Islam in America

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 355 pages
• Published by: Columbia University Press May 15, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0231109679
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0231109673
• Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 11.2 ounces

From Library Journal
This new series, written by leading scholars for students and general readers, portrays the diversity and complexity of religious life in America, focusing on the influence of Western society as a major challenge that religious groups will face in the 21st century. Both works contain profiles of noteworthy individuals, suggestions for further reading, glossaries, chronologies, and a list of web sites. Gillis (theology and Catholic studies, Georgetown Univ.) provides an great survey. In the chapter "Who Are the American Catholics?" for example, he breaks down types of Catholics by geography, ethnic background, and income; charts and informative statistics supplement the text without becoming tedious. This title includes a detailed synopsis of the history of Catholicism, with special emphasis on Vatican II and the tensions between Rome and AmericaApartially due to issues such as women's ordination, birth control, and abortion rights. Smith (Islamic studies, Hartford Seminary) writes a general introduction to Islam as practiced by American Muslims. Islam in America outlines the influences of a secular and materialistic Western culture, the keenly felt prejudices on the part of non-Muslims, and the misunderstandings between Muslims that often arise when they try to balance cultural expectations with the value system of the conservative Middle East. Of special interest is the chapter on African American Muslims and other smaller groups. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. [For more on Islam, see "Bridging the Gap: Islam in America," LJ 10/1/98, p. 59-63.AEd.]AMichael W. Ellis, Ellenville P.L., N.
-AMichael W. Ellis, Ellenville P.L., NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product 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 "This new series portrays the diversity and complexity of religious life in America." -- Library 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 lady 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 Smith is the perfect guide to start one on that path." -- John Esposito, author of The Oxford History of Islam, Christian Century

A comprehensive survey in which the voices of Muslims present the issues that confront them in contemporary America. -- Yvonne Haddad, The Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

A comprehensive survey in which the voices of Muslims present the issues that confront them in contemporary America. -- Review

Fair, accessible, and detailed. . . . A straightforward account of the emergence in the United States of a major religious tradition. -- Gustav Niebuhr

This new series . . . portrays the diversity and complexity of religious life in America. -- Library Journal

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Islam in America (Hardcover) 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