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AETN to air 'Islam in Arkansas' Nov. 22

Posted 07 Nov 2013

"Islam in Arkansas," a one-hour documentary that goes beyond stereotypes and misconceptions to explore the lives, religion and community impact of Muslims in Arkansas, will premiere on the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) Friday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 p.m.

Designed to take viewers on a journey into a world many know only through fragmented news clips, "Islam in Arkansas" seeks to provide a better understanding of a religion often doused in controversy and mystery. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, more than 90 percent of Arkansans as a whole report themselves to be Christians, but a steadily growing one percent of Arkansas residents proclaim themselves to be practitioners of Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world. Throughout the film, native and immigrant members of Arkansas's diverse Muslim population discuss their beliefs, their community of worshippers and how they work to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.

Featured interviews include meetings with Imam Aquil Mohammed - entrepreneur, international master chef and member of the New Africa Nation's mosque, The Islamic Center for Excellence of Little Rock - who introduces his mosque's efforts to renovate and restore a portion of southwest Little Rock along Wright Avenue, and with Sisters Waheedah Shaheed and Clarshun Beya of Clara Mohammed School, who seek to provide clarity and a new perspective on the wearing of the hijab and the lives of female Muslims.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).