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Prominent American-Muslim Websites Initiate Online Blackout
Internet Protest to Call Attention to Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

(7/18/2014) — Today, five of the largest American-Muslim websites are simultaneously participating in an online blackout to raise awareness about the ongoing Israeli incursion in Gaza that has claimed more than 200 Palestinian lives–most of them civilian according to the United Nations–and one Israeli life. The websites have shut down for 24 hours, and redirected viewers to a message prompting them to take action around the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

SEE: Four Out of Every Five Palestinians Killed in Gaza Have Been Civilians, UN Reports

The first-of-its-kind online protest organized by American-Muslims aims to mobilize community members to advocate for Palestinian human rights. The daily estimated audience of the websites is more than 80,000.

What: Onlineblackout to raise awareness about the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza
When: July 18, 2014
Participating Organizations(in alphabetical order):
HalalTube.com  | IdealMuslimah.com | MuslimMatters.org | QuranWeekly.com  | VirtualMosque.com

The group of websites is calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent the further loss of innocent lives, and advocating for a just, comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It condemns the violence that has led to trauma on both sides. Visitors to the sites are being urged to contact their local representatives in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in order to express their concerns over the growing humanitarian crisis.

As one of our guest authors reminded us this year, there was practically no human suffering that the Prophet ﷺ did not experience—whether it was the loss of a loved one, poverty, or abandonment. He appealed to people at a personal level. He felt for the poor man’s hunger for food, the mother’s loss of her child, the orphan’s social vulnerability, and the seeker’s spiritual craving. Inspired by the wisdom in the Prophetic tradition, Qur’an, and Islamic scholarship, dozens of authors from around the world continued to share advice and reflections on the full breadth of current needs in society this past year.

The following is a list of 30 articles that were found to resonate most strongly with our readers this past year or spoke to important topics such as balanced approaches to Islamic studies and current events such as the struggles in Syria or garment workers in Bangladesh. There were many articles of significant impact that are not on the list for brevity’s sake. What article sticks out in your memory from the past year? Leave a comment to let us know!

Practical Steps for Success

Read more articles on Personal Development here

Psychology, Islam, and Self-Control by Saadia Khan (Guest Author)
Islam emphasizes restraint, discipline and sabr (patience). We pray five times a day is to gain discipline. We lower our gaze to resist temptation. Even the pursuit of wealth is not by any means necessary.

Watch as He Increases You by Reehab Ramadan
If we’re in a state of thankfulness, God will increase us in blessings and the awareness of the blessings we already have in our lives. Also see: 5 skills of a positive genius that the Prophet Muhammad had…and that you CAN too! by Jinan Yousef.

The Seven Under Allah’s Shade by Jamal Diwan
There’s no better time than now to strive for the best. May God bless each of us to be the best we can be. Also see related advice: The Fruits of Sitting with a Teacher by Suhaib Webb and Put Your Best Face Forward – a 6 step plan to achieving the sunnah of smiling by Lobna Mulla.

Lesser of Two Good Deeds by Suhaib Webb
We often misunderstand the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ where he said, “Marry a woman for four reasons…” This also means, “Marry a man for four reasons…” This and more gems of knowledge.

Love & Relationships

Read more articles on Relationships here

Is Hot, Passionate Love Real? by Maryam Amirebrahimi
A popular question – asked over and over again by single women (and men!) – answered with practical tips on how to find this in your future marriage.

#Love by Rana Mohammad (Guest Author)
Know that it is possible to find true love in this life and to live a beautiful love story like the Prophet ﷺ and Khadija (ra). But heed that true love cannot exist unless it is for the sake of Allah.

Will Marriage Solve My Problems? by Ubah (Guest Author)
We tell ourselves things like: “after marriage, I’ll be happy,” “after I get married, I’ll be satisfied.” We begin to view marriage as the ultimate solution to all of our problems, when in reality it is not.

M&Ms: Marriage and Money by Eyad Alnaslah (Guest Author)
Questions such as “What is your credit score?” are increasingly asked when courtin. Unromantic? Very. Important? Exceptionally. This and more tips on seeking marriage.

