Secret History of Muslims in the US

Ben Carson’s Islamophobia Isn’t Just Hateful. It Doesn’t Make Any Sense. | ThinkProgress. Carson is seemingly unaware as to the actual purpose of taqiya. According to Hussein Rashid, a professor of religious studies at Hofstra University who sits on the editorial board of the Islamic Monthly, the practice does allow Muslims leeway to obscure their beliefs — but only when faced with the threat of persecution or death.

How Muslims Have Been a Major Part of American History. Muslims have been an integral part of American history since the days of Christopher Columbus. The video above explores the many ways Muslims have been involved in everything from politics to sports to art. Even the Statue of Liberty has a connection to Muslims.

This week we feature selections from the December 8, 2019 Sounds of Faith concert at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. According to Dr. Hussein Rashid a religious literacy expert and cultural competency consultant who teaches at the New School in New York,  if you don’t appreciate the religious and spiritual dimension of music you miss the depth of the genre.