Muslim News Digest, August/September 2026 - American Muslim Coalition of Kansas City

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Muslim Digest

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

MUSLIM NEWS DIGEST, AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026

USA NEWS:

California becomes the second state to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays. News Nation. https://www.newsnationnow.com/religion/eid-state-holiday-california-law-muslims/

Rochester, New York Muslim charity holds annual Day of Dignity event. abc13. https://13wham.com/news/local/local-muslim-charity-holds-annual-day-of-dignity-event-bakarah-muslim-charity-islamic-development-empowerment-in-america-essentials-hardships

Best practices for mosque and community safety guide (2026 version). CAIR. https://www.cair.com/press_releases/nait-and-cair-release-best-practices-for-mosque-and-community-safety-guide/

Muslims have been part of the American story even before 1776. Religion Unplugged. https://religionunplugged.com/news/muslims-have-been-part-of-the-american-story-even-before-1776

The Connecticut legislature aims to expand Islamic education in public schools. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/08/03/connecticut-legislation-aims-to-expand-islam-education-in-public-schools/

New mosque, community center opens on New York Staten Island's South Shore. Staten Island Live. Staten Island, New York. https://www.silive.com/news/2026/09/worship-youth-programs-food-pantry-new-staten-island-mosque-community-center-welcomes-all.html

State civil rights agency charges the Correction Department with discriminating against a Muslim inmate. Michigan Public Radio. https://www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-justice-legal-system/2026-09-16/state-civil-rights-agency-charges-corrections-department-with-discriminating-against-muslim-inmate

Honorary street name pays homage to Detraoit's late Imam Abdullah El-Amin. WDET. https://wdet.org/2026/08/31/honorary-street-name-pays-homage-to-detroits-late-imam-abdullah-el-amin/

Girl Scouts respond after 'Muslim badges' spark backlash. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/girl-scouts-respond-after-muslim-badges-spark-backlash-12366013

Mississippi's first Muslim judge explains passion to serve and promises to 'enforce the US Constitution.' WLBT3. https://www.wlbt.com/2026/09/17/mississippis-first-muslim-judge-explains-passion-serve-promises-enforce-us-constitution/

Islamic academy acquires Richardson Baptist Church, plans K-12 school, seminary, and mosque. Texas Scorecard. https://texasscorecard.com/local/islamic-academy-acquires-richardson-baptist-church-plans-k-12-school-seminary-and-mosque/

Trump tells socialist Mamdani he could be a 'great mayor' for NYC after the Gracie Mansion love fest. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2026/09/21/us-news/trump-meets-with-mamdani-at-nycs-gracie-mansion-after-favorite-socialist-text-buddy-invited-him/

In the United States, Islamophobia has an alarmingly long history. Inkstick Media. https://inkstickmedia.com/in-the-united-states-islamophobia-has-a-long-expansive-history/

Islamophobia betrays American values. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/islamophobia-betrays-american-values/

Under congressional pressure, a major Muslim charity cuts ties and changes its name. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/09/22/major-american-muslim-charity-rebrands-after-congressional-pressure/

Muslim doctors sue Illinois over controversial new assisted-suicide law. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2026/09/18/us-news/muslim-doctors-sue-illinois-over-controversial-new-assisted-suicide-law/

Trump cannot deport students for pro-Palestinian speech, judge rules. Pearls and Irritations. https://johnmenadue.com/post/2026/09/trump-cannot-deport-students-for-pro-palestinian-speech-judge-rules

Federal judge strikes down Trump's 75-country immigrant visa ban. Law Commentary. https://www.lawcommentary.com/articles/federal-judge-strikes-down-trumps-75-country-immigrant-visa-ban

Baltimore County school board member apologizes, meets with Muslim leaders over Facebook post. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-county-school-board-member-apologizes-meets-muslim-leaders-facebook-post/

Improving Arab and African American relationships beyond responding to crises. Arab American Newshttps://arabamericannews.com/2026/09/25/improving-arab-and-african-american-relationships-beyond-responding-to-crises/

Texas barbecue is getting a halal makeover. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/08/14/halal-bbq/

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11:

25 years after 9/11: Remembering the victims, reckoning with what followed. USCMO. https://uscmo.org/twenty-five-years-after-9-11-remembering-the-victims-reckoning-with-what-followed/

25 years after 9/11. Islamophobia hasn't ended. It's adapted. Interfaith America. https://www.interfaithamerica.org/article/25-years-after-9-11-islamophobia/

25 years after 9/11, a portrait of Muslim Americans. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/03/25-years-after-9-11-a-portrait-of-muslim-americans/

25 years of reporting on the state of American Muslims. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/09/09/25-years-of-reporting-on-the-state-of-american-muslims/

Muslim children should not carry the burden on the 9/11 attacks. Common Dreams. https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/muslim-children-9-11

