Advertisement Close

Islam

The Influence of Spiritual Trends Among Gen Z Arabs in the West

By: Layla Mahmoud / Arab America Contributing Writer In recent years, a shift has emerged among Gen Z Arabs in the West as many explore spirituality beyond traditional religious practices. From various religious interpretations to mindfulness, these trends prompt us to consider deeper questions about identity, belonging, and belief in a rapidly changing world. Layla … Continued

Arab Polytheism: Religion Before Muhammed

By: Jake Harris / Arab America contributing writer Islam and the Arab world have a long, shared religious bond going from the Kaaba at Mecca to the Moroccan coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Something seldom touched on in Western education is the Arab World before the revelations of the Prophet. It is important to remember … Continued

Byzantine Influence on Early Islamic Architecture

By: Ralph I. Hage / Arab America Contributing Writer Early Islamic and Byzantine architecture share common features such as domes, arches, and mosaics. This is due to their shared cultural heritage and the exchange of ideas throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and the Arab World. These elements highlight the continuity of these architectural traditions while also … Continued

A Retrospective on the Qatar 2022 World Cup Alcohol Ban

By: Jake Harris / Arab America Contributing Writer The FIFA World Cup is the world’s largest sporting event. Every four years, 32 countries (48 in 2026) come together in the ultimate showcase of national pride in competitive sport. In 2010, FIFA, the governing body for world soccer, announced the winners of the bids for the … Continued

Honoring Pope Francis

By: Rena Elhessen/ Arab America Contributing Writer Arab America joins Catholics across the globe and people of all faiths in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. A true advocate for peace, Pope Francis stood for unity and humanity in an ever-changing world of division and conflict. He was more than a spiritual leader, but a … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Leila Ahmed

This is the seventy-sixth of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, arts, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. Our seventy-sixth pathbreaker, Leila Ahmed, grew up in Cairo in the 1940s and ’50s and sought to define herself – and to understand how the world defined her – as a woman, a Muslim, an Egyptian, and an Arab. John Mason, contributing writer, takes us on the journey that brought her to the Harvard Divinity School, where she became the first professor of women’s studies in religion and a primary interpreter of Middle Eastern society, especially of its women.

Ultimate List: 50 Ramadan and Eid Books for Children

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Here’s a collection of heartwarming and educational books that introduce children to the beautiful traditions and values of Ramadan. From the excitement of fasting and praying to acts of charity and community, these stories offer young readers a chance to explore the spirit of Ramadan in a … Continued

The History of Judaism in North Africa

By: Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Judaism has a long and deeply intertwined history with North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This history spans over two millennia, shaped by waves of migration, cultural exchanges, colonial interventions, and modern geopolitics. Despite significant challenges, the Jewish communities in these countries left an … Continued

The Arab Influence on Gothic Cathedrals in Europe

By: Rania Basria / Arab America Contributing Writer The architectural beauty of Gothic cathedrals in Europe is frequently lauded for their distinct style, which is distinguished by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate stone carving. However, the origins of these architectural feats go well beyond Europe, with inspiration drawn from Islamic architecture and technical techniques … Continued

The History of the Hashemite Dynasty

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer Several of the states in the Arab world are ruled by monarchies; Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Morocco are just a few examples of monarchies that exist there. However, only a few monarchical families can claim ancestry back to the Prophet Muhammad himself – one of these is … Continued

The Significance of Cats in Arab Culture

By Mehdi El Merini / Arab America Contributing Writer Cats hold a special place in Arab culture, deeply intertwined with Islamic teachings and the region’s historical and social fabric. Revered for their elegance, independence, and utility, cats have long been celebrated as symbols of cleanliness and grace. This admiration is rooted not only in practical … Continued

The Rise of Halal Tourism: A New Frontier in Travel

By Mehdi El Merini / Arab America contributing writer. In recent years, Halal tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry. With Muslim travelers projected to spend over $300 billion on travel by 2026, according to CrescentRating, the demand for destinations catering to Islamic principles is reshaping the tourism … Continued

113 Results (Page 2 of 10)