Gov. Quinn today named members to serve on the Muslim American Advisory Council, which will help ensure Muslim American participation in state government.“Illinois is a diverse state, which is one of our greatest strengths,” Quinn said. “There are more than 400,000 Muslims and 300 mosques within our borders, representing various racial and ethnic sects of Islam. I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity for input in how we address issues such as education, public safety and jobs, because the strategies may need to differ based on the history, culture and needs of different communities.”

As many Americans gear up to mark the tenth anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, one Chicago-based Muslim group warns people should be careful not to give all Muslims a bad rap for the attacks. In the days following 9/11 there were reports across the U.S. of violence toward Muslim-Americans. The group American-Islamic Relations hopes the public has learned more about the Islamic faith’s message of peace since that time.

Amina Sharif, communications director for the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told the Chicago Tribune that the book fails to separate extremist radicals from the majority of Muslims.

"I think it's very clear that the book has an agenda and is anti-Muslim," Amina Shariff, CAIR Chicago, said. "If they are trying to imply subliminally some kind of Christian-Muslim conflict here, I think that that is very dangerous and completely inappropriate."

Communications Intern Becky Fogel discusses the overblown reaction to a rally at the ICE hearing last week.

CAIR-Chicago would like to wish you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Eid.

The book allows children to color scenes like Navy SEALs raiding the Bin Laden's compound, Osama bin Laden using a veiled woman as a human shield, and the World Trade Center Towers burning. The Chicago communications director of CAIR told the Tribune that the book shows 9/11 and its aftermath "in a 'slanted' manner," painting Muslims in broad strokes and failing to distinguish extremist radicals from the majority of Muslims.

The book allows children to color scenes like Navy SEALs raiding the Bin Laden's compound, Osama bin Laden using a veiled woman as a human shield, and the World Trade Center Towers burning. The Chicago communications director of CAIR told the Tribune that the book shows 9/11 and its aftermath "in a 'slanted' manner," painting Muslims in broad strokes and failing to distinguish extremist radicals from the majority of Muslims.

Amina Sharif, communications director for the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the book depicts the events of 9/11 and the aftermath in a "slanted" manner, painting Muslims in broad strokes and failing to distinguish extremist radicals from the majority of Muslims. "It's hateful, inflammatory and completely inappropriate for children or anyone for that matter," Sharif said.

Koran by Heart, a documentary film by Greg Barker which covered the 2009 Koran recital competition in Cairo where children from around the world gather to compete, aired on HBO.

On Wednesday, August 17th 2011, CAIR-Chicago staff attorney, Rabya Khan, and communications intern, Becky Fogel, attended a public hearing held by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss the Secure Communities program. The event ended in civil disobedience led by local youth and the arrest of six attendees.

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Government Affairs Intern Clement Yu discusses the controversial Secure Communities program, enforced by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Rabya Khan met with school officials to convey the importance of presenting balanced perspectives and not perpetuating stereotypes. CAIR-Chicago has requested that the school remove the worksheets, and not use them again or any similar worksheets. Rabya also provided a resource list of organizations that can conduct workshops on Islam, including CAIR-Chicago, and is compiling a list of educational resource companies with balanced materials on Islam and Muslims.

On Wednesday, August 17th, ICE is coming to Chicago to have a public hearing on Secure Communities, the broken deportation program that is catching non-criminals, separating families, and draining law enforcement resources.

Attend the annual Iftar at the Synagogue "Diverse Experiences, Common Future". This event is sponsored by The Jewish-Muslim Community Building Initiative.

Attend the annual Iftar at the Synagogue "Diverse Experiences, Common Future". This event is sponsored by The Jewish-Muslim Community Building Initiative.

We were delighted to host 319 guests and relish in nearly 50 dishes and desserts from all over the world. SEE PICTURES HERE

"Islam teaches us that we are not merely physical beings but spiritual beings as well. But while most people acknowledge the need to nurture our bodies through sustenance and exercise, we tend to neglect the same for our souls," writes Ahmed Rehab in the Chicago Tribune.

As you know, we have endeavored to expand both the quality and quantity of our work each and every year since our rebirth 7 years ago. This year is no different. I want to update you on some exciting changes we have been working on at CAIR-Chicago for some time now.