Most Americans are only vaguely aware of the Muslim community in the United States and know little about the religion itself, despite Islam's increasing importance in international affairs and the rapid growth in the number of Americans who call themselves Muslims. Now, a foremost authority in the field has crafted a richly textured portrait of the Muslim community in the United States today. Jane I. Smith introduces the basic tenets of the Muslim faith, surveys the history of Islam in this country, and profiles the lifestyles, religious practices, and world views of American Muslims. The volume pays particular attention to the tension felt by many in this community as they attempt to live faithfully, adhering to their traditions while at the same time adapting to an alien culture that appears to many Muslims to be excessively secular and materialistic. The book also covers the role of women in American Islam, the raising and educating of children, the use of products acceptable to Muslims, appropriate dress and behavior, concerns about prejudice and unfair treatment, and other issues related to life in a country in which Islam is often misunderstood.
Review
"Straightforward, well-written, detailed account of Islam's emergence in the United States." -- Library Journal (starred review) "Introductions to Islam are abundant. But one with a focus on the American experience, written in clear, readable English, with a balanced approach, solid documentation, and a list of resources with helpful annotations, is rare. Jane I. Smith's Islam in America has all these characteristics." -- Middle East Journal "Fair, accessible, and detailed... A straightforward account of the emergence in the United States of a major religious tradition." -- Gustav Niebuhr, The New York Times Book Review "A much needed corrective to the negative stereotypes of Islam and Muslims that prevail in the United States... The importance of this work is that it demonstrates that there is no monolithic Islam, steadfastly attempting to undermine American values and interests." -- Anna Bigelow, The Journal of Religious Studies "'Where is Islam?' one American woman asked Jane Smith, supposing it to be a country. Professor Smith... wrote this short and valuable book with just such people in mind." -- Roger Hardy, International Affairs "For those who wish to understand the changing American religious landscape, understanding Islam and American Muslims is essential. Jane I. Smith is the perfect guide to start one on that path." -- John Esposito, author of The Oxford History of Islam, Christian Century
About the Author
Jane I. Smith is professor of Islamic Studies at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut. The coeditor of The Muslim World and an editor of the Encyclopedia of Women in World Religion, she is the author of The Concept of Islam in the History of Qur'anic Exegesis and coauthor of Mission to America, and serves as a member of the Commission on Interfaith Relations of the National Council of Churches.
