Muslim History Month-I

Inspired by Black History Month and Dalit History Month, ‘Zariya’ launched a first ever ‘Muslim History Month’ in 2021 (MHM) as part of its goal to further understanding of Muslim culture, history, communities and diversity within these Muslim communities across the world. Ramzaan/Ramadan will be the time that we will aim to celebrate MHM every year, like we did in its inauguration in 2021

Muslims are not a monolith. MHM will articles and experiences of diverse writers about their own versions of what constitutes Muslim culture according to their lived experiences, research etc.

Zariya wants to create avenues for greater understanding of, and with, Muslim communities by sharing information of our past and present. The more the world knows, the less of an ‘other’ Muslims will be.

For 2021, our writers come from different backgrounds, countries, continents and communities: from Thailand to Russia and from the United States to Macedonia, from Roma Muslims and Uyghurs to Tsakhur Muslims and more. A lot of our writers are from India: they take us through issues such as caste among Muslims, to cuisines like the Malabar Dum Biryani and document stories of forgotten Muslim revolutionaries of India’s freedom struggle.

We acknowledge and respect the existence of different schools of thought and historical versions on some issues, which may be considered as ‘contentious’. Our aim is to acknowledge these differences and diversities.

In its first year, MHM may not be able to cover all possible issues, persons, communities, histories and cultures, but it is our humble attempt at a start.

With all our limitations, we hope you will join us on this journey and humble attempt.

Shukriya,
Mariya Salim and Ashwini KP
Co Founders ‘Zariya: Women’s Alliance for Dignity and Equality’
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