Shoulder to Shoulder - Standing With American Muslims; Upholding American Values

20,000 Dialogues

20,000 Dialogues is a nationwide initiative that uses discussions about films to promote pluralism, dialogue, and civic engagement. It seeks to build greater understanding of Muslims through films and conversation. 20,000 Dialogues uses Unity Productions Foundation's (UPF) award winning films and provides the materials people need to participate in dialogues that further the American ideals of inclusiveness and positive civic action.

20,000 Dialogues' website includes links to films, discussion and facilitation guides, and various other resources to support you in your next interfaith dialogue.

A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice: News and Views

The primary work of the Chair and Center is to foster and deepen relations between Christians and Muslims, and in doing so to make significant contributions to the larger purpose of promoting peace and building bridges of mutual understanding, cooperation and respect among people of all faiths.

Abraham's Path

Abraham's Path (Masar Ibrahim al Khalil) is a route of walking and cultural tourism which follows the footsteps of Abraham or Ibrahim through the Middle East. The story of Abraham / Ibrahim's journey, which has been kept alive for some four thousand years in the landscape and memory of this region, records the origin of a spiritual tradition shared by more than three billion people in the world today. By retracing this journey, the Masar ('Path' in Arabic) provides a place of meeting and connection for people of all faiths and cultures, inviting us to remember our common origins, to respect our cultural differences, and to recognize our shared humanity. The Masar also serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic development; a platform for the energy and idealism of young people; and a focus for positive media highlighting the rich culture and hospitable people of the Middle East.

Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, in the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation by Eboo Patel

Acts of Faith is a remarkable account of growing up Muslim in America and coming to believe in religious pluralism, from one of the most prominent faith leaders in the United States. Eboo Patel's story is a hopeful and moving testament to the power and passion of young people-and of the world-changing potential of an interfaith youth movement.

The Unitarian Universalist Association has created a discussion guide to facilitate reading groups of Acts of Faith. Click here to go to the guide.

Al-Muhaddithat: The Women Scholars in Islam by Shaykh Mohammed Akram Nadwi

This book is an adaptation of the Muqaddimah or Preface to Mohammad Akram's 40-volume biographical dictionary (in Arabic) of the Muslim women who studied and taught hadith. It demonstrates the central role women had in preserving the Prophet's teaching, which remains the master-guide to understanding the Qur'an as rules and norms for life.

America's Interfaith Infrastructure: A Pilot Study

For twenty years, the Pluralism Project has followed the development of America's fast-changing religious landscape and studied new forms of civic and interfaith relationships. The events of 9/11 demonstrated the importance of interfaith groups already formed; in the ensuing decade we have witnessed the growth of hundreds of new interfaith initiatives. Given this rapid expansion, what we might describe as the "interfaith infrastructure" is emerging in real-time, providing an innovative context for the kind of engagement we describe as "pluralism." In 2011, we embarked on a pilot study, funded by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, to look closely at interfaith efforts in twenty cities across the United States. While this initial study is a selective portrait, it is a first step towards our larger goal: to document and resource the interfaith movement in America.

American Muslims and Religious Freedom FAQ

What is the Truth About American Muslims: Questions and Answers is a resource created jointly by Interfaith Alliance and the Religious Freedom Education Project. In a time when misinformation about and misunderstandings of Islam and of the American Muslim community are widespread, our goal is to provide the public with accurate answers to understandable questions. The resource reflects widely-shared views among American Muslims on important topics such as sharia, jihad, the role of mosques and the relationship between religious and civil legal codes. In producing and disseminating this resource, we seek to uphold our shared commitment to religious freedom and contribute to a climate of understanding and mutual respect among Americans of all faiths and none.

Center for Understanding Islam

The Center for Understanding Islam offers articles and books on Islam and provides resources for educators

Change the Story

Huge numbers of Americans profess to having little knowledge of Islam despite the fact that there may be as many as five million Muslims living in the U.S. ChangeTheStory.net is an on-line resource aimed at transforming harmful stereotypes about Muslims that persist in society.

This site offers an interactive experience where users - Muslims and non-Muslims alike - can meet their neighbors, learn about Islam and apply techniques of interfaith dialogue and action to local communities. Here you will find tools and helpful information for educators, religious leaders and individuals concerned about building bridges of understanding across lines of faith and culture.

