Planting Seeds of Change
By Saif Iqbal

Whether it’s Kyrie Irving fasting while playing in the NBA playoffs or people like you and I sharing what fasting means to us with our coworkers and friends, Ramadan is a time when our religion and our communities take center stage. It’s a time for us to tell our story, and push back against misinformation and Islamophobia. And  it’s a time for us to build bridges of mercy and compassion with those who have a fundamental misunderstanding of our beautiful religion. 
MPAC's Mustard Seed project, in collaboration with the One America Movement, has  helped both Muslims and Evangelical Christians establish bridges of solidarity around the country to fight the toxic political polarization that is driving a wedge in the social fabric of our beloved nation. From Phoenix to Chicago, local communities are engaged in a sustained effort to improve mutual understanding, one small act of compassion at a time.  Check out this testimonial from One America Movement’s board member Afia Yunus. 

With your generous support this Ramadan, we are making Mustard Seed a national movement for change.  Our grassroots engagement with local Muslim and Evangelical communities in conservative areas of the country is planting more seeds across the nation. And we are replacing polarization and mistrust with hope and harmony. 

The next Mustard Seed will be planted in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are working towards making the Mustard Seed vision of harmonious social relationships a tool for the spiritual and democratic renewal of our nation. Never before have we been so much in need of individual and collective renewal. This Ramadan,  don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this impactful change not only for the Muslim community, but for the country as a whole. 
Saif Iqbal is Development Manager, MPAC)