Posts in islam
The First Amendment Test: Imam Azhar Subedar, 25 Years After 9/11
The First Amendment Test: Imam Azhar Subedar, 25 Years After 9/11

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, George Mason sits down with Imam Azhar Subedar, author of "I Am the Other: Debating the Role of Islam in a Divided America," to talk about what that anniversary means for Muslim Americans today. They discuss the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric in Texas politics, what Sharia actually means and how it functions for practicing Muslims, and why Azhar believes the Muslim community must stop explaining who they are not and start showing who they are.

Imam Subedar was born and raised in Canada and completed ten years of Islamic studies in the U.K., graduating in 2000. He holds a Master's in Islamic Sciences and Arabic Literature and has served as an imam and educator at mosques and Islamic centers across the United States since 2002. Known for his commitment to interfaith dialogue, he has worked with state legislatures, governors, and presidents as an ambassador of Islam to the non-Muslim world.

Read More
America, equality, Faith, interfaith, islam, Peace & ResolutionGood God ProjectBelonging, Islam, Interfaith
Beril Berk on Building Bridges through Dialogue, Art, and Empathy
Beril Berk on Building Bridges through Dialogue, Art, and Empathy

Beril Berk, Executive Director of the Dialogue Institute of Dallas, joins George Mason to explore how intentional relationship-building—across faiths, cultures, and communities—creates lasting impact. In this conversation, she reflects on the power of sitting at shared tables, the rich meaning of Ramadan, and the role of art and youth leadership in cultivating empathy. From feeding neighbors at shelters to launching a youth group called “Salam Shalom,” Berk’s work is rooted in the values of the Hizmet movement: education, service, and mutual understanding.

A lawyer by training, Beril Berk also practices immigration law and brings her personal journey as a Turkish immigrant to her work in both legal and community spaces.

Read More
islam, interfaith, multifaithGood God ProjectInterfaith, Ramadan, Empathy
Living Faith: Almas Muscatwalla on Pluralism, Service, and the Power of Community
Living Faith: Almas Muscatwalla on Pluralism, Service, and the Power of Community

Faith isn’t just a belief—it’s a way of life. Almas Muscatwalla, a dedicated interfaith leader and advocate for social justice, joins Good God to share how her Ismaili Muslim faith calls her into service. In conversation with George Mason, she reflects on the meaning of pluralism, the importance of understanding across differences, and the role of faith in shaping a more just and compassionate society.

Muscatwalla co-founded Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square to bring faith leaders together in action on issues like homelessness, racial equity, and refugee support. She has served in leadership roles with the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Project Unity, and the Center for Asian Studies at UT Dallas, among others, working to build bridges across communities and create lasting change.

Read More
Faith, islam, Social justiceGood God ProjectFaith, Service, Pluralism
Courageous Conversations: Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad
Courageous Conversations: Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad

Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad are leaders of the West Bank-based Roots/Shorashim/Judur, an Israeli-Palestinian initiative for understanding, non-violence, and transformation.

Even in this time of unprecedented violence, distrust, and division, Roots is persisting in a vision of a future that upholds the humanity of all Israelis and Palestinians.

In this conversation, our guests discuss with George how they are moving beyond the present reality, the role of identity in this conflict, and ways to resist the further entrenchment of hatred between these two peoples, who are forever destined to live together. "We have a saying that comes from the founder of Roots on the Palestine side … that we have to find a way to fit two truths into one heart." - Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger

Read More
anti-semitism, islam, Judaism, interfaithGood God ProjectConflict Resolution
Imam Omar Suleiman: Understanding redemption and renewal during Ramadan
Imam Omar Suleiman: Understanding redemption and renewal during Ramadan

This episode is the final installment of a three-part series on redemption and renewal. Imam Omar Suleiman describes redemption as a change in the cravings of the soul, and underscores the importance of generosity and charity for Muslims—especially at this time. He also speaks to the experience of Muslims living as a minority in the United States while fasting during Ramadan.

Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University). He is also the Resident Scholar at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square.

Read More
Faith, interfaith, Spirituality, islamGood God ProjectRedemption, Renewal, Ramadan