community

Are non-hijabis “scantily clad”?

Some social scientific studies, such as a recent study by well-known Princeton psychologist, Dr. Susan Fiske, have been misleadingly used to promote the use of the hijab. Misrepresenting these studies – acknowledged by their authors to require further investigation – does little to serve such a cause, nor does it fairly portray the reality of Muslims (and non-Muslims) who choose to dress without it.

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Honoring Aasiya

Though much has been said about the horrific killing of Aasiya Hassan, we should continue to honor her by reviving our memories of her brutal death and calling ourselves to action again. After all, presenting an alternative to the merchants of fear and hate who dehumanize others was her mission.

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A distressing statement from NOW-NY

The comments by the National Organization for Women-New York regarding the Aasiya Zubair case unfortunately perpetuate the erroneous claim that domestic violence is religiously sanctioned by Islam. Thankfully, other womens groups are speaking out about this lapse in judgment.

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Claiming back Islam’s revolutionary spirit

On February 13, 2009, a group of 250 gathered in Kuala Lumpur for five intense days to challenge the unjust application of family law throughout the Muslim world. The movement that resulted – Musawah – represents an important initiative in the search for equality and justice in the Muslim family.

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The privatization of Pakistani women

Sexual crimes have been mainstays of Pakistani politics for nearly all of its sixty-one-year history and have been used to legitimise all sorts of regimes. This gives the Taliban ample room to justify yet another repugnant episode in the history of Pakistani women.

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Holding Muslim men accountable

The spirit and the letter of Islamic law prohibit acts of relationship violence. Are we willing to hold our brothers, fathers, and sons accountable for domestic violence at work, at home, and at the mosque?

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Does a bullet kill less than a blade?

Aasiya was killed in the very space where she tried to promote a broader understanding of Islam. Like many other domestic violence victims who endure years of abuse before deciding to leave their partner, she may have been held back by her abusers’ threats, isolation, and fear of stigma

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