Reflection Friday: #TheMuslimNextDoor Campaign Update | Fall 2017 Internships Available

New Campaign Confronts Islamophobia by Introducing Oklahoma Muslims to Their Neighbors

Oklahoma Muslims are sharing glimpses into their lives with a new awareness campaign by the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

CAIR-OK, an Islamic civil rights group, is raising awareness of American Muslims and their stories through its #TheMuslimNextDoor campaign.

CAIR-OK recently started a LaunchGood to crowdfund the project, which shares both uniquely American and uniquely Muslim experiences - including those of Edmond North High School junior Mehak Alia; third-grade teacher Nadira Choudry and her husband and Special Care autism program director Mansur Choudry; and "Okie since birth" Mikael Bryant, a third-year law student - via forums, billboards, social media, videos and a photo campaign.

Blog: Adam Soltani, Executive Director of CAIR-OK, shares his take on the new #MuslimNextDoor Campaign

The goal of #TheMuslimNextDoor campaign is quite simply to dispel myths, misunderstandings and stereotypes about Muslims by providing an opportunity for people to get to know Okie Muslims better. It is also to provide a platform for Okie Muslims to tell their stories to people in hopes of challenging Islamophobia in society.

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2017 Interns: Legal, Government Affairs, and Event Organizing Internships Available

Interns play a vital role in the work of CAIR-OK, undertake a considerable amount of responsibility, and are encouraged to develop their own projects and initiatives.

Internships at CAIR-OK's office in Oklahoma City offer students and community members a great opportunity to learn, interact, and grow in a fast-paced, diverse environment.

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Save the Date for 2017 Tulsa Gala:

Friday, October 6, 2017

Save the date for our 2017 Tulsa Gala on Friday, October 6, 2017 featuring Keynote Speaker Usama Cannon.

Ustadh Usama Canon is one of the most dynamic Muslim speakers in the West who is founded on a deep understanding and scholarship of Islam through the love of The Word of Allah and His Beloved Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam. His firm understanding of the context of living in today's world with varying challenges makes him one of the most lucid commentators and advisors to the global citizen, informed by the Principles of Mercy and Wisdom advocated by Islam.

The Latest in American Muslim News

Man Leaves Jesus Painting Outside Mosque in Possible Hate Crime - Unaware Muslims Love Jesus, Too

What is "Jihad"? Conservatives Often Link it to Violence, but Here's What is Actually Means

Jesus is one of the most highly regarded prophets in Islam. Since the Holy Quran is written in Arabic, Jesus' name is translated to Isa ibn Maryam or Jesus, the son of Mary. He is mentioned a total of 187 times in the Quran, but is referenced in different ways: Ruhullah (Spirit from God), al-Masih (the Messiah), kalimatim-minallaah (Word from God) and Rasulullah (Messenger of God).

His mother, the Virgin Mary, has an entire chapter in the Quran named after her and is mentioned a total of 34 times. It's chapter 19 in the Quran and is titled Surah Maryam.

The Arabic translation for jihad is "to struggle" or "to strive."

Corey Saylor, the director of the Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Muslims use jihad in a sense of "improving themselves religiously."

"[Jihad] is a struggle against themselves or desires," Saylor said in a phone interview. "For example, my jihad this year was to fast the 30 days of Ramadan. My jihad is to do a good deed every day. My jihad is to make sure I pay charity on time."