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MPV | NEWSLETTER
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MPV | NEWSLETTER
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SEPTEMBER 2021

Landscape

CONFIRM SUBSCRIPTION ( [link removed] )

CONFIRM SUBSCRIPTION ( [link removed] )

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President's Note
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President's Note
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Pakistan

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Fellow Advocates,
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We are ecstatic and proud to share that President Biden has appointed the Gold Star parent Khizr Khan to the
Commission on International Religious Freedom! Mr. Khan has been a friend to MPV and we look forward to partnering with him
to further the advancement of religious freedom.

This September is the 20th anniversary of our shared grief in the aftermath of 9/11. To commemorate 9/11, I
have been invited to speak at the All Saints Church of Pasadena for their Sunday service, September 12. This is an
Episcopalian church known for its vast social justice positions. They are most famously known for supporting the
disinvestment of South Africa against its apartheid government, even when the United States government was in support of the
apartheid system. Needless to say, I am honored to have the opportunity to share my reflection. In the aftermath of 9/11,
hope, resilience, and unity lifted us together as an organization and a nation. Twenty years later, these lessons are more
important than ever.

The Taliban of Afghanistan have made their comeback. As human rights defenders, it was appalling how Trump
handed over Afghanistan back to the Talibans without any thought or consideration in protecting the democratic institutions,
or the advancement made by women and religious minorities. What is unacceptable is the consideration of many governments of
legitimizing the terrorist group, and that is where we draw the line. Through our partners in Pakistan, we are already seeing
the Talibanization of Pakistan with the curtailing of women’s movements and the implementation of restrictions on their
clothing.

Pakistan

Even more disheartening is the outpour of congratulatory messages from various religious authorities and Muslim
influencers publicly proclaiming the Taliban comeback as "success of Islam against the infidels." A recent tweet by Syeikh
Ahmad al-Khalili the Mufti of Oman, circulated about the "victory of the Mujahideen'' after congratulating the "clear
conquest." The Mufti of Morocco ( [link removed] ) tweeted the League's
statement about the "victory and conquest that God bestowed upon our brothers in Afghanistan." Similar congratulatory
messages were conveyed by Syeikh Dr. Ahmad al-Raysuni head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars ( [link removed] ), Mufti Taqi Uthmani ( [link removed] ) (Pakistan), Hamas ( [link removed] ), Sheikh Dadow ( [link removed] ) (Mauritania), Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar
al-Shanqeeti ( [link removed] ) (an international influencer with 772K
followers at posting), and finally the Malaysian Islamist party, PAS ( [link removed] ), which is part of the
governing coalition.

The number of Muslim nations and leaders who did not congratulate this tyrannical and violent entity is
encouraging though. However, that pales in comparison to the news that we are already getting with the killing of the folk
singer Fawad Andarabi, the banning of music, and the destruction of musical instruments ( [link removed] ) at the National Music Institute. Watch United Nations Special
Reppaorteur in the field of cultural rights, Karima Bennoune's interview on CNN here ( [link removed] ).

What is important to note is, Taliban’s Islam is not Islam. The real Islam does not prohibit music, women and
girls have equal rights to schooling and to self determination, and everyone has a right to a life of joy and fulfillment
based on the shaira al-maqasid. “The rules of Islamic sharia (not sharia law) are based on inner reasons and causes which
seek to achieve universal goodness and welfare to society and individuals” -- from Sheikh Tahar Ibn Achour’s book “The
Objectives of Islamic Law."

The common denominator that enjoins the Taliban and the Republicans of Texas is in their desire to make life
miserable for women. Depriving them of their basic right to self-determination and to their bodily autonomy. They are also
similar in the vigilantism they are promoting, the lawlessness of spying, and killing the spirit of 'life, liberty, and
happiness.'

In both instances, we need to do away with a violent and misogynistic interpretation of religion, constructed
by men, and sold as “God’s law”. The only way to overcome this tyrannical power of religion is to identify these religious
authorities as irrelevant, while amplifying the liberating and inclusive interpretation of religion as its counter
narrative.

For the remainder of the year, with our partner organizations we will be producing a series of videos and
infographics from diverse Muslim voices from Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, Burundi and the U.S. doing just that, lifting up our
voices against the religious tyrants: My Body, My Life, My Choice.

Onward and upward…

Ani Zonneveld

Founder, President

-----------------
Fellow Advocates,
-----------------

We are ecstatic and proud to share that President Biden has appointed the Gold Star parent Khizr Khan to the
Commission on International Religious Freedom! Mr. Khan has been a friend to MPV and we look forward to partnering with him
to further the advancement of religious freedom.

