe. Shall I lead you to a bargain which may deliver you from a painful chastisement? Believe in God and His Apostle and struggle hard in Allah’s cause with all your means and your soul. That is better for you, if you but knew.” (61:10-11)

This is one set of verses in the Quran that, ever since I learnt it, has stayed with me through every issue of every-day life that I deal with. The path to heaven is simple; something that I think is singularly unique about Islam in comparison to other religions. We have no trinity, nor reincarnations, nor any great paradox of faith. Rather we have, in this verse, one sole equation to lead us to our promised happiness. Easy as the concept may be to grasp, in application it can obviously prove extremely difficult. Our lives feel so long to us that the idea of having to guide every single decision we make with the goal of furthering Allah’s cause seems painstakingly difficult. However, the brevity of this verse expresses to me something that pulls me out of these times of frustration. The mere phrasing reminds me that our lives here are humble and so short compared to what is to come. Lying ahead of us we have the trials of death, of the wait in the grave, and of the Last Day, which to some of humanity will feel like 50,000 years on this Earth. Our current life is the deep breath before the plunge. If one prepares himself and breathe in air, then he will not flounder nor drown in the depths.

This life is brutally, utterly, and devastatingly short. All I need to do is meet every challenge, one by one, and in every challenge, pray and do what I know is right. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy the constant blessings that I’m given every day, not only happiness and sadness, but pure existence. What is the occasional sacrifice compared to being spared from the abyss of nothing? I’m truly and utterly happy, even when I am sad. And I know, insha’Allah, that it won’t be so long until the end.

By: Editor 

Best-selling spiritual author and national pulpit voice, Dr. R. Scott Colglazier, Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, welcomed Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater of the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center and Imam Jihad Turk of the Islamic Center of Southern California to a special Interfaith service that sought to dispel the misconceptions each of these religions holds about the others, and explores our commonalities.  This event took place on November 13 at 11:00 am. It was an exploration of how our respective faith traditions contribute to a larger religious experience in America.

Dr. Colglazier says, “I am more and more convinced that the new opportunity being presented to us in the 21st century is to forge common understanding and mutual respect, especially in the arena of religion. The peoples of the earth will never find peace until the religions of the world find a way to understand one another better, appreciate differences of viewpoint, and celebrate common goals for the human family.  Dr. Colglazier, Imam Turk and Rabbi Levine Grater explored such topics as the tenth anniversary of 9/11, religion’s role in the current Occupy Protests worldwide, and Palestine’s recent Unesco status confirmation.

The Trilogue Service was in conjunction with the final day of Golden States of Grace: Prayers of the Disinherited, the photodocumentary exhibit housed in the historic Shatto Chapel at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Golden States of Grace examines eleven different California faith communities that have found themselves on the outside of mainstream American society. Created by photographer Rick Nahmias, this work consists of 56 black and white images, didactics describing the photos, and an ambient soundtrack that captures music, interviews and prayers from these various communities.

Dr. Colglazier, whose accessible and optimistic spiritual work has been featured on CNN, The Today Show, and The CBS Morning Show as well as in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The New York Times. He was also recently interviewed on KCBS/KCAL 9. Dr. Colglazier advocates for a progressive Christianity that embraces the religious diversity of our city and world, using that diversity to make one’s faith stronger.

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater has a regular blog on The Huffington Post, is a frequent contributor to the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, and has been published widely on many different websites and blogs. He currently serves on several boards, including Jewish World Watch, a synagogue-based consortium that focuses on genocide, primarily in Darfur and Congo; the executive committee of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California; and on the National Advisory Board of J-Street, as well as being a member of the advisory board of Just Vision.

Imam Jihad Turk, a religious director at the University of Southern California, advises and serves the needs of the Muslim students on campus. Turk has been serving as the Religious Director at the Islamic Center of Southern California since 2005. Together with an Episcopal Priest, Turk founded, and currently sits as co-chair, of the Christian-Muslim Consultative Group, a group comprised of major Christian and Muslim denominations and organizations intent on understanding each other and working together on common goals.

By: Editor 

Organized annually by The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) in cooperation with the World Jewish Congress and the Islamic Society of North America, the Weekend of Twinning is an annual initiative based on synagogues, mosques and Muslim and Jewish student and young leadership groups forming partnerships and holding joint programs together with the goal of building ties of communication, reconciliation and cooperation between Muslims and Jews.

Check out these Twinning events happening this weekend :

Sunday Nov. 13: 

By: Shirin Karoon 

Chants of Eid takbeerat could be heard from the Grand Ballroom of the Pasadena Convention Center as Muslims hurried to attend the Eid Prayer.  This was the first time the Islamic Center of Southern California hosted Eid ul-Adha prayers at that venue, but approximately 3,000 people  were estimated to have attended. Dr. Maher Hathout led the community in prayer and afterwards delivered an uplifting khutba focusing on two messages for the community. Click here to view photos of the prayer. 