Children of Abraham: A Muslim-Jewish Dialogue Guide

In 2007, the Islamic Society of North America and the Union for Reform Judaism partnered to develop a methodology and handbook for dialogue between Muslim and Jewish communities, providing a roadmap for the groups to engage with one another and explore the commonalities in their spirituality and practice. The guide is intended to be a starting point for those who have minimal, if any, experience with interfaith dialogue, and its 11 chapters discuss issues such as zakat and tzeadakah, the Qu'ran and the Torah, and avodah and salat, highlighting important aspects of both religions.

Christian-Muslim talking points

Talking Points" is a set of eight leaflets issued by the office of Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to set forth propositions and opportunities for discussion and engagement around issues in Christian-Muslim Relations. These Talking Points are intended to stimulate reflection, response, and activity on key issues as part of ongoing inter-religious engagement today.

Coffee hour conversations

Conversation resources including fact sheets and guidelines for facilitators

Different Books, Common Word: Baptists and Muslims

From Boston to the Bible Belt and from Beaumont to the nation's beltway, Baptists and Muslims are changing history with the way they change each other. Tired of being defined by extremists, some Baptists and Muslims in the United States have sought and found common ground: the common word in both traditions to love God and love neighbor. The courageous Baptists and Muslims in "Different Books, Common Word" will surprise you. The DVD comes with a free PDF study guide.

Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath

In fall of 2001, a young woman took off around the country following hate crimes against the Sikh American community-her community-with a video camera and a streak of bravery. What began as a solitary journey to document untold stories became an award-winning documentary film that inspired a movement for brave new dialogue about race and religion in America.

Eboo Patel on Why the World Needs Interfaith Leaders after the Boston Bombing

As the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing continues, the world needs interfaith leaders now more than ever, says Eboo Patel, founder and executive director of Interfaith Youth Core. "These two young people represented nobody," he said. "Pluralism will always defeat prejudice." Previously, Peter Heltzel spoke on working for a nonviolent world after the tragedy and Peter Morales spoke on the interfaith service in Boston.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Prayer and worship resources for Boston and Texas

Prayer and worship resources from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American in light of the Boston Marathon bombings and the explosion in Texas.

Fact Sheet: American Attitudes on Muslims (Public Religious Research Institute)

This fact sheet was created in November, 2011. It offers information on general attitudes toward Islam ten years after 9/11.

Fellowship of Reconciliation

The Fellowship of Reconciliation is composed of women and men who recognize the essential unity of all creation and have joined together to explore the power of love and truth for resolving human conflict. In working out these objectives, FOR seeks the company of people of faith who will respond to conflict nonviolently, seeking reconciliation through compassionate action.FOR encourages the integration of faith into the lives of individual members. At the same time it is a special role of FOR to extend the boundaries of community and affirm its diversity of religious traditions as it seeks the resolution of conflict by the united efforts of people of many faiths.

Florida Council of Churches

The Florida Council is decidated to realizing the unity which Christ has giving the Church toward solidarity with all of humanity. Early in recorded history, God calls Abraham to become a blessing for all families upon the earth. The unity of faithful Christians and the well-being of the human race go together. The Florida Council of Churches seeks both one and the other -- to the glory of God and the honor of Christ Jesus.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes a pastoral message from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and a memorial brochure

Hawo's Dinner Party: The New Face of Southern Hospitality

"Hawo's Dinner Party" follows the story of a refugee and former nurse who has fled her native war-torn Somalia and now works at a chicken processing plant in rural Tennessee. Dressed in colorful hijab even on the assembly line, Hawo is determined to learn English and to connect with her neighbors. But as news of "home-grown terrorism" appears in the national media and as Hawo tries to reach out, we get an intimate glimpse into the honest, often uncomfortable and ultimately hopeful encounters that emerge. A tool designed to support community leaders - including educators, clergy, law enforcement, public officials and employers - who are helping to integrate newcomers from Muslim-majority countries, often against considerable obstacles. It was developed to deepen discussions, break the ice around difficult issues, build-bridges across faith and culture and enhance cultural competency among service providers. The video is available at no cost for a limited time, as the video has been very well-received and copies are running out. To receive a free copy, contact Christina Warner, Campaign Director for Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Standing with American Muslims; Upholding American Values. Shoulder-to-Shoulder can provide you with resources to help plan your screening of the video and offer general support as you use this resource.

