About the Creator Robert Salaam

Welcome to The American Muslim Blog. This blog contains my expressions based on religion, politics, and social issues from the perspective of an American Muslim. I have no real intended purpose other than to express and or vent if you will my various thoughts and opinions in the context of who I am as an American Muslim.

Who knows, sometimes I may be right and sometimes I may be wrong, but most likely, I’m mostly right! :) Either way, enjoy my musings and feel free to discuss them with me if you want to.

As Salaam Alaikum

Robert Salaam

Who is Robert Salaam?

Robert Salaam is a Muslim Convert of over 8 years. He converted to Islam shortly after September 11, 2001 while researching Islam.   Prior to 9/11, He was a devout Christian and lay Minister.  He is an avid student of Religious studies with a concentration on Islamic Studies and Early Christianity.

Robert wears many hats.  He’s a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served for 6 years until receiving an Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant.

Robert currently resides in Maryland with his family where he works as a Consultant.  He is the Host of the online radio show “The American Muslim” where he and his co-host discuss issues facing and concerning American Muslims as an offshoot of his popular blog.  He also currently sits on the board of directors and is the chairperson of the religious council for the DC Metro area group, The American Muslim Interactive Network (AMIN), an apolitical, non-profit, grassroots network of DC area Muslims who work toward charitable contributions to all Americans. Robert is also the co-founder of The People of Abraham, an online interfaith community of people working together toward the common ideal of Peace.

Robert works on many projects that promote societal contributions by Muslims and working toward shaping and changing the face of Islam against the onslaught of negative and false characterizations in the media in America and around the world. Robert Salaam works tirelessly to show what Islam truly represents through physical actions of charity and service to humanity regardless of religion, gender, nationality, or ethnicity.

His experience as a Marine, Muslim, Christian, and African American helps shape and define his experience as an American Muslim.

His passion and background guides him to open up dialog in both religion and politics. Committed to peace and common understanding Robert works to help bridge divides. Robert has a lot to share and is dedicated to sharing it to all who will listen.

For general chat or in-depth discussion feel free to contact Robert as he has an open door policy, no question or comment will be rejected or go unanswered.
(and for the record, I wrote this, I think second or third person sounds good :) I guess I forgot to add that “Robert Salaam is also witty, comical, and not all that serious” too! )

29 Responses leave one →
  1. 2007 February 12

    In The Name Of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

    As salaam ‘alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh

    http://www.esinislam.com
    Non-Profit Making African Muslim Website For Knowledge About Islam And Propagation Of Islam In Association With AWQAF Africa http://www.awqafafrica.com

    As salaam ‘alaykum,

    Brother Robert Salaam

    Under the sure shade of Allah’s Speech:

    “Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allâh’s Signs and Verses” [Surat uz Zumar:9]

    And

    “Thus We have made you [true Muslims] a just (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) be a witness over you” [Surat ul Baqarah: 143]

    We at http://www.esinislam.com are pleased to know about you.

    This, therefore, is to invite you to become of our volunteer regular articles contributors who post their writings on Islam, Muslim Affairs, and Literatures regularly to our website http://www.esinislam.com

    “Successful indeed are the believers: Who are humble in their prayers. And who shun vain conversation. And who are payers of the poor-due. And who guard their modesty…” Q23:1-6.

    The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “The world is cursed, and cursed is all what is in it except with worship and remembrance of Allah (s.w.t.), and except he who upholds to the worship of Allah (s.w.t.) and His remembrance or he who teaches about Allah (s.w.t.) or he who learns about Allah (s.w.t.).” [Reported at Tirmidhiy & Ibn Majah (declared Hasan by at Tirmidhiy)].

    Your contributions are gratefully welcomed. We love Muslims like you for Allah’s sake. May Allah reward you for all your efforts to fight for Islam through your wise and informative pens.

    To have your article posted and published on our website is easy. Simply forward your articles to us at articles@esinislam.com

    Thus, I suggest you feel free to contact me if you may want to engage me in a further brotherly contact regarding your writings etc. contributions.

    We look forward to your availing the entire Ummah via our website as well as your articles posted to us.

    May I congratulate you for Al Basirah endowed upon you! May Almighty Allah continue to guide you and ourselves.

    Ma’ as salaam

  2. 2007 March 1

    Robert good luck tonighti’m going to tune in if I can and call as well ..don’t worry I won’t pull your chain too hard. Take care friend best wishes and success. W.A.S. Tawodi

  3. 2007 April 6
    salahudin permalink

    Salaam!

