The M Word seeks to elevate, amplify, and celebrate the contributions of Muslim Americans to our country’s varied and inspiring cultural landscape. To help us, we are inviting audience members, online followers, panelists, and others—both Muslims and non-Muslims alike—to share their personal experiences with what it means to be Muslim in America.

Today we feature a video by Shafiq Majdalawieh on being Muslim in America.

https://www.facebook.com/shafiq.majdalawieh/videos/o.792038894269232/10211507431988868/?type=2&theater

 

Transcript

Being a Muslim American is living my life with a purpose, knowing that I’m meant to be a leader, a role model, and an example—not only for the youth that I work with, and the people that I work with, but for the people that I don’t interact with on a daily basis—the non-Muslims, the people that don’t know who Muslims are. I’m meant to be an example for them and stand up for what Islam truly means and represent my din in the best way possible.

We want to hear your stories! For the chance to be featured by The M Word, submit your own video story with us on Facebook or submit your story in writing here. By submitting your story, you grant PEN America the right to use all still and motion pictures and sound recordings you provide in furtherance of its nonprofit charitable mission, including the right to advertising, promotion, and future marketing of PEN America and its activities via radio, television, video, DVD, the Internet, podcasts, PEN America publications, or any other use, by any means now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, throughout the universe. 

The M Word is generously supported by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art’s Building Bridges program.