...Paper #2 – Origins of Islam in America Trevor Pace A00763129 It seems that when it comes to the first Muslims in America it is a little unclear, however several sources that I found believe that it was first in the 12th century and ties in with the voyage of Columbus. “The Navigator of Columbus, who during the famous voyage, brought along a copy of a travel narrative written by Portuguese Muslims who had sailed to the New World in the 12th century. The narrative by al-Idrisi was called "The Sea of Tears"”. (Ahari, 1998) Next during the 14th century with Muslims that came from the Senegabian region of Africa, “It is believed they were Moors, expelled from Spain, who made their way to the Caribbean and possibly to the Gulf of Mexico” (Cowan, 2006) Then with the 16th century with Istafan, the Arab, “who was a guide for the Spanish that wished to settle the area that would later be called Arizona in 1539”. (Ahari, 1998) The next major instance of Islam in America happened with slavery in the 18th century. This is the first real wave of Muslims in America as it is said that “Historians estimate that between 15 to 30 percent of all enslaved African men, and less than 15 percent of the enslaved African women, were Muslims” (Samuel S. Hill, 2005). Next in the late 19th and early 20th century Muslim immigrants from the Middle East, particularly from Syria and Lebanon, arrived in large numbers. “Many were settling in Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and even the Dakotas. Like most other migrants...
Words: 1120 - Pages: 5
...misleading information for a particular political agenda, or just simply inaccurate. There are hundreds if not thousands of religious faiths in the world today. However, most can be broken down into a few major categories: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Below are how those faiths are spread out over the world as of 2012. In general, this map is good over all. It may confirm a person’s overall thought of the faith of countries around the world. It may also correct a few places they were wrong about. A map like this usually has a fifty percent rule for determining majority for such wide categories. Yet there are still a few problems with this particular map. One it assumes the reader knows the name of the countries and continents they are looking at. It would be reasonable to think that the reader has a basic grasp on world geography, but for someone who does not this map may not be helpful. Secondly this map points to an all or nothing view of the world. For example, North and South America is shaded red for the Christian faith. This map would suggest that there are no Muslim, Jews, or Buddhist living or worshipping on the continent. The same is for North Africa and the Middle East. This map suggest that all people of the Muslim faith reside in...
Words: 904 - Pages: 4
...Islam in Modern American Islam has been around for over a thousand years. Its influence has spread amongst several continents and it has even reached many Americans. A recent study shows that there are roughly 7 million Muslims in the United States1. That equates to about 2.3% of the population. Even though that doesn’t seem like very much, it has been growing and continues to grow despite the events of September 11, 2001. On that day, very much changed for the Islamic people living in the United States. Although they American Muslims had absolutely nothing to do with the events that occurred on that day, their way of life was destined to change. The change that occurred was not in their religion or how they practiced it, it was in the no-Islamic population. Public eye was on the Muslims because the attacks from September 11th were said to be conducted by Muslim extremists. The media was, for the most part, the only place American’s would get any information about Muslims and they were not portraying them very nicely. In order to protect themselves from bad public opinion, American Muslim were faced with a challenge. They needed to improve their image in order to protect themselves from the growing number of people that were against Islam and they need to do it while staying true to themselves and their religion. In 2005, the Fiqh Council of North America issued a fatwa saying that the use of violence against innocent lives was forbidden under Islamic Law. ...
Words: 2409 - Pages: 10
...choose to research Islam and Whites, which is the European descent. The information that you are about to read in this content is unique and will become familiar within your own religion and race. There are somethings that maybe slightly different as comparison to other religions. There are three major groups in this world that has been created. Islam happens to be one of the major groups. The other major groups are Christians and Judaism. Islam belief, is that there is one God. God is the higher power who created the world. Islam believe that we as people should surrender to the higher power, which is God. Islam is God. In the Islamic religion, if you follow God, you would be considered a Muslim. In Arabic, Muslim is defined as, one who surrenders to God. Allah is the Arabic name for God. Muslims are considered equal before God. Islam provide a sense of loyalty to God that connects their race, nationality, and differences with other religion. Islam is originated from Arabia. Islam begin to Syria, North America, Spain , India, and Egypt. In the 10th century they began to spread east, north, and the south. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Islam is open to new members, so this is the reason why it grows rapidly. If you are a Muslim, when your children are born, they would be Muslim also. Muhammad is the founding prophet of Islam. Muhammad started preaching the new religion 40 years ago. Muhammad is considered the messenger for Islam, God. Islam is believed to send...
