June 04-10 – Islam in Media Roundup

What Masterpiece Means for Trump’s Muslim Ban

What Masterpiece Means for Trump’s Muslim Ban

The New York Times

The Supreme Court’s 7-2 vote in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case can be used against the defense of the Muslim ban. This case only further emphasizes that the government must allow for religious freedom and cannot show any opposition toward a religion.
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Muslim Groups will be Absent as Donald Trump Hosts Iftar Dinner

Muslim Groups will be Absent as Donald Trump Hosts Iftar Dinner

The Guardian

American Muslims are planning on holding a counter event to protest Donald Trump’s first iftar. Many of the guests who have been invited to past White House iftar dinners are not on the guest list this year, which is only adding more suspicion towards this administration’s event.
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Faith groups stepped up in post-Grenfell confusion, says report

Faith groups stepped up in post-Grenfell confusion, says report

The Guardian

Faith leaders took control of the Grenfell restoration process after the inefficiency and inadequacy of the response of state officials.
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Suicide Bomber Kills 14 After Afghan Clerics Outlaw Suicide Bombings

Suicide Bomber Kills 14 After Afghan Clerics Outlaw Suicide Bombings

Reuters

A motorcycle suicide bomber killed 14 people in Kabul. This attack follows multiple bombings that have recently occurred in Kabul.
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The White House Will Host an Iftar This Year

The White House Will Host an Iftar This Year

The Washington Post

The White House is hosting an iftar meal.
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Philippines Eyes Greater Regulation of Islamic Schools

Philippines Eyes Greater Regulation of Islamic Schools

The Washington Post

In order to prevent radicalization, the Philippines is calling for increased regulation of Islamic schools as some were believed to be run by those with extremist beliefs.
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Sajid Javid’s Plan to Declassify MI5 Information on Terror ‘Suspects’ Sounds like Trouble

Sajid Javid’s Plan to Declassify MI5 Information on Terror ‘Suspects’ Sounds like Trouble

The Conversation

Britain’s home secretary announced the declassification of information from MI5 regarding 20,000 suspect people. This could cause Muslims in Britain to feel more discriminated against, monitored, and unsafe.
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Jeremy Corbyn Calls for Investigation of Alleged Tory Islamophobia

Jeremy Corbyn Calls for Investigation of Alleged Tory Islamophobia

The Guardian

Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is working to fight Islamophobia among the Tories, following accusations of Islamophobia within the Conservative party.
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Ellison, 1st Muslim in Congress, Running for Minnesota AG

Ellison, 1st Muslim in Congress, Running for Minnesota AG

The Seattle Times

Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison has filed to run for Minnesota attorney general after being inspired by the fight against the Muslim ban in the U.S. by attorneys general.
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White House Aide Denies Harboring Anti-Muslim Views

White House Aide Denies Harboring Anti-Muslim Views

The Wall Street Journal

A new Chief of Staff is disassociating himself from criticisms of mosques and Muslims that were included in a report he co-wrote.
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Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, The Last Poets Member and Rap Pioneer, Dead at 74

Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, The Last Poets Member and Rap Pioneer, Dead at 74

Rolling Stone

Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, a member of The Last Poets, has passed away. Nuriddin was an influential figure in hip-hop due to his great lyrical talent.
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In the Army and the Klan, He Hated Muslims

In the Army and the Klan, He Hated Muslims

The Washington Post

Chris Buckley, a former Army sergeant and ex-Klansman, meets with Muslim refugee Heval Mohamed Kelli. Kelli hopes to erase fears or misunderstandings Buckley, or any American for that matter, has about Muslims.
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The Vast World of Islam, in 300 Recipes

The Vast World of Islam, in 300 Recipes

The New York Times

Wanting to keep Lebanese culture alive, Anissa Helou decided to write a cookbook in the 1990s, which helped her gain recognition and success. Her latest published work covers diverse food in all global Islamic regions.
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American Muslims on Trump's Iftar: Thanks, but No Thanks

American Muslims on Trump's Iftar: Thanks, but No Thanks

CNN

American Muslims are reluctant to attend Trump’s first White House iftar due to his behavior and rhetoric towards minorities, including Muslims. Many people believe that attending the event would normalize past behaviors of the current administration.
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Prominent Islamic Scholar Tariq Ramadan Testifies over Rape Accusations

