Author: A. L. Said

A. L. Said is a Singaporean writer and editor with an academic background in Economics and Management from the University of London.\n\nHis interests span society, culture, human behaviour, belief systems and the changing realities of modern life. Drawing on years of independent study, diverse intellectual perspectives and conversations across communities, he explores questions that often deserve more attention than conventional explanations allow.\n\nThrough Rethinking Islam, he brings an investigative and reflective approach to contemporary issues, combining research, critical inquiry and accessible storytelling. His work also connects professional expertise and business perspectives with meaningful editorial content.\n\nHe believes good writing should do more than inform. It should encourage people to question assumptions, examine different perspectives and, occasionally, rethink what they thought they knew.

Faith Unfiltered

Combatting Islamophobia: A Unified Approach

Two decades following the 9/11 attacks, the persistence of Islamophobia continues to cast a shadow over Muslims and Arab Americans. According to Pew Research in 2016, nearly half of Muslim-American adults reported experiencing discrimination personally. This discrimination became especially pronounced during the 2016 presidential campaign when then-candidate Donald Trump proposed a ban on immigrants from countries with Muslim majorities. Studies also reveal that, among all religious groups, Muslims continue to face the most unfavorable perceptions among the American public.

Surprisingly, more than half of Americans admit to not having any personal acquaintances who are Muslim. However, those who do personally know a Muslim are less likely to hold the belief that Islam promotes violence more than other religions.