Heaven on Earth: A Journey Through Shari'a Law by Sadakat Kadri

Almost 1400 years after the Prophet Muḥammad first articulated God's law -the Sharī'ah- its earthly interpreters are still arguing over what it means. Hardliners reduce it to amputations, veiling, holy war and stoning. Others say that it is humanity's only guarantee of a just society. In Heaven On Earth, the criminal barrister and prizewinning writer, Sadakat Kadri, sets out to see who is right.

Hussein Rashid | Academic. Speaker. Educator.

Hussein Rashid writes and speaks about his experience of being a Muslim in America. He is qualified to speak on a number of issues related to religion in America, including:

• Islam and Muslims
• Interfaith issues
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Popular Culture, including New Media

I Speak for Myself

I Speak for Myself is a collection of 40 personal essays written by American Muslim women under the age of 40, all of whom were born and raised in the US. It is a showcase of the true diversity found in American Islam.

In the Footsteps of the Prophet by Tariq Ramadan

Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most important innovators of the century, Tariq Ramadan is a leading Muslim scholar, with a large following especially among young European and American Muslims. Now, in his first book written for a wide audience, he offers a marvelous biography of the Prophet Muhammad, one that highlights the spiritual and ethical teachings of one of the most influential figures in human history.

Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

ISPU is an independent, nonpartisan think tank and research organization committed to conducting objective, empirical research and offering expert policy analysis on some of the most pressing issues facing the United States. ISPU has assembled leading experts across multiple disciplines and built a solid reputation as a trusted source for information about American Muslims and Muslim communities around the world.

ISPU scholars provide insight into the major debates taking place across the country. They offer context-specific analysis and recommendations to journalists, policymakers, and the general public through reports, policy briefs, articles, op-eds and books. ISPU disseminates its publications through a variety of channels and holds regular congressional briefings, policy events and academic conferences.

Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice (MI): Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes a compilation of commemoration materials

Interfaith Paths to Peace

Interfaith Paths to Peace is a not for profit organization (NGO) based in Louisville, Kentucky that delivers more day-to-day interfaith events and activists than any other organization in the Midwest... and perhaps the United States. IPP works to make our community, the nation, and the world more peaceful by bringing people of different religions together through programs and events that promote inter-religious understanding.

Islam in America: The Christian Truth

"Islam in America: The Christian Truth" is the New Evangelical Partnership's new film that tells the truth about American Muslims. Through intimate portraits of both immigrants and those who been US citizens all of their lives, viewers will come to know Muslims as they truly are: peace loving, responsible citizens, who bring culture and beauty to the places where they live, as well as jobs and economic empowerment. You will hear the struggles and triumphs of those who came to America seeking a better life for their families. You will be surprised by persons who encountered Muslims with suspicion, but found instead life-long friends.

Islamophobia Studies Journal

The Islamophobia Research & Documentation Project at University of California Berkeley announces the launch of Islamophobia Studies Journal, a a bi-annual peer reviewed academic periodical focusing on emerging research on and analysis about the nature of Islamophobia and its impact on culture, politics, media, and the lives and experiences of Muslim people.

Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington, DC

Beginning in Februrary of 2009, JIDS has been conducting monthly dialogues that bring together dozens of Jews and Muslims for friendly, yet frank, encounters. Our members come from different mosques and synagogues. We represent different denominations within these faiths. We include men and women, members of clergy and laypeople.

KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights

KARAMAH is one of the central sources of scholarship on Islamic Law. Through original and gathered content, our research department educates Muslim and Interfaith communities about Shari'ah in general and the rights afforded to women in Islam, as well as conflict resolution, civil rights, and leadership. In addition to providing various works of scholarship, KARAMAH also disseminates the scholarship of Muslim jurists and other scholars from around the world, creating a strong body of knowledge which creates the curricula for our unparalleled educational programs on Islamic Law and a variety of other important topics.​

Litany for grieving together when religion is used for violence - Shoulder to Shoulder in Interfaith Witness

Shoulder to Shoulder in Interfaith Witness is a voluntary association of people of diverse faiths who stand together whenever religion is exploited and misused for violent purposes. This litany was used to grieve the use of religion for violence in the wake of the bombing in Boston.

