Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Israa Al-Sayyed says Islam is more than just a religion, it’s a way of life.
“Islam for me is not just, like, wearing my head veil and going out, or praying my five prayers, but it teaches me how to be a better person to society as well and to carry on a good attitude,” says the Palestinian American.
“It teaches you sincerity. It teaches you compassion, kindness, honesty.”
Islam in America is part of the country’s historical fabric. The oldest standing mosque in the United States is located deep in America’s heartland in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Meet Israa Al-Sayyed:
