May 22-28

Maydan editors selected some of the most thought-provoking news items on issues around Islam, religion and public-life for you. Let us know what you have been reading. Drop us a line at mediaroundups@themaydan.com!

On Islam, Trump is consistently inconsistent

On Islam, Trump is consistently inconsistent

CNN

U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia demonstrated the dichotomy of the administration’s attitude towards Islam, his language both appealing to allies in the Middle East while alienating Muslims. 
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The ‘Muslim World’ Does Not Exist

The ‘Muslim World’ Does Not Exist

The Atlantic

 Yale professor Zareena Grewal argues that the idea of the “Muslim World,” rhetoric frequently used by Western political leaders (and recently used by U.S. President Donald Trump), is an inaccurate term that relies on a faulty premise. 
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Why Trump’s speech on terrorism was such a missed opportunity

Why Trump’s speech on terrorism was such a missed opportunity

The Washington Post

Academic and former NSC official Quintan Wiktorowicz argues that by focusing on “radical Islam,” Trump – and others – ignore the socio-economic pressures and disillusionment present amongst young Middle Eastern people that drive them towards extremism. 
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The Most Radical Thing About Master of None’s Islam Episode Is That It Isn’t About Religion

The Most Radical Thing About Master of None’s Islam Episode Is That It Isn’t About Religion

Slate

 Master of None, starring Aziz Ansari, presents a nuanced view of American Muslims that doesn’t include mentions of terrorism, politics, or immigration; in short, a view into the life of the average “brown person.” 
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Don’t be fooled by Trump’s Saudi Arabia speech. He’s still an Islamophobe.

Don’t be fooled by Trump’s Saudi Arabia speech. He’s still an Islamophobe.

The Washington Post

Mehdi Hasan compares recent reporting on Donald Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia to his track record suggesting that despite not using the term“radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump still perpetuates Islamophobia. 
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White House Blames Exhaustion for Donald Trump's 'Islamic Terrorism Dog Whistle in Saudi Arabia

White House Blames Exhaustion for Donald Trump's 'Islamic Terrorism Dog Whistle in Saudi Arabia

The Intercept

 Donald Trump, in his speech in Saudi Arabia on March 21st, used eclectic rhetoric in describing terrorism in the Middle East, confusing listeners as to what his administration really thinks; according to the White House, Trump’s language was due to exhaustion. 
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As a British Muslim, I fear terror just as much as you do

As a British Muslim, I fear terror just as much as you do

Independent

Following the attacks in Manchester, a young British Muslim explains how his grief is silenced by society because of his religion. 
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American Muslims Discuss Trump's Speech

American Muslims Discuss Trump's Speech

The Islamic Monthly

 Experts on Islam and the Middle East discuss Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia. 
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Hasan Minhaj on Being Called 'The Color of Poop' and Other Stories About Growing Up Muslim Indian-American

Hasan Minhaj on Being Called 'The Color of Poop' and Other Stories About Growing Up Muslim Indian-American

Newsweek

Hasan Minhaj’s new show on Netflix discusses the prejudice he faced as a young Indian American and his experiences with racism and tolerance. 
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The Female Muslim Comic Standing Up to Extremism

The Female Muslim Comic Standing Up to Extremism

Daily Mail

 Sakdiyah Maruf, a female Indonesian comic, breaks conventions and raises awareness to tackle controversial issues through humor.
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World's largest Muslim youth organisation calls for re-examination of Islamic text

World's largest Muslim youth organisation calls for re-examination of Islamic text

Channel News Asia

GP Ansor – a youth organization in Indonesia – called for a re-examination of Islamic texts in the face of the modern reality of Muslim life. 
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New Jersey Town Used Zoning to Discriminate Against Islam

New Jersey Town Used Zoning to Discriminate Against Islam

The New York Times

Efforts to construct a mosque in New Jersey were hampered by explicitly discriminatory efforts by the township, who tried to issue demands to the community with the intent to disrupt construction. 
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Majorities in Europe, North America worried about Islamic extremism

Majorities in Europe, North America worried about Islamic extremism

Pew Research Center

Following the attacks in Manchester, and other terrorist attacks in the last few months, a majority of people in the Western worlds are worried about religious extremism.
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Canada Post Eid Stamp Issued To Recognize 2 Important Muslim Holidays

Canada Post Eid Stamp Issued To Recognize 2 Important Muslim Holidays

Huffington Post Canada

Canada issues new postal stamps to recognize Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. 
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Shari'ah-Compliant Crypto Gold: Could Islam Be Preparing for a New World Reserve Currency?

Shari'ah-Compliant Crypto Gold: Could Islam Be Preparing for a New World Reserve Currency?

Forbes

The Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and the World Gold Council announces a new Shari’ah compliant gold backed cryptocurrency called OneGram. 
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Ramadan 2017: 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask

Ramadan 2017: 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask

Vox

Ramadan started this past weekend; here’s everything you need to know about it. 
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This man spent 14 years in prison with convicted terrorists. Now he’s fighting extremism

This man spent 14 years in prison with convicted terrorists. Now he’s fighting extremism

Quartz

At a time when a heated debate surrounds root causes of extremism, see this story of an individual who was once a terrorist sympathizer. 
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Two killed on Portland train after 'defending Muslims'

Two killed on Portland train after 'defending Muslims'

Al Jazeera

Two men stabbed to death as they tried to stop a far-right sympathizer bullying Muslim women on light-rail train.
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Portland train stabbings: FBI looking into possible hate crime charges

Portland train stabbings: FBI looking into possible hate crime charges

CNN

FBI looks into hate crime charges against Portland suspect who killed two, wounded one.
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Tillerson declines to host Ramadan event at State Department

Tillerson declines to host Ramadan event at State Department

Reuters

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declined to host an iftar dinner this year, breaking with a bipartisan tradition in place with few exceptions for nearly 20 years.
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Anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist trained senior U.S. Marshall, National Guard members, documents show

Anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist trained senior U.S. Marshall, National Guard members, documents show

The Intercept

 A former FBI agent with a penchant for spreading anti-Muslim conspiracy theories trained a senior U.S. marshal, five federal contractors, and five National Guard members at a three-day event in Louisiana. 
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Trump misses opportunity to reassure U.S. Muslims after Portland attack

Trump misses opportunity to reassure U.S. Muslims after Portland attack

Politico

President Trump’s reaction to Portland draws criticism.
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