Shoulder to Shoulder in Interfaith Witness

In small towns across the world, there are volunteer fire departments that respond to put out the fires and save their communities.  Shoulder to Shoulder in Interfaith Witness is a volunteer fire department that responds to a different and even more deadly fire.  When religion is misused for violent purposes anywhere in the world, we and other groups like us gather to grieve the misuse of religion and bear witness to a future when religions will stand together in compassion.  Shoulder to Shoulder is a strategy that began in 2012 with the interfaith forum of Columbus, IN, in the wake of the massacre at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin.  Since that inaugural event, we have gathered to grieve and witness together whenever religion has been misused for violent purposes.    

Litany

Leader: We stand shoulder to shoulder, people of faith, people of different faiths.  We do not share the same views of Ultimate Reality, but we do share one belief:

All:  The one belief we share is that the neighbor is sacred. 

Leader:  Today we come together to grieve and to celebrate.  Firstly, we acknowledge the darkness that has been cast over our nation and the world by the tragedy in Boston.

All: We lament the unnecessary loss of life in Boston, and we grieve for those who have been injured.   

Leader: Our grieving extends to the young men who perpetrated this tragedy.  Lives that could have contributed to the betterment of the world have been lost. 

All:  Most of all, we grieve the abuse of religion that this tragedy represents.

Leader:  Our grief extends especially to our Muslim neighbors and friends whose hearts have been broken by this tragedy. 

A TIME OF PERSONAL PETITIONS FOR THIS TRAGEDY

All:  May our Muslim sisters and brothers know that we stand with them shoulder to shoulder in affirming that the true task of religion is to awaken compassion.  We stand together and declare that we will never accept religiously-inspired violence as normal. 

Mapping Muslims: NYPD Spying and its Impact on American Muslims

Mapping Muslims: NYPD Spying and its Impact on American Muslims ,reveals how unwarranted surveillance programs based on racial and religious profiling have impacted New York's Muslim communities, encouraging fear and mistrust of law enforcement.

Moozweek from Religion News Service

Welcome to Moozweek, a weekly round-up of Muslim-related news you may not have seen elsewhere.

Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet

This full-length film initially premired on PBS to an international audience of over 150 million people. Now, when use of media to educate accurately and positively about the rich Islamic tradition, Unity Productions has made the film available online in its entirety.

Visit http://muhammadfilm.tv/ to view the film, and click here to find resources on hosting a dialogue about the move from 20,000 Dialogues.

Muhammed: A Prophet for Our Time by Karen Armstrong

From the front flap:

"Karen Armstong's immaculately researched new biography of Muhammad will enable readers to understand the true origins and spirituality of a faith that is all too often misrepresented as cruel, intolerant, and inherently violent. An acclaimed authority on religious and spiritual issues, Armstrong offers a balanced, in-depth portrait, revealing the man at the heart of Islam by dismantling centuries of misconceptions. Armstrong demonstrates that Muhammad's life - a pivot point in history - has genuine relevance to the global crises we face today.

Muslim Self Portraits

In response to the stereotyping of Muslims and in recognition that it is human nature to fear what we do not know, community based artist Todd Drake has worked with Muslims in North Carolina and Manama, Bahrain to create self-portraits that share real, rather than seeming, reflections of self to a wider audience. Muslims from a variety of backgrounds and living in a variety of communities participated in this series by working collaboratively with Drake to realize their own visions.

Muslim Voices: Voices and Visions of Islam and Muslims from a Global Perspective

Voices and Visions aims to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding between Muslims and Non-Muslims through podcasts, videos, public events, art exhibits, and discussions.

My Brother From Another Mother

An interfaith journey of Islamic/Judaic commonality as a means to dialogue.

This site is dedicated to learning about each other and uncovering the similarities between the descendants of Isaac/Ishaq and Ishmael/Isma'il so we can create a new paradigm for discussion and understanding between Muslims and Jews.

My Faith My Voice

My Faith My Voice is a grassroots effort by American Muslims from across the country looking to present their voice on issues affecting Muslims and Islam in America. It is an independent network of individuals that collectively claim no affiliation to any one organization or school of thought.

My Faith My Voice serves as a platform for you, me or any one else who wants to reach out and talk directly to America. Through video clips and online social media outreach, we serve to make the voices of the grassroots available to those who choose to hear them.

My Fellow American

My Fellow American is an online film and social media project that calls upon concerned Americans to pledge and spread a message that Muslims are our fellow Americans. It asks people of other backgrounds to pledge and share a real life story about a Muslim friend, neighbor, or colleague that they admire. Using the power of social media, My Fellow American seeks to change the narrative - from Muslims as the other, to Muslims as our fellow Americans.