Khizr Khan

This September is the 20th anniversary of our shared grief in the aftermath of 9/11. To commemorate 9/11, I
have been invited to speak at the All Saints Church of Pasadena for their Sunday service, September 12. This is an
Episcopalian church known for its vast social justice positions. They are most famously known for supporting the
disinvestment of South Africa against its apartheid government, even when the United States government was in support of the
apartheid system. Needless to say, I am honored to have the opportunity to share my reflection. In the aftermath of 9/11,
hope, resilience, and unity lifted us together as an organization and a nation. Twenty years later, these lessons are more
important than ever.

The Taliban of Afghanistan have made their comeback. As human rights defenders, it was appalling how Trump
handed over Afghanistan back to the Talibans without any thought or consideration in protecting the democratic institutions,
or the advancement made by women and religious minorities. What is unacceptable is the consideration of many governments of
legitimizing the terrorist group, and that is where we draw the line. Through our partners in Pakistan, we are already seeing
the Talibanization of Pakistan with the curtailing of women’s movements and the implementation of restrictions on their
clothing.

Even more disheartening is the outpour of congratulatory messages from various religious authorities and Muslim
influencers publicly proclaiming the Taliban comeback as "success of Islam against the infidels." A recent tweet by Syeikh
Ahmad al-Khalili the Mufti of Oman, circulated about the "victory of the Mujahideen'' after congratulating the "clear
conquest." The Mufti of Morocco ( [link removed] ) tweeted the League's
statement about the "victory and conquest that God bestowed upon our brothers in Afghanistan." Similar congratulatory
messages were conveyed by Syeikh Dr. Ahmad al-Raysuni head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars ( [link removed] ), Mufti Taqi Uthmani ( [link removed] ) (Pakistan), Hamas ( [link removed] ), Sheikh Dadow ( [link removed] ) (Mauritania), Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar
al-Shanqeeti ( [link removed] ) (an international influencer with 772K
followers at posting), and finally the Malaysian Islamist party, PAS ( [link removed] ), which is part of the
governing coalition.

The number of Muslim nations and leaders who did not congratulate this tyrannical and violent entity is
encouraging though. However, that pales in comparison to the news that we are already getting with the killing of the folk
singer Fawad Andarabi, the banning of music, and the destruction of musical instruments ( [link removed] ) at the National Music Institute. Watch United Nations Special
Reppaorteur in the field of cultural rights, Karima Bennoune's interview on CNN here ( [link removed] ).

What is important to note is, Taliban’s Islam is not Islam. The real Islam does not prohibit music, women and
girls have equal rights to schooling and to self determination, and everyone has a right to a life of joy and fulfillment
based on the shaira al-maqasid. “The rules of Islamic sharia (not sharia law) are based on inner reasons and causes which
seek to achieve universal goodness and welfare to society and individuals” -- from Sheikh Tahar Ibn Achour’s book “The
Objectives of Islamic Law."

The common denominator that enjoins the Taliban and the Republicans of Texas is in their desire to make life
miserable for women. Depriving them of their basic right to self-determination and to their bodily autonomy. They are also
similar in the vigilantism they are promoting, the lawlessness of spying, and killing the spirit of 'life, liberty, and
happiness.'

In both instances, we need to do away with a violent and misogynistic interpretation of religion, constructed
by men, and sold as “God’s law”. The only way to overcome this tyrannical power of religion is to identify these religious
authorities as irrelevant, while amplifying the liberating and inclusive interpretation of religion as its counter
narrative.

Pakistan

For the remainder of the year, with our partner organizations we will be producing a series of videos and
infographics from diverse Muslim voices from Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, Burundi and the U.S. doing just that, lifting up our
voices against the religious tyrants: My Body, My Life, My Choice.

Onward and upward…

Ani Zonneveld

Founder, President

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MPV in the Media
****************

****************
MPV in the Media
****************

The

Dominion Post

Taliban, ISIS, Al Qaeda: What's the difference? ( [link removed] )

September 4, 2021

The Positive

Identity Podcast

Ani Zonneveld Muslims for Progressive Values ( [link removed] )

September 4, 2021

The

Independent

As a Muslim feminist, I know what sharia really means — and it’s not what the Taliban thinks ( [link removed] )

August 20, 2021

Independent

en Español

Como feminista musulmana sé lo que realmente significa la sharia y no es lo que piensan los talibanes ( [link removed] )

jueves 19 agosto 2021

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Center for Pluralism | Afghanistan, Sharia, Taliban, & Women ( [link removed] )

*************************************************************************************************

August 30, 2021

( [link removed] )

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U.N. UPDATES:
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U.N. UPDATES:
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Generation Equality Forum

Generation Equality Forum

In July, MPV was involved in several panels and events. Here’s a video statement ( [link removed] )put together by our partner organizations in support of bodily autonomy from faith organizations and rights affirming
religious leaders.

