A richly textured reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in America today.

"Threading My Prayer Rug: One Woman's Journey From Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim" is the luminous story of many journeys: from Pakistan to the United States, from secular Muslim in an Islamic society to devout Muslim in a society ignorant of Islam, from liberal to conservative to American Muslim, from master’s candidate to bride and mother, and from an immigrant intending to stay two years to an American citizen, business executive, grandmother, and tireless advocate for interfaith understanding.

In chapters leavened with humor, hope, and insight, Sabeeha Rehman recounts an immigrant’s daily struggles balancing assimilation with preserving heritage, overcoming religious barriers from within and distortions of Islam from without, and confronting issues of raising her children as Muslims—while they lobby for a Christmas tree!

Rehman balances the joy of making small discoveries about American culture and life-changing epiphanies about who she is with an immigrant’s isolation and struggle adapting to a new society. Rehman was doing interfaith work for Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the driving force behind the Muslim community center near Ground Zero, when the backlash began. She discusses what that experience revealed about American society. Whether she’s trying to figure out why a dime is smaller than a nickel while paying at the Post Office for the first time or leading a dialogue to generate understanding amid Islamophobia in New York City, Rehman provides a clear, radiant contribution to the national conversation. She provides insight into raising a family in Islam in America and reflects on how the United States can better weave new citizens into its multi-colored tapestry of heritage—a nation of every race, ethnicity, and religion. This enthralling story of the making of an American is also a timely meditation on being Muslim in America today.

About the Author:

Sabeeha Rehman came to the United States in 1971. When her sons were school age, she earned her master’s in healthcare administration and began a career as a hospital administrator. After her grandson was diagnosed with autism in 2008, she cofounded the National Autism Association New York Metro Chapter and served as its president. She has spent several decades working for interfaith dialogue and was director of interfaith programs at the American Society for Muslim Advancement and COO of the Cordoba Initiative. She lives with her husband in New York City.

Please note: this event coincides with the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, which takes place in Level G1 of the Central Library parking garage. As a result, parking may be limited for this event.

Date:
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Time:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location:
Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium
Library:
Central Library
Audience:
Good for Adults Age 55+
Categories:
Author Talk Lecture
Calendar:
zz Central

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