Words: 1222 - Pages: 5
...lgoel@uwf.edu Abstract. The notion of a clash of civilizations has gained notoriety since the terrorist attack on WTC on 9/11/2001. Professor Samuel P. Huntington has popularized the view that the coming global conflict will be among major civilizations, not among different political ideologies. He identifies eight major civilizations: the Western (Europe and North America), Slavic (Russia and Eastern Europe), Islamic, Confucian, Hindu, Japanese, Latin American, and the African. Of particular focus in the present paper is the threat to civilization from radical Islam. Three factors that foment radicalism are described: the Islamic theology of exclusiveness, the nostalgic memory of a Muslim empire that lasted nearly 1,000 years, and the consequences of oil boom in the Middle East. Population estimates for different civilizations are provided at the end. Introduction The theory of a clash of civilizations has been with us for some time. British historian Arnold Toynbee used the term in a series of lectures he delivered in 1953. The Middle East specialist Bernard Lewis wrote in 1990 that the Muslim rage against the West is “no less than a clash of civilizations” (Lewis, 1990, p 60). Samuel P. Huntington, a Harvard University political science professor, has given new currency to the notion of a clash of civilizations. His 1993 article in Foreign Affairs has gained global audience. A few years ago, I lectured to a political science class at Pondicherry University...
Words: 3926 - Pages: 16
...Under the Surface I believe the American flag symbolizes unity, freedom, and a strong nation. Red represents hardiness and valor, white represents hope, purity, and innocence, and blue represent vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Since 9-11, America has been filled with hatred and the blame went on more than just a few of people but on an entire religion. Often times Muslims that has no affiliation with the attack has been categorize as terrorist. The Islamic as a whole is a great faith for one to follow but a small group associated with the religion has caused much shame to the community. Al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Landen in the late 1980s, which was the terrorist organization solely responsible for the attack of 9-11. Al-Qaeda has redefined the way we look at the Islamic religion. Al-Qaeda is the reason many Americans view the Islamic religion in such a negative way and classifies all Muslims as terrorists. Al-Qaeda is a political movement with a demonstrated military ability, which has sought to bypass the state while co-opting its attributes and channeling its resources (Mohamedou 42). The organization, which coalesced in Afghanistan under the initial troika leadership of Palestinian teacher Abdallah Azzam, Egyptian surgeon Ayman al Dhawahiri, and Saudi businessman Osama Bin Laden in August 1989, was born more in context of a major international armed conflict, namely the Soviet Union’s failed take –over...
Words: 1392 - Pages: 6
...While the presence of Islam in West Africa some economic motivations, highlight the draw of Islam’s spiritual message. The presence of Islam in West Africa was related to trade and commerce in West Africa. Trade between West Africa and the Mediterranean preexisted Islam, however, North African Muslims strengthened the Trans-Saharan trade. North African traders were major factors in introducing Islam into West Africa. The past of Islam in West Africa can be explained in three stages, control, socializing, and reform. In the first stage, African kings controlled Muslim influence by segregating Muslim communities, in the second stage African leaders merged Islam with local traditions as the population selectively appropriated Islamic practices, and finally in the third stage, African Muslims forced for change in an effort to free their societies. Several factors led to the growth of the Muslim merchant-scholar class. Islam facilitated long distance trade by offering valuable tools for merchants for example the contract law, recognition, and information networks. They had the important ability of written script, which helped in the administration of kingdoms. Muslim communities in the forest zones were minority communities often linked to trading Diasporas. Many of the traditions in the forest zones still reflect the tradition of Saurian which focused on responsibilities of Muslims in a non-Muslim society. The boundaries of the ancient Kingdom encompassed the Middle Niger Delta region...
