CAIR on AIR - Beyond the Courtroom and Behind the Headlines

About CAIR on AIR - Beyond the Courtroom and Behind the Headlines

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

Publisher

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

Category

education · government · news · religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2026

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   What's Behind The Mental Health Struggles Of American Muslims? w/ Dr. Amelia Noor

   Dr. Amelia Noor, PhD, is an Associate Faculty member in the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her work focuses on suicide prevention, injury and violence prevention, and understanding the social and institutional factors that contribute to mental health challenges. In today's episode, Dr. Amelia joined me to discuss the mental health crisis affecting the American Muslim community, the growing concern surrounding suicide, and how these issues can be properly addressed. Dr. Amelia shared her personal experiences with discrimination, health challenges, and suicidal thoughts, as well as the factors that influenced her commitment to suicide prevention. We explored how Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination contribute to emotional stress among Muslims. We also discussed the connection between discrimination and a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Amelia also explained the importance of understanding different risk factors, why communities need to prioritize prevention before a crisis occurs, and how to create a culture where people feel comfortable seeking help. Join us today as we discuss suicide prevention in the American Muslim community, the relationship between discrimination and mental health, the importance of community-wide safety planning, available crisis support resources, the role of faith in finding meaning and purpose, and much more.

2. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Why Are Mosques Becoming Targets in America? Lessons From San Diego to Minnesota

   Across the U.S., mosques are being treated as soft targets—from firebombings in Minnesota to a foiled mass killing in San Diego that could have mirrored the New Zealand massacre. In this powerful live panel, we go inside the new reality of mosque security in America: how close communities have come to catastrophe, what actually prevented mass casualties, and why most masajid are still dangerously unprepared. Hosted by Nicole Foster Bradford, CAIR's Community Advocacy Director, this conversation brings together front-line imams and civil rights leaders who have lived these crises in real time: * Imam Taha Hassane – Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego, where an armed congregant and a lockdown plan saved more than 100 lives. * Tazheen Nizam – Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego, a "civil rights first responder" helping communities navigate trauma, policy, and police after attacks. * Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota, who has faced over 50 mosque incidents and survived a mosque firebombing himself. * Imam Naeem Baig – Imam, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Northern Virginia, a national interfaith leader building real community protection beyond the masjid walls. If you've ever assumed "it won't happen at our masjid," this episode will change the way you think about safety, community, and responsibility—and give you concrete steps to take back to your board, imam, and fellow congregants. Guests * Imam Taha Hassane – Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego * Tazheen Nizam – Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego * Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota * Nicole Foster Bradford – Community Advocacy Director, CAIR * Imam Naeem Baig – Imam, Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center Key Takeaways * Mosque security is not just cameras and locks—it's policy, training, neighbors, and culture. * The most effective protection often comes long before an attacker reaches the door. * Tawakkul demands preparation, not passivity. * Every community member can (and must) play a role in keeping the masjid safe.

3. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Why Is Islamophobia Rising in America? The Real Reason w/ Dr. Hatem Bazian

   Dr. Hatem Bazian is a teaching professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading scholar and expert on Islamophobia. His work examines anti-Muslim hate, political scapegoating, racism, and the forces shaping how Muslims are represented in American society and politics. In today's episode, Dr. Hatem joins me to discuss the growing rise of anti-Muslim hate in the United States and why Islamophobic rhetoric appears to intensify during election cycles. We dive into the political and social forces behind Islamophobia, including the role of elections, media narratives, political organizations, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Dr. Hatem also explains how the fear of Muslims is used to shift public attention away from economic and foreign policy issues. We also explore the growing presence of American Muslims and whether directly confronting Islamophobia is the most effective strategy for candidates. Dr. Hatem also reveals how candidates can prevent opponents from turning Islamophobia into the central issue of a campaign. Dr. Hatem also talks about the changing attitudes among some conservatives toward Muslims, the political impact of the Epstein files, and how Islamophobia may be used when individual candidates succeed or fail. Join us today as we discuss the rise of Islamophobia in America, the politics behind anti-Muslim hate, Gaza and U.S. foreign policy, Muslim political power, and what Muslims can do to build a stronger future.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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