Islam and Arabs in Early American Thought

By Fuad Shaban

Book Description

This illuminating exploration reveals how early American spiritual and national identity shaped centuries of cross-cultural encounters with the Islamic world. Fuad Shaban traces the profound influence of Christian missionary zeal and the concept of America as a "chosen people" on diplomatic and cultural relations with Arab nations and Muslim communities.

Drawing from colonial times through the era of Manifest Destiny, the book examines how American travelers, religious leaders, and political figures carried deeply held spiritual convictions into their interactions with Middle Eastern peoples. These encounters were often marked by the tension between missionary aspirations to establish "an American Israel" in the Holy Land and the complex realities of engaging with established Islamic civilizations.

Shaban brings a unique perspective to this historical analysis, combining his understanding of both American religious phenomena and Middle Eastern spiritual traditions. He demonstrates how fundamentalist movements and national philosophies created a framework that would influence American-Arab relations for generations to come.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual beliefs shape international relationships, this work offers valuable insights into the intersection of faith, culture, and diplomacy. The book reveals how early American religious identity established patterns of engagement that continue to influence cross-cultural dialogue between Christian and Islamic communities today.

Through careful historical examination, Shaban illuminates the spiritual and ideological foundations that set American-Middle Eastern relations on their complex trajectory.