Muslims in America
Clinton Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Muslim Communities - November 3, 2009
Washington — In a speech to the sixth Forum for the Future, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to broad engagement with Muslim communities around the world and the equally strong U.S. commitment to comprehensive peace in the Middle East. (More)
A Multicultural Ramadan
American Muslims trace their ancestry to more than 80 countries. America.gov explores the richness of these traditions through the lens of Ramadan.
Muslims in the United States and around the world observe Ramadan in different ways, blending their own cultural customs with Islamic traditions. Learn more here.
My Ramadan
Read what Ramadan means to four young Muslim American authors in these moving vignettes:
- The First Fast
- The Lessons of Ramadan
- Ramadan: An American-Egyptian Perspective
- Ramadan in a Multi-Faith Family
President Obama Hosts a White House Iftar - September 2, 2009
Washington — As America recognizes the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, President Obama says, “we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture.”
“The contributions of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country,” Obama said at a White House iftar meal September 1. Ramadan is a period of reflection and devotion that includes daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. The iftar is a meal that breaks the daily fast after sunset. (See "Remarks by President Obama at White House Iftar Dinner") (More)
Artists Use Images of the Veil to Explore Identity, Culture - August 26, 2009
The veil is the most visible icon of contemporary Islam, says the producer of an exhibition featuring works by artists from North America, the Middle East and Europe. “If you see a veil, you automatically think about Islam,” said Andreas Stadler, director of the Austrian Cultural Forum, which hosted The Seen and the Hidden: [Dis]covering the Veil. The exhibition was part of Muslim Voices: Arts and Ideas, a 10-day festival in New York City celebrating Islamic culture. (More)
Muslim Americans Launch Community Service Initiative - August 26, 2009
President Obama, in his Ramadan message to Muslims worldwide, recognized Muslim-American organizations engaged in volunteering and community service works. “This summer, people across America have served in their communities, educating children, caring for the sick, and extending a hand to those who have fallen on hard times. Faith-based organizations, including many Islamic organizations, have been at the forefront in participating in this summer of service. And in these challenging times, this is a spirit of responsibility that we must sustain in the months and years to come,” Obama said. (See “Presidential Message on Ramadan.”) (More)
Ramadan Kareem: President Obama’s Ramadan Message – August 21, 2009
Each Ramadan, the ninth month on the lunar calendar, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is a tradition in many religious faiths and is meant to increase spirituality, discipline, thankfulness, and consciousness of God's mercy. Ramadan is also a time of giving and reaching out to those less fortunate, and this summer, American Muslims have joined their fellow citizens in serving communities across the country. (More)
As the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, President Obama extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. Read a transcript of his special Ramadan message here [English | Thai]
New Documentary Film Explores Muslim Experience in America - August 20, 2009
How do Muslims fit into contemporary American society? Members of a project led by former Pakistani Ambassador to the United Kingdom Akbar Ahmed sought to answer this question by traveling across the United States with a research team and film crew. One of the results is the documentary film Journey into America, which explores the evolution of American identity as seen through the lens of American Muslims. (More)
Mosque in Portland, Oregon, Reflects History of Islam in America - August 21, 2009
Many things about this particular mosque don’t conform to the popular image shared by most Americans. The modest one-story building, with its co-located community center, boasts no minaret or dome. It has no high ceilings. Ironically, it is located on a street named after a Baptist minister, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. (More)
New Documentary Film Explores Muslim Experience in America - August 20, 2009
How do Muslims fit into contemporary American society? Members of a project led by former Pakistani Ambassador to the United Kingdom Akbar Ahmed sought to answer this question by traveling across the United States with a research team and film crew. One of the results is the documentary film Journey into America, which explores the evolution of American identity as seen through the lens of American Muslims. (More)
Michigan Hosts Large Muslim-American Sports Event - August 20, 2009
The first Islamic Games Midwest, held in Ypsilanti, Michigan, July 25–26, were part of the largest Muslim-American sports and athletic event in the United States — the Islamic Games. (More)
Muslim Americans Find Their Voice Through Advocacy, Engagement - August 19, 2009
Assad Akhter, the legislative director for a member of Congress, learned an interesting fact when he helped found the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association at the U.S. Capitol in 2005. (More)
Diversity, Faith Define Evolving Identity of Muslim Americans - August 18, 2009
Washington — Two attributes connect individuals like professor Zareena Grewal of Yale University, writer and blogger Wajahat Ali, Congressman André Carson, fashion designer Nyla Hashmi, boxing coach Victor Perez, and California artist Dalah Faytrouni. (More)
American Muslims Urged to Increase Community Activism - August 3, 2009
Washington — American Muslims are an integral part of the cultural landscape of America. As President Obama said on June 4 in Cairo, Egypt, “So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.” (More)
Obama Administration Reaches Out to Muslims Worldwide
Farah Pandith named special representative to Muslim communities - June 26, 2009
By Ahmed Mohamed
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton echoed Obama’s commitment. On June 26, she appointed Farah Pandith as a special representative to Muslim communities. Pandith will be responsible for implementing the administration’s efforts to engage with Muslims around the world on a person-to-person and organizational level. (More)
Ask America Webchats
- Life as Businesswoman, Mother, Muslim in America - March 12, 2009
Kari Ansari, the editor in chief of America’s Muslim Family magazine, based in Chicago, answered questions in a March 12 CO.NX webchat on her life as a businessperson, mother and Muslim in America.
