This month, more than 1 billion Muslims around the world will prepare to observe Ramadan which is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar.  Let Auburn point you to documentary video, podcasts, and other stories to strengthen your message to trouble the waters and heal the world.

Click here to watch Muslim author and activist Irshad Manji be a voice for Muslim freedom and understanding through the documentary Faith Without Fear. At Auburn, we're inspired by Irshad's new book, Allah, Liberty and Love: The Courage to Reconcile Faith and Freedom. (You might remember Irshad's provocative first book, The Trouble with Islam Today.) Irshad draws on her experience as a Muslim reformer, examining the fears that prevent us from living with integrity; fear of offending others, and fear of questioning our own communities are two ways that we prevent ourselves from developing moral courage. (Check out her website, irshadmanji.com, and her Facebook page, where she has more than 9,000 followers.) 

Megan Putney, an organizer with the Muslim Consultative Network shares the importance of this year’s Ramadan celebration for American Muslims in the weeks leading up to the 10th Anniversary of September 11th. For more Auburn resources on religion in a multifaith world click here. For more resources on community planning for 9/11/11 click here for Prepare New York.

Click here to listen to author and professor Samar Jarrah as she shares the experience of observing Ramadan in the United States. Click here to listen to the full interview featured in a special called "Revealing Ramadan" on Being with Krista Tippett.

The organization Bread for the World has pointed Auburn to additional Ramadan resources compiled by The Alliance to End Hunger. Those resources can be found here [PDF].

Looking for still more resources to help your community grow in their understanding about Muslims? Auburn recommends ChangeTheStory.net as an excellent resource in Muslim understanding. Click here to watch this great music video that tells a powerful story. Click here to learn more about Islam.

Auburn also recommends the documentary New Muslim Cool to learn more about Muslim voices called to bridge build across religious traditions. Click here for more information on this film.

For more resources and ideas, contact the Rev. Kellie Anderson-Picallo, Director of Media and Education at Auburn Seminary.