The “Blind Trust Project” took place in downtown Toronto on a cold winter’s day. A Muslim man, arms outstretched, stands next to signs reading “I am a Muslim. I am labeled as a terrorist” and “I trust you. Do you trust me? Give me a hug.” This three-minute video shows some touching responses from … Read more
Meet this heavy metal band that rocks not just the house, but also the heart. By Afia R Fitriati. Their music is hard-hitting. Their members are clad in black. Their look is dark and intense. But behind the fierce façade of this Malaysian band and its spirited compositions, a discerning listener will find messages of Islamic spirituality. … Read more
Sadia Khan, a 25-year-old fashionista and photographer, recently completed one of her biggest and best projects to date. Born in the City of Lights – Karachi, Pakistan – she first used a camera to document issues related to women in Asian society. She moved to the United Kingdom to further her studies, completing a degree … Read more
A mock pin-up calendar featuring Muslim men deflates the impact of a new book it seeks to promote, writes Amal Awad. And it highlights the gender bias prevalent in Muslim communities. It’s a shame when a great idea is corrupted in a bid for marketing buzz. Cue the upcoming book Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men on Love, … Read more
Mohammed “Mo” Amer is a Kuwaiti-born American stand-up comedian and writer of Palestinian descent. He is best known as one-third of comedy trio Allah Made Me Funny. As a bona fide headliner, Mo Amer has already cemented his stature as a pioneer of Arab-American standup, a truly original voice in comedy today. Dave Chappelle regularly … Read more
While these two highly idolized young men generate positive interest in Islam, they are also learning that fame comes with responsibility. By Omar Shahid. Last week, YouTube sensation Adam Saleh, fed up with all the hate and negativity he receives online, posted a shocking video of himself breaking down into tears. This follows a similar … Read more
Perhaps showing how she would deal with unwanted suitors, Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai delivers a stunning kick to her opponent, Hwang Kyungseon of South Korea, in a taekwondo match at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Jung Yeon-je/AFP Brains, beauty and even brawn abound in this alluring assortment of six … Read more
Having once performed alongside the likes of Usher and Bruno Mars, the Malaysian celebrity shares how hajj changed her, embracing hijab, meeting her husband, and the emptiness of the entertainment industry. She spoke to Omar Shahid. In 2013, Shazrina Azman aka award-winning singer and songwriter Mizz Nina still had her sights set on the big time. Having … Read more
Internet celebrities are creating a pop culture on a range of topics, from arts and entertainment to fashion and beauty. By Omar Shahid. Over the past few years, a growing number of Muslim YouTubers with nothing but a camera and an idea have become internet sensations. Appealing to a hungry group of (mostly) young Muslims, these … Read more