Among many accomplishments, Dr. Mattson founded the Islamic Chaplaincy Program at Hartford Seminary, where she is Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, as well as the Director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations. Daisy Khan, an Indian-born American Muslim, is the co-founder and executive director of the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), as well as the founder of Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE) and she is also actively involved in other projects that focus on interfaith efforts and dialogue on Islam in the West. Whether they are formally trained in Islamic scholarship or they know Islam primarily through practice, women are increasingly entering into religious, academic, and political dialogue on a variety of issues, including the issue of gender in Islam. Some important voices include Fatima Mernissi, who writes on Qur’anic scholarship and gender; Saba Mahmood, who writes on Muslim cultural practice and the agency of women; and Leila Ahmed, who writes on feminism and Islam.

She is highly regarded as a scholar of Islam and as a Muslim scholar. In 2005, Amina Wadud, a black American female convert to Islam and a scholar of Islamic studies, led Friday prayers to a congregation of Muslim men and women in New York, breaking the tradition that reserves that role exclusively for men, and stirring a controversial debate about gender in Islam. Ingrid Mattson, a Canadian-born convert to Islam, was the first woman to have been elected and to serve as vice-president and president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). 1. Testimony of Faith (Shahadah): The first of the five basic foundations is knowingly and voluntarily asserting that, “There is nothing worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” This statement is the basis of faith in Islam, affirming that no partners can be associated with God and Muhammad is His final prophet. Charity is one of the vital sources of social welfare in Islam, encouraging a just society where everyone’s basic needs are provided for.

In contrast to the multiple unofficial religious actors who compete for influence in many other Arab countries, the Omani government has successfully suppressed alternative sources of religious authority through censorship and authoritarian rule. Who is Wilbur Whateley’s father? These women are but a few of the many American Muslim female leaders who are challenging misperceptions about gender equality in Islam. Through writing, these Muslim women aim to express their own experiences, which are separate from both the religious leaders of their own communities and from the American mainstream media portrayal of them. A December 2010 article in the New York Times, “Muslim Women Gain Higher Profile in U.S.,” highlighted this trend of increased involvement of American Muslim women in the United States, emphasizing the leadership roles that they have within public and private sectors, as well as within Muslim communities. Al-Hibri is one of many Muslim women in America assuming active leadership roles both within and outside of the Muslim community. Many Muslim women explain that “true” Islam is frequently compromised by oppressive practices that have their roots in cultural differences or political expediency; general ignorance and lack of engagement with the diversity inherent within the tradition contribute to the perpetuation of these practices.

Muslim women’s groups have been organized across the United States to discuss issues of the interpretation of scripture and tradition. Muslim women in the United States are actively engaged in this issue on every level, from academia to small grassroots groups. Many of these groups also work together to confront issues of prejudice toward women wearing the hijab in the workplace and public areas. With a deeper understanding of our differences, we can begin to understand how to coexist peacefully, and then figure out how to work with other religions to make the world a better place. So, he encourages to get prepared to do the real work which changes the life of the people for good and in the process you aren’t just serving a community but also serving God. “Judaism may be characterized as a religion of deed, a ‘Way’ of action by which people attempt to respond to God’s teachings and principles.” (Bruce Sarbit). As a result of this belief, Muslims seek guidance in life through God’s revelation (the Quran) and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). 4. Fasting (Sawm): Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, by refraining from eating, drinking, and sexual interaction from dawn to sunset.