October 23-29

By Maydan Editors  //  

Maydan Editors

The Maydan is an online publication of the AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason University. The Maydan team is composed of the Center's faculty members and graduate students both within and outside GMU.
Wider Image: Mexico's Indigenous Muslims in Maya Heartland

Wider Image: Mexico's Indigenous Muslims in Maya Heartland

Reuters

A look at photographs of the Muslim community in Mexico, whose historical roots go back to the 1980’s in a vibrant mix of the Islamic, Mayan, and Mexican communities.
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The Real Reason Muhammad Ali Converted to Islam

The Real Reason Muhammad Ali Converted to Islam

The Washington Post

From a writing assignment dictated by his wife, Muhammad Ali discusses his attraction to Islam as a pragmatic historic and cultural liberation of the black community in America in a shift towards bettering his character.
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Austrian Jews Tells Centrists: Don't Work with Far Right Freedom Party

Austrian Jews Tells Centrists: Don't Work with Far Right Freedom Party

Reuters

In an open letter to the centrist parties of Austria, the head of Oskar Deutsch warns political parties from working with the anti-Islam Freedom Party.
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New Cairo University Leader Advocates for Progressive Islam

New Cairo University Leader Advocates for Progressive Islam

Al-Fanar Media

The new President of Cairo University calls for ‘religious reform’ and ‘social and economic progress’ to help Egypt in his view of a connection between Islam and Western thought.
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Race and Discrimination, Opinions About Immigrants and Islam

Race and Discrimination, Opinions About Immigrants and Islam

Pew Research Center

In a new study published from the Pew Research Center, we find that the majority (79%) of people who identify as ‘Core Conservatives’ say Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence among other opinions on Islam’s link to violence.
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Could Czech Republic Ban Islam? Far-Right, Anti-Islam Party Does Well In Elections

Could Czech Republic Ban Islam? Far-Right, Anti-Islam Party Does Well In Elections

Newsweek

The centrist, populist ANO movement won Czech elections, with 2 staunchly anti-Islam parties following close behind in the final results.
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Promises Country Will Return to 'moderate, open Islam'

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Promises Country Will Return to 'moderate, open Islam'

The Independent UK

‘We will destroy them today,’ says Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud in regards to extremist Islam at a conference where he promised to return to an Islam ‘that is open to all religions and to the world.’
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Indonesian Parliament Endorses Draconian Law on Groups

Indonesian Parliament Endorses Draconian Law on Groups

AP

The Indonesian Parliament endorsed a presidential ruling that allows obstructions of groups perceived as a threat to national unity. Critics worry that the decree will stifle freedoms to assembly and expression, with the law being targeted at an aggressive, pro-Sharia group.
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Maryland Development Under Fire After Only Selling Homes to Muslims

Maryland Development Under Fire After Only Selling Homes to Muslims

The Washington Post

A neighborhood development firm in Maryland is under intense scrutiny for what appears to be discriminatory housing practice, where the bulk of houses have been sold to Ahmadiyya Muslims.
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In Turkey, Teachers, Parents Concerned About Religious Nature Of New Curriculum

In Turkey, Teachers, Parents Concerned About Religious Nature Of New Curriculum

NPR

In a conversation with Turkish teachers, we gain some insight into the opposition met by advocates for secular education, namely pro-government mobs and state authorities.
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Amid Rohingya Crisis, White House Mulls Sanctions On Myanmar's Military

Amid Rohingya Crisis, White House Mulls Sanctions On Myanmar's Military

NPR

In the heat of the forced Muslim exodus from Myanmar, White House officials begin taking action by excluding Myanmar’s military from travel waivers and U.S. sponsored military events.
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Salman's 'moderate Islam': A Disneyland for Robots, Not an Open Society

Salman's 'moderate Islam': A Disneyland for Robots, Not an Open Society

Middle East Eye

Skeptical of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s promises to ‘return’ to a moderate, open Islam, Professor Al-Rasheed from the London School of Economics criticizes the highlighted proposals and denies the capacity for such change under the Saudi monarchy.
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Behind Quebec’s Ban on Face Coverings, a Debate Over Identity

Behind Quebec’s Ban on Face Coverings, a Debate Over Identity

The New York Times

With a long standing tradition of a proud, Francophone, and Catholic identity, an ongoing debate into Quebec’s ‘interculturalism’ is discussed in regards to the newly passed State Religious Neutrality Law where women are required to show their face to access public services.
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Ignorance of Islam Is Incomprehensible Today

Ignorance of Islam Is Incomprehensible Today

The Islamic Monthly

In today’s age of quick summaries and short articles, ignorance on Islam and Muslims is as ever on the rise and can be easily combatted through honest, sincere dialogue and research from everyone.
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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!