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.

Muslim Samples: Your Impression of Islam on Others

"Inevitably the list of ways some Muslims don’t adhere to the teachings of Islam can go on and on. Unfortunately many non-Muslims never even consider Islam for themselves, because they are so turned off by their negative experience with Muslims or by…

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…

10 Tips on How to Cut Through the Noise and Stay on the Straight Path

"The bus driver said over the loudspeaker, “Please be quiet, we will listen to Quran now.” I was on my way to go roller-skating with my daughter’s fourth grade class. Hearing the Quran on the way there would certainly be a bonus.…

I Attempted to Disprove Islam, But Well-Mannered Muslims Stopped Me

IT WAS THE summer of 2002. I sat, wearing a t-shirt and jeans in a living room full of Muslim women. There were soldiers outside the building, and soldiers in the apartments above us, but the atmosphere in the room was calm.…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

From White Privilege to American Muslim Minority

FOR MOST OF my life, as a member of the privileged, “white” majority of Americans, I didn’t have to consider the color of my skin, or how the public perceived me. I always felt “normal” – not realizing my advantage nor that…