This organization is against Islam and the teachings of our beloved prophet Muhammad sallahu alahyi wa salam.
My name is Nasreen Amina and I am a muslim feminist from South America. Since my conversion to Islam I started to work hardly for the promotion of equity, social justice and inclusion in Islam, as a way to broad my work as activist I have being involved in since my teen age. During a long time I wonder how it was possible for me, being alone with a progressive position very against the mainstream patriarcal beliefs of the society which live in, far away from important islamic centers, having only faith and will to succeed feeling in my heart it was something good and worthy for our community, find the way to gain support to my work. Without the support of MFPV nothing what I am doing right now could have been possible. This organization believed in me and sponsored my attending to my first conference in the University of Cordoba, Argentina to a Latin-american Congress on Gender and Social Development. And it was important, I became the first muslim woman in offering a speech in an academical environment on issues related to Islam and Genderbut the positives things didn't stop there. My conference was considered the most interesting of all the Congress, which convened more people.But good does not end there. After this came many national and international conferences, newspaper and radio interviews and most importantly: I managed to both Muslim and non-Muslim people want to know more about Islam and its progressive values. And this is of great benefit to our community in particular and society in general. Because we are happier when we live without stereotypes. With the support of MPV I could develop my vision, and thus empower myself and other Muslim women and men around the liberating message of Islam.
Growing up Muslim in America was not easy. The split between the ideals of freedom, tolerance and inclusion we were taught in school; and the conservativism of the Islamic communities we participated in; created a paradox that made us feel schizophrenic. Today Muslims for Progressive Values is leading the way to show a new generation of Muslim-Americans that there is no contradiction between the values of our faith, and the values of our homeland. This can only lead to a stronger, broader and more integrated Muslim community in the US, and ultimately the world.
I previously worked with Muslims for Progressive through a sister organization. Finding MPV was like finding a kindred spirit. The values and activities of MPV were spot on with what I had worked so long to develop for an Islamic community in the Atlanta area. Once our organization merged with MPV, we knew our little community was truly part of something larger. There is so much love and dedication through the organization and with the members of MPV. The hard work that goes into the development and sustaining of programs is evident. It is amazing what MPV does and what the future holds. I am proud to be a part of MPV. I now have a worldwide community full of love.
This is not an Islamic organization!! This org established a gay-friendly mosque and mixing men and women together, all those are against the Holy Qur'an. As it is very clear, this org is trying to revise Islamic rules and makes a corrupted believe. There are certain rules in Islam that can not be revised and many others that accept different opinions, but this org is changing the ones that can not be changed.
muslims for progressive values (mpv) is doing life-changing work. this organization is helping shape our world for the better; and we need organizations like these to move us forward. thank you, mpv!
Finding MPV was a life changing event for me. As an organization which upholds women's rights, LGBT rights, freedom of speech, diversity, equality, and many other progressive values, It has provided safe and tolerant spaces for me to reconnect with my Muslim faith through it's retreats, Unity Mosques, and online forums. There is no other Muslim organization like it.
My city, Columbus OH, is the 25 largest city in America. Yet there was no mosque where a Muslim woman could attend Friday Prayers and not feel like a second class citizen. There was no mosque where a Gay Muslim could attend Friday Prayers and not feel either vilified or pitied. As of Dec. Seventh that will no longer be the case. Thanks to the support we have received from MPV we will have a local MPV Unity Mosque to welcome EVERY Muslim to share EQUALLY in the joy of Islam.
MPV represents a way to view Islam without prejudices. It doesn't mean changing Islam. It means freeing Islam from obscurantism using our mind to try to understand what Allah wants to us. There should be more MPV around the world to help the new generation to get out from intolerant teachings.
MPV says the things that no one wants to say--either because of fear or apathy. This organization provides information and support for Muslims as individuals, bringing together one of the most diverse groups of constituents of any Muslim organization. I'm grateful for the courage and hard work of the founders and those who support the MPV mission through participation, volunteering and donation.
