Mehdi Hasan

Political director of The Huffington Post UK

As a supporter of secularism, I am willing to accept same-sex weddings in a state-sanctioned register office, on grounds of equity. As a believer in Islam, however, I insist that no mosque be forced to hold one against its wishes.

Ali A. Rizvi

Pakistani-Canadian writer, physician and musician

Just like Judaism is a religion that can exist independently from Jewish ethnicity or Jewish culture, Islam is a religion, and even though Muslims are ethnically and racially varied, there really is such a thing as a Muslim culture that can exist separately from Islam.

Ruqaiyah Hibell

Researcher at New Muslims Project

Many converts report feeling isolated and alone, following the initial euphoria that greets their conversions. The existing and often limited provision of services available to them requires urgent development, plus better engagement with members of heritage Muslims communities.

Anila Muhammad

Muslims for Progressive Values , Toronto Chapter

Meet a diverse group of self-identified Muslims and read stories of why they choose to become vegetarians or vegans. I hope you will be inspired by what you read and consider adding vegetarian and vegan options to your diet.

Amb. Ufuk Gokcen

Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations

While international efforts establish legal protections for freedom of expression and other freedoms, it is important not to end the discussion there. We must promote engagement and dialogue that remains focused on matters of human dignity.

Shahnaz Taplin-Chinoy

Chair, Invest in Muslim Women

The Boston bombing was a huge tragedy, but there could be a silver lining if we understand that Islam is a simple faith, open to new norms which enable it to make a positive contribution to the country in which it resides. It is up to us Muslims to make that happen.

Ajarat Bada

Ambassador, One Young World. Director, The Missing Millennium Development Goal Initiative

For those of us who believe in the enormous potential of religion to advance the cause of humanity, the bombings are disheartening. And there is a growing, albeit abstract, movement to create a new moral ethos for society that is devoid of religion. This is frightening.

Parvez Ahmed

Associate Professor, Coggin College of Business, University of North Florida

Simply put, this kind of legislation runs afoul of basic tenets of constitutional law and overriding principles of American jurisprudence. Moreover, its sponsors haven't demonstrated any tangible need for it.

Daniel Tutt

Interfaith Activist and Fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

While the dust has yet to settle on the horrific Boston bombings by the Tsarnaev brothers, Muslims have already felt the impact of their association with Islam. In our rush to write op-ed's and respond via the media, we should take a step back to consider the literature on Islamophobia and what it might teach us at this moment.

Craig Considine

Ph.D. candidate, Trinity College Dublin; Film director, 'Journey into America'; Interfaith activist

Our strength as Bostonians comes in our diversity. We should embrace our fellow Muslim Bostonians, not fear them.

Nicola Moors

Editor of the University of Sheffield's student newspaper, Forge Press, where she is also studying journalism

Islamophobia is on the increase - and while it's not to say that the discrimination of Muslims in the UK is on par with those unleashed on millions of Jews in the 1930s - the underlying prejudices are the same.

Evan Perkoski

Doctoral candidate in political science, University of Pennsylvania

Anecdotes paint a picture of a seemingly ordinary teenager who liked to hang out, go to the gym, and party with his friends. So how could a student like this become a religious fanatic?

Brian Stone

LGBT advocate, U.S. Navy veteran and student at the University of Michigan

Every time one of these attacks happen, I hear the insecure pleas of Muslim Americans trying to reassure others that "Not all Muslims are like that." They are continually shut out of the discussion and alienated for trying to say it.

Wardah Khalid

Author, Young American Muslim

In the moments following the Boston Marathon bombings, American Muslims across the nation prayed for the same thing: "Please don't let the bomber be a Muslim."

Imam Abdullah Antepli

Muslim Chaplain, Duke University

You only discover your true friends, and how precious and extraordinarily important they are, during these trying and difficult times. For those who have expressed their love, care and support to the American Muslim Community, on behalf of all American Muslims: Thank you!

Rev. Emily C. Heath

Clergy, United Church of Christ

We don't have any official confirmation yet whether or not the two brothers who Boston Marathon bombers are Muslim or not. There are many reports, though, and already anti-Muslim statements are being made. Today I am praying for my Muslim friends. Because I know they are afraid.