National Council of Chruches: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes a service of hope and remembrance, a hymn, and links to NCC statements and resolutions

National Council of Churches: Interfaith Relations and the Church study guides on key issues

The Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches has issued a series of theological resources to guide clergy and laity through the basic issues of engagement with other faiths.

The brochures can be downloaded for individual study or duplicated for study groups. The 12-page brochures include brief, incisive essays, prayers and study questions surrounding the topics:

• The Missional Challenge
• The Moral Challenge
• The Theological Challenge
• The Ecumenical Challenge
• The Identity Challenge

National Religious Campaign Against Torture: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

NRCAT has prepared a litany appropriate for interfaith gatherings or community prayer services. The litany can also be incorporated into regularly scheduled worship in congregations. We hope you will consider urging the leadership of your congregation to use the litany, as well as those planning interfaith and community gatherings.

No God But God by Reza Aslan

Initially published in 2005, No God But God offers a concise history of Islam. When No god but God was first published, Reza Aslan predicted that al-Qaeda would be a fast diminishing movement, that the massive youth bulge in the Arab world would transform the region, and that a democratic revolution would soon sweep across the Middle East. Ten years after 9/11, the revised and updated version of Aslan's internationally acclaimed bestseller addresses the events of the past decade, analyzing how they have influenced Islam's position in modern culture. Aslan explores what the popular demonstrations pushing for democracy in the Middle East mean for the future of Islam in the region, how the Internet and social media have affected Islam's evolution, and how the war on terror has altered the geopolitical balance of power in the Middle East. Timely and persuasive, NO GOD BUT GOD is an elegantly written account that explains this magnificent yet misunderstood faith

Oil and Water - Two Faiths, One God

Oil & Water: Two Faiths One God confronts the idea that Christianity and Islam cannot mix and explores the differences between Christianity and Islam, as well as the many things these two enduring faith traditions hold in common including, first and foremost, their belief in and desire to be faithful to the one, true God; their shared roots and scripture (from the Jewish faith); and the spiritual values of peace and social justice. Amir Hussain, author

One Nation, Many Voices Learning Guides

A new educational initiative from Link TV and the One Nation organization utilizing our free online videos. These dynamic, engaging learning guides have been created by K-12 teachers and educators inspired by the One Nation film submissions.

The guides are teacher-friendly, classroom tested and sure to get your students thinking and talking about Islam, tolerance, freedom of expression and what it means to be an American today.

One Nation, Many Voices Online Film Contest Entries

This page takes you to the short films entered into the film contest for One Nation, Many Voices. They are short videos that highlight different aspects of being Muslim in America.

Online Radicalization: Myths and Realities

This resource is a recorded webcast of a panel from the New America Foundation's National Security Studies Program and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. The panel discussion focuses on the threat that online extremist material poses to vulnerable individuals in this country, and the vital role the community plays in preventing and countering Internet radicalization.

The Boston Marathon attacks thrust the issue of online radicalization to the front and center of the debate about homegrown violent extremism in the United States. The elder of the two Tsarnaev brothers behind the attacks had posted videos lauding violent jihad on his personal YouTube channel, visited online jihadist forums, and read Inspire, the English-language magazine published by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. He isn't the only one; the last few al-Qaeda-inspired individuals who attempted or carried out plots in this country also appear to have been radicalized by those propagating violent extremist thoughts online.

Our Better Angels

JTS and Union Theological Seminary cosponsor these three evenings at St. Paul's Chapel to explore Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions on Tragedy, Mourning, and Healing, respectively. Each event will also be concluded by a live musical performance.

Park 51

Park 51 has welcomed university classes, organizations, tour groups, national delegations, schools, and others to visit our growing center and participate in customized workshops.

Popular Discussion Topics have included:

- Muslims in America

- Introduction to Islam

- Other topics may be requested and will be offered if resources are available.

We offer a warm welcome to anyone who would like to visit Park 51 and take part in a discussion

- Discussions usually last about an hour to an hour and a half and are very interactive

- Topics important to the American-context are addressed

- Visitors are encouraged to ask questions

- May be followed up with a lunch with the staff

Click here to submit a reservation for your group!

