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Islam

Traditional Music of Morocco Series (Episode 2 of 7): Gnawa

By: Claire Boyle / Arab America Contributing Writer Introduction: The country of Morocco is one of many cultures, beautiful architecture, amazing cities, and it also has its own unique musical and dance genres that are borne out of numerous traditions. These traditions stem from many influences including the cultures of the Amazigh, Arabs, Berbers, Gnawa, … Continued

The Importance of Social Justice and Equality in Islam

The entire religion of Islam is based on Tawhid, which is the practice of believing in the oneness of God. Tawhid is emphasized in the Shahada, which states “there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” While believing in the oneness of God is the top priority of a Muslim, fighting for justice and equality is considered the supreme virtue in Islam. 

Beginnings of the Crusades

The Crusades were no doubt a series of events that altered world history as we know. To this day, the Crusades and their after-effects live on in the consciousness of Arabs, Europeans, and Americans alike. This is because the Crusades are largely remembered as an extremely brutal series of wars between “Christendom” and the “Islamic world”, which is alive in today’s political rhetoric. As right-wing pundits like to put it, today there is a “clash of civilizations” between the Christian West and the Arab Middle East, although this view is rooted in bigotry and ignorance. The first Crusade culminated in the siege of Jerusalem which saw the mass slaughter of the city’s Muslim and Jewish inhabitants at the hands of Frankish crusaders. This article will explore some of the political and cultural origins that led to this tremendously important event.

Islamic Dynasties of North Africa- Almoravids and Almohads

By: Lyric Ludwig / Arab America Contributing Writer Throughout history, the Amazigh people have been able to create some of the largest and most influential kingdoms in African history. In antiquity, there was the great Kingdom of Numidia founded by Masensen, a power in both trade and agriculture. Once Roman influence receded in the Maghreb, … Continued

A Victorian-Era, Daughter of a British Earl, Muslim Convert Woman?

By Ruqyah Sweidan / Arab America Contributing Writer As of 2018, just under four million Muslims are residing in Britain. While many Muslims as well as their descendants are immigrants statistics have shown growing numbers of white British individuals converting to Islam. The message of Islam has spread organically. Although now it occurs at a … Continued

“Citizenry Anger”: What Does it Mean for MENA and SWANA Americans?

By: Qaïs S. Ahmadī / Arab America Contributing Writer Understanding “Citizenry Anger” “The revolution’s on … It’s here, it’s today … I’m looking for all my other patriots to come out and help me.” Floyd Ray Roseberry Floyd Ray Roseberry is angry at the United States government, and he decided to set off bombs. Among … Continued

The Art of Armor in Islam

By Lyric Ludwig / Arab America Contributing Writer Protecting one’s self from harm in the midst of war is nothing new in world history. For thousands of years, various cultures have come up with forms of body armor, to protect against the damage one may encounter in battle. This is particularly true of cultures in … Continued

Do I Look White to You?: The “White Arab” Myth in America

By: Qaïs S. Ahmadī / Arab America Contributing Writer White or Wrong? There was an alleged mass shooting at a Boulder, Colorado grocery store on March 22, 2021. This followed the Atlanta, Georgia spa shooting by a white man who had a “really bad day.” In the same token, social media quickly ruled that the Boulder suspect … Continued

Somalia: A Country Rich in Oral Tradition and Mythology

By: Claire Boyle / Arab America Contributing Writer Introduction: Somalia has, unfortunately, over the years been known for its numerous civil wars, failed governments, and terrorist attacks that have taken place in its capital, Mogadishu, but were you aware there is so much more to this beautiful Arab country in the Horn of Africa? This … Continued

Eid Al Adha 2021

By: Waverly Nohr/ Arab America Contributing Writer Identity is made up of so many factors. According to Psychology Today, “Identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one’s sense of self.”  Keeping that in mind, religion is a huge determinant of one’s experiences and, therefore, their identity. While we observe the religious holiday of Eid Al Adha, … Continued

The Pre-Islamic Religion of the Arabs

By Evan Ploeckelman / Arab America Contributing Writer While the pre-Islamic Arabs practiced many different religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism, they actually did have their own native religion. This religion also had a significant impact on the development of Islam and subsequent Arab culture. What is the Pre-Islamic Arab Religion?  The pre-Islamic Arab … Continued

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