Description:
This book fills a void in the study of Muslims in the United States, presenting the first in-depth study of the large Muslim population in Los Angeles County. It examines an array of issues facing the American Muslim population, ranging from gender and ethnicity to political and da 'wa (missionary) activities. This study inquires into the role Muslims see for themselves and their religious tradition in the United States and presents the diverse views of Islam held by Muslims in America today. This work will be of interest to students and scholars of Islamic culture and religion, as well as those interested in the changing face of religion in America.
Brief description: Kambiz GhaneaBassiri is Professor of Religion at Carleton College, USA.
Review Quotes: "The American Muslim community has an internal variety little imagined by most casual obeservers. Readers of this work are treated to a clear exposition of the various institutions and alliances, both national and regional, serving Los Angeles's Muslims. Based on field research...yet suffused with understanding and empathy for both his religios tradition and his coreligionists, GhaneaBassiri's discussion of divergence of practice from beliefs about practice is particularly worthwhile. A clear picture is offered of the different aims and associations of Arabs, African Americans, Persians, and Pakistanis.... Recommended for those interested in American Islam, the transformation of American religious communities, and immigrant and African American studies."-Choice