Global Deaf Muslim: Analyzing Interest Group Dynamics and Impact

This essay provides an analysis of the Global Deaf Muslim (GDM) interest group, examining its formation in 2005 and its core mission to advocate for the rights and religious inclusion of deaf Muslims. The essay explores the challenges faced by deaf individuals in accessing religious education and practices due to communication barriers, particularly the limited availability of American Sign Language (ASL) resources. It highlights GDM's role in bridging this gap, offering support and resources to enable deaf Muslims to engage with their faith. The essay discusses the controversies surrounding interest groups and their influence on public policy, ultimately supporting the GDM's efforts in promoting faith and support for the deaf community. The paper also references relevant academic sources to support the arguments made.

Running head: GLOBAL DEAF MUSLIM
GLOBAL DEAF MUSLIM
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

1GLOBAL DEAF MUSLIM
For years the definition of interest group has been debated by social scientists. In the past,
interest groups are a non-political organisation that was defined by their interest, private in
nature and influence public policy. In this paper, I will discuss interest group considering the
famous Global Deaf Muslim (GDM), and the reason I tend to be in their side even though there
are best arguments from the other side.
Established in 2005 by a team of college students, the interest group that aims to
recognise the rights of the deaf Muslims and actively work in order to make sure it is accessible
to them inclusive of all the Muslims1. Faith is something that clashes in no time when the
common sense of the world is taking the lead. However, in no denial faith is the fundamental
foundation of our existence. Deaf people, unlike physically healthy people, fail to access equal
opportunities of experiencing Islamic. While the deaf Muslims are faced continuously with
struggles due to limited availability of information, Global Deaf Muslim help the deaf Muslims
to learn about Islam. The conventional ways of learning about religion such as lectures,
Khutbahs, Taraweeh prayers and events are not experienced in the same way since it is difficult
for them to learn American Sign Language. Therefore, deaf have continuously been excluded
from learning Islam leading them becoming excluded from the Muslim community as well. In
order to help the deaf Muslim being associated with their religion, GDM has to play a vital role.
There is some Muslim parent who does not make an effort to learn ASL to communicate
with their children which makes them lacking the most basic support, familial support. This leads
them to convert their religion into other faith-based groups that help in accommodating the deaf.
In order to address these struggles, GDM is initiating movements for the change of pattern in the
Muslim community. Movements are the organised effort that aim to bring change, similarly,
1 “Our Mission” Global Deaf Muslim Canada, www.globaldeafmuslimcanada.com/about-us/.

2GLOBAL DEAF MUSLIM
Global Deaf Muslim aims to bring change by helping the deaf people learn and have faith in
their own religion2.
Although the mission and vision of GDM are worth the praise, it is often seen as one of
the controversial matter. In America, there have always been interest groups outside the
government who tend to influence officials in decision making. Interest groups are non-political
organisations that have the potential of changing public opinions. It is, therefore, considered to
be mingling with politics of the nation which explains the reasons for various controversies
revolving this specific interest group3.
Contrasting both the side of the story, the reasons for the supporting and taking stand on
behalf of GDM is much understandable as it helps people gaining something crucial to humanity,
their faith and support. Therefore, I chose to be on their side despite the best argument from the
other side.
2 Meyer, David S. "How social movements matter." contexts 2.4 (2003): 30-35.
3 Lemann, Nicholas. "Conflict of Interests." The New Yorker 11 (2008).

3GLOBAL DEAF MUSLIM
Bibliography:
“Our Mission” Global Deaf Muslim Canada, www.globaldeafmuslimcanada.com/about-us/.
Lemann, Nicholas. "Conflict of Interests." The New Yorker 11 (2008).
Meyer, David S. "How social movements matter." contexts 2.4 (2003): 30-35.