- America's Muslim Youth - February 19, 2009
What's it like growing up Muslim in America? That's what brother and sister Imran and Yasmine Hafiz, along with their mother, Dilara Hafiz, talk about in their book, The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook. The young authors sent out surveys to more than 40 Islamic schools across the United States and incorporated the responses in the form of quotes and quizzes throughout the book. The handbook was honored as the winner of the 2008 Arizona Book Awards "Best Young Adult – Nonfiction" and the authors received the Outstanding Youth Service Award from Arizona's Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award from the Phoenix Human Rights Commission for their accomplishment.
2008:
- Magazine Editor Discusses Life of Young Muslims in America - December 16, 2008
Young Muslims in America sometimes face conflict in trying to maintain their Islamic values in public school life. They also are challenged, as they go through high school and college, with finding activities that will keep them active in their communities. Kari Ansari, the editor in chief of America’s Muslim Family magazine, discusses, about issues of Muslim youth identity in America. She edits America’s Muslim Family magazine, based in Chicago, which is designed to reach the Muslim community and those interested in understanding Islam and Muslims. A convert to Islam, she was born and educated in the United States. She has been an active member of the Muslim community for a dozen years, working toward the positive inclusion of Muslims in mainstream American society. Ansari and her husband began publishing America’s Muslim Family magazine in 2003 to help fill the void of quality Muslim media in the United States. Published quarterly, it offers a positive and refreshing look at life for Muslims living in America.
- 2008 U.N. Interfaith Dialogue Conference - November 13, 2008
In November 2008, a U.S. delegation led by President Bush travels to a U.N.-sponsored conference to promote interfaith dialogue. Please join U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference Sada Cumber for an online discussion of interfaith issues.
- Muslim Family Magazine Celebrates Islam in America – September 15, 2008
Through its pages, America's Muslim Family Magazine deals with issues pertinent to Muslims living in the United States. Regular features include profiles of Muslims from all walks of life, family-friendly ideas and activities, articles on historical and contemporary issues relating to Islam and Muslims and a special children's section entitled "Hullabaloo -- Serious Fun for Muslim Kids." The magazine encourages Muslims to participate in government, the education system and all aspects of American life. It deals frankly with the social problems that plague all communities, but in the context of Islamic principles. Its mission is to celebrate the fact that Islamic values and a free democratic society are 100 percent compatible. Join Ansari for an online discussion of America's Muslim Family Magazine's features and its contents that highlight past and present Ramadan activities.
- Ramadan in America: Through the Lens of a Filmmaker – September 9, 2008
As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslim Americans across the United States are gathering in mosques and homes just as Muslims do around the world. Anisa Mehdi, an Emmy-award-winning journalist who specializes in religion, the arts and people, discussed what life is like as an American Muslim and talked about celebrating Ramadan in America and how Islam is being incorporated into the fabric of American religion. She also discussed her films on Ramadan and how they reflected the diversity of Muslim experiences in America.
- Keeping Halal: Running a Muslim Business in America - August 26, 2008
Imran Uddin's unique journey as a first-generation American struggling to take over his father's traditional slaughterhouse business and gain the trust of the immigrant Muslim community in Queens was transformed into the celebrated documentary, A Sons' Sacrifice. The film has been well-received in the U.S., winning the SilverDocs Festival's Audience Award and Best Documentary Short from the Tribeca Film Festival. Join Mr. Uddin for an online discussion of his experiences as a bi-racial Muslim and the challenges he faced when he decided to join his father’s halal slaughterhouse business.
- Envoy to Islamic Group Will Discuss Building Interfaith Links - August 25, 2008
As the first OIC envoy, Sada Cumber plays a vital role in demonstrating the United States’ commitment to strengthening its linkages to Muslims in OIC member states and beyond. Cumber works to facilitate dialogue and cooperation with Muslim communities worldwide. Join him for an online discussion of steps the United States can take to develop an open conversation with Muslims around the world and advance interfaith understanding.
- Young Authors Discuss the Life of Muslim Teenagers in America - August 20, 2008
Brother and sister Imran Hafiz, a junior at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, and Yasmine Hafiz, a freshman at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, discussed Muslim teenagers in America in an Ask America webchat August 20.
- Video Webchat: U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference - May 21, 2008
In his capacity as Special Envoy, Sada Cumber works to facilitate dialogue and cooperation with Muslim communities worldwide. Join Mr. Cumber for a video webchat during which he will discuss his role in developing new, lasting links among diverse communities and his impressions of the Muslim communities with which he has interacted over the first two months of his appointment.
- Webchat with U.S. Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference - March 27, 2008
Sada Cumber, special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), answers questions in a March 27 Ask America webchat on his new appointment.
- U.S. Official Discusses Muslim Life in America - February 28, 2008
Farah Pandith, a senior adviser to the assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs at the State Department, answered questions in a February 28 Ask America webchat on Muslim life in the United States.
