Islam in America

Islam in America
In all religions, there are similarities and abject difference. It is these differences that intrigue Americans about the Islamic faith. The roots of this ancient religion were sown about 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia. It was during this time frame the Prophet Muhammad alleged he received spiritual revelations from God. These spiritual instructions were transcribed in their holy book, the Quran. Islam is the name of the region. The followers of Islam are called Muslims. In this region there is only one true God. Because the followers of Islam were being persecuted in Mecca, they began a migration to nearby Medina were Muhammad established and governed the first Islamic Community. This community became the power on the Arabian Peninsula. From these humble beginning, Islam followers began a migrations that ensure the longevity and growth of the religion (Neusner 175 ). Islam has become a global religious entity with billions of followers worldwide including America. The odyssey of peoples of African descent in America began as a complex interplay of forced acculturation, voluntary adaptation, and assimilation to the dominant American culture.   “These Muslims slaves were a distinctive and resistant minority in the slave population” (Turner12). As these new immigrants settle in America, they not only instilled their heritage, customs and traditions, but also their religious practices.
America was colonized by people from all over the world. As these new immigrants settle in America, they not only instilled their heritage, customs and traditions, but also their religious practices. While this might well have been anticipated, what was not anticipated was that a percentage of Americans would be converted into the Islamic faith. The most influential of these coverts was Elijah Muhammad formerly known as Elijah Poole who established himself as the leader of the Nation of Islam. His teachings emphasized black separatism.   In following these teachings,...