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February 2023

 
President's Note

In an interview on January 25, 2023, Pope Francis criticized laws criminalizing homosexuality stating,“it is not a crime to
be homosexual”, a remarkable statement from a man in charge of one of the world’s most powerful political and religious
institutions.

You might be asking yourself why the opinion of the Pope is of any concern to a Muslim organization? Well, in Africa, where
MPV does much of our international work, laws that criminalize homosexuality are often advocated for and supported by the
Catholic Bishops. And not far behind are the Muslim religious leaders, because when it comes to homosexuality and women’s
rights, there really isn’t that much sunlight between the two orthodox interpretations of these religious traditions.

In the same interview, the Pope also said, “These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” adding that they should
apply, “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us”, the same framing MPV intentionally incorporates into all of its
work, a framing that advocates for love and compassion for all.

As a human rights advocate in religious spaces I recognize how the more radical churches and religious interpretations
differentiate themselves from an approach that prioritizes love and compassion, choosing instead to favor a more hardline
position. For the Catholic Bishops across the African continent their next steps, I’m sure, will be very measured as they
balance the Pope's calling with the intolerant habits and beliefs associated within the same tradition. How do you pivot from
a doctrine of discrimination and hate to one of welcoming and love?

To the human rights activists, and especially advocates for the rights of LGBTQI+ people, I think this is an opportune time
for us to engage with the Catholic church at all levels of society whether in the remote villages or with the Permanent
Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Office.

On an unrelated note, but one that struck me as just as important, in a speech given during his visit to the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, The Pope criticized those who exploit the rich natural resources of the country, exploitation which
has for decades fueled conflicts, violence and simply awful, rampant child labor practices.

A reference specifically to Goma, where The Pope was meant to take a side trip, which was ultimately canceled for security
reasons, made me think about the work #ImamsForShe ( [link removed] ) does in the same region. Across
the region, we work with imams and community leaders to address the brutal violence and sex trafficking that women are
subjected to because of the spillover effects of both legal and illegal mining of rich minerals and "gangsters" flushed with
cash because we need to power our cell phones, electric cars and more.

So every time you are enticed to buy yet another new cell phone, think twice. Do you really need one? Because to advocate for
women’s rights and human rights means nothing if the next day, we simply turn around and support unsustainable, consumer
practices that lead to these violations of human rights in the first place.

Onward and upward…

Ani Zonneveld

Founder & President

 

National Updates

Please read our Open Letter to Hamline University Administration ( [link removed] ) regarding their termination of an adjunct professor of art history over her display of a painting of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) during a lecture on the Byzantine Iconoclastic movement.

Hamline University - the fallout - there is now a move to ouster the President of the University, who is an African American
woman. It is ironic how the arrogant stance of intolerance and claims of “Islamophobia” is now resulting in a campaign to
remove a minority from leadership. This is the result of misinformed young Muslims and unfortunately upheld by an ignorant
and arrogant bunch of Muslims representing CAIR-MN. This is also the same organization which some years ago undermined
de-radicalism efforts by a Somali of young Somalis from joining al-Shabab.

In response to events at Hamline University last year, MPV will be selling journals with the very artwork deemed
“Islamophobic”. This is our way of normalizing what should never have been “haram” (forbidden). Support the arts and artistic
interpretation and expression in Islamic history. Proceeds from the journal will go to MPV’s Freedom of Religion and Belief
campaign. The journal is available to purchase here. ( [link removed] )

For other MPV products, visit our store ( [link removed] ) featuring new products from Malaysia celebrating the
heritage of MPV’s Founder and President Ani Zonneveld.

For national and chapter events, check our calendar here ( [link removed] ).

 

Resources

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest educational resource, The Impermissibility of FGM in the Islamic Faith,
ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM ( [link removed] ).

The resource is available to download in PDF format on our website ( [link removed] ). We invite you to do so and
distribute the resource across your network.

 

MPV LA

February 17, 7:30 - 9:00 P.M. | The Future of Islamic Thought, at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles ( [link removed]. ).

Join us for an evening on "The Future of Islamic Thought" with Dr. Adis Duderija, senior lecturer in the Study of Islam and
Society at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, in conversation with Dr. Amir Hussain, chair and professor of
Theological Studies at LMU.

Professor Adis, a feminist scholar of Islam, has been a friend and a long time ally of MPV who has been laying down the
hermeneutics for progressive and an inclusive Islam.

 
MPV San Francisco

February 5, 2023 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM PST | February / Rajab Meetup ( [link removed] )

Muslims for Progressive Values San Francisco is back from our holiday hiatus and will gather at Delah Coffee House again.
Welcome old and new friends. We can talk about whatever is on your mind, but we may touch base on the recent events at
Hamline University and discuss some of the upcoming events this month in the community.

Our meeting is near “Yawm-e-Ali”, the birthday of Imam Ali/Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, traditionally celebrated on the 13th of
Rajab, the current Islamic month. We hope to consider his significance and legacy and perhaps read a bit from what has been
passed down as his words.

MPV SF Bay has also been participating in other events such as zikr as well as interfaith and cultural events. In the last
few months, since we reported in this space, we have engaged with Hindus for Human Rights; Naqshbandi zikr gatherings; and a
couple of other events.

We were happy to strengthen our bonds with our fellow MPVers from Southern California. Some of our members have been
participating in the MPV LA Quran Study Group and were able to meet with Adnan, who facilitates that circle. Our board also
had dinner with Ani while she was passing through town. We are looking forward to more such events and gatherings in
February. Join us! ( [link removed] )

 
MPV in the Media

The Times of Israel | 50 years after Roe v. Wade, fight for choice turns into battle for religious freedom ( [link removed] ) | January
24, 2023

“As Zonneveld sees it, the Dobbs decision shows there is no true freedom of religion in the United States when it comes to
protecting reproductive health.

'It’s a particular kind of Christianity. I’ve been saying this for years — it’s equivalent to other religious extremists like
the Taliban. There is no difference. We are now a theocracy,' she said.”

 
Progressive Islam in Practice Series

At MPV we recognize that the Progressive Muslim movement will never sustain significant growth without making information
about Progressive Islam more accessible to the Muslim community. The Progressive Islam in Practice Series is a manifestation
of this campaign and as a result, we’ve helped to educate the community on topics from feminist readings of the Qur’an,
abortion rights in Islam, issues of child and forced marriages, to the acceptance of sexual diversity in Islam.

In addition to sharing the series on social media, we have built up an entire page on the website dedicated to the
Progressive Islam in Practice Series entitled Quick Learns ( [link removed] ).

February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, a day of action commemorated by organizations and
coalitions across the world. The United Nations is committed to ending FGM by 2030, a commitment shared by MPV as we work to
combat FGM through our #ImamsForShe network of Champion Imams and through our education initiatives, including our
Progressive Islam in Practice Series on FGM and Islam. We invite you to join us and the US End FGM/C Network by sharing our
educational content on FGM ( [link removed] ) across your networks to educate individuals on the impermissibility
of FGM and Islam.

 
Support MPV

If you appreciate the work that we do, please consider making a donation ( [link removed] ) to ensure that
Muslims for Progressive Values can continue to promote progressive Islamic values today and everyday!

 

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