Greetings of Peace dear Friends,
I pray you are well and enjoying the last blessed days of summer. It has passed all too quickly!
First and foremost, it has been a particularly devastating time in Gaza as a result of the brutal, inhumane, and merciless Israeli
bombardments yet again. If you are able to make a donation to help our brothers and sisters in Gaza, you will find a list of relief organizations below. May God come to the aid and comfort of
those in need, and help us educate and empower those who can stand up and make a difference in addressing these evil injustices.
In that spirit, I want to highlight the wonderful discussion last week between Dr. Abou El Fadl and Guantanamo survivor Mohamedou Ould Slahi,
the author of Guantanamo Diary (redacted version), written as he was held captive at Guantanamo Bay. The Guantanamo Diary was originally released in a redacted version and later re-released as
The Mauritanian in an unredacted version. The Mauritanian was turned into a full-length Hollywood movie titled, "The Mauritanian" (released in 2021 and available on demand).
Both the movie and the discussion last Sunday are in the "must-watch" category. Here is the link to the discussion last week, which was
hosted by The Noor Cultural Centre in Toronto, Canada, and brilliantly hosted by Azeezah Kanji of The Noor Centre:
This conversation was engaging, inspiring and insightful at so many levels. Mohamedou tells the story of his experience and pulls us in from
the beginning with the human narrative. Dr. Abou El Fadl expertly gives insight into the broader legal, political, and historical context of Islamophobia and how Muslims have generally responded.
Azeezah navigates the discussion between beauty, and tragedy, and justice and injustice in delving into the darkness of human experience that is survives and elevates from the light of
conviction, truth and God's beauty. The learning is deep and powerful. Well worth the investment of time!
ANNOUNCING THE "SHARE WITH A FRIEND" CAMPAIGN!!
The best antidote to Islamophobia is a powerful education, and we are extremely blessed to have a very generous donor come forward to aid us
in our mission. This donor was so moved by our new book, The Prophet's Pulpit: Commentaries on the State of Islam, that he has made it his cause to get a copy in the hands of every Muslim in
America.
So, we are pleased to launch our "Share With A Friend" campaign! It is easy - if you have a friend who you feel will benefit from this book,
send me their name, mailing address and email, and we will send them a free copy with this lovely welcome and introduction card:
And as a thank you for helping us with this campaign, we will be happy to send you your choice of an Usuli T-shirt, Usuli Mug or an eBook
version of The Prophet's Pulpit (or a paperback if you don't already have one!). That's it! :)
I believe we are all connected and perhaps one or two degrees of separation from every thinking Muslim that can make a difference. Help us
get The Prophet's Pulpit in everyone's hands and elevate our collective knowledge and empowerment! Feel free to write me if you have any questions, thoughts or suggestions.
Also, if you know Muslim journalists, academics, activists, politicians or influencers that would benefit, definitely let me know so we can
send them a copy as well! May God bless our collective efforts!
Looking forward to our khutbah today and a new halaqa tomorrow!! This week's Q&A on Surah 33: Al Ahzab and Surah 66: Al Tahrim was out of
this world so please check it out!
Wishing you joy and blessings in these last days of summer! See you online soon insha'Allah (God willing)!
In Peace and Hope,
Grace