Ummah (Community)

Read more articles on Ummah here

Gay Muslims—the Elephants in the (Prayer) Room by Mohammed Yusuf (Guest Author)
A guest author argues that Muslim communities should stop sweeping the topic under the carpet and start providing the right kind of support and advice. See related post by Imam Suhaib in 2007 regarding a question from a non-practicing homosexual here.

“You’re Haram!” by Maryam Amirebrahimi
We cannot let someone else be the reason we stop seeking self-reformation or being a part of the community. The Houses of God were not built only for the always-obedient angels.

Gender Relations in the Prophet’s Society by Maryam Amirebrahimi
Contrary to popular knowledge, the homeboys and girls of the Prophet ﷺ also struggled with their desires too. Let us learn some of the ways the Prophet ﷺ dealt with gender interactions. Also see: Prophetic Narrations You Have Probably Never Heard of (Part II) by Yusra Owais (Amatullah).

5 Ways to Stop Being Judgmental by Maryam Amirebrahimi
If that feeling of, “I’m better than thou,” creeps up on you while comparing yourself to someone else, consider the following 5 quick tips on how to stop being judgmental. 

Overcoming Hardships

Read more articles on Overcoming Hardships here

Leaving Islam by VMCounselors
Advice to parents facing an extremely difficult challenge, a son who has lost his faith. Also see additional advice columns such as Living with My Brother-In-Law and Polygamous Marriage.

 Don’t Say I have a Big Problem – Say I have a Big God: Al Kabeer by Jinan Yousef
Allah’s Name al-Kabeer (the Most Great) is a Name that we all need to get acquainted with. When truly understood, it is a Name that brings tranquility and confidence to every person who is overwhelmed.

The Benefits of Being Tested During Ramadan: A Personal Reflection by Lobna Mulla
During Ramadan, the author’s son almost drowned in a pool and was rushed to the Emergency Room. Here’s what she learned about being tested and shares the ways people benefit from trials.

Bringing a Secret to the Prophet’s Garden by Shibli Zaman
“As I watched my son Abdullah lose every golden hair from his head and then eventually his entire body, how helpless I’ve felt as a father –  unable to rescue my son. So I laid it all out before God.”

Women and the Ummah

Read more articles on Women here

Be Amazing by Reehab Ramadan
Whoever you are, whatever position you may be, do your best and be amazing. Because you, despite your circumstances, can rise high in the sight of God. Here are 5 such examples from our history.

5 Tips to Rethink Women in Islam by Maryam Amirebrahimi
If anyone makes you feel less than a man, then do not be the one who turns away from Islam or the community. We need your voices, especially, to help change the narrative many of our communities.

Reviving the Heart

Read more on Spiritual Purification here

Beware of Zombies. Or Are You One? by Moutasem Atiya (Guest Author)
Two men passed away during the life of Moses – but the perceived righteous man ended up in damnation while the sinner had been forgiven. Moses decided to investigate the matter, and here’s what he found.

Lord of the Rings: All that Glitters is Not Gold by Abdul Sattar Ahmed
Reflections on wisdom from The Fellowship of the Ring in today’s article: “All that is gold does not glitter; Not all those who wander are lost” – J.R.R. Tolkien

I Don’t Feel Ramadan by Maryam Amirebrahimi
If you are reading this: there is still time. Renew your intention. Choose to understand your relationship with God as one that will continue even when your life changes. Choose to magnify your intention.

Hot Topics

Read more articles on Society here

Regarding the Permissibility of Music by Yahya (John) Ederer
If you choose to listen to music, observe piety and do not listen to immoral music or choose to be in immoral environments. There is no doubt that much of today’s music is prohibited by Islam and even some Islamic music still brings bad environments.

The Two Towers of Taif by Shibli Zaman
A Reflection on September 11th. The angel called out to him, “O Muhammad! Verily, God has witnessed what the people have done. […]What do you command? If you wish it, I shall topple upon them the two mountains that tower over them!”….and here’s how he responded.

Society

Read more articles on Society here

A Holiday Message from the Life of Omar by Shibli Zaman
As our Christian brothers and sisters celebrate Christmas,  there are many lessons to apply from Omar’s, the companion of the Prophet, merciful and respectful treatment of the Christians of Jerusalem.