Hace 5 años que soy Musulmán, Alhamdulillah, y toda mi vida que soy homosexual, "Todos hemos sido creados por Alläh, si reniego de quien soy, le estoy atribuyendo un fallo a Él y como Alläh es Perfecto en Su Creación, no puedes dejar de ser lo que soy" El trabajo que viene realizando MPV me ha servido para entenderme y aceptarme para así que los demás me acepten y entiendan. Alläh sabe recompensar a los justos. ZamZam, Secretario General de AMHO. A.M.HO.
Associació de Musulmans HOmosexuals LGTB
Web:www.amho.es
E-mail: amho.lgtb@gmail.com
Telf: 0034 - 622 436 726
PIN BB: 23787933
www.facebook.com/amho.es
www.facebook.com/asoc.amho
https://twitter.com/AMHOlgtbi
this is an incredible and crucial organization. as a muslim who supports interfaith dialogue, women's and lgbt rights and an ongoing exploration of what islam really means, i have never seen such a loquacious, fascinating and compassionate group. i feel blessed to have found them and to be included in their anthology as well as invited to their gatherings. muslims for progressive values IS the future of islam - and ideally, faith itself - in the world today. i am a single mother of three outspoken teenaged girls, so i have a vested interest in the future of the world. an organization like muslims for progressive values gives me hope!
I am an Indonesian. currently live in Indonesia, yet I have experienced living abroad when I was young and a few years ago for an inter-faith programme. I found MPV as a good place to know more of colorful dimensions in Islamic world especially expressed by Muslims who live in the so-called the West world.
When I became Muslim, almost 2 years ago, I knew instinctively that Islam was a large tent under which many and all were welcome. I knew that Islam was tolerant and giving, but, unfortunately, there were few Muslims in my area that lived up to that. It was when I found Muslims for Progressive Values that I found a group of Muslims who practiced Islam in all of its loving, all-embracing, welcoming glory. They, the good people of MPV, were there to answer my questions and give me guidance. Not only were they not judgmental, almost always when I posted a questions -- or saw a question posted that I had been unsure of whether it would be appropriate to ask, the brothers and sisters of MPV gave information from their heart and from their heads -- and they made it absolutely clear that not only the question asked was appropriate, but they, the responders had at one point wondered the same thing. It makes you feel good when you find that you aren't the only one who was wondering about A, B or C -- whatever the question was/is. To find yourself surrounded by people of a like mind who are open and willing to share their doubts, their faith and their approach to their faith without judging you for yours is a blessing of such immense proportions that there is know way I can express it.
This is a very important organization for both Muslims and the World at large. It is a space where Islam and tolerance go hand in hand, and a way to combat the extremism that is being fueled unfortunately in many circles. I have never met such an open minded space, and religious as well. I feel that if MPV were to expand even further, it could be a way for not just peace but even civil rights being upheld where it is based. For people who want a moderate and progressive Islam, but have nowhere to go, this is a haven. For myself personally, it allowed me a space to be myself and a way to connect with my religious values, without being discriminated against or harmed.
Alhumdulilah! I am so grateful to Allah for Muslims for Progressive Values. My wife and I have 3 small children. We want to raise our children in community with Muslims for Progressive Values. Our family finds common values with MPV in that we are committed to educating to counter oppression and to building just and sustainable communities. Ani Zonneveld is an amazing leader and visionary for MPV. I have found both she and the board members of MPV to be professional, knowledgable, caring, compassionate and enjoyable. I met them initially online and then in person. They have been instrumental in supporting me to start a chapter in my local area, the Great Salt Lake region of Utah. My dream is coming true, building community and friendships with other Muslims for Progressive Values where my family is accepted and welcomed as I believe the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) would welcome us. I appreciate so much about MPV and it is expressed best in the MPV's principles and the people that are attracted to congregate in MPV community and to covenant over the values expressed in the MPV principles. ~ Jamila Tharp, Founder of the Salt Lake MPV Unity Gathering
MPV is a wonderful place for muslims, converts, and those interested in learning about Islam in an open and diverse manner. While the views of some members (even the ones of admins) might put you off, it is great to knwo that their views and your own can be heard and expressed in an open forum without fears of negativity.