    Nice blog. Looks like ours! heh.

    Care to exchange links? Maybe you can add us in your “Ummah” list, since even though we’re apostates of Islam, we’re still part of the Muslim people.
    http://towelianism.wordpress.com/

    We’ll add you in return.

    And I know most Muslims are suspicious of apostates. But feel free to read through our manifesto:
    http://towelianism.wordpress.com/manifesto

    So that you can see exactly where we’re coming from and what we want to do.

    We also support Irshad Manji’s project Ijtihad.

  4. 2007 April 6

    As salaamu alaikum Robert,

    I hope this finds you well, by Allah’s grace. Although I think we’ve passed each other at Sidi Hakim Abdullah’s blog, I don’t think we’ve met as such. Ma sha Allah! You’ve got a nice blog here, and I look forward to exploring it more fully, insha Allah.

    One question: how do you access the radio station you refer to?

    Ma’as salama,

    Abdur Rahman

  5. 2007 April 6

    Thanks for the kind words, I truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers on this journey in which I’m embarked. Feel free to read, discuss, email, or call in on my show whenever you want. Also, feel free to link with me and I will do the same, let’s link our ideas around the globe.

  6. 2007 August 28
    Eagle permalink

    Hi, I have several blogs out in cyberspace, they are on the subject of radical Islam. On one of my blogs I have a bigot, who paints all of Islam with the same brush. I am planning on doing a series of posts on Islamophobia. I was given your blog address as a starting point to pick up some tips.

    I am a Christian, not a Muslim, but I have no problem with Muslims. My goal is to inform all about radical Islam. In that process, I want my readers to understand that when you are a bigot, you are no different than the radicals because they are bigots too.

    I would be interested in any info and websites you could email me which is simular to yours so I can show that all Muslims are not terrorists or agree with the terrorists ideology. Also, any articles that you think I should quote from.

    Thanks for your help in this matter. :D

  7. 2007 August 29

    There are various blogs in my blogroll “Ummah” each of these Muslims share similar if not the same views as i do. There are many good articles on http://www.islamicity.com . I hope that helps.

  8. 2007 August 29
    Eagle permalink

    Thank you I’m sure it will. :D Between you and another friend who gave me your website address in the first place, among others. I’m sure I can add a lot of links and information for those with an open mind. Unfortunatly there are many who will never be convinced. :-( You can check out one of my many blogs here; http://eaglespearlsofwisdom.wordpress.com/ I will add you to my blog roll. :D

  9. 2007 August 29
    Eagle permalink

    Also, I am not computer literate, :-( could you give me the information on how I can post the “Muslims reject terrorism” seal on the upper right corner of your blog?? Your dashboard should show my email, you can send the instructions there if you like. Thanks again :-)

  10. 2007 August 29

    Eagle and all those interested, the code for the “Muslims against Terrorism” is:

    Paste this in a text widget and it will show up and take you to http://www.theamericanmuslim.org

  11. 2007 December 25

    Salaams Robert,
    I came across your website – really like your position statements – why can’t everyone be as succinct & make as much sense as you do?? Please check out our new book ‘The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook’ http://www.theamth.com – our small attempt to add to the dialogue about Islam from an upbeat, positive perspective.

    Take care,
    Dilara

  12. 2008 April 22

    Assalamu Alaikum
    I happened by your blog accidentally and found my own blog on your blogroll. SubhanAllah. This is a lovely site you have here and I wish you much success in the future inshaAllah. We need more brothers like you.

  13. 2008 May 10

    your views regarding persecution of ahmadiyya jama’at in indonesia are commendable. congrats.

  14. 2008 May 11

    Assalamu’alaykum wr. wb.
    Hello brother..
    greeting from Indonesia :D

  15. 2008 May 11

    I hope you don’t mind, I added link you in my blogroll :D

  16. 2008 June 1
    Ginny permalink

    Assalamu alaikum, just found your blog today, I plan on spending soem time here, Inshallah, you are well.

  17. 2008 June 2

    You are in the right path, congratulation Robert Salaam.

  18. 2008 June 9

    BismillahirRahmanriRahim
    Salamu’alaykum,

    It was nice to see my link on the side (Mind Body Soul), however I am a man so I believe I belong in the other section! Thanks.