Chained by the Syrian Regime via Syrian Chronicles
A difficult to read series – but a must read. “At 24, I wanted to be out there, I wanted the future generations to experience the freedom and justice that we missed out on…” Read what happened next…

Every Garment Has a Name by Guest Author – Sadia Kidwai
Instantly available clothing that can be discarded after a few wears has led to inhumane conditions for garment workers in countries such as Bangladesh and China. Lessons from the life of the Prophet to help us change our ways. 

Worship & Islamic Studies

Read more articles on Islamic Studies here

Kids and Qur’an Fun! by Maryam Amirebrahimi
Want your kids to love the Qur’an? Here are some awesome ways to do that through interactive and engaging activities.

We Weren’t Born Knowing, We Had to Learn: The Path to Learning & Teaching Qur’an by Amal S (Guest Author) Death means time is up, opportunities are done. Except for three types of deeds: Ceaseless charity; knowledge which is beneficial; or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (the deceased).”

How to Pray 5 Times a Day by Maryam Amirebrahimi
Praying the five daily prayers on time, everyday, is a good habit that just needs to be built. You’ve been building habits since you were a child and this is just another habit you can develop and strengthen. Also see 5 Simple Steps to Wake up for Fajr: What are Yours? by Asif Mahbub (Guest Author)

Other

Although published earlier than 2013, there were a number of additional articles that continued to garner immense interest this year including How Watching Pornography Changes the Brain by Mohamed Ghilan, Updated: Is Breathable Nail Polish Sufficient for Wudu? by Mustafa Umar, Top 5 Reasons for Hijabophobia by Lobna Mulla, The Ramadan Nutrition and Workout Plan for Success by Rehan Jalali, and 10 Tips to Becoming One of Allah’s Special People by Maryam Amirebrahimi.

With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Merciful

On behalf of VirtualMosque.com, our family (staff), friends and relatives we wish you all a blessed Ramadan. Folks get excited when shopping centers open early and close late after or before certain holidays. Well, Paradise is about to open and Hell is about close so we should be pumped!

“When Ramadan comes, the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed.” 

We ask Allah to grant us tawfiq to make the most of this special time.

The following is a list of 30 articles that were found to resonate most strongly with our readers this past year. There were many articles of significant impact that are not on the list for brevity’s sake. What article sticks out in your memory from the past year? Leave a comment to let us know!

Love & Relationships

Read more articles on Relationships here

Learning how to Love the Right Way by Omar Ead (Guest Author)
Advice rooted in understanding how love outside The Source (God) becomes a force of hawa (desire), a means of destruction, degradation, communal strife, jealousy, deception, immorality, and hate.

Intercultural Marriages: A Qur’anic Reflection by Eyad Alnaslah (Guest Author)
There is no valid reason that cross-cultural marriages are discouraged or even forbidden in some of our Muslim households. It can represent an arrogant and ignorant outlook, one condemned by Islam.

And You thought you were Ready?? by Wadud Hassan (Guest Author)
Taking baby steps to becoming a master parent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .

How to Reverse the Way Pornography Changes The Brain by Mohamed Ghilan (Guest Author)
Although consuming porn targets the same system in the brain that cocaine addiction does – because the substance is different – the same brain that went through a rewiring due to viewing pornography can also be rewired again.

Overcoming Tribulation

Read more articles on Overcoming Hardships here

The Danger of Hubris and the Murder of Trayvon Martin by Suhaib Webb
Imam Suhaib Webb wears a hoodie to deliver a Friday Sermon in reflective solidary of the tragic murder of young Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012.

When Things Are Lost by Hena Din (Guest Author)
Sometimes we cling to things because we think that they are the source of our happiness and when we feel like those things and those people are leaving us, we cling harder, we fight harder…how can we cope?

Hamza and the Lion of Allah by Aber Kawas (Guest Author) Bashar may be named Al Assad (the lion), but the young boy his Syrian regime brutally murdered is named after the Lion of God, Hamza ibn Abd Al Muttalib! May our martyr Hamza one day meet his counterpart, ‘The Chief of the Martyrs,’ in heaven.

Oh God, Grant me a Friend by Reehab Ramadan Often times we try to ride the waves of life alone, or we depend too much on our friends. But just like everything else in this religion, the middle ground is the smoothest for sailing. A look at the qualities that Prophet Musa recommended for a close companion.

