CNN Names Social Innovators Rami Nashashibi and Eboo Patel two of the Most Influential American Muslims

Rami Nashashibi, founder of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, and Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith Youth Core, and were recently named by CNN as two of the 25 most influential American Muslims, among other Muslim pioneers. Hear them tell stories that inspire them to do the work they do.

“Rami Nashashibi says he didn’t fully “convert” to Islam until he met Muslim social justice advocates in Chicago. “What has made Islam dynamic in America has been this extraordinary intersection with activism,” he says. For more than 20 years, Nashashibi’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network has been at the forefront of intersectional activism in Chicago, bringing together Latino teenagers, elderly nuns, progressive rabbis, as well as immigrant and native-born Muslims for projects ranging from artwork to health clinics and housing for former inmates. ”

Watch Rami's video at cnn.com.

And learn more about the Inner-City Muslim Action Network at www.imancentral.org.

“Growing up in suburban Chicago, Eboo Patel dutifully attended worship services with his family. “But the real religion in our family was American achievement,” he says. That meant good grades, prestigious internships and, eventually, a lucrative career. But after earning a doctorate from Oxford University on a Rhodes scholarship, Patel told his family he wanted to try public service. ”

Watch Eboo's video at cnn.com.

And learn more about the Interfaith Youth Core at www.ifyc.org.

Rami Nashashibi photo credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Eboo Patel photo credit: IFYC