Free Library Of Philadelphia: The Path Of Islam: An Exhibition And Experience

Philadelphia PA

19 February, 2022

4:00 AM

Description

Press release from the Free Library of Philadelphia: February 18, 2022 The Path of Islam is a community-driven project amplifying the diverse voices of Philadelphia's indigenous Muslim community, born and raised in the city, while engaging all Philadelphians who feel a connection with Islam. The project is inspired by the books and paintings made in Muslim lands that are housed at the Free Library of Philadelphia. In the Path of Islam Exhibition The William B. Dietrich Gallery on the Third Floor of Parkway Central Library will host an exhibit curated by Philadelphians from around the city. It includes one-of-a-kind art and artifacts from one thousand years of Muslim culture alongside treasures and ephemera from the homes of Philadelphia Muslims. In the Path of Islam is a place to share the stories of Islam and to celebrate Philadelphia as a center for Black American Muslims. The exhibit will be complemented with a traveling exhibition showing off the Free Library's largest Qur'an, a collection of indigenous Muslim dolls designed here in Philadelphia, and ancient and modern Arabic calligraphy. The exhibits are available to neighborhood libraries, schools, and masajid upon request during the project period. In the Path of Islam Lecture Series A monthly free lecture series beginning in February with From Africa to the Americas at Masjid Al-Wasatiyah Wal-Itidaa. Other topics include "How to Nourish the Body During Fasting", "The History of Islam in Philadelphia", and "Women In Islam". Full details can be found on our Events Calendar, and both in-person and virtual lectures will be recorded. The Philadelphia Muslim Oral History Project A podcast series recording and preserving the experiences of Philadelphia Muslim community members, as they share stories that bring to light marginalized perspectives that have been overlooked and left out of history books. Recordings begin early-January 2022 and will be accessible via popular podcast platforms. The History of Islam Through Food A collaboration with the Culinary Literacy Center and our neighborhood libraries. Chef Jamela Yahiaoui will share the Story of Islam through Food and the variety of halal options available in Philadelphia. Free cooking demonstrations will travel to neighborhood libraries and other locations throughout the city. Children's Programming: Art on the Road A collaborative art installation led by two professional artists and inspired by an item in our Digital Collections. The artists will travel to participating libraries, schools, and masajid, guiding participants to contribute to a shared work of art through decoration, painting, and calligraphy. When complete, the art piece will be displayed around the city. Getting To Know Me: Ayesha and Raghad Available to check out from your local library are two trunks of objects from the homes of Philadelphia Muslims. Ayesha is an indigenous Muslim born and raised in West Philadelphia, and Raghad is Palestinian and raised in Jordan. Children learn about who they are from their personal objects. The circulating trunks come with a companion guide to help educators talk about the objects with children. Circulating Collections: Getting to Know Me – Ayesaha » Circulating Collections: Getting to Know Me – Raghad » Virtual Arabic Conversation and Arabic Artistic Expressions Classes In this collaboration with Al-Bustan Seed of Culture, students can choose to practice the sounds and letters of the Arabic language, learn basic grammar, and common vocabulary and phrases. There is also the option to enroll in an Arabic Artistic Expressions Class. Taught mostly in English, students will be introduced to iconic Arab theater, songs, videos, and films. Toward the end of the series, students will produce artistic expressions that reflect what they have learned in class. This could include short theater scenes, videos, digital expressions, or any work the student chooses. All classes are taught by Professor Fadi Skeiker, Theater Professor from the University of the Arts. Please note: All February Arabic Conversation Classes classes are now full. Arabic Artistic Expressions classes in March are still open. Register now! Additional programs can be found on the Event Calendar. Please check back for details as dates and locations may change. This press release was produced by the Free Library of Philadelphia. The views expressed here are the author's own.