Al-Mujeeb: The One who Responds (Names of Allah Series) by Jinan Yousef
Remember to ask for what you desire based on who God is, and not based on who you are. Don’t ever stop asking – for one of three things will always happen with each du’a’…

Convert(s)ations

Read more articles on Converts here

8 Things you should know about converts by Alex Arrick (Guest Author)
Research by Dr. Ilyas Ba-Yunus notes that 75% of American converts leave the religion after a few years. 8 things to know to better support the journey of converts.

My Theories on Life by Omaer Khan (Guest Author)
I came from a secular family. My mother was a Hindu, and my father a Muslim. They fell in love, got married and gave birth to me, a Muslim….Or was I? A personal account on one youth’s journey to Islam.

Why are they leaving Islam? by Matthew Longacre (Guest Author)
Whether it is in the masjid, on the street, or online, these incidents are too numerous to count. If you haven’t heard these stories, then you haven’t been listening. Where have we failed?

Women and the Ummah

Read more articles on Women here

Beautiful Muslim Women History (Reconstructing Beauty Series) by Amatullah
Inspiring women from recent history to help us break free of the idea that beauty exclusively applies to what’s physical.
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Hijab is Not to Protect Men, but to Honor Women by Abdul Sattar Ahmed
Disparaging comments on how any woman chooses to dress strike at the insecurities, religious aspirations, and self-esteem of our sisters in a way Islam never ever meant.

Proactive Women and the Prophet by Maryam Amir-Ebrahimi
The women in the incredible prophetic examples highlighted here were empowered to take action because the Prophet taught us how to achieve natural, healthy, balanced and beneficial community relationships.

Hijab: Fard (Obligation) or Fiction by Lobna Mulla
The age-old question of whether hijab is fard (mandatory) or not answered from a fresh, well-reasoned perspective.

In the Footsteps of the Righteous

Read more articles on Islamic Studies here

Prophetic Narrations You’ve Probably Never Heard of by Amatullah
A list of less known teachings from the Prophet, including: “The believer is friendly and likable and there is no good in the one who is not friendly nor likeable, and the best of them are the most beneficial to the people.” (Sahih al-Jami)

How Can I Enjoy Listening to the Qur`an in Taraweeh When I Don’t Understand What is Being Recited? (The Qu’ran Series) by Maryam Amir-Ebrahimi
Why taking the time to learn Arabic as a language, studying the grammar, syntax and rhetoric are very important, but not absolutely necessary for a meaningful relationship with understanding the messages of the Qur’an.

How to review what you’ve memorized of the Quran (The Qur’an Series) by Maryam Amir-Ebrahimi Tips on how to know the entire Quran like one knows the opening chapter, Al-Fatiha – and the struggle one sister took to apply the tips. It all started with the adage: “The one who reads the five [juz] does not forget.”

New Beginning

Read more articles on Personal Development here

A Fresh Page, a Defining Moment: Ramadan This Year by Shazia Ahmad Your sins are great, and mistakes and weaknesses are many, you may say – but His mercy, compassion and loving grace to His servants are far greater and far more vast. When Ramadan is here: make it your defining moment.

The Overlooked Struggle by Shazia Ahmad
Many fall into bad deeds despite years of sincere adherence to the faith: why? Examining the challenge of remaining upright and constant in faith and good deeds (having istiqama) throughout one’s life.

Be Happy by Reehab Ramadan
Rather than focusing on the dreary side of things, pick out smile-worthy things that are right before your eyes. And be happy, genuinely happy. It’s Sunnah!

Hot Topics

Read more articles on Society here

“Help! My Wife is Not Interested in Sex” and other Q&A by VMCounselors
Trained counselors and social workers respond to a variety of questions on topics such as Loneliness, Dirty Talk, Parenting Adolescents, Sunni-Shia Marriage, and more.

Arabism vs. Universal Islam by John (Yahya) Ederer
If we were to say that Arabic is the language of Islam then we would be saying the great Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus were not true Muslims since they didn’t speak or know Arabic! The role of Arabic in Islam explored…

Is Breathable Nail Polish Sufficient for Wudu? by Mustafa Umar
A detailed response to one of the most common questions asked by Muslim sisters, urging the importance of researching both the scientific and fiqhi (Islamic law) angles before coming to a conclusion.

