Nurturing the Next Generation
Project of Sound Vision

 

The Importance of Diverse Representation in Muslim Spaces

By Candice Islaah Abd'al-Rahim

As parents and caretakers, we must promote diverse representation in Muslim spaces, and we must see that diversity as being beneficial for ourselves and our progeny. Diverse representation helps to dismantle stereotypes. It facilitates the creation of safe spaces for minority groups within the greater Muslim community. Diverse representation fosters aspirations of scholarship and leadership. And even more importantly, a diversity of problem-solving approaches will be essential to meeting the challenges we encounter into the future, inshaAllah, God-wililng.

 

Parenting Tip

Children notice visual differences from a very early age but they learn to make judgements about that difference from the direct and indirect messages they encounter along the way.

As parents, we must value the diversity amongst us and consistently teach our children - with both words and deeds -  to do the same.

 

Being Antiracist Is an Islamic Obligation

By Laura El Alam

Racism and colorism persist not just in the wider society, but within the Muslim community. Far too many people cling to cultural notions of light skin being superior to dark skin. Few recognize that they have some deep-seated racist ideas, and fewer still take active measures to work for justice. As Muslims, it is not enough to claim to believe in the equality of races. Rather, it is our duty to be actively antiracist.

 

Inspiration

“There is no singular Muslim voice or experience. Our collective voices and experiences contribute to the quilt of Islam.”

Candice Islaah Abd’al-Rahim, long-time educator and student of knowledge

 

Finding Islamic Books for and with Latino Children

By Wendy Díaz

When Wendy Díaz and her husband Hernan Guadalupe began searching for Islamic books and material to teach their first son in their native language, they were unsuccessful. Instead they purchased books in English and translated them simultaneously in Spanish. It didn’t take long to realize that if they wanted books written for their children, they would have to create them. And the books they created are to be celebrated!

 

Quranic Guidance

“O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.”

(Surah Hujurat, 49:13)

 

What to Watch? A List of Diverse Movies and Series with Muslim Characters

By Wendy Díaz

Although screens, in all their manifestations, are not our preferred parenting aid, they have become a constant in our children’s lives. As much as we hate to admit it, sometimes our battle against the TV, laptop, smartphone, or tablet is a fight we cannot win. For busy parents and families, movie night may be the only time they have to spend together. Thankfully, there are ways that we can make the screen work for us with quality alternatives to the inappropriate movies and television series commonly found on popular streaming platforms.

 

Practical Tips

Muslims in America are a diverse group. According to the PEW Research Center’s latest statistical data,

  • 37% of Muslim American adults were born in the United States. 
  • 63% are first-generation immigrants and 15% are second-generation Americans, with one or both parents born outside of the country. 
  • Foreign-born Muslim Americans are very diverse in their origins and come from at least 77 different countries. No single country accounts for more than one-in-six Muslim immigrants. 
  • No single racial or ethnic group makes up a majority of Muslim American adults. 
    • 41% identify as White, a category that includes those who describe their race as Arab, Middle Eastern, Persian/Iranian. 
    • 28% identify as Asian, including those from South Asia
    • 20%  are Black.
    • 8% are Hispanic
    • 3+% identify with another race or with multiple races
  • Fully half of Muslims whose families have been in the U.S. for at least three generations are Black (51%).

More details can be found in the full article at Demographic Portrait of Muslim Americans | Pew Research Center

 

Making the Strange Familiar through Children's Books

By Umm Ahmed

When encountering complex topics - like teaching about the value of diversity and inclusion - books can serve as a great tool to make the strange seem familiar. A good book can give its reader the opportunity to slip into another place, life, and experience through vivid thoughts and emotions. Also, it can help the reader resonate with the characters and bring a sense of comfort and assurance that some struggles are universal. When children see themselves and others in books, they see characters who look just like them, who have different experiences, who overcome challenges, who have faced obstacles, and who have made a difference in the world. And, rather than seeing differences as “strange,” they can find strength in them, inshaAllah, God-willing,

 

Online Resources
Book Review: Illuminating the Darkness: The Virtues of Blacks and Abyssinians

Photo 1 - book title in black and copper frame - in folder

Definitions of Beauty: In the Eye of the Beholder? - This article draws attention to the many ways that racism creeps into our conscious and unconscious definitions of beauty.

Book Review: Where Are You Really From? - Check out this review of a wonderful book that speaks to questions that Muslim kids frequently hear.Bstigma that is sometimes attached to boys with long hair.

Adams World Video: Fishing Buddies

Adam learns about Indigenous peoples after his dad returns from a fishing trip with his friend, Mr. Makwa. Dad tells Adam about the residential school system and the racism Indigenous communities face. (4:12)

 

LIVE online sessions will focus on Foods Loved by the Prophet Muhammad!

🎉Creative hosts use stories, songs, Arabic vocab, art and cooking projects to focus on a different food each week!

💝Engaging lessons and a welcoming environment touches hearts and minds!

⏰ Mondays-Thursdays, 5-5:30pm EST

🗓️ 7 full weeks - 28 total classes! Starts on Jan. 23

 Unique programming is designed for ages 4-7 years

Family tuition fees, partial and full scholarships available.

REGISTER NOW at Academy.AdamsWorld.org

LIVE online sessions will focus on Lessons from the Sahabah! 

🔎Creative hosts use stories, multimedia tools, art projects, and more!

🎉Online games, supplemental resources increase retention and FUN! A special research project also encourages learning outside the online classroom!

⏰ Saturdays, 12N-1:30pm EST

🗓️8 full weeks of classes - Starts on Jan. 21

Unique programming is designed for ages 8-12 years

Family tuition fees, partial and full scholarships available.

REGISTER NOW at Academy.AdamsWorld.org

 

And if you cannot attend live classes, make good use of these engaging courses that are fun for the entire family!

 

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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