  19. 2008 June 14

    Hello Robert,

    I haven’t been to your site for a while and I just wanted to comment that I love the new look, particularly the title. I like the symbol of Islam and the arm of the statue of liberty. I think it appropriately conveys the idea that Islam is not in conflict with the great ideals of the United States of America.

  20. 2008 June 30

    Dear Robert:

    Assalaamu Alaikum. I hope this email finds you well. I came across your website while doing some online research on Muslims in the U.S. military. I’m looking forward to reading your blog in the coming days.

    Also, just as I was writing this note my eyes glanced over to the right column and I saw that you’ve included a link to my blog. Thanks a lot for that. I appreciate it.

    Peace,
    Junaid Afeef

  21. 2008 September 15

    Assalaamu Alaikum brother

    Inshallah I pray this message finds you in good health

    I happen to come across your site and read your blogs with a great deal of interest.

    As a Muslim, I feel proud that people like you are around.

    If you have some time, please have a look at our website http://www.forgottenjournalist.com – A voice for the unheard Muslim. It is a non profit online Citizen Journalism site which voices the opinions and views of the ordinary Muslim via article submission. We are hoping that inshallah it will become a successful alternative news platform to the mainstream media which sometimes does not represent us as we are.

    I look forward to your views on the project

    Salaams
    Nadia

  22. 2008 October 29

    Please click this link and learn about a Muslim researcher at Texas A&M who is being persecuted for being a Muslim and his publicly funded school is allowing it- worse yet- look at some of the comments by people who are supporting religious discrimination. Please spread this story to every Muslim you know and encourage them to speak out against the abuse!

    http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou081027_tnt_aggie-professor-muslim.154eef1ba.html

  23. 2008 December 31
    idanamaku permalink

    Assalamualaikum,

    nice blog and very enjoying to read it. I’m interesting to link and really want to republish your opinions to my personal blog on 100% Indonesian. I’m waiting your respond and many thanks…

    wassalamualaikum
    ida – jakarta Indonesia
    http://muallaf-muslimconvert.blogspot.com
    http://ida-abidin.blogspot.com

  24. 2009 January 31
    Salahudin al-Rawandi permalink

    Hi. I respect your point of view but I disagree with it on and off. Although, I WOULD like your opinion on the following, as a fellow American Muslim to another:

    http://thetrashbin.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/262/

  25. 2009 May 11
    Ryan permalink

    I just discovered your blog and will add it to my blogroll. Feel free to check out my blog http://www.crossandcrescent.wordpress.com

  26. 2009 May 28

    wow mash’Allah brother Salaam…very impressive stuff! I am an editor of a non-profit development website and a few days ago I wrote my first article for the site: http://muktibangla.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61:atif-choudhury&catid=40:society-and-culture&Itemid=54

    Perhaps you will find it interesting…in any case may Allah (SWT) be pleased with your work.

  27. 2009 May 29

    Salams,
    What an amazing stumble. I know I’ve found a great site when I find another Muslim who believes in talking in third person. Congrats, on the conversion. I’m not sure of a congrats is in order, as that sounded weird but, alhamdullah. None-the-less I like what I see and can’t wait for more.

  28. 2009 June 11

    Good Evening,

    I just wanted to see if you might consider adding a link to http://www.irdialogue.org, the official website of the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue. The journal seeks to bridge the divide between inter-religious scholarship and action and would likely provide a useful resource for your audience.

    All the best,

    Josh Stanton,
    co-Editor

  29. 2009 June 19

    I just wanted to tell you about an upcoming discussion concerning Iran’s presidential election and the future of U.S.-Iran relations which may interest you and your readers.

    The discussion will feature two leading Iran experts, Farideh Farhi, who is an Independent Scholar and Affiliate Graduate Faculty at the University of Hawaii at Manao, and Arang Keshavarzian, who is a professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at New York University. Arang Keshavarzian was in Iran for the presidential election and its immediate aftermath. Suzanne DiMaggio, Asia Society’s Director of Policy Studies, will moderate the discussion. Please see the attached flyer for more info.

    We hope that you can help spread the word to your readers about this program and encourage them to attend, or they can listen in live via audio webcast (www.asiasociety.org) and send questions in through email (moderator@asiasociety.org).

    Thank you so much for your help in spreading the word about this important program and please let me know if you have any questions!

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