A Few Things Every Prospective Hajji Should Know by Hajja Saira (Guest Author)
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to work on making your Hajj accepted by God. Tips on how to prep mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually….and on what to bring!

The Path to Success

Read more articles on Personal Development here

Avoiding The Three Doors of Iblis by Suhaib Webb
Are we really soldiers of God if we can stand all night in front of Best Buy to get a PS2 but we can’t stand up in the night and pray in front of God? How to avoid traps of Shaytan (Satan) such as materialism.

10 Tips to Becoming One of Allah’s Special People by Maryam Amir-Ebrahimi
We all seek for our hearts to be in a state of contentment, tranquility and ease – tips on how to reach that state through one’s approach to the Qur’an.

The Slave of Allah Must Perform Salah (Prayer)
Why is it that as I leave the room to go pray, I find myself feeling guilty, or awkward, for telling my Muslim friends that I am performing salah (prayer) while they choose to sit idly? This taboo of praying is something that needs to be rectified.

You and Your Aging Parents: A Reflection by Amatullah
Don’t wait until you see your parents carried out of the masjid in a box to realize how much better they deserved from you.

Following last year’s launch of our revamped website, our Authors strove to cultivate a virtual mosque: answering fiqh (law) questions on pressing topics such as through the “Islam and the Internet” series, giving nasiha on building excellent character through articles such as the “How to Achieve Tranquility of the Heart” series, and sparking rich discussions about culture through articles such as the Balancing Arabization series. In 2011, VirtualMosque.com launched an advice corner with dedicated counselors to answer your questions, we saw our first article authored entirely by you, the readers, on “Inspiring our Children to Pray,” launched our Twitter and Facebook accounts, and continued to give voice to inspiring conver(t)sations, from students in NYU to the incredible story of brother Wudhu Al-Amin. Any reflection on the past year would be remiss without a mention of our continued mourning of the unjust killing of Shaykh Emad Effad in Egypt, rahimuallah, reminding us that the struggle for justice and dignity never ceases. May we be inspired by the legacy of all great believers who came before us, and build a legacy of our own that shines with mercy, light and benefit to all humanity. The following is a list of 30 articles that were found to resonate most strongly with our readers.  It is undoubtedly an incomplete list. What article sticks out in your memory from the past year? Leave a comment to let us know!

Courage Under Fire

Read more articles about the Ummah here

 Why do people leave each other? & People leave each other. But do they return? – Reflections on grief, loss and disappointment that sparked an outpouring of responses appreciating the counsel to free oneself of worldly attachments.

Message from Cairo – One  of the first of continued articles testifying first hand or reflecting and encouraging solidarity with the brave citizens of the Arab Spring.

The Legend of Captain Jack: From Birdy to Sparrow – An analysis of the real history of “Captain Jack” from the popular film “Pirates of the Caribbean” reveals a stunning story of conversion to Islam dating from the 16^th. C.

Wifehood and motherhood are not the only ways to paradise – A critique of the messages the community sends single sisters, and a powerful reminder that Allah (swt) did NOT create women solely for the sake of wifehood or motherhood.

The Accident – The survival from a terrifying, near-death experience by the author reminds us that there is no such thing as “luck” and how to be prepared to face tribulation.

Keeping it Real, Keeping it Relevant

Read more articles about Society here

Changing a New Muslims Name: Custom or Religion? – One article in a significant multi-part series urging for the balancing of Arabization  when practicing Islam. It analyzes a number of practical topics faced by many, especially converts.

Distance in Marriage – One of the inaugural articles by “VMCounselors” providing specific, practical advice on how to save a marriage facing deep divisions.

From Facebook to God’s Book – Analyzes why many of us have an addictive relationship to social media as means to inspire us to have a much greater relationship with our friends in the Qur’an instead.

Question on Intercourse – A sensitive question addressed directly.  A healthy sex life within the bounds of marriage is noted as important in order to battle with an increasingly sexualized and pornified society. 

Someone Had to Say it!

