Burkinabe Muslims Discuss Nouveaux Horizons Book on American Muslims
Sunday morning, June 28, the American Cultural Center hosted a special Book Discussion and Debate on Asma Hasan’s “American Muslims: the New Generation.” Translated and published in 2005 by Nouveaux Horizons, the book describes Ms. Hasan’s upbringing as a Muslim in a predominantly secular American society, and traces the start of her professional career as a successful lawyer and public commentator. She also shares what turn out to be some controversial personal thoughts on a number of Islamic religious practices and customs. Nearly 40 Burkinabe Muslims – mostly members from the Women’s Cell of the National Islamic Studies and Training Circle – participated in the program. The Nouveaux Horizons title served as a point of reference for the group discussion, but participants also discussed broad themes like the role of women and youth in Muslim societies, as well as American views of Islam. Ms. Hasan’s comments concerning the custom of Muslim women wearing veils and other coverings – that such practices were based on culture and not the Koran – was a source for some debate and disagreement. The general feeling was that wearing the veil is a way to outwardly manifest what is in your heart, and an integral part of Muslim religious practice, and they wished Assa Hasan was there with them so they could explain to her this truth. A second program with Ms. Hasan’s book is planned in July, with young Burkinabe Muslims leading the discussion.