Islam and American Muslims January 2016 Ballston Spa High School Ballston Spa, NY Amina Mahmood, PhD & Fazana Saleem-Ismail, MPP (Special thanks to Dr. Saba Ali and Motier Haskins of The University of Iowa)

Overview of the Presentation Introduction (Who am I) Introduction to American Muslims Islam 101 Islamophobia Questions & Discussion

What is Islam and Who are Muslims? Islam means “(peaceful) submission to the will of God”. Muslims are those who follow Islam.

Muslims Around the World

Countries with largest Muslim populations (2010) 1. Indonesia 2. India 3. Pakistan 4. Bangladesh 5. Nigeria (Source: The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections 2010 – 2050)

Who are American Muslims? ~ 6-8 million American Muslims First Muslims to arrive in America: African slaves starting with the first slave ship that landed in Virginia in Muslims migrated to America in 4 waves: –Late 1800s & early 1900s: from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan –After World War I: relatives of the first wave of immigrants – : from Eastern European countries and some from South Asia –After 1965: many from South Asia More recently, Muslim immigrants have come from Afghanistan, Iraq, and African countries such as Somalia and Sudan.

American Muslims: Ethnicity EthnicityPercentage South Asian35% African American30% Arab25% Persian or Turkish5% African3% European2% Statistics from: Smith, J. I. (2005). Patterns of Muslim Immigration. Muslim Life in America, Office of International Information Programs, U.S Department of State

Terminology in Islam Islam - Arabic word for “surrender” and denotes the religion Muslim - follower of the religion of Islam and Arabic word that translates to “one who submits to the will of Allah” Allah - Arabic word for God Qur’an (Koran) - Muslim holy book Hadith - sayings of the Prophet Muhammad Sunnah - Prophet Muhammad’s actions

Sources of Guidance in Islam Quran o The Quran is the Muslim Holy Book. o Muslims consider the Quran to be the word of Allah (God). o The Quran provides guidance for daily life for Muslims. Hadith o These are the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad.

Practices 5 Pillars of Islam –Belief in one God (Iman) –Prayer 5 times daily (Salat) –Charity (Zakat) –Fasting (Sawm) –Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) Religious holidays –Eid-ul-Fitr –Eid-ul-Adha Restrictions –No alcohol or pork products –No gambling

Common Beliefs and Values Collectivistic culture with emphasis on family Emphasis on education: first words of the Quran instruct Muslims to seek knowledge Modesty in behavior and dress Social justice and advocacy

What does Islam say about Diversity and Differences? “There is no compulsion in religion.” (2:256) “ O Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13).”

Islamophobia First known printed usage: February In Oxford English dictionary since Islamophobia is the fear and/or hatred of Islam, Muslims or Islamic culture. Here in America: –Muslims are “bad,” “evil”, “terrorists.” –Physically attacking people who “look Muslim.” –Verbally harassing people who “look Muslim.” –Discrimination in workplace –Bullying at school.

Survey of American Muslims Conducted by Pew Research Center (2011) 1,033 American Muslims from a variety of backgrounds surveyed –28% said that people have acted suspicious of them –22% have been called offensive names –21% have been singled out by airport security –48% believe that Muslim leaders have not done enough to speak out against extremists

Pew Research Center 2011 Survey ActivityPercent of American Muslims Who Participate in Activity Percent of General American Public Who Participate in Activity Watch an hour or more of TV nights 58%62% Regularly use social networking sites 57%44% Regularly watch pro or college sports 48%47% Regularly play video games 18%19%

Thank You! Questions? Comments?