Words: 539 - Pages: 3
...world religions are Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Confucianism. Most of these religions have been practiced for years and they are still practiced today. Judaism is oldest known monotheistic religion still practiced in the world today. Its fundamental teachings have been influential and are the basis for more recently developed religious such as Christianity and Islam. Abraham is generally recognized as the founder of Judaism due to his covenant with God. However, Moses is also considered a founder due to his role in the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt, and his delivery of the Ten Commandments from Mount sometime around 2000 BC. Judaism was developed in the Middle East in and around the area that is currently Israel. The Holy Scriptures in the Jewish religion are the Torah and the Talmud. Jews worship in temples called Synagogues and mass is conducted by Rabbis. Islam, which when translated from Arabic, means "to submit to the will of Allah," is the youngest of the world's major religions. Worshippers of this monotheistic religion are know as Muslims, which means "one who submits to the will of Allah." Islam is currently the second most practiced religion in the world, and experts predict that it will overtake Christianity as the most popular religion in the world sometime in the future. Islam was founded by the prophet Mohammed and it was developed on the Arabian peninsula in the year 622 AD and quickly spread to other regions. Islam is the most dominant throughout...
Words: 402 - Pages: 2
...DeVry University The only way one will be able to have much knowledge about the Muslims is through the researching from different sources, academic research, traveling, knowing what is going on around you, and reading – accepted books or journals that talks about Islam. Gale says the meaning of Islam as the submission to God. He also talks about the history of Islam that the founder/restorer of Islam is Prophet Muhammad. Newberg misconception of belief towards Islam is that Muhammad is God fearing but Muhammad did not know how to escape the future vengeance for the Muslims. Malik argues the Islam cultural diversity and thinks there is no democracy in Muslim societies, but still Islam societies are modernizing and developing economically and their literacy rates are increasing steadily which makes the democratic movements in Islam societies to be picking up at different speeds in different countries. Teachings about Muslims teaches by Gale when he said there are two main branches of Islam; Sunni and Shia, there will be further clarification of the two main branches. Islam is one of the types of religion that the worshippers are very good believers, very submissive, and there are some words in Islam that really means a lot to the worshippers of Islam. Islam means submission to God. Muslims express their submission to their God by following the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars of Islam are; Shahada, formally is by witnessing the unity of God; Salat, formally is by praying...
Words: 1743 - Pages: 7
...5 Christianity, Islam…………………………………………..6 Influences of Religion on African Culture……………….6 Conclusion……………………………………………………13 References…………………………………………………...14 Introduction Africa is a continent of diversity. In this diversity there are hundreds of tribes and communities each practicing its own culture and religion. It would be very difficult to define Africa’s traditional religion as it would be difficult to define its culture. More so, it is extremely difficult to establish the dividing line between African Culture and African Religion. However, as much as there were many African Traditional Religions, their similarities were more dominant than their differences. We take up these similarities and encompass them as one African Traditional Religion. In this report, we explore the important aspects of Africa’s Traditional Religions and cultures that cut across the entire continent. This essay is based on various researches done by prominent scholars, historical background of Africa, news and books relevant to African studies. This report attempts to define religion, culture, and explores the major religions, African Traditional Religion (ATR), Christianity and Islam and their influence and impact on African culture. Africa is one of the World’s six continents. It is the second largest and second most populous continent after Asia. Other continents include; Asia, America-North, America-South, Australia, Europe. Geologically...
Words: 3933 - Pages: 16
...University but dropped out. He studied Islamic sciences under prominent Deobandi scholars at madrassa Jamia Uloom Islamia, Binori Town, Karachi, Pakistan (see details below). DeLorenzo completed three years of doctoral studies on the Legal Rulingsof the Quran at Bahawalpur University, Pakistan, and allegedly studied in Egypt. DeLorenzo‟s professional experience and affiliations include teaching courses on “The Principles of Islamic Investment,” Dow Jones University. He is also the Director for the Master‟s Program for Imams, Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences (GSISS), Leesburg, Virginia. He has served as Director of Education for the Islamic Saudi Academy, Fairfax, Virginia, as Guest Scholar at the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM), Canton, Michigan and as an Advisor on Islamic affairs and education to the President of Pakistan, 1981-1984. DeLorenzo has many affiliations with Islamist Organizations:...
