Journey Into America: The Challenge Of Islam

Book Summary

The most comprehensive study ever done on the American Muslim community, "Journey into America" explores and documents how Muslims are fitting into U.S. society, seeking to place the Muslim experience in the U.S. within the larger context of American identity. Renowned scholar Akbar Ahmed and his team of young researchers traveled through over seventy-five cities across the United States from New York City to Salt Lake City; from Las Vegas to Miami; from large enclaves such as Dearborn, Michigan, to small towns like Arab, Alabama. They visited over one hundred mosques and visited homes and schools to discover what Muslims are thinking, what they are reading, and how they are living every day in America. Ahmed illuminates unexplored Muslim-American communities through his pursuit of challenging questions: Can we expect an increase in homegrown terrorism? How do American Muslims of Arab descent differ from those of other origins (e.g. Somali or South Asian)? Why are so many white women converting to Islam? He also delves into the potentially sticky area of relations with other religions. For example, is there truly a deep divide between Muslims and Jews in America? And how well do Muslims get along with other larger religious groups, such as Mormons in Utah? Much like Ahmed's widely hailed " Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization" (Brookings, 2007), "Journey into America" is equal parts anthropological research, listening tour, and travelogue. Whereas the previous book took the reader into homes, schools, mosques, and public places in heavily Muslim nations, "Journey into America" takes us into the heart of America's Muslim communities in America. It is absolutely essential reading for anyone trying to make sense of Islam in America the challenges it faces, the challenges it poses, and its prospects for the future. CONTENTS: 1. Muslim Odyssey Part 1: American Identity 2. Defining American Identity 3. Search for American Identity Part 2: Islam in America 4. African Americans as First Muslims 5. Immigrant Muslims: Living the American Dream/American Nightmare 6. Muslim Converts: Shame and Honor in a Time of Excess Part 3: Adjusting and Adapting 7. Jews and Muslims: Bridging a Great Divide 8. Mormons and Muslims 9. The Importance of Being America

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