Information about select objects featured in the exhibition, In the Path of Islam coming soon!

The original poster for the exhibition.

The Philadelphia Muslim Oral History Project recorded individual histories and experiences of Muslim community members in Philadelphia. You will hear personal experiences that are not often shared and usually left out of history books.

Whether you are going on a date, or eating the fruit, dates brings people together. In Islam, the date is sacred. It is mentioned in the Quran more than any other fruit-bearing plant. Muslims often eat this nutritious fruit to break their fast during Ramadan. In this in-person, fun, and free cooking demonstration, chef Jamela Bilal demonstrates how to prepare deliciously nutritious meals with dates.

Join chef Jamela Bilal as she shares the Story of Islam through Food. This engaging presentation will also include the variety of halal options available in Philadelphia.

Join us as we explore the role of women also known as Muslimah's and how they have been integral in building the foundation of life as a Muslim in Philadelphia. This program presents teachings of Islam regarding the rights, roles, and responsibilities of women, with a special focus on the Nur (light), honor, leadership shown by the indigenous community.

Check out this recap of the exhibition In the Path of Islam!

Join the tour for In the Path of Islam, presented by Sistah Aisamah Muhammad-Muneer for the Jewels of Islam.

Marriage is a divine institution replete with guidelines, rules and regulations designed to give a man and a woman the healthiest human engagement. Marriage in the Islamic tradition is governed by a set of broad [spousal] rights — for both husband and wife — that essentially provides the skeleton for their engagement, while allowing the individual capacity for love, emotional intelligence and personal sacrifice to provide the clothing [for that skeleton].

Through pictures and one-of-a-kind photographs, Brother Abdul-Rahim Muhammad, Director of the New Africa Center, shares overlooked histories of enslaved African Muslims, from early America through the Reconstruction era and up to the present day.

Join author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow as she reads aloud from Abdul's Story, a book about a little boy who loves storytelling but struggles with writing, and Mommy’s Khimar, a book about a young Muslim girl who spends a day wrapped up in her mother's colorful headscarf.

The Free Library of Philadelphia and the In the Path of Islam Project thank the Philadelphia Masjid and the Islamic Heritage Foundation for allowing us to record only three Quran reciters from the many others who competed in the competition for cash prizes.

Aziz Nathoo discusses the complex topic of Justice in Islam. This includes justice to oneself (nafs), family (‘Aila), community (Ummah), humanity (kulfis insaan), earth & animals (duniya) and, most importantly, Allah.

In this enlightening lecture Imam Suetwedien Abdullah Muhammad addresses stereotypes and misunderstandings associated with Islam. He also discusses how Islam embraces Judaism and Christianity, and how Islamic communities positively impact Philadelphia neighborhoods and communities.

Ramadan — the month in which the Qur’an was revealed — is considered the most blessed month of the year for Muslims. Dr. Tahir Wyatt, a published academic, researcher, and instructor of Islamic studies and comparative religion, discusses Ramadan's importance.

Hanif Fouse, Imam of United Muslim Masjid in Center City, Philadelphia, and vice-president of the QARI (Quran Arabic Reflection Institute), discusses encouraging and empowering youth.

Since its inception in 1989, the Jewels of Islam continues to provide a supportive network to Muslim women 50 years and older. Although the programs were designed to meet the needs of Muslim Women, the scope of services later designed an interfaith Initiative which builds collaborations with non-Muslim women in our community.

Join Imam Nuhu Abdulai as he discusses the African origins of Islam. Imam Nuhu Abdulai is currently the imam of Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaal.

Chef Jamela Bilal, owner of Halal2gomeals will offer cooking demonstrations at Free Library of Philadelphia neighborhood libraries and other locations throughout the city. She will also lecture on the Story of Islam through Food and talk about the variety of halal options available in Philadelphia.

by Joe S.

by Joe S.