Mosques have more than doubled since 9/11. But Muslims say opposition is fierce. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/09/09/the-number-of-mosques-has-doubled-in-the-u-s-since-9-11-yet-muslims-still-feel-unwelcome/

Islamophobia goes back decades before 9/11, a new book argues. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/09/10/islamophobia-predates-9-11-journalist-rozina-ali-shows-in-new-book/

North Texas mosques braced for 9/11 protests. Then something unexpected happened. Context Corner. https://context-corner.com/news/north-texas-mosques-braced-for-9-11-protests-then-something-unexpected-happened/

USA ELECTIONS:

Muslim Americans organize amid a spike in Islamophobia. Foreign Policy in Focus. https://fpif.org/muslim-americans-organize-amid-spike-in-islamophobia/

Houston Muslim leaders tout voter mobilization as they bash the new social studies curriculum. Houston Chronicle. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/religion/article/islam-voter-drive-education-22435586.php

CAIR and CAIR Action to release Directory of Elected Muslim Civic Officials across America. https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-cair-action-to-release-2026-directory-of-elected-muslim-officials-documenting-muslim-civic-leadership-across-america/

Muslims in public office are not a threat to America. The attacks on them are. Zainab Chaudry. Hill. https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/6029065-anti-muslim-rhetoric-politics/

U.S. sees 'record breaking' numbers of Muslims in U.S. public office despite rising Islamophobia. New Arab. https://www.newarab.com/news/us-sees-record-breaking-numbers-muslims-us-public-office

Abdul El-Sayed could be the first Muslim senator in the USA. Here are 5 religion takeaways from his campaign. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/08/05/abdul-el-sayed-could-be-the-first-muslim-senator-heres-what-to-know/

Kamala Harris to campaign for Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed in Michigan. New Media Detroit. https://newmediadetroit.com/kamala-harris-to-campaign-for-abdulrahman-mohamed-el-sayed-in-michigan/

Michigan elections: The Arab and Muslim vote could be the difference. Yemeni American. https://yemeniamerican.com/en/michigan-elections-the-arab-and-muslim-vote-could-be-the-difference/

U.S. Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy condemns Republican colleagues' anti-Muslim remarks. Video 1:26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gaoVTFi-0I

INTERNATIONAL:

Dr. Khalilur Rahman opens the United Nations General Assembly presidency with a call to restore trust and transform the U.N. America Times. https://www.america-times.com/unga-81-khalilur-rahman-opens-general-assembly-presidency-with-call-to-restore-trust-and-transform-the-un/

U.N. declares Kashmir a disputed territory on a standard world map. Urdu Point. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/un-declares-kashmir-a-disputed-territory-on-s-2248477.html

Amnesty International report: MADE IN INDIA the supply of weapons and ammunition to Israel. Justice For All.
https://www.justiceforall.org/palestine/amnesty-international-report-made-in-india-the-supply-of-weapons-and-ammunition-to-israel/

"NAZA" film on Gaza genocide wins Venice Special Jury Prize; Israel threatens director's citizenship. Democracy Now. https://www.democracynow.org/2026/9/14/naza_film

Inside the fight to preserve Samarkand's ancient wonders. Aramco World. https://www.aramcoworld.com/articles/2026/ja26/inside-the-fight-to-preserve-samarkands-ancient-wonders

Riyadh Air expands its network with new Pakistan routes. Daily Media Connected. https://www.traveldailymedia.com/riyadh-air-expands-network-with-new-pakistan-routes/

The truth and the lies about Islam in Europe. Economist. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/09/10/the-truth-and-the-lies-about-islam-in-europe

Pakistan: Arbitrary detention of Imran Khan's family and party activists a flagrant violation of human rights. Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/09/pakistan-arbitrary-detention-of-imran-khans-family-and-party-activists-a-flagrant-violation-of-human-rights/

Cardinal Brislin joins African clergy in calling Israel's actions in Gaza genocide. RNS. https://religionnews.com/2026/08/21/cardinal-brislin-joins-african-clergy-in-calling-israels-actions-in-gaza-genocide/

The US ambassador calls violent Israeli settlers 'terrorists' after weeks of West Bank unrest. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-ambassador-settlers-e33f8c97f368e7babd37c6d8c0a5759d

A two-state solution has never been more vital. Time magazine. https://time.com/article/2026/08/27/a-two-state-solution-has-never-been-more-vital/

Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar appointed lord and UK minister. Herald. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26402027.scottish-labour-leader-anas-sarwar-made-lord-uk-minister/

Ontario, Canada Premier Doug Frd appoints Zee Hamid as new culture minister. Playback. https://playbackonline.ca/2026/09/11/doug-ford-appoints-zee-hamid-as-ontario-culture-minister/

INSPIRATION:

From Gaza's rubble to Istanbul's lights, Muslim world marks Mawlid 2026. Muslim News. https://muslimnews.com.ng/2026/08/30/from-gazas-rubble-to-istanbuls-lights-muslim-world-marks-mawlid-2026/

