Statement from the Executive Director on COVID-19

What an interesting time we live in! It is astonishing to me how something as miniscule as the COVID-19 virus, which is visible only through an electron microscope, can turn our world upside down as it has. As a Muslim, I am reminded of the Quranic verses on the power of the Creator: For the...

Decolonizing Interreligious Education: The Example of Islamic Networks Group (ING)

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This speech was delivered at the American Academy of Religion conference in San Diego on Monday, November 25th, 2019. I. Context Good morning. The title of my presentation this morning is decolonizing Interreligious education by using the example of programs by the Islamic Networks Group, also known as ING. I’ll...

Celebrating Margaret Jones, Founder of URI Peninsula Circle, 2001-2013

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This memorial speech was delivered at the New Vision United Methodist Church in Millbrae on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 as part of a funeral service for Margaret Jones, founder of URI Peninsula Circle from 2001-2013. I’m deeply honored to be here to celebrate the life of Margaret Jones. I personally...

The Case Against Patriarchy in Islam: Fitra, viceregency, and universal principles

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This article is published in the winter 2019 issue of Tikkun Magazine. I define patriarchy as a socio-cultural system in which men are ideologically viewed as inherently dominant over women, regardless of abilities, and therefore belong in positions of power and authority over them. Women in this worldview are viewed...

Interfaith Thanksgiving Speech on Gratitude in Action

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This speech was delivered at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in San Jose on Sunday, November 18th, 2018 as part of the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service. Quranic verse on Gratitude Wa Laqad ‘Ātaynā Luqmāna Al-Ĥikmata ‘Ani Ashkur Lillāh ۚ Wa Man Yashkur Fa’innamā Yashkuru Linafsihi ۖ Wa...

Muslim Americans Today: Working Together to Combat Hate

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This homily was delivered at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco on Sunday, September 23rd, 2018. Salam alaykum, peace be upon you. Thank you for the invitation to speak during your day of interfaith. I am honored to be with you this morning. At a time when the daily news...

Seventeen Years After 9/11, I’m Still Fighting for American Ideals of Pluralism and Inclusion

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This opinion appeared at the ING blog. The terror attacks of September 11th, 2001 were a watershed event in American history. After more than a decade free of the machinations of the Cold War, the United States appeared to be advancing in its promises of liberty and justice for all....

Jewish and Muslim Communities Share 20 Year Interfaith Relationship

This interview featuring ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi appeared in the August 2018 issue of JValley Magazine, the official Jewish magazine of Silicon Valley. At a time when we seem to be bombarded by one negative message after another, it’s reassuring to know that there is a lot of good going on in Silicon Valley...

How can we improve our Islamic schools?

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This speech was originally presented at the 19th Annual ISNA Education Forum’s Celebration Banquet on March 31st, 2018 in Rosemont, Illinois. A modified version appeared in the July/August 2018 edition of ISNA’s Islamic Horizons magazine. The United States has a network of at least 270 full-time Islamic schools, almost as...

Finding home in America is difficult these days

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director. This opinion appeared at the ING blog. On this fourth of July, finding home for immigrants and minorities in the current political environment is a difficult conversation. While immigrants like me know we are home in the United States, some of our neighbors are questioning whether we really belong. The...

Posts By: Maha Elgenaidi