Presbyterian Mission Agency: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes worship, theological, devotional, pastoral care and interfaith resources

Public Conversations Project

The Public Conversations Project aims to prevent and transform conflicts driven by deep differences in identity, beliefs, or values. Their website includes information about their work, opportunities to connect and online resources like facilitation guides for purchase, a free online dialogue workshop and success stories.

Religion in Political Campaigns - An Interfaith Statement of Principles

A statement of principles for people of faith to refer to when considering expressions of religion or discussion of religion in political campaigns.

Religion in World Affairs: Its Role in Conflict and Peace

This special report from the United States Institute of Peace reflects on the role of religion in conflict and in peace. The USIP's Religion and Peacemaking Program has worked with local partners to promote religious peacemaking in many parts of the world. This report represents reflections on that experience.

"No major religion has been exempt from complicity in violent conflict. Yet we need to beware of an almost universal propensity to oversimplify the role that religion plays in international affiars. Religion is not usually the sole or even primary cause of conflict."

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes prayers, a survivor tree planting ceremony, a video and interfaith materials

Resources for Learning and Comfort, Jewish Theological Seminary of America

In the face of the horrific bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15, The Jewish Theological Seminary offers a few resources for learning and comfort. We pray for those we lost and for a full recovery for all those injured, in pain, and suffering from this tragedy.

Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America by Eboo Patel

In Sacred Ground, author and renowned interfaith leader Eboo Patel says prejudice toward American Muslims is not just a problem for Muslims but a challenge to the very idea of America. Patel shows us that Americans from George Washington to Martin Luther King Jr. have been "interfaith leaders," illustrating how the forces of pluralism in America have time and again defeated the forces of prejudice. And now a new generation needs to rise up and confront the anti-Muslim prejudice of our era. To this end, Patel offers a primer in the art and science of interfaith work, bringing to life the growing body of research on how faith can be a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division and sharing stories from the frontlines of interfaith activism.

Sermons, Statements, and Blog Posts in Response to the Boston Marathon Bombing

Compiled by the Massachusetts Council of Churches.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder eNewsletters

Every other week, Shoulder-to-Shoulder sends out an eNewsletter with updates on faith-based resources and responses to anti-Muslim sentiment.

You can sign up for the biweekly eNewsletter by entering your email address in the field on our homepage.

Silk Road Rising

Silk Road Rising (formerly known as Silk Road Theatre Project) creates live theatre and online videos that tell stories through primarily Asian American and Middle Eastern American lenses. In representing communities that intersect and overlap, we advance a polycultural worldview.

Silk Road Rising understands that cultures are inherently linked. We seek the intersections of cultures without denying the specificities of cultures. And we strive to create a world that values art over ideology and inquiry over dogma.

Silk Road Rising is a creative response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. The consequences of that catastrophic day are sure to reverberate for years to come, posing unique and urgent challenges for artists of all backgrounds, and inspiring us to educate, promote dialogue, and heal rifts through the transformative power of theatre.

Standing Together

A series of study guides on Islam and Christianity that were developed by teams of Christians and Muslims working together

Subverting Hatred

Scholars representing eight major religious traditions pooled their wisdom to transcend their differences. By discussing religious peace philosophies, they made a profound attempt to overcome hatred and find a path to universal peace. Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, editor

T'ruah: New York Police Reform Resources

T'ruah: the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) have partnered in New York City on a campaign to bring better accountability to the NYPD. Between spying on Muslim Americans or the practice of "stop and frisk" which targets communities of color, it is clear that the NYPD is relying on tactics that do not result in terrorism leads or finding illegal guns, but do damage and frighten New York's citizens. What does it mean when one worries that if one goes out for a bag of potato chips at 2AM, one might be frisked by police? Why should students on a university-sponsored trip have to worry about an informant in their mix? It is time that the Jewish community of New York City join the call for an inspector general for the NYPD and other meaningful reforms and oversight mechanisms.

T'ruah: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on New York and Washington, DC. It often seems hard to believe that it has been that long. So much has changed, and yet for many, the reminders of that day are ever present. We must remember those who died, pray for peace and healing, and reflect on the challenges that have arisen over the past ten years: American use of torture, two wars, and rising anti-Muslim sentiment. There is no right or wrong way to remember, and each community's needs are different. Rabbis for Human Rights-North America has prepared a variety of resources that we hope will provide inspiration to you as you approach this difficult date.

Teaching Tolerance

Teaching Tolerance is a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. The website, tolerance.org, serves as a place for educators to find thought-provoking news, conversation and support for those who care about diversity, equal opportunity and respect for differences in schools.

