1. A Message for Eid Al-Adha and Thanksgiving

In March of 2007, a sheriff arrived at the residence of Asma Salim in Hickory , North Carolina , where she was caring for her ailing grandfather. Asma’s parents, wary of their daughter’s conversion to Islam and decision to wear a hijab, had filed an order declaring their daughter a threat to society, and Asma watched helplessly as police took away her 7-year-old son. When she was restricted from speaking with her son for several weeks, she hired a lawyer – but he lacked the understanding necessary to prove in court that her religious views would not make her a threat to others.

After months of searching to find resources that would support her case, Asma came across KARAMAH’s website and called the office. Our staff counseled her lawyer, helping him to approach her case from a culturally and religiously informed perspective. “He was very well prepared for the case because of KARAMAH’s legal support,” said Asma. As a result of these efforts, Asma’s family dropped the case completely, and she regained full custody of her son.

* The name and photo of the story's subject have been changed to protect her privacy.

With the Muslim high holiday of Eid al-Adha and Thanksgiving falling within the same week this year, American and Muslim families everywhere are gathering to reflect on the values of sacrifice, selflessness and giving.

Eid Al-Adha, "the Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the story of Abraham and the near-sacrifice of his son, Ismael. As Abraham obediently lowers his knife, God spares the boy’s life at the last moment, sacrificing a lamb in his place. The story of God’s rescue of Ismael offers a message of hope and justice, reaffirming the ultimate value of human life and dignity for all individuals – a principle that stands at the core of our work for Muslim women.

As you consider the various ways that you will integrate these special values into your daily life, we encourage you to learn more about how you can share in the spirit of giving this holiday season by supporting the education and well-being of Muslim women worldwide.

Eid Mubarak! May you and your family enjoy a blessed Eid and Thanksgiving during this joyous season.

Sincerely,


Dr. Azizah Y. al-Hibri
President, KARAMAH

NEWS
KARAMAH Announces First-Ever " Liberty for All" Essay Contest:
Students Offer Ideas for Improving Religious and Civil Freedoms Where They Live

The contest offers students an opportunity to compete for $1,000, $500 and $250 awards while they suggest ideas for strengthening the religious and civil liberties of all women in their communities.

Students attending college or graduate schools in the U.S. and abroad are asked to write an essay exploring what ordinary citizens can do on the grassroots level to advance religious and civil rights for all women within their communities.Completed applications and essays are due by Monday, December 7, 2009. Winners will be announced by Monday, January 18, 2010, Martin Luther King Day, in commemoration of America 's famous civil rights leader.
Learn More
Apply

NEWS
Dispatch from Brussels : KARAMAH Trains Women in Islamic Law and Leadership at U.S. Embassy
November 7, 2009

KARAMAH held a special Islamic Law and Leadership Workshop at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels , Belgium . During the one-day event, a team of lawyers, professors and Islamic scholars led a group of more than 30 participants for trainings in Islamic law, conflict resolution and leadership development. Also, a steering committee was organized to help KARAMAH launch an office in Brussels , which would address issues relevant to Muslim women in Belgium .
Read the Program
Read More on the KARAMAH website
Apply Now for our 2010 Law and Leadership Summer Program. Learn More

NEWS
KARAMAH Strengthens Rule of Law at World Justice Forum II in Vienna , Austria
November 11-14, 2009

KARAMAH was pleased to co-sponsor and participate in the second World Justice Forum, held November 11-14th in Vienna , Austria . Five hundred prominent leaders from around the world gathered at the multidisciplinary invitation-only event to develop actions to strengthen the rule of law. Dr. Azizah al-Hibri served on the panel, "Teaching Youth about the Rule of Law." KARAMAH also hosted a reception of scholars and jurists from the MENA region.
Read More on KARAMAH website
Visit the WJF homepage

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Featuring
Mr. Abed Awad, Esq., Adjunct Professor of Islamic and International Law, Rutgers University Law School Recognized as one of Lawyers’ Weekly "Top Ten Lawyers of 2002"

KARAMAH invited select members of the Washington , DC community to converse with an Islamic legal expert to explore vital questions linked to the impact of Islamic family law on social development from a comparative legal perspective. Mr. Awad discussed Islamic law as it relates to marriage contracts, divorce, and custody disputes in the Middle East , and how current reforms in the region are impacting international legal norms and policy prescriptions on a global scale.
More about the event
Watch on YouTube