Prominent Islamic Scholar Tariq Ramadan Testifies over Rape Accusations

France 24

Tariq Ramadan appeared in court following rape accusations. Four women have come forward and filed charges against Ramadan.
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The Joy and Agony (Boo, Sergio Ramos!) of Rooting for Egypt's Mohamed Salah

The Joy and Agony (Boo, Sergio Ramos!) of Rooting for Egypt's Mohamed Salah

ESPN

Egyptians and soccer fans around the world are cheering for Liverpool player Mohamed Salah, who has brought Egypt back into the World Cup after 28 years.
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Afghanistan's Top Religious Council Bans Suicide Attacks

Afghanistan's Top Religious Council Bans Suicide Attacks

Qantara

Suicide attacks have been declared as forbidden under Islamic law in Afghanistan. The Afghan Ulema Council has also called for peace negotiations.
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Conversion To Islam As Religious And Racial Crossing

Conversion To Islam As Religious And Racial Crossing

The Immanent Frame

An interview study shows that conversion brings a sense of freedom and independence, but also includes a more judgmental reaction from society. Converting to Islam means adopting a new religious, cultural, and racial identity that involves challenges for every individual.
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Kabul Religious Gathering Hit By Deadly Suicide Bombing

Kabul Religious Gathering Hit By Deadly Suicide Bombing

Al Jazeera

A suicide attack in Kabul has killed several people. Muslim scholars were targeted for issuing a ban on suicide bombings.
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Tunisia Keeper 'Fakes' Injury To Help Players Break Ramadan Fast

Tunisia Keeper 'Fakes' Injury To Help Players Break Ramadan Fast

Al Jazeera

Mouez Hassen, the Tunisian goalkeeper, pretended to be injured to allow his teammates to break their fasts in both of their games.
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A Woman Dedicated to Saving Lives Loses Hers in Gaza Violence

A Woman Dedicated to Saving Lives Loses Hers in Gaza Violence

The New York Times

Palestinian medic, Razan al-Najjar, was killed by Israeli soldiers as she was helping a wounded demonstrator. Palestinians have been taking part in the Great Return March and are being targeted by many Israeli soldiers.
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Ramadan Public Wakers Face Arrest, Fines in Jerusalem

Ramadan Public Wakers Face Arrest, Fines in Jerusalem

AP News

Israeli police are targeting Palestinian men who wake up Muslims during Ramadan for their early morning meal. Police have been giving a hard time this year to the public wakers. The wakers say the police are attempting to erase their culture.
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Muslim Americans Are Perplexed by News of a White House Ramadan Dinner

Muslim Americans Are Perplexed by News of a White House Ramadan Dinner

Pacific Standard

Many Muslim Americans believe that Donald Trump’s Iftar event is both strange and insulting. Trump’s opinions and policies regarding Muslims and Muslim countries have been upsetting and harmful.
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An Online Agitator, a Social Media Exposé and the Fallout in Brooklyn

An Online Agitator, a Social Media Exposé and the Fallout in Brooklyn

The New York Times

A Twitter account filled with Islamophobia led to a negative response by the public, causing a popular business to lose customers.
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Egypt’s Opposition Says Assailants Trashed Their Party

Egypt’s Opposition Says Assailants Trashed Their Party

AP News

A Ramadan party was targeted and attacked in Cairo, Egypt by supporters of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
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Oxford University Islamic Scholar is Cleared of a Raping a Prostitute Who Took Part in Orgies with Former IMF Boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn — but Still Faces Two Sex Charges in France

Oxford University Islamic Scholar is Cleared of a Raping a Prostitute Who Took Part in Orgies with Former IMF Boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn — but Still Faces Two Sex Charges in France

Daily Mail

Tariq Ramadan has been found not guilty of raping an escort, but is still in custody for two other rape cases. Ramadan and supporters believe he is being targeted because of his religious beliefs and is suing for slander.
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Man Arrested over Fires at Mosque and Sikh Temple in Leeds

Man Arrested over Fires at Mosque and Sikh Temple in Leeds

The Guardian

A mosque and a Sikh temple were recent targets of hate crimes in Leeds. Neither building was greatly damaged, and the police are continuing to investigate.
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Saudi Meteorologist: Ramadan Expected to be 29 Days, Eid Holiday on June 15

Saudi Meteorologist: Ramadan Expected to be 29 Days, Eid Holiday on June 15

Al Arabiya

Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on June 15th this year. Religious scholars and governments decide the start and end of Ramadan according to the lunar cycle.
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Islamophobia - What Islamophobia?

