|  | |  | Youth Leaders Face Backlash While Standing Up for Palestinian Rights By Zahirah Lynn Eppard By all measures, the situation in Palestine gets bleaker by the minute. Calls for a complete ceasefire and a halt to the genocide are now heralded from corporate boardrooms, from local city council meetings to halls of Congress, from the streets where passionate protests disrupt business as usual, and from billboards overlooking cities throughout the world. But the biggest uptick in recent protest activity in the U.S. and the significant increase in the volume of demands has come from students and youth activists. They are standing up, speaking up, and attracting tremendous backlash for doing so. And they need our support. |
| | | Parenting Tip Youth activists are leading the charge for increased attention and demands for pro-Palestinian causes across the U.S. and Canada. They are organizing and educating on social media, confronting pro-Israel speakers, increasing the effectiveness of boycotts, demanding divestment, and more. And they need our attention and support. |
| |  | Advocating for Palestine: An Interview with Rania, Community Activist By Miriam Mohamed In a world where injustice often seems insurmountable, there are individuals like Rania, a 27-year-old Palestinian community organizer from Chicago, who refuse to remain silent. Rania's journey with the U.S. Palestinian Community Network began in 2017, driven by a profound sense of duty to her people and a commitment to justice. In a recent interview with writer Miriam Mohamed, she shared insights into her role, motivations, challenges, and the transformative power of advocacy and protest. Rania is a great example of the youth activists who have led the charge for Palestinian rights and needs. |
| | | Quranic Guidance “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135) |
| |  | Could Speaking Up about Palestine Hurt Your Career? By Laura El Alam This article was originally published by The Message International and is reprinted with permission. Muslims in the U.S. might feel compelled or even morally obligated to educate others about the catastrophic destruction in Gaza, and many believe the First Amendment will protect their right to free speech. But can expressing their views about Palestine affect their current or future employment? In recent months, several prominent figures who have publicly voiced pro-Palestinian views have found their careers in jeopardy. Learn more about your rights in the workplace and beyond. |
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| | Hadith Narrated Abu Idrees Al-Khawlani, may Allah be pleased, narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him said: “O my slaves, I have made oppression forbidden for me. I have forbidden oppression for myself. And I have made it forbidden amongst you.” Hadith Qudsi |
| |  | The Power of TikTok By Miriam Mohamed In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for spreading awareness and initiating social change. Among these platforms, TikTok has emerged as a hub for creativity, entertainment, and, increasingly, activism. Particularly notable is the youth-led movement on TikTok that aims to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Palestine, shedding light on the plight of its people and advocating for justice. Recent discussions surrounding a potential TikTok ban, however, threaten to silence this crucial avenue for education and advocacy. |
| | | Inspiration Youth activists have been buoyed by the work of social justice advocates throughout the world. Here are quotes from some of them you may also find inspiring. “Fools multiply when wise men are silent.” Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize winner who successfully led resistance to South Africa policy of apartheid and became president from 1994-99 “The most violent element in society is ignorance.“ Emma Goldman, political activist and organizer “Protesting is never a disturbance of the peace. Corruption, injustice, war, and intimidation are disturbances of the peace.” Bryant McGill, thought leader and author “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” Albert Einstein, one of the most influential scientists of all time “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel, Nobel laureate writer, political activist, and Holocaust survivor “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.” Mahatma Gandhi, Indian lawyer and anti-colonial activist “Protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it.” Howard Zinn, historian and socialist intellectual |
| |  | How to Talk to Your Kids about the Crises in Palestine By Zahirah Lynn Eppard Regardless of whether you have been following the illegal occupation of Palestine for years or whether you are now educating yourself fully about the atrocities that have been and are continuing to be committed, it is important to sit fully with the entire range of your feelings and to help your children do the same. It is difficult to watch and listen to any of the chilling accounts of the violence and devastation and it can also duanting to even think about how to talk about the crises with your children. This article was published in October 2023 but there are a number of tips for parents to keep in mind when wrestling with these challenges today. |
| | | | | |  | Quran Buddies Series: Allah is the Most Just! Allah says in the Quran, “Go purifies whoever He wills. No one will be wronged as much as the husk of a date stone.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:49). Adam marvels at the thought that Allah will bring everyone into account on the Day of Judgment. In this new series of short videos, Adam reflects upon the guidance of the Quran and applies those lessons to everyday life! (1:57) Keep sound Islamic content in front of your children throughout the year! Rather than depend on an old VHS-tape, you can have 24/7 access to classic and new Adam’s Worlds episodes on our convenient app. Visit Adam's World for more details and take advantage of a free trial period. |
| | |  | | Sound Islamic knowledge is available all year! |
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|  | The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same. |
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