Muslim News Digest, April/May 2026 - American Muslim Coalition of Kansas City

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Muslim Digest

Editor: Zulfiqar Malik, Overland Park, Kansas, USA.

MUSLIM NEWS DIGEST, APRIL/MAY 2026

HAJJ & EID AL-ADHA

Eid al-Adha on May 27 after crescent sighted in Saudi Arabia. Arab News. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2643929/saudi-arabia

Saudi Arabia revolutionizes Hajj travel with massive expansion of Haramain high-speed rail to accommodate millions of pilgrims in 2026. Travel & Tour World. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/saudi-arabia-revolutionizes-hajj-travel-with-massive-expansion-of-haramain-high-speed-rail-to-accommodate-millions-of-pilgrims-in-2026/

Saudi Arabia steps up preparations for Hajj 2026 to ensure pilgrim safety. Gulf News. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-steps-up-preparations-for-hajj-2026-to-ensure-pilgrim-safety-1.500515267

The ancient route is regaining its spiritual significance as the Hajj season approaches. Atalayar. https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/society/the-ancient-route-is-regaining-its-spiritual-significance-the-hajj-season-approaches/20260518090000225693.html

Nearly 30,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia as Hajj transfers continue. ABNA24. https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/society/the-ancient-route-is-regaining-its-spiritual-significance-the-hajj-season-approaches/20260518090000225693.html

Hajj and religion enabled humans to survive when Neanderthals didn't. Eurasia Review. https://www.eurasiareview.com/18052026-hajj-and-religion-enabled-humans-to-survive-when-neanderthals-didnt-oped/

Give a gift of Qurbani/Udhiya (price range $125-$800). Islamic Relief USA. https://donate.irusa.org/campaign/581008/donate

USA NEWS:

New PBS series explores the often-overlooked history of American Muslims. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/new-pbs-series-explores-the-often-overlooked-history-of-american-muslims

Record-breaking 1,000+ Muslim delegates participate in 11th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. USCMO. https://uscmo.org/record-breaking-1000-muslim-delegates-participate-in-11th-annual-national-muslim-advocacy-day-on-capitol-hill/

Muslim women-led nonprofits are engaging in advocacy despite facing a surge in Islamophobia. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/05/07/muslim-women-led-nonprofits-are-engaging-in-advocacy-despite-facing-a-surge-in-islamophobia/

A rural college uses ancient Islamic archives to reconnect students to African legacy. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/04/17/in-rural-virginia-an-islamic-college-reconnects-students-to-west-african-scholarly-legacy/

Ramy Youssef joins Elmo on Sesame Street to celebrate Arab Heritage Month. North Jersey. https://www.northjersey.com/videos/news/2026/04/17/ramy-youssef-joins-elmo-on-sesame-street-to-celebrate-arab-heritage/89665974007/

Michigan gas station clerk saves teen from alleged kidnapper after she whispers 'help'. Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/19/michigan-gas-station-clerk-saves-teen

Mosque expansion plan approved by New Hempstead, New York. Daily Voice. https://dailyvoice.com/ny/new-hyde-park/hillside-islamic-center-expansion-plans-set-for-approval/

U.S. Congressman Andre' Carson sails through primary challenge. Axios Indianapolis. https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/05/06/rep-andre-carson-sails-through-primary-challenge-destiny-wells-george-hornedo

Zohran Mamdani is on The 100 Most Influential People of 2026. Time Magazine. https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people/2026/zohran-mamdani/

Obama meets Mamdani in NYC ahead of a preschool reading event. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-meets-mamdani-new-york-city/

Islamophobia and the political rise of Zohran Mamdani. Bridge Initiative. https://bridge.georgetown.edu/research/islamophobia-and-the-political-rise-of-zohran-mamdani/

'Cannot support Trump': Sole Muslim woman on Religious Liberty Panel resigns over 'illegal' Iran war. Moving Honey. https://www.morninghoney.com/p/cannot-support-trump-sole-muslim-woman-on-religious-liberty-panel-resigns-over-illegal-iran-war

Brookfield elder resigns after anti-Muslim posts uncovered. Wisconsin Examiner. https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/brookfield-alder-resigns-after-anti-muslim-posts-uncovered/

Muslim women are suing jails and police over hijab removal at booking. And winning. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/04/30/muslim-women-are-suing-jails-and-police-over-hijab-removal-at-booking-and-winning/

In Kansas City, Barstow School dean (David Muhammad) helped students organize an ICE protest. Now he's fired. Kansas City Star. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article315742932.html

Oklahoma Muslims have religious rights despite efforts to erase them. Oklahoman. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2026/05/07/oklahoma-constitution-still-doesnt-have-religious-exception-opinion/89865289007/

Texas judge says agency must comply with agreement made with Plano-area Muslim development. KERA News.
https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-04-29/travis-county-court-says-texas-agency-must-comply-with-agreement-made-with-muslim-housing-community-epic-collin-county

Islamophobia is surging again, but Muslims won't be victims this time. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/04/24/islamophobia-is-surging-again-but-muslims-wont-be-victims-this-time/

The New York School District pays $125,000 to a High School student whose Palestinian-related art they erased. Hand Basket. https://www.thehandbasket.co/p/settlement-student-palestine-watermelon-keffiyeh-half-hollow-hills-long-island

Supporters organize for Somali American Appreciation Day held at the Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio News. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/12/supporters-organize-for-somali-american-appreciation-day-held-at-the-capitol

Arab Americans are not what you think. Maimoona Harrington. FaVS News. https://favs.news/arab-americans-are-not-what-you-think/

