Author: danielleloduca

Danielle LoDuca is a third generation artist and author. Drawing inspiration from personal life experiences, her writings highlight the familiarity of Islam in a climate that increasingly portrays the Islamic faith as strange. She holds a BFA from Pratt Institute and has pursued postgraduate studies in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Foundation for Knowledge and Development. LoDuca’s work has been featured in media publications in the US and abroad and she is currently working on a book that offers a thought-provoking American Muslim perspective, in contrast to the negative narratives regarding Islam and Muslims prevalent in the media today.
Are Muslims Guaranteed Paradise

Are Muslims Guaranteed Paradise?

Though Islam includes the belief and aspiration to enter Paradise, we do not feel entitled to it. In fact, we greatly fear missing the mark. Our lives are spent aspiring to and working for the best outcome while taking every precaution to…
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My Search for Brotherhood (2)

"Most disappointments in life result from misplaced expectations. For some time, I had focused on what I anticipated from my new Muslim brethren, and what I wished to see in the ways Muslims treated each other. Fortunately, over the last 14 years…
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My Search for Brotherhood (part 1)

"The relationship progressed. Developing into a conversation within myself. Rational, critical thinker, mocker of the faithful – how could I now be a believer? Helplessly swept away by words that took hold of my being, reinforced my spirit and satisfied my soul.…
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Raising Muslim Kids In A Volatile World

"I WATCHED HER face and the blue gray reflection of transient clouds in her eyes as she gazed distantly out the window. She whispered heavily, “You know, sometimes I think maybe it’s better we don’t have any kids.” My throat tightened as…
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Islam: The Ultimate Feminine Makeover

"For many girls, discovering how overarching, pervasive and fetishized the concept of beauty is in our culture comes as a rude awakening. My understanding of what I was supposed to become, was formed in part via movies, shows, magazines, music, and probably…
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The No-Dread Ramadan

RAMADAN IS UPON us and the Internet is almost overflowing with excitement. But some of us feel a sense of anxiety mixed with our enthusiasm for Ramadan – maybe even dread. Sure, we know what a blessing Ramadan is. It’s a chance…
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