Welcome to Our Inaugural Newsletter!
As-salamu alaykum and welcome to the very first edition of the Kufi Productions newsletter! We're thrilled to launch this monthly digest bringing you compelling stories, cultural insights, and community connections that matter to Muslim and ethnic communities.
This October edition features investigative journalism on global conflicts, heartfelt stories from Gaza, alternatives to Halloween celebrations, spiritual reflections, and vibrant community events. Let's dive in!
โจ CREATOR SPOTLIGHT
October: Suha Syed
This month we are featuring Suha Syed for our Creator Spotlight! Suha Syed is a poet, writer, activist, content creator, political analyst, and photojournalist based on Long Island and in New York City. She is the cofounder of Silsila, an upcoming grassroots open mic collective amplifying New York City's diverse voices, Muslim and beyond. Suha's creative work blends lifestyle, fandom, and community engagement, with a special focus on supporting Long Island's vibrant small businesses and highlighting underrepresented narratives through diverse storytelling and photography.
๐ฌ FEATURED INVESTIGATIONS
Profiting from Conflict: An Indictment of Raytheon's Practices and Political Influence
A new investigation reveals how Raytheon, one of the world's largest defense contractors, systematically profits from global conflict by leveraging a "revolving door" with the Pentagon and lobbying for policies that increase military spending, often at the expense of democratic principles and civilian lives.
Read the full investigation โ
Endless Displacement: The Silent Journey of Gaza's Women and Children
For women and children in Gaza, displacement is not a single event but a recurring and permanent state of being, where the act of moving itself becomes their only constant. This poignant portrait reveals the reality of life under perpetual upheaval.
๐ฐ NEWS ROUNDUP
Top US Domestic News - October 2025
Government Shutdown Enters Third Week โข The federal government has been shut down for over two weeks, with Senate Republicans and Democrats deadlocked over funding. Federal workers have begun missing paychecks, though military personnel and FBI agents continue to be paid through alternative funds.
Supreme Court Rejects Alex Jones Appeal โข The Supreme Court rejected conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' appeal of a $1.4 billion defamation judgment over his false claims about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Venezuela Policy Escalation โข President Trump confirmed authorization of CIA covert action in Venezuela and indicated his administration is exploring land strikes inside the South American country.
Budget Deficit Decreases โข The U.S. budget deficit slipped to $1.775 trillion in fiscal year 2025, down $41 billion from the prior year, with tariff revenue shooting up to $195 billion.
Top International News - October 2025
Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect โข A new U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on October 10, following President Trump's 20-point peace plan. All 20 remaining living Israeli hostages were released on October 13 in exchange for approximately 1,700 Palestinian prisoners.
Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Stalled โข Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that despite diplomatic efforts, Russia and Ukraine "are just not at the point where they can make a deal."
Mexico Flooding Disaster โข Flooding and landslides cut off 300 towns in central and eastern Mexico, leaving dozens dead and missing.
Haiti Humanitarian Crisis Deepens โข Doctors Without Borders announced it must permanently close its emergency care center in Port-au-Prince as gangs now control 90% of the city.
Madagascar Military Coup โข An elite military unit seized power after weeks of Gen Z-led protests, with a transitional government announced to rule for up to two years.
๐ CULTURAL HERITAGE & SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
Spooky Season Alternatives: A Muslim Take on Thrills
It's officially October, and while many are gearing up for Halloween, we know that as Muslims, we don't celebrate it. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun, thrills, and spooky excitement!
If you enjoy the adrenaline rush of horror films and creative storytelling, channel that energy into the chilling world of Jinn stories!
Share Your Scariest Jinn Story and Win!
Submit your most spine-tingling, unforgettable Jinn encounter for a chance to be featured on our page and win an awesome swag pack with our logo.
Mindful Living in the West: Finding Peace in a Quranic Dua
In the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Western life, a simple but profound Quranic supplication offers a timeless remedy and spiritual anchor:
The Dua for Contentment:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar."
ุฑูุจููููุง ุขุชูููุง ููู ุงูุฏููููููุง ุญูุณูููุฉู ููููู ุงููุขุฎูุฑูุฉู ุญูุณูููุฉู ููููููุง ุนูุฐูุงุจู ุงููููุงุฑ
(Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.) - [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]
Why This Matters in Western Culture:
This dua promotes balance and mindfulness by redefining "good" beyond material wealth to include mental health, healthy relationships, and genuine contentment. Reciting it serves as a daily mental reset, reminding us that our efforts should contribute to lasting peaceโboth now and in the futureโwhile reducing the anxiety that comes from living in a culture of instant results.
From the Nile to New York: The Origins of America's Lady Liberty
Did you know the Statue of Liberty was originally designed for Egypt? Initially envisioned as 'Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia'โa colossal statue of a woman from Upper Egypt wearing traditional clothingโshe was meant to stand at the entrance of the Suez Canal before becoming the universal symbol of American opportunity we know today.
๐๏ธ PRODUCTION UPDATES & EXCLUSIVES
The Treaded Path Podcast: New Episode Released!![]()
In this episode of The Treaded Path podcast, host Salman Hasan speaks with Shaden Awad, founder of QUWA Labs, about her journey in the tech industry, the challenges she faced as a student, and how her faith influences her professional life. Shaden shares insights on navigating corporate ethics, finding ethical employers, and the importance of mentorship and networking. She emphasizes the need for confidence in one's abilities and offers practical advice for young Muslim professionals looking to succeed in their careers.
๐ช COMMUNITY & EVENTS
Nafahat: Building Community Through Spiritual Practice
Nafahat โ a name drawn from a beautiful tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ: โYour Lord has nafahat (fragrant exhalations) [of His mercy] in these days of your timeโso expose yourselves to them. Perhaps you will attain a whiff of them, after which you will never know despair.โ This name perfectly captures the mission of this nonprofit organization: building a community centered around spiritual practice.
This non-profit organization is dedicated to building a community centered around spiritual practices.
View upcoming October 2025 events โ
Explore more NYC events year-round โ
Radiance on the Reservation: The 79th Annual Shinnecock Powwow
Every Labour Day weekend, the annual Shinnecock Powwow brings thousands of visitors to the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, Long Island. This radiant celebration of Native culture features art, dance, food, and craftsmanship from tribes across the country.
Our vlog captures the color, sound, and spirit of this living tradition that continues to thrive in joy, diversity, and collective pride.
Awaaz Collective: A Voice of Culture, Creativity, and Community
Awaaz means voice. They are a space where culture, creativity, and community converge, made for and by Muslim, South Asian, Arab, and BIPOC creatives. From mixers to mentorship, they're opening doors and creating spaces.
๐ Stay Connected
Thank you for joining us for this inaugural edition! We're committed to bringing you stories that matter, voices that inspire, and connections that strengthen our communities.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, & LinkedIn and visit our website, www.kufiproductions.com, for more content throughout the month.
Until next time,
The Kufi Productions Team
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