WASHINGTON — The candidates atop the GOP presidential field are ramping up political attacks aimed at Muslims, a move designed to appeal to hardline conservatives. But party elders worry that escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric could cost Republicans the White House in 2016. “Islamophobia is now an industry,” Ruela Jebreal said. “In the long run it will…
MECCA, Saudi Arabia — As Shahidah Sharif, an African-American Muslim, joined millions of fellow pilgrims from around the world on the hajj this year, she felt a renewed connection. To her own “blackness,” she says, but also to humanity as a whole. For American black Muslims, this year brought a significant landmark, the 50th anniversary…
In a recent video advertisement for the clothing retailer H&M, people of all shapes and sizes were used to remind viewers about the flexible nature of fashion. The company used plus-size models, Sikh men and amputees to illustrate its point and to promote a broader message calling for sustainable fashion through recycling. (Lots of their…
France carried out two air strikes against the Islamic State in Raqqa October 8-9, announced defense minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. “Two Rafale jets bombed a training camp. The objectives were met,” he declared on Europe 1, stating that the strikes would continue. “We struck because we know that in Syria, in particular around Raqqa, there…
Mohamed Bajrafil, imam of the Vigneux and Ivry-sur-Seine mosques, presents himself as the defender of a liberal and tolerant 21st century Islam. His recently published book Islam of France, Year I, “reestablished” several “truths” about his religion, and dismissed extremism. “One cannot read the Qur’an today through a 1400 year old lens,” he argued. In…