Read more articles about Society here

  Being Religious Without Being A Jerk – An urgent reminder to the community that there is nothing that has gentleness except that it is beautified, and nothing that has harshness except that it becomes ugly.

Smiling and Saying Salaam -An inspiring call for each of us to BE the ones that spark joy and brotherhood wherever we go by smiling and saying salaam to one another.

12 Tips for the Convert Muslim – A dozen succinct tips stemming from hard-won wisdom of first-hand experience – relevant for converts and non-converts alike!

Does Islam Force Itself Upon Others? – A refutation of one of the most common, yet groundless, accusations being made against Islam utilizing cross-textual analysis.

Supplicating

Read more articles on Du`a’ here

 Effectively Planning Your Du`a’ – Inspiring us to plan as carefully for our personal supplications to God as we do for other important things in our life such as job interviews or selecting our spouse.

A Sacred Conversation – Explaining the power of turning to ask from Allah at that time of the night when we can finally fully relax – when work ends, traffic sleeps, and silence is the only sound.

A Gift for the 27th Night: Ramadan Du’a’ with English Translation – A beautiful audio clip with translation for those of us who long so deeply to understand the clearly passionate and sincere du’a’s pouring through the speakers during Ramadan.

Salah: Life’s Forgotten Purpose – The importance of remembering prayer: We feed our bodies, because if we didn’t, we’d die. But why do so many of us starve our souls, forgetting that if we are not praying, our soul is dead?

Love & the Heart

Read more articles on Relationships here

  Al-Jabbar: Mending the Broken Hearts – One article in a popular series on achieving tranquility in the heart. Here, an exploration of ho Allah is Al-Jabbar – the One who is able to restore and mend what is broken. n someone else is faced with such a time of monumental hardship and change.

Take Back Your Heart – A reminder that when you reach rock bottom in the ocean of dunya – you can either drown – or you can gather pearls and rise back up by freeing your heart.

The Content of Character

Read more articles on Personal Development here

How does one soften their heart? – A practical list of actions to take in order to reach a heart brimming over with a sweetness of faith, mercy, and humility.

Thoughts on Parenting – How to bring your child up to be strong and therefore courageous. To know what is right and what is wrong and therefore be trustworthy. To be charismatic – and inspirational even!

30 Reasons to Avoid Being Angry and Argumentative -While it is natural and even our right to disagree and think critically, how to do so while maintaining a dignified and generous spirit and avoiding abrasiveness or condescension.

The Power of Words – From hot tears of pain to relief at a small kindness, a short, powerful personal story reminding us of the importance to wield the power of our words with kindness and wisdom.

In the Footsteps of the Righteous

Read more articles on Islamic Studies here

A Letter to the Aspiring Western Student of Islam – Advice for those who dream of escaping from the rat race and empty materialism of modern, fast-food culture and traveling to a traditional land of Islam.

Envisioning our Beloved – Considering how, when we love someone, we crave to know every detail of their waking (and perhaps even sleeping!) lives – and applying this towards better knowing our Prophet.

The Prophet and Food – Looking at the Prophetic example in food, especially in a time when many Americans and other people of opportunity throughout the world are dying from diet-related diseases.

Ten Principles for Those Seeking the Path of Allah– A carefully translated and abridged text by Webb Translators of Imam Ghazali’s advice to those on a path to God.

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Speech by Imam Suhaib Webb at the “Islam and Media” conference, held on March 8th, 2010 at UC Berkeley.

This event was the second in a series organized by UC Berkeley’s Centers of South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East Studies in their year-long Islam Today program. This program, with the theme “Islam, New Media and Youth Culture” was designed to explore how Muslim youth around the world are using new media, politics and popular culture to explore their identities, find “virtual” communities, promote new agendas and confront stereotypes.

Imam Suhaib entered the blog world early on and he describes the blog as a bridge between the idealized notions of theology and the realties of everyday life- a place where the convent meets Times Square and clergy meets the masses.

This event was sponsored by the Center for Southeast Asia Studies, the Center for South Asia Studies and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at UC Berkeley. It was co-sponsored by the Center for Islamic Studies at GTU, Altmuslim.com, the Asia Society Northern California, and the Arab Cultural and Community Center.