PROJECT ILLUMINE II:
decolonizing the sirah in the age of islamophobia
A Global Virtual Master Class, Semester One
Target Start Date: Summer 2024
now fundraising for semester two!
BACKGROUND
We are nearing completion of Project Illumine: The Light of the Qur'an, the first complete original English language commentary on the Qur’an (tafsir) in over forty years. We seek to secure funding to begin Project Illumine II: Decolonizing the Sirah in the Age of Islamophobia, an in-depth re-examination of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the original sources.
WHAT WE'RE FUNDING:
- A Global Virtual Master Class, taught by our Scholar in Residence, Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl.
- We are creating the knowledge to DECOLONIZE and RESIST.
- To reclaim our history, our narratives, and our dignity, we must relearn our rich tradition anew - minus the colonial filter.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
- Islamophobia is a billion dollar industry. It is based on racism. It targets Muslims and is designed to create doubt and crises of faith.
- In the age of information and technology, you do not have to occupy territory to colonize it. You simply have to control information.
- Islamophobia disempowers Muslims. Even when mentioning the words “Islam” or “Prophet Muhammad,” Muslims feel a sense of dread.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Help us make this knowledge come to life. Let this be your legacy for future generations. Every donation is Zakat Eligible!
MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN NOW THROUGH 30 JUNE 2023!
Every donation up to $50,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor!
WHAT YOUR DONATION WILL SUPPORT:
- Globally accessible subscription-based weekly virtual halaqas at The Usuli Institute
- Professional Recording and Podcasting
- Technology Platform
- Transcription Services and Editing
- Research
- Marketing
- Design Services
- Publishing
- Labor
WHY YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS IMPORTANT:
This project is an act of resistance and education to undo the damage of colonial narratives. Projects like this are about truth-telling. It is 100% donor-supported.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:
GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE: $500
- Includes One Subscription to the Master Class (First semester only)
GIFT OF ETHICS: $1,000
- Includes One virtual subscription to the Master Class per $500 donated (to use, gift, or donate back as scholarships)
- Usuli Project Illumine Hoodie or T-shirt
- A Special Q&A Session with Shaykh Abou El Fadl for Founding Sponsors, Date TBD
GIFT OF VIRTUE: $2,500
All previous perks plus:
- Gift copies of The Prophet's Pulpit, Volumes 1 and 2!
GIFT OF HONOR: $5,000
All previous perks plus:
- A Complimentary Hard Drive with the Complete Digital Collection of Project Illumine Qur'anic Commentary (Tafsir) Halaqa Videos
GIFT OF LEGACY: $10,000+
All previous perks plus:
- A Complimentary Hard Drive with the Complete Digital Collection of Project Illumine II: Sirah Halaqa Videos (after the completion of halaqas)
DETAILS AND DEADLINES:
- To be a Founding Sponsor, pledge or donate your support of at least $500 before 30th June 2023.
- Complete your pledged donation by 31 December 2023.
- Multiple donations made by the same donor between 18 February and 30 June 2023 will be counted towards the total sponsorship.
- Special $500 subscription rate applies only to the first semester (January - June 2024), good through 30 June 2023.
- After 30 June 2023, subscription rate is $600 ($100 per month for January - June 2024).