Deaf Muslims to Gather in Dallas to Share Faith, Break Barriers
Now in its fourth year, the Deaf Muslim Expo offers a space where faith and communication come together, CairoScene reported on Sunday.
Organised by the Global Deaf Muslim Foundation (GDMF), the annual gathering focuses on Islamic education, networking, and resources for deaf Muslims, a group often overlooked in mainstream Muslim spaces.
The programme includes workshops on religion, health, careers, and personal development — all conducted in sign language. Interpreters are on hand to ensure full participation.
GDMF Executive Director Andaleeb Elayan said the sessions are designed to make Islamic knowledge more accessible while also tackling practical challenges such as job applications.
Financial barriers remain a concern. Many deaf Muslims save for months to attend, and interpreter costs can be prohibitive. “Certified interpreters ask for a minimum of two hours, even if it’s only a one-hour event. If it’s more than two hours, we need a team of interpreters. It’s more money,” Elayan noted.
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For some attendees, language adds another hurdle. Deaf Muslims from immigrant families may not speak English or the local spoken language, relying entirely on sign language. This can make everyday tasks — from filling out immigration forms to visiting a doctor — dependent on community support.
GDMF works to promote inclusion based on the Islamic value of ummah, meaning community. Elayan emphasised that no one should be excluded, including those with disabilities.
The group also addresses cultural differences between deaf and hearing Muslims, such as the need for physical gestures like a shoulder tap to get attention, which can conflict with some traditional norms.
Access to religious knowledge is another challenge. Friday sermons and Islamic lectures are rarely interpreted or captioned, leaving deaf Muslims without full participation. GDMF often steps in to arrange interpretation when other organisers do not.
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Social education is part of the mission, too. The group teaches adab — Islamic manners — to help members navigate expectations in Muslim communities, where privacy and indirect communication may be valued more than in deaf culture.
While religion is central, the event also highlights other aspects of life. This year’s speakers include a deaf Muslim lawyer discussing career goals and a health expert on nutrition and exercise.
The Deaf Muslim Expo runs August 30–31 in Dallas.
Source: Agencies