Islamophobia - What Islamophobia?

Middle East Eye

Despite the ongoing events of Islamophobia in Britain, the Conservative Party continues to deny the presence of any Islamophobia. Islamophobia is described to have different levels of racism, exclusion, and discrimination, which greatly affects a number of people.
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An Iftar to Heal Religious Divide in India

An Iftar to Heal Religious Divide in India

Al Jazeera

Ankit Saxena was murdered by his Muslim girlfriend’s family because of religious differences. Ankit’s father, Yashpal, hosted an iftar to show that he holds no grudge against Muslims.
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Non-Muslims Learn About How Ramadan is Observed in Old Delhi

Non-Muslims Learn About How Ramadan is Observed in Old Delhi

Al Arabiya

The Delhi by Foot group visited Muslims who were breaking their fast at the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi to learn more about Ramadan.
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Iraq Orders Recount of All 11 Million Votes from May 12 Election

Iraq Orders Recount of All 11 Million Votes from May 12 Election

Al Jazeera

After many complaints, Iraq’s parliament has ordered a recount of the recent election due to Muqtada al-Sadr’s shocking win and alleged violations in the election.
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Trump Changes His Tune on Celebrating Ramadan

Trump Changes His Tune on Celebrating Ramadan

Comedy Central

Comedian Hasan Minhaj discusses Trump’s first Ramadan iftar.
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Preaching Against Plastic: Indonesia's Religious Leaders Join Fight to Cut Waste

Preaching Against Plastic: Indonesia's Religious Leaders Join Fight to Cut Waste

The Guardian

Muslim organization will work with the Indonesian government to clean the environment by reducing waste.
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Afghanistan Announces Eid Ceasefire with Taliban Until June 20

Afghanistan Announces Eid Ceasefire with Taliban Until June 20

Reuters

The President of Afghanistan announced an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban, but some believe it is not the best decision.
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Why Jefferson’s Vision of American Islam Matters Today

Why Jefferson’s Vision of American Islam Matters Today

The Conversation

The tradition of the White House iftar continues the long practice of religious freedom and inclusivity.
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All Eyes on Ramzan Kadyrov as Chechnya Hosts Egypt in World Cup

All Eyes on Ramzan Kadyrov as Chechnya Hosts Egypt in World Cup

The Guardian

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov hopes to use the opportunity of hosting a major sports team to further prove his power to the world.
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Israelis Play Tourists in a Bedouin Town in the Negev

Israelis Play Tourists in a Bedouin Town in the Negev

The New York Times

The Ramadan Nights tour of Rahat, Israel has grown since its first opening three years ago. Tourists have the chance to explore the allegedly dangerous town and its culture.
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Strangers Break Bread at Ramadan Tent in London Park

Strangers Break Bread at Ramadan Tent in London Park

Reuters

The Ramadan Tent Project created by a small group of people invites friends and strangers to join Muslims in breaking their fasts and learn about Ramadan
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‘Ramadan Mubarak’: Trump Hosts First Iftar Dinner

‘Ramadan Mubarak’: Trump Hosts First Iftar Dinner

AP News

Donald Trump hosted an intimate first Ramadan iftar. Many American Muslims were confused by the event and some even held a counter-iftar to protest Trump’s dinner.
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China Looks to Bolster Militancy Fight at Security Summit

China Looks to Bolster Militancy Fight at Security Summit

Reuters

China plans to fight against extremism as a response to a threat from Islamist militants at a regional security summit.
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Imam’s Killer Is Sentenced, but Motive Remains a Mystery

Imam’s Killer Is Sentenced, but Motive Remains a Mystery

The New York Times

Oscar Morel was given a life sentence for murdering an imam and his assistant despite his claims of being innocent. No explanation or motive behind the killing has been determined.
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Nearly 1 in 5 Americans Would Deny Muslim Americans the Right to Vote, Study Claims

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans Would Deny Muslim Americans the Right to Vote, Study Claims

Daily Mail

A new study finds that 20 percent of Americans would not allow American Muslims to vote. Respondents believe Muslims in the United States are not American enough nor do they respect American ideals.
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Most Programmes to Stop Radicalisation are Failing

Most Programmes to Stop Radicalisation are Failing

The Times

Study finds that only 2 of the 33 de-radicalization programs examined are effective, whereas the rest are either counterproductive or ineffective.
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Islam’s New ‘Native Informants’

