AJAM Appearance | How “Islamic” is ISIL?

Charlie Hebdo: Freedom of Speech, or An Excuse to Bully? – The Takeaway. Europe remains on edge in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack at the satirical publication Charlie Hebdo.   The attack has highlighted deep divisions between French nationals and Muslim immigrants—a community that Hussein Rashid, a professor of religion at Hofstra University, says has been under fire for years. "French society has a very hard time integrating its minorities—whether they're Muslim, Jewish, or black," says Rashid. "Nicolas Sarkozy, the former prime minister, during his tenor as interior minister, once called the minorities of Francs scum."

How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha Like an American – The New York Times. “Our obligations as American Muslims have not changed, they have just become more difficult,” acknowledges Hussein Rashid, a scholar of Islamic studies. He still believes Muslims should rise above hate and try to be the best version of themselves, not for the sake of appearing moderate, but to uphold and mirror their honorable religious values.

Why Peter Kassig was the Islamic State’s greatest threat (COMMENTARY) – Religion News Service. With each bloody act, Islamic State militants demonstrate their need for self-importance overrides any moral, ethical, or religious boundary. Peter Kassig’s beheading is a microcosm of all the Islamic State wants, and religion is not high on that list.