The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a federal panel that reports to Congress has recommended that the Islamic Saudi Academy in Virginia (ISA) be shut down until it can verify that the school is not promoting religious extremism.

The panel’s main argument, which is extremely is extremely weak and reeks of the now common place bigotry that we have seen in play in the Dubai Ports World fiasco and the forced resignations of Debbie Almontaser and Dr. Esam Omeish that the school is funded by the Saudi Embassy and that the panel believes (keyword “believes”, with no actual verifiable evidence or criticism) that the school’s curriculum is in some ways similar to that of schools in Saudi Arabia.

The commission does not offer specific criticism of the academy’s teachings beyond its concerns that it too closely mimics a typical Saudi education.

The school’s director-general, Abdalla I. Al-Shabnan, said Wednesday that he had not seen the report. But he said the academy has adjusted its curriculum in recent years and removed some of the inflammatory language that had been included in the Saudi text. The school’s curriculum may now serve as a model for the Saudi government to use in continuing its reform of Saudi schools, he said. Continue reading →

Some local Muslims helped contribute to this Explainer article on Slate including Imam Johari Abdul Malik and Taha Jabir al-Alwani.

Slate: Muslim Beards 101

It has always struck me as a little odd, how quickly some brothers will make excuses for shaving or not growing their beards but don’t let them see a sister without hijab that may also have similar excuses to the ones the brothers are fond of using for themselves.

I’m guilty of this as well, because when my family points to a Muslim woman that does  not wear hijab by saying, “See she’s Muslim and doesn’t have to cover, so why do you?” there is a thought that sometimes comes into my head that wonders about her level of practice.

Here is a positive story about the imam of the Dar al Noor community in Manassas, Viriginia.

NPR: Young Imam Serves as Islam’s Face to the Community

Some quotes from the article:

The imam’s duties range from spiritual guide to resident psychologist, sorting through the never-ending details of his people’s lives. The work begins with 5 a.m. prayers and ends when Lamptey drags himself home, often after midnight. In between prayers, he teaches the Koran and youth class. He preaches at funerals and weddings. He counsels parents and children, couples in love and those in distress.

Sheikh Rashid Lamptey:

“It is up to us Muslims to put our religion out there and make it very transparent for people to see,” he said, “and understand that this religion is not about bombing, it’s not about killing, it’s not about marrying 70 women in heaven, as I heard somebody say. It’s about accountability; it’s about sincerity; it’s about forgiveness; it’s about love.” Continue reading →