Islam in America

by Jane I. Smith and Jane Idleman Smith

Book Overview

This richly textured, critically acclaimed portrait of American Muslims introduces the basic tenets of the Muslim faith, surveys the history of Islam in North America, and profiles the lifestyles,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231109660
• ISBN13: 9780231109666
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 251 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Surprising insights

I am half-way through the hardcover edition of Islam in America, and am surprised at the depth of knowledge Smith reveals of Islam and Muslims.I have read other books by other scholars and have found their perspectives sometimes colored by their political or spiritual beliefs. Too often is there an association of the religion with extremist groups, a subtle attempt to link the faith of the majority with the extremist fervor of a few. To the author's credit, she draws the line that distinguishes one from the other, pointing out that Islam - and those who sincerely practice it - rejects all forms of racism.With Smith, there is a complete honesty in her analysis. She espouses no cause, but she certainly has revealed a remarkable knowledge of the history of Islam in the United States as well as of Islamic practices. I have no idea of her religion, but from the way she has written she could even be a liberal, analytical and very observant Muslim.Smith's understanding of Islam and the Muslim community in America is so intimate and impressive that I have been corralling my wife and reading paragraphs and pages out aloud to her! My children are still too young to read the book by themselves, but it is already adding to our dinner-time discussions of what it means to be Muslim in America.I borrowed the hardcover book from our local library - it was a surprising find in small-town America - and obviously intend to buy one to keep and re-read.

The best book ever written on Islam in America

I loved this book and found it most useful. I couldn't put it down and devoured the whole 320 pages in a day!Smith (Islamic studies, Hartford Seminary, Connecticut) covers beliefs, history, Muslim family life and the challenges believers face in a culture that esteems individualism and consumerism. While Smith acknowledges anti-Muslim prejudice in this pluralistic society, she focuses mainly on the diversity of and trends in the US Muslim community. The book includes profiles of notable American Muslims; a chronology; a glossary of terms from "abd" to "zakat"; Internet as well as print, radio, and TV resources; and excellent photographs. I would recommend this book for anybody interested in the Muslim diaspora in the States.Here's the chapter breakdown:Introduction Muslim Faith and Practice Contributors to the Development of Islam Islam Comes to America Islam in the African American Community Women and the Muslim American Family Living a Muslim Life in American Society The Public Practice of Islam Looking to the Future Profiles: American Muslims of Note Chronology Notes Glossary Resources for the Study of American Islam Index

You must read it!

Jane Smith did a great job in authoring this book and it is good for Muslims and non-Muslims. I recommend it to everybody to read and enjoy.