Music & Islam: Abridged Version

***ABRIDGED VERSION***One of the most controversial and argument provoking issues amongst Muslims today is the issue of Music and Islam. In the often emotionally charged atmosphere over the “halal/haram” of music in Islam a clear definition of this word “Music” is rarely articulated. Before we delve into the details of the title of this article let us try to have an understanding of what we mean by “music”. Read More …

Marry A Black Muslim Brother?: Muslim Marriage Attitudes and Blackness

Anecdotally speaking many in the African-American community have suspected that the issue of “Blackness” is much more significant in marriage than we may pay lip service to. Many African-American Men have often complained amongst each other that Arab and South Asian Muslims would object to their daughters marrying them based on nothing but race not on Islamic knowledge nor perceived spirituality.
While no scientific studies have ever been conducted to confirm or reject this perception the data from the polls lends credence to these prevailing attitudes. Read More …

Deen Too Tight

Deen “Too” Tight Culture Identity and Power at a NJ Film Screening Introduction On Saturday, August 7th 2010 I attended what was to be a screening of the film documentary DeenTight by filmmaker Mustafa Davis. Both Mustafa and Usama Canon, Director of the community based organization Ta’leef Collective who is also interviewed in the film, Read More …