July 10, 2015
As Ramadan approaches, we look to the Quran for guidance in fulfilling our oblications for giving zakat (alms). Every year, many questions arise about who and what organizations can receive zakat. Surah At-Tawba speaks about zakat in a practical way and clearly outlines the paramenters.
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READ MORENovember 26, 2014
Last night’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson for fatally shooting 18-year-old unarmed Michael Brown came as an immense disappointment to many. There are on-going issues that we as Americans need to deal with as a result of years of institutional racism and systemic biases toward communities of color. -
READ MORENovember 19, 2014
The Muslim Public Affairs Council is extremely concerned with the United Arab Emirates’ decision to include two American Muslim organizations, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim American Society (MAS), on a terrorism designation list. -
READ MORENovember 11, 2014
Every week is busy at MPAC, but last week was especially busy! For the past couple of years, the American Muslim community has been facing challenges regarding issues of national security, surveillance, foreign policy and public perception. The day following the midterm elections, American Muslims from around the country came together to strategize how we can collectively overcome issues that impact our communities. In partnership with the New America Foundation, we convened over 50 American Muslims from across the nation for a leadership forum called “Policy Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Muslim Communities.” -
READ MOREOctober 31, 2014
MPAC’s Deana Nassar moderated the youth panel exploring the social media divide between youth and adults and ways in which adults can support young people in navigating cyber-bullying. -
READ MOREOctober 14, 2014
This year, we will bring this important conversation to our annual convention, titled “America Deserves Better,” which will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center on Saturday, December 13. We will be hosting a not to be missed session titled: Collaboration or Cancellation: Shaping the Image of Islam & Muslims in Hollywood. -
READ MOREOctober 7, 2014
Today is a big day. The Supreme Court is hearing a case looking at the limits of religious freedom in the prison setting. The case, Holt v. Hobbs, involves an Arkansas prisoner petitioning to grow a half-inch beard, which the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) believes is hazardous to prison security. -
READ MORESeptember 19, 2014
Our National Policy Analyst Hoda Elshishtawy attended a meeting at the State Department this week regarding the protection of American Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for hajj. The impetus for the meeting was to prevent any attack on American Muslims while performing the hajj. Last year, a group of American Muslims from Michigan were harassed and attacked by a group of Australians. Read more to find out what happened at the meeting! -
READ MOREAugust 20, 2014
The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) condemns the barbaric execution of American Journalist James Foley by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and urges all people of conscience to take a stand against extremism. Mr. Foley was a journalist who courageously covered the atrocities against the Syrian people. We offer our condolences to his family and friends -
READ MOREAugust 15, 2014
On Sunday, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati moderated a panel discussion at the Islamic Center of Southern California called “Gaza Teach-In: War Crimes and Settler Colonialism,” between two experts on the crisis. Palestinian Professor George Bisharat of UC Berkeley School of Law and Israeli Professor Gabriel Pieterberg of UCLA's Center for Near Eastern Studies discussed exposed how Israel’s military campaign violates countless international laws and also is rooted in settler colonialism. -
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READ MOREAugust 14, 2014
Join MPAC at the 51st Annual ISNA Convention in Detroit, MI, the weekend of Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. Salam Al-Marayati will be featured during two sessions about grassroots activism and working in the media industry. Also, come by and visit the MPAC at booth 622 in the bazaar! -
READ MOREAugust 14, 2014
MPAC today strongly condemned the extreme and repugnant principles and actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The rise of ISIS and their rapid expansion in Iraq and Syria is an imminent cause for concern for not only local civilians facing their deadly threats, but also for regional and international stability. -
READ MOREAugust 7, 2014
Last Saturday, MPAC took part in Orange County’s Annual Eid Festival held in Anaheim, CA. Attended by thousands, the event featured table displays from dozens of organizations, as well as their efforts in providing a celebration for the holiday. It was a great opportunity for Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, to learn more about Eid and Islam. -
READ MOREJuly 31, 2014
During the next few weeks, your senators and representatives will be home working in their district offices. Take advantage of the Congressional recess by reaching out to your elected official to discuss issues that are important to you. Here are some easy and effective ways to schedule a meeting! -
READ MOREJuly 29, 2014
Yesterday, CNN’s Belief Blog published an op-ed called “President Obama's Ramadan Slap at Muslims” by Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. The op-ed describes how the President’s pro-Israel remarks at the annual White House Iftar left guests and many American Muslims feeling “shocked and dismayed” and called it a talking point that “is code for whitewashing decades of atrocities committed against the people of Gaza.” -
READ MOREJuly 28, 2014
The Muslim Public Affairs Council wishes everyone a joyous Eid ul-Fitr at the conclusion of this blessed month of Ramadan. This Eid, we stand in solidarity with all who throughout Ramadan have faced atrocities, injustice and have been struggling for their freedom. Our hearts are with those who have faced bloodshed in Palestine, horrifying human rights violations in Syria, ongoing slaughter in Myanmar and all who are oppressed. -
READ MOREJuly 25, 2014
Let me tell you about a civil rights case we have been working on recently. At this moment, you might be thinking – “MPAC works on policy, not on civil rights, doesn’t it?” In reality, we leverage our government relations to directly defend and secure the rights of American Muslims, both to aid individuals and to shape policies that impact all of us. -
READ MOREJuly 25, 2014
The Bilal Islamic Center in south Los Angeles hosted MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati last weekend for a talk about the parallels between the Medina Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. The Medina Constitution is the social contract created between the Prophet Muhammad with leaders of other faith communities. -
READ MOREJuly 19, 2014
Last week, more than 60 community leaders and young professionals joined MPAC at our L.A. office for our annual Community Iftar. Community leaders, alumni from our young leaders programs and young professionals from all over Southern California who have worked with MPAC in one way or another came togehter to see old friends and to make new ones. -
READ MOREJuly 19, 2014
This week, MPAC co-sponsored a discussion and book signing with Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) alongside Busboys and Poets and Crescent Moon Nights. Ellison shared his unique experience as the first American Muslim elected to Congress, through passages from his new book "My Country 'Tis of Thee: My Family, My Faith, Our Future.”
