5 Things to Know About Islam in the US
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, with believers increasing by the minute. You can find Muslim thinkers and scholars present all around the world and especially in the US. One of the country’s most prominent communities, around 7 million Muslims are residing in America and helping spread the true word of Allah to others. An ample number of the US population, primarily Christians and Jews, converted to Islam especially after the 9/11 incident. The curiosity about the religion and lifestyle of the Muslims leads other people to learn and know about Islam and its wonderful teachings, and they end up embracing it as the right lifestyle to follow. And one of the most catalysts in getting people to know about Islam are the American Muslims that help shed a new light on Islam. We’ve made a blog to help people know about Islam in the US and their positive presence that helps make the country better.
The Diversity of Muslims in the US
Muslims in the United States of America are a colorful mix of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. They typically belong to about 77 various countries, with the majority among them being the Pakistanis.
For example, Even if you take a small city in the US and research its religion-related demographics, the Muslims living in the city would typically be from Mexican, Egyptian and Malaysian origins, which goes to show where Islam has permeated throughout the world.
The Role of African-American Muslims
Some prominent black Muslim figures in American history, such as the great boxer Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X have greatly influenced society. Their movements aimed to end police brutality, secure equal job opportunities, and ensure equality under state law for Black people all over the US.Muhammad Ali's powerful activism extended beyond sports, inspiring civil rights advocacy worldwide. Malcolm X's oratory skills and call for self-reliance resonated deeply. Their unwavering commitment to justice sparked significant change, leaving a lasting legacy on the fight for equality.
Muslims Nobel Prize Winners
Muslims in the US have made their mark everywhere and have especially done so in the field of science, with some of the groundbreaking American scientists being Muslims. Prominent figures such as Ahmed Zewali, a renowned Egyptian scientist who did outstanding research in the field of Femto-chemistry, helped the field of Femto-chemistry reach new heights.
And others such as Dr. Hina Chaudhry who is also known as the Cardiac Magician for her amazing work in the field of cardiac regeneration. Another achievement of hers was how she topped her fellow doctors by winning the prestigious NIH award for her work.
Origins of Islam in the US
A bit of a shocker for everyone for whom didn't know, but Islam came to the US before the names of Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo were ever known. Some estimates made by historians state that Muslims explorers and enslaved Muslims may have arrived in the 12th century. Others state that they might have arrived in the 14th century, long before European explorers came to North America.Mosques in the US Amount to the Thousands
The place of worship for Muslims, Mosques are one of the most important places in Islam. About 2,000 mosques or places for worship for Muslims are present all over the US. Some major states such as California and New York contain ¼ of all of the country’s mosques.
Other than being the place of religious services, the mosques serve the purpose of social work and community aid activities by the active Muslim members present. This special task done by all the Muslim communities present in the US, increases the living standards and overall standing of the communities.