Words: 1865 - Pages: 8
...Grace Reynolds Hum 2210 Pennington Scholar Group 2 Journal Essay #4 Ignorance Is Bliss The fact that many Americans believe that Muslims and the Arab world are ignorant speaks more to our lack of understanding of other cultures inside and outside of America than it does the merits or accomplishments of those cultures. History has shown that the Islamic culture and Arab world is anything but ignorant. The quest for a new Islamic world began in the early 7th century and was a militarily and societal effort to spread the religion and culture of Islam. Invading Islamic armies found once powerful, but now depleted and war weary empires ripe for the sacking; utilizing both land and sea assaults to conquer port and city targets. Within 100 years of the fall of Mecca, Islam had spread across much of the Middle East, North Africa and Spain, sparking the Golden Age of Islam. Islamic society in newly conquered lands was advanced by creating city centers that helped build a sense of community for its citizens. Mosques were built and used as social, economic, and educational gathering places. Also functioning as governmental and administrative faculties, mosques literally served all aspects of daily life. This virtually insured the religion influenced all who interacted within the mosque community. Later, teaching colleges called Madrasas were attached to the mosques in order to teach the Qur’an as well as other disciplines, including mathematics and the sciences...
Words: 510 - Pages: 3
...however it isn’t taken seriously. Before the events of 9/11, stereotypes, hatred, and prejudices of Muslims or those perceived to be linked with Islam were taken lightly by the United States public. After 9/11, and across the globe, Muslims have faced individual and systemic acts of discrimination and violence after 9/11 as a form of retaliation for the collective guilt ascribed to the followers of Islam and anyone who resembled them‖ (Zine, 2004, p.111). The acts of 9/11 have brought on a new attacks on Islam, all which are negative. Every where around the world Muslim are faced with growing prejudice and are at times singled out. Hate crimes committed against muslim or Mosques are hardly every heard about on the news. While Islamophobia is on the rise it is time to break those barriers and bring communities together in a peaceful manner. This would have to a lot with media portrays Islam. If we take a look at the average news media outlet's headliners in the past 5-10 years and it's clear that a certain word or group has managed to stand out: Muslim or ISLAMOPHOBIA PAGE 7 ISLAMOPHOBIA ANDRIANAKOS Islam. Now with the spotlight on 1.57 billion people following its five pillars of Islam. Their every move is taking apart and analyzed and in most cases show cased in a negative light. The religion of Islam has existed since the 7th century C.E but the term “Islamophobia” is a relatively recent new thing...
Words: 1588 - Pages: 7
...Ancient Islam Islam is the proper name of a religion. Islam is truly a universal religion. There may be 6 to 8 million Muslims in North America, over 30 million Muslims in Western Europe and 50 to 60 million live in different parts of the Republics that were once a part of Soviet Union. Significant Muslim minorities live in the Far East and in Eastern Europe. Islam exist in countries like Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sudan, Lebanon, etc. Mohammad was the man who Allah sent to do the teachings of Islam to mankind. (Just like Jesus) He was born in Mecca, a city on the Arabian Peninsula, in 571 A.D. He was an orphan. His father died before his birth and his mother died when he was six. His grandfather raised him till he was nine. When his grandfather passed away, his uncle raised him. He did not have an education. As he grew up he worked as a shepherd and as a trader in the caravans. At age 25 a rich widow, Khadija, hired him to manage her business and trade. The young man’s brains, hard work, and honesty impressed Khadija. They grew to like each other’s qualities and got married. Mohammad was married to Khadija for twenty-six years and they had five children. Later, Khadija would be the first person to accept Islam, and she is the best example of a faithful and devoted wife in Islamic history. The society at that time was full with polygamy, sensuality...
Words: 565 - Pages: 3
...world religions are Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Confucianism. Most of these religions have been practiced for years and they are still practiced today. Judaism is oldest known monotheistic religion still practiced in the world today. Its fundamental teachings have been influential and are the basis for more recently developed religious such as Christianity and Islam. Abraham is generally recognized as the founder of Judaism due to his covenant with God. However, Moses is also considered a founder due to his role in the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt, and his delivery of the Ten Commandments from Mount sometime around 2000 BC. Judaism was developed in the Middle East in and around the area that is currently Israel. The Holy Scriptures in the Jewish religion are the Torah and the Talmud. Jews worship in temples called Synagogues and mass is conducted by Rabbis. Islam, which when translated from Arabic, means "to submit to the will of Allah," is the youngest of the world's major religions. Worshippers of this monotheistic religion are know as Muslims, which means "one who submits to the will of Allah." Islam is currently the second most practiced religion in the world, and experts predict that it will overtake Christianity as the most popular religion in the world sometime in the future. Islam was founded by the prophet Mohammed and it was developed on the Arabian peninsula in the year 622 AD and quickly spread to other regions. Islam is the most dominant throughout...
Words: 553 - Pages: 3
