Muslim individuals continue to respond to Islamophobia and seek out open dialogue with broad non-Muslim communities. Some choose political activism, working with organizations such as the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) or the Council for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Some choose public and interfaith dialogues, opening up their homes to non-Muslims, inviting others to introductory classes on Islam, or co-hosting events with people from other religious traditions.... Read more about Islam in America Post 9/11

Muslim youth struggle with the interaction between the varied identities they might possess, desires to observe Islamic practices in the middle of non-Muslim communities, the impacts of stereotypes and prejudice, and intergenerational differences and conflicts. National and local Muslim organizations provide youth with mentorship, adult leadership, and guidance in pursuing lifestyles that are compatible with Islam.... Read more about Muslim Youth: The Next Generation

The American media, including television programs, films, and newspapers, propagated negative portrayals of Islam and presented anti-Muslim rhetoric uncritically even before 9/11, though the issue intensified after the U.S. declared its “Global War on Terror.” Muslim individuals—and non-Muslims mistaken for Muslims—experience discrimination, harassment, and physical attacks, while mosques and Islamic centers are often vandalized. In the wake of hate attacks, Muslim organizations like the Islamic Circle of North America, the Council of American-Islamic Relations, the American Muslim Council, various mosque and Muslim media often utilize different outlets (open houses, pamphlets, call centers, TV series) to address stereotypes.... Read more about Struggling Against Stereotypes

Muslim chaplains provide faith-based counsel and guidance in institutional contexts (the military, schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities, among others). Historically, Muslim chaplains grew through the da'wah practice of prison ministries, particularly through the Nation of Islam and the activism of Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz). Today, Muslim chaplains form networks through various chaplaincy organizations.... Read more about Muslim Chaplaincy in the U.S.

One of the concerns that Muslim parents and communities have is addressing the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual needs of younger generations throughout their education. Concerns about students’ spiritual formation in an environment that does not emphasize religious practices led to the creation of independent Islamic schools, often affiliated with mosques.... Read more about Public Versus Private

Muslims take different approaches to political involvement. Some Muslims resist political participation, proposing the separation of dar al-Islam (governance based on Islamic norms) and dar al-Kufr (non-Islamic governance or “the abode of unbelief”). Others started participating after strong anti-Muslim sentiments arose in America after September 11th, 2001. Many choose to participate in politics to debunk stereotypes, to fight against hate, and to promote social inclusion and civic engagement.... Read more about Muslims and American Politics

Islam is not monolithic; understanding Islam means learning about the diversity of its streams. Ethno-religious mosques and organizations practice Islam while celebrating the varied ethnic cultures of immigrant Muslim communities. However, linguistic and cultural differences can cause de facto divisions among diverse groups.... Read more about Unity and Diversity

Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown during the month of Ramadan. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, those who fast also restrain themselves from evil thoughts, speeches, and actions. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan and is one of the most anticipated Islamic holidays.... Read more about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Across the globe, including in the United States, Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, is celebrated on the twelfth day of the month Rabi’ al-Awwal. Celebrations include festivals, prayer services, recitations of poetry and litanies, as well as religious gatherings. Celebrations of the Mawlid in America and distinctly English forms of poetry, songs, and literature shows the increasing importance of Mawlid al-Nabi amongst American Muslims. ... Read more about Birthday of the Prophet: Mawlid al-Nabi

Technological advances have affected Muslims no less than the rest of the world. There are now Muslim talk radio shows, television shows that tell specifically Islamic stories, and online editions of the Qur’an and Hadith.... Read more about Muslim Media

Sufism emphasizes the inner life of Islam and the practice of remembrance (dhikr) under the guidance of a spiritual master (shaykh or pir). Different Sufi orders have varying relationships to other Muslims, and the flexibility and accessibility of Sufism often provides an entry for Americans to embrace Islam.

... Read more about Remembrance of God: The Sufi Circle

Halal ("permitted" in Arabic) refers to Islamic dietary restrictions. Along with proscribing what not to eat (haram or “forbidden” in Arabic), halal requires minimal suffering and the pronouncement of the name of God during the slaughter of an animal. Though halal food items and restaurants were limited early on, today they have become a staple on the American culinary map. The variety of halal ethnic cuisines reflects the diversity of the American Muslim community. ... Read more about Halal Food