Despite the increase of multiculturalism in western lands Muslims along with other minority communities face many challenges and sometimes even discrimination.

There are also those within the faith that have become isolationist in a pluralistic society and even those who spread hatred and hate-speech towards the other.

How can we go about building diverse religious groups in our communities to create a better more peaceful future and what should be the role of faith institutions and faith leaders in building these bridges.

In this intellectually insightful lecture delivered at Harvard University Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi tackles the subject of ‘Religious Freedom and its Implications’ addressing the problems of interfaith dialogue in America.

Per George Washington’s letter to the Jews of Rhode Island, he described an essential nature of America as “a government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance – but generously affording to all liberty of conscience, and immunities of citizenship.” Bigots are using the Islamophobic rhetoric to sideline and alienate American Muslims. How can we proactively react so that through our suffering comes great success and triumph?

Per George Washington’s letter to the Jews of Rhode Island, he described an essential nature of America as “a government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance – but generously affording to all liberty of conscience, and immunities of citizenship.” Bigots are using the Islamophobic rhetoric to sideline and alienate American Muslims. How can we proactively react so that through our suffering comes great success and triumph?

It’s easy for young Muslim professionals to feel fearful as they enter into the workforce. Girls are afraid to go into journalism with their hijabs on, guys are afraid to enter into business with their beards. Often, this fear causes our young professionals to dissociate from their Muslim identity to assimilate into American culture. The truth of the matter is that the Prophet SAW stated that “Islam began as something strange and will revert to become something strange so glad tidings to the strangers.” Instead of being afraid to be different, we should proudly stand out. Our youth should be the first Muslim hijabi news anchors and the first Muslim male CEOs. Your Islam should not be the reason for your hiding, rather your Islam should be your means of standing out.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi speaks on how the Muslim community can engage with the public and policymakers on challenges they and other marginalized people in the U.S. face.

Whether we live in a small town or big city, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood or are the only Muslims on the block, it’s important to be involved and engaged in society as a whole. And that’s where our civic obligations come in. As Muslims, our Islamic duties are what push us to be involved. Whether we are temporary guests, visitors, or citizens, Islam mandates that Muslims should be an integral component part of society.

The American Muslim community is under pressure to conform and let go of its morals and beliefs. Due to the negative climate and constant barrage of Islamophobia, many Muslims lose hope or suffer trauma and anxiety. This session will help up to identify this crisis and offer solutions.