The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

America's Muslims come from many traditions and cultures

  • Written by Kalpana Jain, Senior Religion + Ethics Editor

For people who would like to learn more about Islam, The Conversation is publishing a series of articles[1], available on our website or as six emails delivered every other day[2], written by Senior Religion and Ethics Editor Kalpana Jain. Over the past few years she has commissioned dozens of articles on Islam written by academics. These articles draw from that archive and have been checked for accuracy by religion scholars.

In the last installment of this series, you learned about some of the basic tenets of Islam that your neighbors, friends or colleagues may be practicing. In this newsletter, we will cover some of the different Muslim sects and the interesting ways they mix in the United States.

Journalists and scholars have pointed out how Muslims in the U.S. are often cast simplistically either as good or bad[3]: The good ones are raising their voices against terrorism and the bad ones are violent, or likely to be.

This view blocks out an “otherwise fascinating spectrum” of American Muslims, writes[4] scholar Abbas Barzegar[5]. “Outside of Mecca itself,” he says, “there exists no other Muslim population that displays the theological, ideological, class and ethnic diversity as that which resides here” in the U.S.

So, what are the different ways of being a Muslim?

Many American Muslims belong to one of the two main sects in Islam – Sunni and Shiite. Each draws its faith and practice from the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The two agree on most of the fundamentals of Islam.

But the two groups split after the death of Prophet Muhammad in A.D. 632[6], when issues over leadership emerged, writes religion scholar Ken Chitwood[7]. The majority of the Muslim community sided with Abu Bakr, one of the prophet’s closest companions. A minority, however, opted for the prophet’s cousin – Ali.

Muslims who rallied around Abu Bakr came to be called Sunni – meaning those who follow the Sunna, or sayings, deeds and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.

Those who trusted in Ali came to be known as Shiite. The name comes from a contraction of “Shiat Ali,” meaning “partisans of Ali.” There are three main branches of Shiite Muslims: Zaydi, Twelver and Ismaili. Other Shiite-associated sects or movements include the Alawi in Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi[8] in Yemen.

Among Sunni Muslims there are four principal schools: Shafi'i, Hanbali, Maliki and Hanafi. There are also Sunni-associated religious reform movements like the Salafis and Wahhabis and political organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood.

Other than these sects, the Islamic tradition has other ways of approaching the divine.

Sufis believe in a more “inward, contemplative focus than many other forms of Islamic practice,” explains[9] scholar Peter Gottschalk[10]. The 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi leader Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī communicated the yearning for a heartfelt relationship with God and believed contemplation was the way to achieve it.

Gottschalk explains that many Muslims and non-Muslims around the globe celebrate Sufi saints and gather together for worship in their shrines. Many Sufi saints are believed to be “friends of God” and have the power to perform miracles. The graves of these saints often become pilgrimage sites. However, militant groups, such as the Islamic State Group, do not embrace the traditions, and Sufi shrines have often been attacked in such countries as Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Another sect, the Ahmadiyya, was founded in the Punjab region of India by a Muslim religious leader, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, in 1889. Ahmadis believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the promised Messiah of Islam. However, because of disagreements over who counts as a prophet in Islam, Ahmadis often face persecution from other Muslims. They have been declared heretics, or non-Muslim, in multiple countries. In Pakistan, the country with the largest number of Ahmadis, they represent about 0.2% of the population of 208 million[11]. Because they are targeted for their beliefs, many Ahmadis come to the United Kingdom[12], Canada, or the U.S.[13] to escape violence in their countries of origin.

All these global religious traditions are present in the U.S. As Barzegar points out[14], small mosques in the United States may bring together different ethnic communities such as Bosnians, Turks, Bangladeshis and so on. Other large and diverse congregations may include both immigrants and Black Muslims.

Among these mosques is one in Harlem that was founded in 1964 by Malcolm X when he left the Nation of Islam. Bargezar writes[15] that the current spiritual leader of the mosque, Imam Talib Abdur Rashid, “champions” the fight against “institutional discrimination and structural inequality” as he joins hands with other “oppressed groups.”

American Muslims today are part of many traditions, beliefs and culture. In addition, they are developing new interpretations of Islamic law. For example, says Bargezar, an emerging number “lovingly accept queer and gay Muslims” and “allow for unconventional practices of women’s religious leadership[16].” And a younger generation of Muslims are less likely to be affiliated with mosques. Instead, “you will find them in Silicon Valley, Syrian refugee camps and at the same time on Snapchat,” he adds.

This article was reviewed for accuracy by Ken Chitwood[17], a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Berlin Graduate School of Muslim Cultures & Societies at Freie Universität Berlin. He is also a journalist-fellow at the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture.

Fact[18]: An eighth-century female Sufi saint, known popularly as Rabia al-Adawiyya, is said to have walked through her hometown of Basra, in modern-day Iraq, with a lit torch in one hand and a bucket of water in another. When asked why, she replied that she hoped to burn down heaven and douse hell’s fire so people would – without concern for reward or punishment – love God. – From an article[19] written by Peter Gottschalk, Professor of Religion, Wesleyan University

In the next issue: Islam’s contributions to the world[20]

America's Muslims come from many traditions and cultures You can read all six articles in this Understanding Islam series on TheConversation.com[21], or we can deliver them straight to your inbox if you sign up for our email newsletter course[22]. Articles from The Conversation in this edition: Further Reading and Resources: Reporting Islam Project[23]: Based in Australia, the website provides information to journalists and others to help them understand Islam and to clear stereotypes and misconceptions. “Mystical Dimensions of Islam[24],” by influential Islamic scholar Annemarie Schimmel. She was a professor at Harvard University from 1967 to 1992. This book provides valuable introduction to Sufism, the main form of Islamic mysticism.

References

  1. ^ a series of articles (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ six emails delivered every other day (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ good or bad (www.nbcnews.com)
  4. ^ writes (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ Abbas Barzegar (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ death of Prophet Muhammad in A.D. 632 (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ Ken Chitwood (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ Houthi (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ explains (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ Peter Gottschalk (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ they represent about 0.2% of the population of 208 million (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ United Kingdom (www.theguardian.com)
  13. ^ Canada, or the U.S. (www.pri.org)
  14. ^ As Barzegar points out (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ Bargezar writes (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ allow for unconventional practices of women’s religious leadership (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ Ken Chitwood (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ Fact (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ article (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ Islam’s contributions to the world (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ Understanding Islam series on TheConversation.com (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ sign up for our email newsletter course (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ Reporting Islam Project (reportingislam.org)
  24. ^ Mystical Dimensions of Islam (uncpress.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/americas-muslims-come-from-many-traditions-and-cultures-155024

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping