The only reason I had mentioned the Shia aspect of the entire cast being Shia on the show; was to just state a fact about the show…just in case episodes of the show down the line may show something(s) that is as a result of Shia ideology/beliefs.

But you’re right…that’s to digress from the main point that bigots don’t care about the Shia/Sunni thing…let alone know that such a thing even exists.

Many Muslims are stepping up and actively being proactive to build bridges and maintain them…even in the face of an intense and calculated campaign by the media and politicians to sensationalize Islamophobia and bigotry. However of course more bridge building and maintaining can obviously be done…as we should all remember firstly that we as Muslims are walking dawah (should be rather). There will always be bigots no matter what bridge building…but that’s a reality to live with and strive on.

May we all strive to be patrons of our beautiful deen to fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

So, if protesting with your wallet is your preferred method, think about this: The next time you buy something that you might otherwise have bought at Lowes, photocopy the sales receipt, and mail it to Lowes, with the note: “I would have spent this money with you, if you hadn’t supported hatred and ignorance by dropping your sponsorship of ‘Muslims in America’ on TLC.” If enough kitchen remodels go to Home Depot, they will sit up and take notice.

Shia/Sunni – speaking as a convert, who has had a hard time understanding the roots of the controversy and how much animosity there is now – most non-Muslims, if they are even aware of it, don’t know what the differences are, or why they are, or anything. Focusing on this aspect of the issue doesn’t help in terms of building any understanding with the non-Muslim community because it is just confusing to non-Muslims who already are confused about Islam. And if I may say so, it seems that those bridges are in desperate need of being built.

Walaikum’as’salaam Kareemah. I agree that racism towards African Americans has not faded away; it is rather cloaked in many ways. As far as the religion of Islam that transcends skin color, gender, race, creed, national origin, ethnicity, culture…it is becoming ever more a victim of a calculated and sensationalized smear campaign to justify thoughts and actions.

In my first comment on this article; I simply pointed out a fact about the show that wasn’t pointed out amongst other facts that the article’s author stated about the show…the fact that they are Shia Muslims. With that said..you’re RIGHT that they don’t care whether the Muslims are Shia or Sunni.

And by the way, their hatred is targeted against all Muslims and they don’t care about Shiah or Sunni. We should be smart enough to understand this and not let anyone divide us and not divide ourselves.

Wa alaykum us salaam

Whether contribution is through the wallet, words, example, education…or a mix…everyone can do their part. We can’t and shouldn’t sit idleand let others teach and dictate to others what Islam is. Just as how Muslims who call themselves Muslims but whose actions completely contrdict Islam are spoken against…so to should other individuals/corporations/groups/entities/companies/etc who are creating fear mongering and sensationalism against Islam and Muslims. Let’s all do our part to convey/live the truth of what being a Muslim and American really is!

To the author of this article and its readers; it’s important to also point out that not only is the representation of Muslims in the show “narrow” in the sense that the participants are from one geographical area (Dearborn, MI) and are of the same ethnic-cultural-national background (Lebanese American)…but the participants on All-American Muslim are all of the Shiite sect of Islam (Shiites roughly comprise 14% of Muslims; whereas Sunni Muslims comprise 86% of Muslims).

I like the call to activism. But, let’s not go the shaming route by calling people ‘apathetic’ if they’re not out calling people, writing letters, etc. I think most of our muslim community gets its activism on with their wallets…as in not shopping at Lowes in the future…and by talking to colleagues, neighbors, and family about it. And, most importantly, by setting a good example of Islam to others. Simple.

But for my brothers and sisters who are all about activism, get it on :)!

Different strokes for different folks.