Resources include classroom resources, film kits, a magazine, and other publications.

The Associated Press: Investigative Report on NYPD Intelligence Operations

In August 2011, the Associated Press began investigating the intelligence operations of the New York Police Department, including programs of widespread surveillance of American Muslim communities.

The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists by Khaled M. About El Fadl

Drawing on the rich tradition of Islamic history and law, The Great Theft is an impassioned defense of Islam against the encroaching power of the extremists. As an accomplished Islamic jurist, Abou El Fadl roots his arguments in long-standing historical legal debates and delineates point by point the beliefs and practices of moderate Muslims, distinguishing these tenets from the corrupting influences of the extremists. From the role of women in Islam to the nature of jihad, from democracy and human rights to terrorism and warfare, Abou El Fadl builds a vital vision for a moderate Islam. At long last, the great majority of Muslims who oppose extremism have a desperately needed voice to help reclaim Islam's great moral tradition.

The Islam Project

The Islam Project is a multimedia effort aimed at schools, communities, and individuals who want a clearer understanding of this institution: complex, diverse, historically and spiritually rich, and--to many--mysterious and even forbidding.

The New Muslim Cool

This powerful new documentary by filmmaker Jennifer Taylor tells the story of Hamza Pérez, a young Puerto Rican hip hop artist who converted to Islam at age 21, pulling himself off the streets to become a community activist and rising star. As compelling as it is complex, Hamza's is a surprising journey of redemption, friendship, family, and hope. On June 23, 2009, people across the country tuned in to New Muslim Cool when it made its broadcast premiere on PBS's P.O.V.

Click here for the official film site.

The Place of Tolerance in Islam by Khaled Abou El Fadl

Khaled Abou El Fadl, a prominent critic of Islamic puritanism, leads off this lively debate by arguing that Islam is a deeply tolerant religion. Injunctions to violence against nonbelievers stem from misreadings of the Qur'an, he claims, and even jihad, or so-called holy war, has no basis in Qur'anic text or Muslim theology but instead grew out of social and political conflict.

The Pluralism Project

Our mission is to help Americans engage with the realities of religious diversity through research, outreach, and the active dissemination of resources.

The overall aims of the Pluralism Project are:

1. To document and better understand the changing contours of American religious demography, focusing especially on those cities and towns where the new plurality has been most evident and discerning the ways in which this plurality is both visible and invisible in American public life.

2. To study the religious communities themselves - their temples, mosques, gurudwaras and retreat centers, their informal networks and emerging institutions, their forms of adaptation and religious education in the American context, their encounter with the other religious traditions of our common society, and their encounter with civic institutions.

3. To explore the ramifications and implications of America's new plurality through case studies of particular cities and towns, looking at the response of Christian and Jewish communities to their new neighbors; the development of interfaith councils and networks; the new theological and pastoral questions that emerge from the pluralistic context; and the recasting of traditional church-state issues in a wider context.

4. To discern, in light of this work, the emerging meanings of religious "pluralism," both for religious communities and for public institutions, and to consider the real challenges and opportunities of a public commitment to pluralism in the light of the new religious contours of America.

The Search for Beauty in Islam: A Conference of the Books by Khaled About El Fadl

Khaled Abou El Fadl is a classically-trained Islamic jurist, an American lawyer and law professor, and one of the most important Islamic thinkers today. In this updated and expanded edition of The Search for Beauty in Islam, Abou El Fadl offers eye-opening and enlightening insights into the contemporary realities of the current state of Islam and the West. Through a "conference of the books," an imagined conference of Muslim intellects from centuries past, Abou El Fadl examines the ugliness that has come to plague Muslim realities and attempts to reclaim what he maintains is a core moral value in Islam-the value of beauty. Does Islamic law allow, or even call for, the gruesome acts of ugliness that have become so commonly associated with Islam today? Has Islam become a religion devoid of beauty, compassion and love? Based on actual cases, this book tackles different issues and problems in each chapter through a post-9/11 lens, discussing such topics as marriage, divorce, parental rights, the position of women, the veil, sexual abuse, wife-beating, terrorism, bigotry, morality, law, and the role of tradition. Abou El Fadl argues that the rekindling of the forgotten value of beauty is essential for Muslims today to take back what has been lost to the fundamentalist forces that have denigrated their religion.