The Muslim camel handler who helped chart America's 'Mother Road'. Farooq Ahmed, Times of San Diego. https://timesofsandiego.com/opinion/2026/05/16/essay-the-muslim-camel-handler-who-helped-chart-americas-mother-road/

Mamdani says he would ask King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx2gen0kwlo

INTERNATIONAL:

Celebrations erupt as 12 Muslim countries qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. 5 Pillars. https://5pillarsuk.com/2026/04/02/celebrations-erupt-as-12-muslim-countries-qualify-for-the-2026-world-cup/

Pakistan continues efforts for peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict. Islam Times. https://www.islamtimes.com/en/news/1277737/pakistan-continues-efforts-for-peaceful-resolution-of-middle-east-conflict

The Pope visits the Grand Mosque of Algiers and calls for mutual respect and peace building. Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-04/pope-leo-apostolic-journey-algeria-grand-mosque-algiers-dialogue.html

Home Office blocks anti-Islam influencer from entering UK. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vl44pppn0o

Saudi Arabia plans a railway project to Turkey via Jordan and Syria. Balkan Web. https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Saudi-Arabia-plans-railway-project-to-Turkey-via-Jordan-and-Syria/#gsc.tab=0

2 Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China's space program. Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/1994090

Slovenia to broadcast films about Palestine instead of this year's Eurovision. Euro News. https://www.euronews.com/culture/2026/04/24/eurovision-crisis-slovenia-to-broadcast-films-about-palestine-instead-of-this-years-eurovi

How the 'Time Hoppers' movie is bringing Islamic history to life. Salaam Gateway. https://salaamgateway.com/story/how-time-hoppers-movie-is-bringing-islamic-history-to-life

Half of British Muslims are under 25: Report shows shifting demographics. Aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/5/15/young-and-educated-report-reveals-shifting-demographics-among-uk-muslims

Pope: Christians and Muslims must work together to 'revive humanity.' Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-jordan-institute-interfaith-christian-muslim-compassion.html

Iran handed U.S. revised peace proposal, says Pakistan. DW. https://www.dw.com/en/iran-handed-us-revised-peace-proposal-says-pakistan/a-77200623

Malaysia expands Muslim-friendly standards. TTG Asia. https://www.ttgasia.com/2026/05/18/malaysia-expands-muslim-friendly-standards/

Why some people pay more for Islamic financing to avoid conventional home loans. ABC Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-17/islamic-financing-housing-and-interest-rates/106541806

This halal beauty company has big ambitions. Time Magazine. https://time.com/article/2026/04/18/Sari-Chairunnisa-paragon-corp-interview

INSPIRATION:

https://www.compactmag.com/article/why-british-women-are-converting-to-islam/ Compact Magazine. Why are British women converting to Islam?

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/05/12/written-to-endure-the-1000-year-old-quran-crafted-from-nature Free Malaysia Today. Written to endure: the 1,000-year-old Quran crafted from nature.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/abu-hamid-al-ghazali-how-one-islams-most-revered-figures-still-speaks-modern-world Middle East Eye. Abu Hamid al-Ghazali: How one of Islam'smost revered figures still speaks to the modern world.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/90-year-old-north-texas-doctor-built-lifeline/4024881/ NBC5. How a 90-year-old North Texas doctor (Basheer Ahmed) built a lifeline for thousands in need.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/04/losing-my-mother-islam-teachings-mourning-grief-loss Guardian. Nothing prepared me for losing my mother. But in Islam to mourn someone means keeping them alive in our actions.

https://www.soundvision.com/article/10-ways-to-keep-young-muslim-women-connected-to-the-faith-community Sound Vision. 10 ways to keep young Muslim women connected to the faith and community.

https://www.amaliah.com/post/90021/welcoming-children-to-mosque-is-an-urgent-community-need Amaliah. Welcoming little ones: Making space for play in the masjid.

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ISLAMIC DATES: https://fiqhcouncil.org/calendar/
May 18. Dhul Hijjah
May 26. Hajj, Day of Arafat
May 27. Eid al-Adha
Jun 16. 1st of Muharram 1448 AH
Jul 15. 1st of Safar
Aug 14. 1st of Rabi Awwal
Sep 12. 1st of Rabi Thani
Oct 12. 1st of Jamada ola
Nov 11. 1st of Jamada Ukhra
Dec 10. 1st of Rajab
CALENDAR OF ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS JUNE 2026- JUNE 2027. https://files.constantcontact.com/d97221ec001/a6f778aa-d086-4bdf-955c-2ad6d1998f94.pdf
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS, NATIONAL:
May 19. Minneapolis. Muslim Philanthropy & Community Support in Refugee Education. https://inspiredgenerosity.org/
May 23-25. Baltimore. ICNA-MAS Convention 2026. https://icnaconvention.org/
Jun 6. Fullerton, California. Islamic Shura Council Annual Banquet. https://shuracouncil.org/
Jun 27. Dallas. ISNA Celebration Dinner. https://isna.net/upcoming-events
Jun 28-Jul 19. MYNA Hira Intensive. https://www.myna.org/hira-main
Jul 25-27. Washington DC. World Children's Festival. https://icaf.org/programs/world-childrens-festival
Jul 26-Aug 1. MYNA Summer Camps. https://www.myna.org/summercamp
Sep 4-7. Detroit. 63rd Annual ISNA Convention. https://hq.isna.net/annual-convention
Sep 12. Washington DC. CAIR National Policy Conference. https://action.cair.com/a/notify-when-registration-opens
Dec 10-13. Charlotte, NC. 22nd Annual Muslim Journal Conference. Register https://bit.ly/grateful2026

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