- Bangladeshi-American Military Imam - February 27, 2008
A man who came to the United States as a student from Bangladesh has become a U.S. Navy Chaplain. He uses his love for God and humanity to counsel and assist U.S. military personnel of all faiths and backgrounds. Join Imam Abuhena Saifulislam for an online discussion that will cover the chaplaincy program in the U.S. Military, Islam in the U.S. military, and his role in promoting religious tolerance.
- Advocate of Interfaith Understanding Discusses Muslims in America - February 14, 2008
Courtney Erwin, Esq., who works to promote civil dialogue among persons of different faiths, answered questions in a February 14 webchat on America and Islam.
2007:
- Ramadan in America: Through the Lens of a Filmmaker - October 24, 2007
Muslims in the United States and around the globe have concluded their observances of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer and contemplation. Muslim-American filmmaker Anisa Mehdi has spent the last several weeks capturing images of Americans as they observe this important month. Muslim American filmmaker Anisa Mehdi answers questions on Islam in America and her filmmaking and video projects.
- Imam Discusses How Ramadan is Observed in America - October 5, 2007
Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, the president of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland and the organizer of several programs on inter-religious dialogue, integration and “Islam in America” through the State Department’s International Speakers Program, discusses how Americans observe Ramadan.
- How Do Americans Observe Ramadan? - September 27, 2007
U.S. State Department officials Seema Matin -- an American Muslim who chooses to wear the hijab -- who works as a public diplomacy officer, and William Lawrence, the deputy advisor for Islamic World Science Partnerships, answers questions on how Americans observe Ramadan in the United States.
- Islam in America - Women's Issues and Tolerance in American Society - June 12, 2007
Seema Matin, a public diplomacy officer with the State Department, discusses what life is like in America for a Muslim woman who wears the hijab.
- Azizah Founder, Publisher Discusses Muslim Women in America - April 24, 2007
Tayyibah Taylor, the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of Azizah, a quarterly magazine by and for Muslim women, discusses how the publication provides a vehicle for making heard the voices of Muslim American women.
- Graduate Student Discusses Muslim Women in the United States - April 16, 2007
Fatina Abdrabboh, a graduate student of Islamic studies and international security at Harvard University, discusses on Muslim women in America.
- "Coexistence House" Helps Bridge Religious, Ethnic Differences - April 4, 2007
Danielle Josephs, the founder of the Middle East Coexistence House at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and house residents Dalia Gheith, Sara Elnakib and Samantha Shanni discuss how their living situation helps efforts to bridge religious and ethnic differences and encourage women’s involvement in international conflict resolution and negotiation.
2006:
- Celebrating Ramadan in America: Youth and the Interfaith Movement - October 26, 2006
Interfaith observances of Ramadan are the subject of a webchat. In the last five years, there has been a growing interest in the celebration of Ramadan throughout the United States. During Ramadan, Muslim organizations and Mosques have opened their doors to non-Muslims in an effort to promote dialogue during this period of introspection. Young people are playing an important part in this dialogue.
- Imam Arafat Discusses Religious Tolerance for Muslims in U.S. - October 20, 2006
Dr. Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, the president of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland, participates in an October 20 USINFO webchat from Bern, Switzerland to discuss religious tolerance and the role of Muslims in the United States.
- Young Muslim Life in America: An American Muslim Visits Jordan - July 25, 2006
Kareema Dauod, who is pursuing a doctorate in Arabic language, literature and linguistics at Georgetown University and works on public diplomacy initiatives involving the Middle East for the State Department, responds to questions on Muslim life in the United States in a USINFO webchat.
- Gamma Gamma Chi, The First Muslim Sorority - July 18, 2006
Althia Collins, co-founder of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc., the first Islamic-based sorority, discusses the principles of Gamma Gamma Chi and the importance of the sorority to young Muslim women.
- Contemporary Muslim American Communities - June 6, 2006
Dr. Huda's research focuses on Islamic thought and Islamic philosophy on violence, nonviolence, and conflict resolution. Prior to joining U.S. Institute of Peace, Huda was a professor of Islamic studies and comparative religion at Boston College’s theology department (1997–2005) and a visiting professor of Islamic studies at the College of Holy Cross and Brandeis University. Dr. Huda participates in a webchat to discuss the way American Muslims have responded to 9/11 attacks in political activism - in areas of civil rights, human rights and interfaith dialogue.
- Muslim Integration and Community Outreach in America - April 11, 2006
Muslim integration in U.S. society and the growing influence of American Muslim communities in the United States and other countries is the focus of a USINFO webchat. In 1992, a group of Arab-American professionals founded the nongovernmental organization Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), which since has donated more than $100 million for humanitarian causes. Khalil Jassemm, LIFE's president and chief executive officer, answers questions and discusses American Muslim communities outreach efforts.
- Young Muslim Life in America - March 30, 2006
Kareema Dauod, a post-graduate student at Georgetown University and adviser to Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes, discusses life in America as a Muslim woman and her efforts to help foster dialogue and understanding between Americans and Muslims worldwide.
[Last update on August 24, 2009]