The Story of the Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life by Dr. Ingrid Mattson

An essential introductory text for the study of the Qur'an, its content, and its place in Muslim society.
An insightful and authoritative introduction to the book at the heart of Muslim life, written by a well-known Islamic scholar
Examines the doctrines contained in the Qur'an, providing a comprehensive explanation of their significance to individual Muslims and the societies in which they live
Surveys the key themes of the Qur'an, its most significant historical interpretations, and some of the most significant figures who transmitted and taught the sacred scripture over the centuries
Considers the influence of the Qur'an on all major aspects of Muslim society, including personal relationships, popular culture, law, art and architecture, political movements, science, and literature
Helps the reader to understand the Qur'an, while throwing a much-needed light on what it means to be a Muslim.

The Visitor

In Tom McCarthy's follow-up to his award-winning directorial debut, The Station Agent, 2008 Academy Award®-nominee Richard Jenkins stars as Walter Vale, a disillusioned professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter with a young immigrant couple in New York. Their friendship is almost instantly rattled when Tarek is stopped by police, arrested as an undocumented immigrant and held for deportation. As Tarek's situation grows desperate, Walter finds himself compelled to help his new friend with a passion he thought he had long ago lost.

The Waning Pulse of Islamic Radicalization in America

This article discusses evidence-based research regarding prison-based radicalization of Muslim inmates and the damaging policies that have followed the false notion that inmates are particularly susceptible to radicalization.

UJA-Federation of New York: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes prayers, meditations, materials for parents and caregivers, and readings

Unitarian Universalist Peacemakers: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

Includes chalice/candle lightings, prayers, hymns and interfaith materials (including links to materials from the Unitarian Universalist Association)

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee: Building Bridges for Civil Liberties

The Building Bridges project is a series of joint UUSC and partner-led workshops and activities in several major cities throughout the country. The goals are as follows:

• Raise awareness about the gravity of civil-liberties issues facing our country
• Build meaningful relationships that will help roll back some of the destructive policies of the last eight years Increase sensitivity to anti-Arab and anti-Muslim rhetoric in the media
• Create a greater understanding of the complexities and diversity within the Muslim-American community
• Provide resources and tools necessary for constituents to educate themselves and their congregations on these issues

Unitarian Universalists and Islam (pdf)

This is an interfaith dialogue guide and a reading group guide developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. It shares information about what Islam is, why it is important to engage in interfaith dialogue and with Muslims in particular, and specific suggested steps and advice for reaching out to Muslim communities.

United Church of Christ: Resources for Commemorating September 11th

This site is intended to be a repository of documents and resources for reflection, worship, and education to assist churches in marking the 9/11 anniversary this year. Many of the resources are UCC, but some are posted from ecumenical and interfaith partners. As you use these resources to create safe and worshipful space to mark 9/11, we hope these resources prove helpful for meeting people wherever they are along the journey between memory and hope.

United Methodist Church, General Board of Discipleship: Litany of Hope and Healing for September 11, 2011

Includes worship materials and hymns written specifically for the anniversary of 9/11

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Liturgical Consideration for September 11th

Includes intercessions and homily notes

Waging Peace: Muslim and Christian Alternatives

Waging Peace: Muslim and Christian Alternatives is an hour-long documentary about overcoming mistrust, hatred, and violence. It looks at the history of peacemaking in both Christian and Muslim traditions, and includes stories of how these faith groups work for peace. The goal of the documentary and this supplementary material online is to help nurture an atmosphere in society for better understanding of each other and a more peaceful future for our world.

islawmix: Bringing Clarity to Islamic Law in the News

islawmix connects news readers, media producers, and legal scholars with credible, authoritative information about trends in Islamic law ("shari'a"). islawmix scholars map, analyze and respond to the growing landscape of news stories about Islamic law in traditional and new media. islawmix scholars have advanced degrees in American law (JD) and in the study of Islamic law (PhD), or the equivalent, and teach issues of contemporary Islamic law and society in American law schools.

islawmix is a project of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society and Harvard University, focusing on the media and policy landscape where Islam and the news mix.

“Standing on the Side of Love: We Are One” A litany by Rev. Fred Small First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist

Rev. Fred Small's sermon from Sunday, April 21, in which he explores the connections between Earth Day, the bombings, and why we must let our hearts be broken open. Rev. Small is the senior minister at First Parish Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist.