Muslims can build an American Islam together
“Islam is American because I'm an American who chose Islam.”
American Muslims should patiently build an authentically American, Quran-and-Sunnah-rooted expression of Islam through strong partnership between African-American and immigrant Muslim communities.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the idea that history helps Muslims understand their direction.
- Explains how Islam historically took generations to become rooted in new frontiers.
- Traces African-American Muslim history from slavery through the Nation of Islam and the 1975 transition to Sunni Islam.
- Describes immigration and the growth of a diverse American Muslim community.
- Calls for an American expression of Islam rooted in revelation but responsive to local culture.
- Closes with a vision of America becoming a center of Islamic learning and a prayer for guidance.
In the khateeb's words
“Today, we stand on the edge in the frontier of the Islamic empire again as Muslims here in America.”
“As long as Islam is viewed as a foreign religion, a foreign faith, it will be met with a lot of resistance.”
“Islam is American because I'm an American who chose Islam. I choose it every day.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb taught that Islam often takes generations to become deeply rooted in a new place. He traced the important history of African-American Muslims and the later arrival of Muslims through immigration. He encouraged African-American and immigrant Muslims to learn from one another, work together, and build an American expression of Islam grounded in revelation. Community service, strong households, and public engagement can help people see Muslims as part of America’s story. The long-term hope is that America will grow from an Islamic frontier into a center of Islamic learning.
- What is one way our family can help Muslims from different backgrounds know and support one another?
- What would make Islam feel naturally rooted in our neighborhood?
- What kind of community service could our family join this month?
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