Deeper Roots: Muslims in the Americas and the Caribbean Before Columbus

by Abdullah Hakim Quick

Very little mention is made of the Muslim presence in the Americas and Caribbean until the 19th century, despite the fact that there has been a Muslim presence in this region for over one thousand years. This work is an attempt to dispel some of the misconceptions about Islamic history in the Americas and to help put into perspective the actual achievements and travels of Muslim explorers, merchants and settlers.

Genres: Islam

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Keka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was tough at first. The technical demographic information was a drag. But once I got through that, it was a very well researched, informative introduction to the history of Muslims in the Americas.

[Sarrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good over view and introduction to much overlooked and completely unknown history.

[Shabaana · Rating 3 out of 5]

After years of study, Dr Quick has put together this important work documenting evidence of a Muslim presence in the America's pre-Columbus. He explains how explorers from West Africa, of the Mandinka tribe left Mali, and arrived in what is today known as the Americas, and interacted with the indigenous populations. What resulted was the amalgamation of two very different cultures, to such an extent that historical artefacts point to languages that clearly demonstrate influence from the Arabic lexicon. Quick challenges the controversial and widely held assertions that Columbus was the first to bring 'civilisation' to America, and that in fact, a civilisation had already existed prior to his arrival which had interacted and traded with Muslim explorers from Africa.

He ends by relating this untold history of the Americas and Carribean islands back to current day challenges faced by African-Americans. Islamic development, says Quick, is characterised by 3 distinct stages: emulation, syncretism and revival. When a new grouping in society emerges, they are often quick to emulate the dominant culture, often losing or denying aspects of their own culture. This is followed by a process of syncretism where aspects of both cultures are combined, leading to a hybrid culture. Finally, once that grouping in society increases in confidence and leadership, they grow to challenge the status quo and apply the culture of their own to the new context - a form of revival, and this is the stage reached now by many African Americans.

A very interesting read, albeit brief. The book is descriptive in parts, though this is often necessary to expand on the collated historical evidences. A good introduction to an area which requires vast study.

[Yaqeen Sikander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply need and concise book highlighting the history of Islam in Americas. A wonderful read on this neglected and misrepresented topic. It is a very noble attempt by Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick to write on this topic.