10 great things you can do for your seniors in your community. Sound Vision. https://www.soundvision.com/article/ten-great-things-you-can-do-for-seniors-in-your-community#sthash.dCLdwXtK.InBfB288.dpbs

Invisible heroes: Muslim immigrants and refugees in our community. Muslim Matters. https://muslimmatters.org/2026/09/26/invisible-heroes-muslim-immigrants-and-refugees-in-our-community/

Why zero mistakes in the Quran? Inspiring convert story of first U.S. military chaplain. IslamiCity video 18:44. https://www.islamicity.org/107168/why-zero-mistakes-in-the-quran/

Omer Mozaffar- Loyola University Chaplain on a mission to help students feel seen. Muslim Network TV. Video 3:22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shNlKyL8O-w

Never too old for a hug: Why physical affection matters for children. Sound Vision. https://www.soundvision.com/article/never-too-old-for-a-hug-why-physical-affection-matters-for-children#sthash.HrCA8x6u.dpbs

Paul Pogba opens up about Islam & his conversion journey. Muslim News. https://www.muslim.news/p/paul-pogba-opens-up-about-islam-and

A shared reverence for the Virgin Mary. Thirteen PBS. https://www.thirteen.org/programs/the-great-muslim-american-road-trip/shared-reverence-virgin-mary-ryam6f/

Ugandan church leader recounts journey to Islam during Turkiye visit. iLKHA. https://ilkha.com/english/latest/ugandan-church-leader-recounts-journey-to-islam-during-turkiye-visit-565454

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

Australian footballer Tete Yengi converted to Islam. Haberler. https://en.haberler.com/australian-footballer-tete-yengi-converted-to-2279059/

How can we get married without flirting? Osman Suleiman, IslamiCity. https://www.islamicity.org/107070/how-can-we-get-married-without-flirting/

Why you should never wear shoes in your house. Time. https://time.com/article/2026/09/14/why-you-should-never-wear-shoes-in-the-house/

Why 'New Uzbekistan is looking to its Islamic past. Korea Herald. https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10852779

Hidden Muslim village in Spain with 800 year old Quran. IslamiCity. https://www.islamicity.org/107021/hidden-muslim-village-in-muslim-spain-with-800-year-old-quran/

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ISLAMIC DATES: https://fiqhcouncil.org/calendar/
Oct 12. 1st of Jamada ola
Nov 11. 1st of Jamada Ukhra
Dec 10. 1st of Rajab
Jan 9. 1st of Shaban
Feb 8. 1st of Ramadan
Mar 9. 1st of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr
Apr 8. 1st of Dhul Qadah
May 7. Dhul Hijjah
May 15. Hajj
May 16. Eid al-Adha
Jun 6. 1st of Muharram, Hijri 1449
Jun 16. Ashura
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:
Oct 4. Chicago. Council of Islamic Organizations of Chicago, Gala Dinner. https://www.ciogc.org/
Oct 10. CAIR Washington 25 Year Celebration. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cair-wa-2026-banquet
Oct 10. ISB Atlanta Annual Gala. 25 Years Celebration. https://isbatlanta.org/gala/
Oct 17. Richmond, VA. WCMIR Interfaith Forum. https://wcmir.org/
Oct 24. Tampa FL. ISNA Conference & Banquet. https://isna.net/upcoming-events/isna-day-in-tampa-conference-and-banquet
Oct 24. Tampa FL. ISNA Matrimonial Tampa. https://isna.tfaforms.net/51
Oct 24. San Francisco. Islamic Scholarship Fund Banquet. bit.ly/isf-bayarea-2026
Oct 25. Washington, DC. Interfaith Unity Walk. https://ifcmw.org/unity-walk-2026/
Oct 30-Nov 1. Orlando. MAS Young Professionals Lighthouse Conference. https://lighthouse.muslimamericansociety.org/
Nov 7. USCMO Annual Gala and General Assembly. https://uscmo.org/
Nov 7. Louisville. Muhammad Ali Annual Award Ceremony. https://alicenter.org/our-work/programs/maha/
Nov 14. Newark, NJ. Muslim Economy Summit. https://www.halalmoneyforum.com/muslim-economy-summit
Nov 21-22. Houston. Islamic Arts Festival. https://islamicartssociety.org/
Nov 26-28. Chicago. 2026 Palestine Convention. https://palestineconvention.org/
Dec 10-13. Charlotte, NC. 22nd Annual Muslim Journal Conference. Register https://bit.ly/grateful2026
Jan 15-16. Mesa, CA. 15th Annual West Coast ISNA Education Forum. https://isna.net/upcoming-events/15th-annual-west-coast-isna-education-forum
Jan 30. Kansas City. PAMA's Annual Benefit Dinner. https://pamausa.org/events/kansas-city-evening-of-hope-and-impact/

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