Looking Ahead: The Editorial Board’s Intentions and Vision for the Relaunch of the Muslim Legal Journal

By Editorial Board of the Muslim Legal Journal

On behalf of NAML’s leadership, the Editorial Board of the Muslim Legal Journal (“MLJ”) is thrilled to announce the relaunch of the MLJ later this month, inshAllah. In anticipation of the relaunch, and in recognition of the importance of setting and purifying our intentions, each member of the editorial team shares below our vision for the MLJ for the coming year:

“In deciding to join the MLJ, I recognized an opportunity to use the power of writing to unite Muslim legal professionals and amplify their unique experiences. Through the MLJ, I envision a platform that not only disseminates knowledge but also serves as a resource hub for legal professionals. It is my hope that through this community, law students, attorneys, and professionals at large can learn and engage in meaningful dialogue about legal current events and topics that shape our world. Additionally, it is my hope that the MLJ serves as a trusted source of information and inspiration for our readership.”

- Sanaa Ghanim, Muslim Legal Journal Editor-in-Chief and recent graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law

“I joined the Muslim Legal Journal to help develop the MLJ into a dynamic platform that grows and strengthens the Muslim legal community. I want it to serve as a forum to build meaningful personal and professional relationships, highlight the accomplishments of our talented and diverse attorneys, and facilitate intellectual curiosity and legal scholarship. My hope is that the MLJ shapes NAML and the broader legal community, and in turn, the community shapes the MLJ.”

- Hafsa S. Mansoor, Muslim Legal Journal Managing Editor and S.D.N.Y. Judicial Law Clerk

“As the former Managing Editor and current Editor-At-Large of The Muslim Legal Journal, I have the privilege and responsibility to inform, enlighten, and inspire our readers who extend far beyond our own Islamic communities. Our team has the ability to shine a light on those groundbreaking pioneers and topics that might otherwise remain hidden in mainstream media or within their own bar associations.

I joined the MLJ to help promote the work of Muslim attorneys and law students to a broader worldwide audience. I want us to republish your 3L thesis papers, research memos, and law school journal essays. I want us to interview all of the Muslim judges and politicians who help shape our laws. I also want us to share current news stories that affect both our Islamic communities and legal networks.

One of my goals in participating with NAML and the MLJ is to advocate for all of the Muslims in the Pacific Northwest, highlight the work of our Muslim legal community, and cultivate the next generation of Muslim youth to consider joining the legal profession under the mentorship of our nationwide network. 

Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the role of the readers in our audience who engage with our work. Your trust, engagement, and feedback serve as a reminder of our duty to stand in solidarity with each other and to defend the principles underlying our religion and profession. This journal is a collaborative endeavor, and without your support, our words would remain unheard. Thank you for standing with us and recognizing the importance of the Muslim Legal Journal. Together, let us continue to illuminate our ummah with knowledge and thrive to inspire the Muslim legal community.”

-   Sarah El Ebiary, Muslim Legal Journal Editor-At-Large and IP Lawyer

“I was extremely excited to learn of the Muslim Legal Journal upon beginning my law school career and knew that I wanted to be involved somehow. The Muslim legal community is quite small and the number of Muslim law students is even fewer. Thus, it may feel as though we do not receive adequate representation at our schools, firms, or elsewhere as our voices may be overpowered by more active or represented identity groups. Thus, it is our job to form a united community where our voices will be elevated so that we take up our space in the legal field. The Muslim Legal Journal is the perfect vessel that we Muslims must utilize in order to share our thoughts, ideas, and research with the broader legal community. I hope that this journal will continue to grow such that Muslim law students from across the country, as well as Muslim legal professionals in all different practice areas, participate.”

- Sherry Assi, Muslim Legal Journal Copy Editor and 2L at Boston College Law School

“I joined the Muslim Legal Journal to learn more about the amazing work Muslim legal professionals are doing and to give them a platform to showcase their contributions and research. As the Muslim legal community in America continues to grow, I believe the journal will play a key role in fostering strength and connection between our community's giants and trailblazers, and those of us who hope to follow in their footsteps and add to their legacy. Through my participation, I hope to not only enhance my own writing skills, but to also contribute to a greater understanding and recognition of accomplishments within the Muslim legal community. By the will of Allah, I believe this journal will be a force for positive change and beneficial knowledge, and it is my honor to serve.” 

- Hamid Bazaraa, Muslim Legal Journal Copy Editor and 2L at the University of Wisconsin Law School

“I joined the Muslim Legal Journal to collaborate with like-minded legal professionals and address legal challenges specific to the Muslim community. The journal provides an invaluable platform for sharing insights on legal issues directly impacting the Muslim community, fostering deeper understanding, and enabling informed discussions. Through my involvement, I hope to contribute to shaping the legal discourse published by the journal, which will ensure that the unique perspectives and needs of the community are well-represented in legal discussions.”

- Tubah Ahmad, Muslim Legal Journal News/Features Editor and 2L at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

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We are counting on the support and participation of our talented NAML members to make this relaunch successful, inshAllah. If you are interested in contributing to the journal, please email muslimlegaljournal@naml.info. We’re interested in publishing 400-800 word articles—whether they’re original thought pieces or news articles, republication of articles published elsewhere, reviews of longer articles or books, written versions of panels or CLE presentations you’ve given, or even listicles. If you would like to write for MLJ but stumped what to write about, our editorial team will be more than happy to brainstorm article topics together with you.

We look forward to successfully relaunching the Muslim Legal Journal and working with you soon, inshAllah!