First, he elaborated on the concept of sacrifice and bringing it back to our system of values.  He reminded of the great sacrifices Prophet Ibrahim, peace be uponhim, made to prove his love to the Almighty God where all his sacrifices were void of any selfishness.  He prayed for the community to have this spirit as well.

Secondly, Dr. Hathout stressed the importance of having a vision. This vision was relevant to people of all generations, young and old who have to struggle, work, and pray together to achieve their vision. He reminded of the cooperation between Ibrahim and Ismail.  When Ibrahim saw the vision to sacrifice his son for God Almighty, he consulted with him, whereas the son responded: “O father, do as you are told, for you will find me amongst those who are patient.” In addition, when father and son were commanded by God Almighty to build the first house for the worship of God, they both worked and prayed in harmony and cooperation do fulfill this command.  Dr. Hathout further reminded the youth to earn their parent’s trust by being trustworthy individuals.

By: Marium Mohiuddin, MPAC

The Muslim Public Affairs Council is honored to announce that Dr. Cornel West, New York Times bestselling author and progressive cultural icon, will give the keynote address at its 11th Annual Convention on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

MPAC is honored to have such a powerful philosopher and speaker join the lineup for the 11^th Annual Convention. West has emerged as a thoughtful and thought-provoking leader with a long legacy of activism, justice and prominence in American culture and civil rights.

West has emerged as a thoughtful and thought-provoking leader with a long legacy of activism, justice and prominence in American culture and civil rights. In this year of critical change, MPAC is honored to be joined by a speaker who not only can speak about that change, but also has a long track record of working toward that change in America. Over his decades-long academic career and most recently in the Occupy Wall Street movement, West has given voice to the countless numbers of people who feel voiceless.

West is a prominent and provocative intellectual, who is a professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University. He has taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard and the University of Paris. The author of 19 books and editor of 13 books, West is best known for his classics“Race Matters” and “Democracy Matters,” as well as his new, “Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir.”

He appears frequently on the “Bill Maher Show,” “Colbert Report,” CNN and C-Span, as well as on his dear Brother, Tavis Smiley’s PBS TV Show. He is also co-host of the popular radio show “Smiley & West” heard on PRI around the country. The “Smiley and West” radio show is a highly-acclaimed progressive program.

He made his film debut in the “Matrix,” and was also the commentator (with Ken Wilbur) on the official trilogy released in 2004. He also has appeared in more than 25 documentaries and films, including “Examined Life,” “Call & Response,” “Sidewalk and Stand.”

He also has made three spoken word albums, including “Never Forget,” collaborating with Prince, Jill Scott, Andre 3000, Talib Kweli, KRS-One and the late Gerald Levert. His spoken word interludes were featured on Terence Blanchard’s “Choices” (which won the Grand Prix in France for the best Jazz Album of the year of 2009), The Cornel West Theory’s “Second Rome,” Raheem DeVaughn’s “Love & War: Masterpeace,” and most recently on Bootsy Collins’ “The Funk Capital of the World.”

In short, West has a passion to communicate to a vast variety of publics in order to keep alive the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. – a legacy of telling the truth and bearing witness to love and justice.

MPAC’s 11th Annual Convention will focus on the Arab Spring and America’s role in this new era by engaging some of today’s greatest thinkers and activists. The convention will feature a dozen high-profile speakers who will explore the ramifications of the changing Muslim world, as well as nonviolent revolutions, foreign policy developments, toppled dictatorships and the evolving nature of the Arab Spring.

By: Editor

Recently, PBS special correspondent Saul Gonzalez reported on Claremont Lincoln University.   He explored how CLU is the first in the United States to bring together Christians, Jews and Muslims in the same classrooms to educate the future leaders of churches, synagogues and mosques.

Watch Calif. University Introduces First U.S. Multi-Faith School of Theology on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

Based at Claremont Lincoln University,  Bayan College will educate men and women as Islamic religious leaders, scholars and educators in this new multireligious and multiethnic graduate school. Click here to learn more about Bayan College. 

By: Eba Hathout 

The Hassan Hathout Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization whose mission is to spread the message of "Love in God". Learn more at www.HassanHathoutLegacy.org

On the occasion of the Abrahamic festival of pilgrimage (Eid ul Adha), we chose to share a Friday sermon titled ”Days of Abraham” in the voice of Hassan Hathout.  Although it was delivered to a Muslim audience in Los Angeles in 1993, you may find that much of its content is relevant to different faiths and times. The speech is 24 minutes long and is primarily in English.  Arabic supplications and Quranic quotations are followed by English translations.

To hear the speech now, please click on the following audio link: Days of Abraham