American Expo Connects Deaf Muslims

American Expo Connects Deaf Muslims
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The annual Deaf Muslim Expo, now in its fourth year, is a weekend event in Dallas, Texas, that brings together deaf Muslims to strengthen their faith and community. The expo is organized by the Global Deaf Muslim Foundation (GDMF), a nonprofit that offers resources and support to the deaf Muslim community.

According to Cairo Scene, the event, which takes place on August 30th and 31st, features various sessions conducted entirely in sign language. These sessions cover topics ranging from faith and health to employment, with practical help like resume building and educational content aimed at making religious knowledge accessible.

The expo highlights the unique challenges faced by deaf Muslims, including a lack of interpreters at many religious events and the financial strain of attending such gatherings. The Executive Director of GDMF, Andaleeb Elayan, works to bridge this gap, emphasizing the Islamic principle of “Omah,” which means everyone belongs. Elayan encourages people to be proactive in communicating with deaf individuals, noting that small gestures like learning to say “hello” in sign language can make a significant difference in fostering inclusion.