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Muslim Women Gain Higher Profile in U.S. – NYTimes.com

Muslim Women Gain Higher Profile in U.S. – NYTimes.com. These women have achieved a level of success and visibility unmatched elsewhere. They say they are molded by the freedoms of the United States — indeed, many unabashedly sing its praises — and by the intellectual ferment stirred when American-born and immigrant Muslims mix. I have the great privilege of knowing many of the people interviewed for this article. I have a brief interview on The Takeaway about it as well.

Hijab

There is an op-ed written in a NY Urdu language paper (English translation) that deals with the issue of hijab. I’m looking for the Urdu version, but the English translation reminds me very much of what some of the early debate was like in NY in English. You would throw out a whole bunch of arguments and see what would stick. The arguments have become much more sophisticated and targeted, helped both by time and the easy accessibility of more academic material. I think this article is important, not because of what it says, but because of the language and…

‘Undercover’ in hijab: unveiling one month later : The Kentucky Kernel

‘Undercover’ in hijab: unveiling one month later : The Kentucky Kernel. Last month, I climbed out of my “lap” and wore a hijab, the Muslim headscarf.  I thought this temporary modification of my appearance would bring me closer to an understanding of the Muslim community, but in retrospect, I learned more about my place in the world. Simplified, one piece of fabric is all it takes to turn perspectives upside-down.  The hijab is a contested, sacred and sometimes controversial symbol, but it is just a symbol. It is a symbol of Islam, a misconstrued, misunderstood religion that represents the most…