Islam is the hidden ingredient in the melting pot of America. Though there are between 2 and 8 million Muslims in the U.S.; Islam has traditionally had little political clout compared to other minority faiths. However; it has been a part of the fabric of the United States from its conception. African people; brought over in the slave trade; formed the roots of American Islam; their faith challenged and suppressed by slaveowners. Nonetheless; great American thinkers were proponents of the faith; including Thomas Jefferson; who studied Islam; and Ralph Waldo Emerson who spoke of its importance and influence.Since then; Islam has taken on many guises-from slavery; as a part of the Civil Rights movement; as a metonym for extremism; to Middle America; there is now at least one Mosque in all fifty States.Islam is believed to be the country’s fastest-growing religion with a vibrant culture of theological debate; particularly regarding the role of women preachers. In Islam in America; Curiel traces the history of America’s Muslims. Drawing on interviews in communities from industrial Michigan to rural California; Curiel portrays the diversity of practices; cultures and observances that make up Muslim America.
#2633770 in Books 2014-04-21 2014-04-21Format: International EditionOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.14 x 2.15 x 6.13l; 2.76 #File Name: 1847922910960 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy GeraldThoroughly written. A history that we must study and learn.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. FantasticBy Lewis OukselThis book is a tome; but it is fascinating. Figes effortlessly glides between discussion of peasant life in pre-revolutionary Russia; to the intellectuals in the salons of St. Petersburg; to the ideology of the Tsar; and to descriptions of military movement during the Civil War. It is unnecessary to have even the slightest knowledge of the Russian Revolution to read and learn from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Russian history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fabulous writerBy julie spiegelbergerFiges is unbelievably thorough and a real master of the material