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NATIONAL UPDATES:
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NATIONAL UPDATES:
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Virtual Panel
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Virtual Panel
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Join us on a panel discussion on “Child Forced Marriages in the West in the Context of Faith and LGBTQ+” in
partnership with Liberal Islamic Association (Germany) and Tahirih Justice Center (USA).

Date: September 17, 2021

Time: 8 am PST/11 am EST/5 pm CEST

Access the live stream on MPV’s YouTube ( [link removed] ) and Facebook ( [link removed] ).

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Who Are These People?
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Who Are These People?
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( [link removed] )

Our MPV | San Francisco directors Kevin Mogg and Sabahat Ashraf are developing an analytical tool and survey to
help members and others understand and evaluate the world of public intellectuals (scholars and evangelists; ‘aalims/’ulema
and da’ees), organizations, and documents/media with reference to Islam; Muslims and religion, culture, law, and
community/society. These public figures will then be ranked by their compliance to MPV’s principles ( [link removed] ).

Check out this short video ( [link removed] ) for an explanation.

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Officiant Services
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Officiant Services
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MPV | San Francisco director Emeritus Imam Philip Tuley has been busy officiating marriages both in our region
and, when called upon, across the country. For more details about our Muslim Interfaith Marriage Services, please visit this
page ( [link removed] ).

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Want to stay updated on MPV events? ( [link removed] )
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Want to stay updated on MPV events? ( [link removed] )
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Check out our event calendar ( [link removed] ) and follow our socials

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Instagram ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
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Linkedin ( [link removed] )

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MPV | San Francisco Bay
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MPV | San Francisco Bay
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August 3

Members attended an event with Imam Fode Drame at the historic Lighthouse Mosque in Oakland. Imam Drame is an
author, linguist, Quranic exegetist, speaker and Sufi currently based out of British Columbia, with roots in Senegal.

August 17

Our local leadership attended an Emergency Strategy Meeting at Manny’s in San Francisco, where we focused on the
tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan and strategized on how we could help refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) affectees in
Afghanistan. Also in attendance were members of the Afghan Coalition and other activist groups.

August 29

Co-Director Sabahat Ashraf joined clergy from around the Bay Area at the Interfaith Worship Service for Silicon
Valley Pride 2021.

September 19

MPV SF Bay’s September 2021 meeting will return to our in-person meeting space, the offices of the Bay Area
Communication Access (BACA). This month’s meeting will be focused on Afghanistan. The birthplace of Maulana Rumi, covering
the historical regions of Balkh, Turan, and Khurasan, home to a large community in our region, this fabled homeland is again
in the news. We will try to understand the history, politics, current events, and future of Afghanistan and the region. The
event, as usual, will be from 11 am to 1 pm on Sunday.

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Welcoming New Faces
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Welcoming New Faces
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Cameron Corbin

C a m e r o n C o r b i n ( [link removed] )

DESIGNER & DIGITAL ADVOCATE

We are happy to announce the addition of Cameron Corbin to the position of Designer and Digital Advocate.
Cameron uses he/him pronouns and is from a small, rural Midwest town in Illinois. He is in the final semesters of his
undergraduate program where he is majoring in Graphic Design and Geography, with a focus in climate science. He has over 20
animals, but that is because he and his wife Emily were recently approved to open and run an animal sanctuary, with the goal
of providing ‘feral cats’ a safe place to live out their lives, without cages, and surrounded by love. Cameron is an
environmental, animal, and human rights advocate who has been passionately fighting for the LGBTQ+ community for 16 years.
Cameron is extremely spiritual and prioritizes taking time to connect with Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. He is
excited to work with MPV to help build a more accepting and equal world for generations to come.

Cameron Corbin

C a m e r o n C o r b i n ( [link removed] )

DESIGNER & DIGITAL ADVOCATE

We are happy to announce the addition of Cameron Corbin to the position of Designer and Digital Advocate.
Cameron uses he/him pronouns and is from a small, rural Midwest town in Illinois. He is in the final semesters of his
undergraduate program where he is majoring in Graphic Design and Geography, with a focus in climate science. He has over 20
animals, but that is because he and his wife Emily were recently approved to open and run an animal sanctuary, with the goal
of providing ‘feral cats’ a safe place to live out their lives, without cages, and surrounded by love. Cameron is an
environmental, animal, and human rights advocate who has been passionately fighting for the LGBTQ+ community for 16 years.
Cameron is extremely spiritual and prioritizes taking time to connect with Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. He is
excited to work with MPV to help build a more accepting and equal world for generations to come.

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Muslims for Progressive Values is an NPO founded in 2007 in the U.S. We are a grassroots, human rights
organization that embodies and advocates for social justice, for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, freedom of expression
and freedom of and from belief.

Muslims for Progressive Values is an NPO founded in 2007 in the U.S. We are a grassroots, human rights
organization that embodies and advocates for social justice, for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, freedom of expression
and freedom of and from belief.

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