“I’ve never seen so many people in our community more scared than they are right now, in 2025. But they’re not just scared for themselves, but for their neighbors, the many groups being targeted and for our larger society. I’m grateful because I’ve also never seen so many people asking ‘how can I help?’ and then doing so. It’s beautiful, in the face of oppression, that we are pulling together when it counts.”  Wisconsin State Representative Ryan Clancy

 


We are thankful for everything! Our home, warm clothes, food on our table, our friends, Milwaukee community, safety, the ability to explore nature and practice our faith! Alhamdulillah. 
Kristine Brey

“Alhamdulillah, first I’m grateful to Allah and to my deen for grounding me and giving me the tawakkul I need as I move through everything in my life. That foundation shapes how I show up for others and how I value the people around me.

Even with everything going on, I feel blessed to have strong, supportive relationships. My family, my coworkers, my friends, and the people I work with in the Muslim community all play such an important role. I could name so many individuals who show up with sincerity, but what matters most is that we all try to do the same for one another without expecting anything in return.

It’s the small things that keep these connections going. A text that arrives at the right moment. Sharing food. Sending something thoughtful. Checking in even when life is busy. Whether someone is close by or far away, we still make the effort to stay connected. These little moments and simple conversations are what keep our relationships strong, meaningful, and full of barakah.”
Laila Azam, Ph.D, M.B.A.

 

I’m so thankful for the people in my life who have become my foundation and support. 
Phareda Be, Muslim Women’s Coalition, Community Program Associate

 

 

“I am grateful that even in times of grief and injustice, Allah’s (SWT) mercy, guidance, and light never leave our hearts.”   Mustafa Ghazai

 

“I’m grateful for the many residents of Milwaukee County who courageously moved here from other countries and cultures and who share their many gifts so generously here, especially in efforts to create a more just and peaceful society.”
Sister Barbara Pfarr

“Jane Goodall’s quote that I like so much, ‘There never can be world peace until we can live in harmony with nature a well as each other.'” 
Sister Pat Leahy

There are so many things I’m thankful for—loving family and friends, and good health and meaningful work top of my list. It is such a privilege to write for the Wisconsin Muslim Journal and record the history of our incredible community. What makes me especially appreciate these wonderful blessings is knowing attaining them is beyond anyone’s sole control. 

I’m also grateful for libraries, books, newspapers, movies—the products of many hours of others’ hard work that is available to us all at costs that are tiny fractions of their value.

And the amazing experience of life-the sun on your face, the taste of ice cream and apple pie, a tight hug, a toddler’s smile—the list goes on and on!  Sandra Whitehead, journalist

 

 

“Even if I cannot stop injustice myself, I am grateful that I can raise my children to refuse oppression in all its forms.” 
Kitam Shannak

“I am grateful for the subtle messages Allah sends—sometimes through a kind word from a loved one or even a stranger, a Qur’anic verse that suddenly comes to mind, or a beautiful memory of someone we’ve lost. Each one arrives to reassure our hearts, to comfort us, and to remind us that we are never forgotten.” 
Samaa Ibrahim

 

“I am grateful for the life I have been privileged enough to build, not only for myself, but for the small but mighty family I have now, and for the one I hope to build someday, Inshallah. 

I am grateful for being able to sit here and write my thoughts freely. Shukar Allah.”   
Inaara Chastek, OPH Advocate

 

Alhamdulillah! I am truly grateful and thankful to Allah SWT for all His countless blessings, far too many to mention one by one. I am also grateful for the joy Allah has given me through my beloved pets Miski and Obi Wan.
Anisa Schaub

“Thankful for 20 Years in service with the community. Wisconsin Green Muslims, a state-wide grassroots group formed in 2005, connecting faith, environmental justice, sustainability, and healing through education and service.

We intend to educate the Muslim community and the public about the Islamic environmental justice teachings, to apply these teachings in daily life, and to contribute to coalitions and collaborations working toward and just, healthy, peaceful, and sustainable future.

We work on environmental justice issues related to climate change, clean air, pure water, healthy food, energy democracy, zero waste, and transportation equity. Our three initiatives are the Green Ramadan campaign, Green Masjid, and Green School. 

The Green Ramadan campaign started in Wisconsin in 2005 and is now practiced in 20 states! Masjid Al-Qur’an in Milwaukee and the Islamic Center of Madison received the national Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Green Masjid Award Third Place in 2024 and 2025, respectively! We are grateful for our “sibling” group Michigan Green Muslims and our joint efforts in Michigan and Wisconsin and the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing in Michigan received the 2025 ISNA Green Masjid Award First Place!” 
Huda Alkaff, founder and director, Michigan Green Muslims and Wisconsin Green Muslims

I am thankful to have never lost my sense of wonder because wonder is wide, curiosity is spacious and acceptance is freeing. Being less tethered to identity is access to more connection. Cherrie Hanson I like ecologist, H. Emerson Blake’s perspective:

But maybe it’s for just that reason – how busy we are and distracted and disconnected we are – that wonder really is a survival skill. It might be the thing that reminds us of what really matters, and of the greater systems that our lives are completely dependent on. It might be the thing that helps us build an emotional connection – an intimacy – with our surroundings that, in turn, would make us want to do anything we can to protect them.  

Sincere thanks to, Ryan Clancy, Kristine Brey, Laila Azam, Phareda Be, Mustafa Ghazai, Sister Barbara Pfarr, Sister Pat Leahy, Sandra Whitehead, Kitam Shannak, Samaa Ibrahim, Inaara Chastek, Anisa Schaub and Huda Alkaff for their contributions to this article. May it spark more gratitude in all of us!