Muslim Communities N Am: SUNY Series in Middle Eastern Studies

The authors provide insight into the lives of recent immigrants who are asking what is Islamically appropriate in a non-Muslim environment. Contrasts are drawn between Sunni and Shi'i groups, and attention is given to the activities of some Sufi organizations.

The growing Islamic community among African-American Muslims is examined, including the followers of Warith Deen Muhammad and the sectarians identified with black power, such as the Nation of Islam, Darul Islam, and the Five Percenters.

The authors document the challenge and issues which American Muslims face, such as pressure from overseas Muslims; dress and education; the influence of Islamic revivalism on the development of the community in this country; and the maintenance of Muslim identity amidst the pressures for assimilation.