Islam’s New ‘Native Informants’

The New York Review

Nesrine Malik discusses the effects and troubling impacts of native informants for Muslims.
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NYC Councilman to Host Gender-Segregated Beach Days For Jews, Muslims Following Modesty Laws

NYC Councilman to Host Gender-Segregated Beach Days For Jews, Muslims Following Modesty Laws

NBC

Councilman Chaim Deutsch will be hosting gender-segregated beach days at a private beach this summer. Deutsch wants to ensure that no group of people feels marginalized or excluded.
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The 2018 Iftar Dinner at the White House Wasn’t Really for American Muslims

The 2018 Iftar Dinner at the White House Wasn’t Really for American Muslims

Teen Vogue

American Muslim activist Ziad Ahmed discusses his opinions on Donald Trump’s first iftar event and warns readers about applauding Trump for hosting the dinner.
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Worlds Apart

Worlds Apart

The New York Times

A couple from Yemen maintain a long-distance relationship due to the travel ban that is keeping Ghadeer al-Howthi, wife of Maher el-Rowmeim, from coming to the United States.
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The Real Cost of Wajahat Ali's Interventions on Palestine

The Real Cost of Wajahat Ali's Interventions on Palestine

Middle East Eye

Wajahat Ali’s essay and documentary about his trip to the occupied West Bank has stirred great controversy amongst the Muslim American community. Many believe that Ali’s take on the occupation dismisses the struggles and suffering of Palestinians.
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Trump’s White House Iftar Is Missing Major American Muslim Groups

Trump’s White House Iftar Is Missing Major American Muslim Groups

Huffington Post

Trump’s first iftar did not include expected American Muslim guests. Instead, diplomats were invited to the event.
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‘Make Sure Not to Talk Any Arabic’: American Muslims and Their Guns

‘Make Sure Not to Talk Any Arabic’: American Muslims and Their Guns

The New York Times

Muslims in the United States feel scrutinized for being gun-owners despite the Second Amendment.
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Austria to Close 7 Mosques, Expel Imams in Crackdown

Austria to Close 7 Mosques, Expel Imams in Crackdown

AP News

Austria’s government is working to prevent religious groups from getting foreign financing and is wanting to erase political Islam from the country through stricter immigration laws, denying permits to imams, and banning hijabs.
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Couchsurfing With the Taliban

Couchsurfing With the Taliban

The New York Times

A social networking app, Couchsurfing, has kept tourism in Afghanistan from ending. Tourists have unknowingly met and stayed with members of the Taliban through this app.
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Yes, I’d Go to Trump’s Ramadan Dinner, After He Apologizes to Nearly Everybody in America

Yes, I’d Go to Trump’s Ramadan Dinner, After He Apologizes to Nearly Everybody in America

The Daily Beast

Muslim American Dean Obeidallah shares that if he were invited, Obeidallah would attend Trump’s iftar only if he were to apologize for all offensive actions and statements made since the election.
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Open Iftar Tents Attracts Hundreds in the UK

Open Iftar Tents Attracts Hundreds in the UK

Al Jazeera

The Ramadan Tent Project’s Open Iftar was initially created to have international students feel at home, but it now welcomes anyone who wants to break their fast or learn about Ramadan.
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Denmark Swings Right on Immigration – and Muslims Feel Besieged

Denmark Swings Right on Immigration – and Muslims Feel Besieged

The Guardian

Denmark is proposing and implementing new laws that target and marginalize Muslims in order to put the Danish people first.
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Afghan Taliban Raise Hopes with Surprise Eid Ceasefire

Afghan Taliban Raise Hopes with Surprise Eid Ceasefire

Reuters

The Taliban announced a ceasefire following Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s announcement of a ceasefire.
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Austrian Muslims Denounce Government Mosque Clampdown

Austrian Muslims Denounce Government Mosque Clampdown

Al Jazeera

Muslim residents are upset over Austria’s recent actions regarding the controlling of political Islam and are asking the government to work with the Muslim community for a reasonable solution.
Read More

Football While Fasting: Life in the Ramadan Midnight League

Football While Fasting: Life in the Ramadan Midnight League

The Guardian

The Ramadan Midnight League allows fasting Muslims a chance to play and practice soccer during a more convenient time when the consumption of  food and liquid is permitted.
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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!