Through the presence of MPV, I was able to realize that a rich, viable community that is female-friendly, LGBTQI-positive, and socially progressive does indeed exist within Islam. This gave me the courage to make the momentous decision to convert -- a decision I had been putting off for some time and which likely never would have been reached had it not been for MPV.
I think MPV is a great organization in that it truly speaks to people on a personal level. You meet a lot of really wonderful people who are interested in your well being. The support system is there. I love their philosophy and respect their mission which is why I have donated to this organization. This organization has a community of people that accepts you as you are without the judgement. There is no other organization like MPV out there and I believe it was a blessing to have come across this group!
I appreciate MPV so much. MPV offers a community to anyone who wants to worship God and does not discriminate based on criteria that make many people feel unwelcome in other more orthodox Muslim communities: gender, sexual orientation, sect, and more. Everyone is welcome. The focus is on love, peace, and justice in Islam and not fear, shame, and hellfire. I look forward to growing in spirituality through MPV's inclusive atmosphere as the organization continues to develop.
I co-founded MPV with Ani Zonneveld, but after a couple years I had to step back due to difficult life circumstances. I have remained active in the organization not just because I believe passionately in it's missiong, but because it offers something very few American Muslims organizations and mosques do -- an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where we are all invited to be true to ourselves and seek the pleasure of God as we believe is best. MPV has been a leader in promoting women's and lgbt rights in the Muslim community and in greater American society. It has been foundational in challenging the status quo among Muslim organizations, and has slowly (along with a lot of help from other social factors) begun pulling the mainstream Muslim community a bit more left, making them rethink their positions on women's leadership and the place of the queer community in Islam. It is so exciting to see as MPV mosques well up in city after city, and we hear stories of people who's faith, who's very life has been changed, and affirmed, by members of this organization.
When I was feeling lost and questioning Islam I found MPV. It gave me the strength to be who I am and know I have a place in Islam. Even though their are many diffrent views and beliefs it is an accepting place.
I've been a member of MPV since its inception and I support MPV because of its principles and the way MPV remains inclusive and welcoming to all Muslims and non-Muslims. My faith continues to deepen and expand as I continue to outreach to other Muslims across the nation. MPV has established an open community that is an alternative to the more orthodox views held by 20 percent of Muslims. MPV is expanding it's appeal to Muslims internationally. MPV supports voices less often heard in the discussion of Muslims in the West.
When I came to Muslims for Progressive Values I was on the verge or leaving Islam all together. I had become disillusioned from mainstream islam for a variety of reasons the main reason being that I am gay. Mpv gave me a place where I could grow and learn about my religion from people who truly cared and loved me for the sake of Allah. Mpv is not only an organization for progressive Islam it has become a second home for me. I can honestly say without hesitation that if it was not for MPV I would not be Muslim today. Ansother awesome thing about Mpv is that it is not just for Muslims. They do some truly great and inspiring interfaith work.
MPV is a friendly open space for anyone to experiences the positive spirituality of Islam. A group of intelligent, open minded individuals with a big heart that welcomse wanderers and seekers. They brought me closer to Islam and allowed me to see a side of our religion that I never knew even existed.
MPV has helped me to keep my faith by providing an online community that I am able to identify with.
What a wonderful group of people who love Allah, but believe in a progressive Islam welcoming all! Their website educates and invites one to dialogue. The scholarship behind their positions is excellent. They are a lifesaver to many. I love this organization! It should be noted that I am a liberal Christian... I donated so a Muslim from another country could attend MPV's national gathering here in the US.