Translation Project (Bayt Al Hikma 2.0)

Language is one of the many borders that prevents the free exchange of ideas, which ensures that some knowledge remains locked away from linguistically-isolated islands such as Arabic. The Translation Project aims to translate books and articles on science, critical thinking and human rights from English to Arabic and distribute and disseminate these works among the Arab-speaking public. The goal of the project is to promote the awareness and enthusiasm of science, and knowledge of human rights in the face of intolerance, xenophobia, and violent extremism. We hope that this helps to foster a climate that is inclusive, conducive to respectful dialogue, free inquiry and open discussion.

Arab Secular Assistance Project (ASAP)

The goal of ASAP is to introduce Arab progressive voices to English-speaking audiences and help policy makers to see another alternative, other than extremists and authoritarians. This promotes awareness of the freedom fighters in the Arab world, which amplifies their voices and drums up support for their struggles against authoritarian and extremist institutions. ASAP will also facilitate the creation of an inclusive database for American policymakers about progressive allies in the Arab world.

Islamic and Muslim Art Project (IMAP)

Violent attacks carried out in the name of Islam, and the intense media attention they engender, continually reinforce the view that Islam is essentially violent, totalitarian, and unenlightened. Indeed, violent extremism in the name of Islam must be condemned and combatted. Yet the emphasis on violent extremism misses one basic point: Islam is a human institution. It has been constructed and lived by human beings who continue to have the power to shape it. By highlighting the complexity of Muslim thought and experience, we take away the ideological power that extremists seek.

The Muslim world’s rich heritage of art, literature, philosophy, music, and dance provides a powerful alternative to narrow, legalistic, and exclusionary understandings of Islam.
The Islamic and Muslim Art Project would highlight the works of Muslim artists and art from Muslim contexts. This project focuses on both historical and contemporary materials and use a broader understanding of Islam and Muslims, producing digital content educating audiences about particular works of art and artists, gallery exhibitions, and panel discussions, (potentially: an arts fellowship program). The goal is to reach a large, diverse audience and promote a broader and more capacious understanding of Islamic and Muslim identity.