Culture & Religion: Fusion or Confusion?

Islam, Identity, American Muslims, American Muslim teenagers, melting pot

America has often been referred to as a ‘melting pot’, however, more recently the media seems to prefer the term ‘salad bowl’. A ‘salad bowl’ implies a mixture of strong, individual flavors which somehow blend harmoniously together into a successful end result. How appropriate is this analogy when applied to the American Muslim community which itself is made up of people from different cultures, ethnicities, and varying Islamic practices? More importantly, how do American Muslims define themselves – by their culture, their religion, or a blend of both identities?

EID MUBARAK! HAPPY EID!

THE CASE OF KHALED MUDALLAL



Khaled Al- Mudallal is one of hundreds of students trapped in Gaza and at risk of losing his place at university. The Let Khaled Study Campaign, www.letkhaledstudy.co.uk is picking up momentum at his university in the UK. His cause is...

Ramadan 2007: A Tribute for Ghandi's Peace Movement

Ghandi; Quran; Ramadan;

Faith is the decisive element behind the greatness of Ghandiji. The new movie on him and others resonate the power of Faith. Yes, it's easy to say religion is an opium for the ignorant masses. And, while admittedly, wars have been waged by both religionists and atheists, at least Faith has brought an end to them wherever such souls like Ghandi, Muhammad, Jesus, Martin Luther and others bowed to the Power who created peace. These humble giants of Salam/Shalom refused the meal of violence during their lifelong Ramadan struggle against tyrannical ego, and in doing so, sanctified their sacrifice of spiritualized fasting on the altar of human brotherhood.