July 23, 2008    

 
 
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For Muslim Students, a Debate on Inclusion

  There are roughly 200 Muslim Student organizations across the United States.  Some would advocate for only accepting more obedient Muslims into the groups, while others would argue to include all students who self-identify as being Muslim.
  SAN JOSE — Amir Mertaban vividly recalls sitting at his university’s recruitment table for the Muslim Students Association a few years ago when an attractive undergraduate flounced up in a decidedly un-Islamic miniskirt, saying “Salamu aleykum,” or “Peace be upon you,” a standard Arabic greeting, and asked to sign up.
  Mr. Mertaban also recalls that his fellow recruiter surveyed the young woman with disdain, arguing later that she should not be admitted because her skirt clearly signaled that she would corrupt the Islamic values of the other members.

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Suggested Readings
Reading List for Islam in America
  The topic of Islam in America has been attracting increased scholarly and popular interest, with many new works appearing in recent years.
Reading List for American Muslims
  A Book List for Muslims Seeking to Better Understand American Culture.
Annotated Bibliography from Beyond Schooling Conference
  Prepared by the Zarnuji Institute, with additional annotations by Dar al Islam.
Useful Links
 

 
Muslims in America
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For Muslim Students, a Debate on Inclusion
 

 Muslim Student organizations across the United States, of which there are roughly 200, are continuing their struggles to form their own identities, including who they accept into their folds.  Some would advocate for only accepting more obedient Muslims into the groups, while others would argue to include all students who self-identify as being Muslim.  The following article briefly reviews this issue...
 
 

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