American Islam

By Paul Barrett

Book Description

In a nation where Islam has quietly become one of America's major faiths, millions of Muslims navigate the complex terrain between deep spiritual devotion and the demands of contemporary American life. This illuminating exploration takes readers beyond headlines and stereotypes to discover the rich tapestry of Muslim experiences across the United States.

Through intimate access to homes, places of worship, and community gatherings, the book reveals a population of remarkable diversity. From recent immigrants to multi-generational families, from African-American converts to professionals climbing corporate ladders, American Muslims represent a fascinating spectrum of backgrounds, beliefs, and approaches to faith. Some have seamlessly woven their religious practices into mainstream American culture, while others struggle with feelings of displacement or hold more radical perspectives.

The author examines how this community of six million people faces unique challenges in practicing an intense, structured faith within America's individualistic and often chaotic social landscape. These struggles mirror universal questions about maintaining spiritual integrity while adapting to cultural pressures that resonate far beyond any single religious tradition.

Set against the backdrop of post-September 11th America, the narrative also addresses the tensions, investigations, and scrutiny that have shaped the Muslim American experience in recent decades. The result is a nuanced portrait that reveals both the contributions and controversies surrounding one of America's fastest-growing religious communities.