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The Practice of Islam in America: An Introduction
An introduction to the ways in which ordinary Muslim Americans practice their faith.
Muslims have always been part of the United States, but very little is known about how Muslim Americans practice their religion. How do they pray? What’s it like to go on pilgrimage to Mecca? What rituals accompany the birth of a child, a wedding, or the death of a loved one? What holidays do Muslims celebrate and what charities do they support? How do they learn about the Qur’an?
The Practice of Islam in America introduces readers to the way Islam is lived in the United States, offering vivid portraits of Muslim American life passages, ethical actions, religious holidays, prayer, pilgrimage, and other religious activities. It takes readers into homes, religious congregations, schools, workplaces, cemeteries, restaurants—and all the way to Mecca—to understand the diverse religious practices of Muslim Americans.
Going beyond a theoretical discussion of what Muslims are supposed to do, this volume focuses on what they actually do. As the volume reveals, their religious practices are shaped by their racial and ethnic identity, their gender and sexual orientation, and their sectarian identity, among other social factors. Readers gain practical information about Islamic religion while also coming to understand how the day-to-day realities of American life shape Muslim American practice.
Muslims have always been part of the United States, but very little is known about how Muslim Americans practice their religion. How do they pray? What’s it like to go on pilgrimage to Mecca? What rituals accompany the birth of a child, a wedding, or the death of a loved one? What holidays do Muslims celebrate and what charities do they support? How do they learn about the Qur’an?
The Practice of Islam in America introduces readers to the way Islam is lived in the United States, offering vivid portraits of Muslim American life passages, ethical actions, religious holidays, prayer, pilgrimage, and other religious activities. It takes readers into homes, religious congregations, schools, workplaces, cemeteries, restaurants—and all the way to Mecca—to understand the diverse religious practices of Muslim Americans.
Going beyond a theoretical discussion of what Muslims are supposed to do, this volume focuses on what they actually do. As the volume reveals, their religious practices are shaped by their racial and ethnic identity, their gender and sexual orientation, and their sectarian identity, among other social factors. Readers gain practical information about Islamic religion while also coming to understand how the day-to-day realities of American life shape Muslim American practice.
- GenresReligionNonfiction
296 pages, Hardcover
Published December 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 19, 2025
This book gave a very multi-faceted view of the similarities and differences in how Islam is practiced by many Muslims. It gave views on different topics of theology, history, practical aspects of life, idealism, and interpretation. Which once again brings to mind: Two people (or more) can hear, read, or see the same thing and come away with different perspectives. Though we may not agree with their conclusion, it doesn't necessarily mean they are wrong. Neither right nor wrong, just different. This is where I get reminded that we (in society) have lost the openness for differing opinions. Societal (we), have gotten to the point where we put a morality value on having an opinion; when it is just that: an opinion. Nothing definitive. Nothing you MUST internalize. The book did a glood job of giving the challenges and successes of the Islamic Community here in America and its ethnic, sectarian, racial, religious, traditional and progressive viewpoints that comprise the Ummah.
June 18, 2020
Edward provided his observations and interviewed real American Muslims on their lifestyles (not limited to Sunnis, Shi'ites and Sufis) in America. He also mentioned the places in America which these Muslims annually visit for Islamic events such as Eid, Aidil Adha, etc. A great read for those who are curious to know about the lifestyle of American Muslims in the 21st century.
April 29, 2025
It's fine. I somehow still feel as though it didn't really talk about the American context of Islam enough. Each story seemed more focused on discussing each respective concept in an Islamic context with then varying levels of American flavor.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews