Celebrating African and African American Muslim History
Many of us are aware that there is too little emphasis and exploration spent on the rich history of Muslims, including the contributions of African Muslims and African American Muslims throughout history.
In order to address this gap in resources, ISLA launched a contest that invited Muslim middle schoolers to choose one African or African American Muslim who inspires them and create a powerpoint presentation with key facts and information about them. A rubric was created from which winning presentations were selected. Finally, we hosted an awards ceremony with special guest appearances from inspirational Muslims of African and African American descent.
We are so excited to share the winning presentations with you and encourage you to tap into these resources as you teach, learn, and deepen your understanding of the diverse and rich contributions of African Muslims and African American Muslims throughout history!
We hope you’ll make a small dua for the winners as you learn and grow from their invaluable work!
Muhammad Ali
Ahmad Nisar, 6th grade, Ilm Academy, GA
1st place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Muhammad-Ali.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Ibtihaj Muhammad: An Impressive African American Muslim Woman
Aliza Zafar, 6th grade, Quba Islamic School, CA
2nd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ibtihaj-Muhamad-2.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Sumayyah Bint Khayyat
Sakeena Maniar, 6th grade, Al-Rahmah School, MD
3rd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sumayyah-Bint-Khayyat.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Ilhan Omar
Juhi Naeema, 6th grade, Good Tree Academy, TX
4th place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ilhan-Omar.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Muhammad Ali ‘An American Boxer’
Ayaan Riaz, 6th grade, Engineering and Science University Magnet School
5th place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Muhammad-Alii.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Keith Ellison
Ameera Qureshi, 7th grade, ILM Academy, GA
1st place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Keith-Ellison.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Life of Halima Aden
Ameera Smadi, 7th grade, Quba Islamic School, CA
2nd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Halima-Aden.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Nana Asma’u
Yara Shahadeh, 7th grade, Lexington Universal Academy, KY
3rd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Nana-Asmau.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Fatima Al FIhri
Ayaana Abdul-Mateen, 7th grade, Al Madina School of Richmond, VA
4th place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fatima-Al-Fihri.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Jenna Ahmad, 7th grade, Montessori School of Excellence
5th place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ibtihaj-Muhammad.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
How Halima Aden Debunks The Ideas Society Has About Muslim Women
Inaya Khwaja, 8th grade, Herricks Middle School, NY
1st place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Halima-Aden-Debunks.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Najashi: The Great King of Abyssinia
Hadicha Abduvalieva, 8th grade, Herricks Middle School, OH
2nd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Najashi.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Ibtihaj Muhammad – An African American Women, Hijabi, Athlete, & Fencer
Fahmeeda Mohammad, 8th grade, Nur Islamic School of Louisville, KY
3rd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ibtihaj-Muhmmad.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Malcolm X
Ayyub Muhammad Dhamim, 8th grade, Bright Horizon Academy, CA
3rd place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Malcolm-X.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Ilhan Abdullahi Omar
Aisha Abdulbaqi, 8th grade, Nur Islamic School of Louisville, KY
4th place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ilhan-Abdullahi-Omar.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]
Sumayyah Bint Khayyat
Maha Shaikh, 8th grade, Noor-ul-Iman, NJ
5th place
[embeddoc url=”https://theisla.masjidapps.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sumayyah-Bint-Khayyat-R.pptx” download=”all” viewer=”microsoft” text=”AAM”]