Resources
This is a growing collection of trusted resources specifically curated for faith and interfaith leaders looking to take action on anti-Muslim bigotry. If you’re looking for something in particular that you cannot find below, or would like to submit a resource for sharing, please contact us.
Resources to learn about Muslims and Islam
There is a lot of bad information out there about Islam and Muslims, and if you only learn about this religious community through the news, you’re hearing a very tiny fragment of the story. Here are some resources to learn more:
● Harvard’s Pluralism Project has some great resources for learning the basics about Islam and American Muslims, as does ING
● This PBS video series and this Unity Production Foundation film give great educational overviews
● The American Muslim poll, from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, offers some great data on American Muslim views and experiences
● The Diversity of Muslims in the United States (a report from US Institute of Peace)
● Responses to FAQs about American Muslims
● Seek out and listen to American Muslims’ experiences and stories (here’s one and here’s another, reflecting on being Muslim in America
● There are a LOT of good books out there to learn more about Islam, the Qur’an, and American Muslims. Here’s an (always growing) list we’ve compiled.
● And there are numerous children’s books available on this topic, too!
● Additionally, following a variety of Muslim leaders on social media is one helpful way to listen to the concerns of Muslims in this country.
Resources to learn more about anti-Muslim bigotry & discrimination
● Learn from ISPU how anti-Muslim legislative measures overlap with other legislative pushes that target and marginalize minorities and vulnerable communities, and thereby presents both a theoretical and very tangible threat to all communities.
● The Fear, Inc. report, from the Center for American Progress, details the funding and functioning of the “Islamophobia industry”
Resources for getting to know your Muslim neighbors.
● Here’s a guide from Ilhan Cagri, of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, for starting a relationship with Muslim neighbors
● This Dinner Dialogue guide is helpful if you are looking for something a bit more structured
● During the month of Ramadan, you can use our Interfaith Ramadan guidebook, created in partnership with The People’s Supper and Se7en Fast, to gather with your Muslim neighbors for fast-breaking meals. DOWNLOAD the Guidebook here!
Resources for leading conversations within your own faith community on Islam, Muslims, and anti-Muslim bigotry
● The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America produced a study guide to accompany the Discover Islam video series
● The Jewish Theological Seminary, Hartford Seminary, and the Islamic Society of North America produced a resource called Sharing the Well: A Resource Guide for Jewish-Muslim Engagement
● The Christian Reformed Church, a Shoulder to Shoulder member denomination, led a 4-part video webinar series in December 2015 on “What to Say at the Christmas Party,” to help people engage in conversations about Syrian refugees and Muslims during the holiday season. The 10-minute videos are linked below, each responding to a common misinformation and questions regarding refugees and Muslims:
- Are Refugees Terrorists?
- Why Don’t Closer Countries Take the Refugees?
- What about Sharia Law?
- We need to be brave
Resources for speaking out & taking action on this issue
● As an individual, you can write an op-ed or Letter to the Editor (LTE) to push back against hateful rhetoric or incidents. Here’s a guide on lifting your voice publicly, including some (tested!) messaging advice.
● Our 2018 Election guide has some specific tips for how you can raise the issue of anti-Muslim bigotry by intentionally engaging candidates for office on this issue
● As a community, your house of worship could put up a banner indicating your solidarity with your Muslim neighbors. Here’s a link to purchase one!
● Kicking Online-Bigotry through Media Literacy guide, created by America Indivisible
