Everything

Who was Ayuba Suleiman Diallo?

A West African Muslim who was enslaved and brought to Annapolis, Maryland.

What notable actions did Ayuba Suleiman take during his time in America?

He maintained his Islamic practices and wrote letters to his father seeking ransom.

How did James Oglethorpe contribute to Ayuba Suleiman's life?

He bought Diallo's bond, allowing him to return to Africa.

What is the significance of Job Ben Solomon's story?

It highlights the presence of educated Muslims in America before the country's independence.

What role did Abd al-Rahman Ibrahima play in American history?

He was a wealthy Muslim noble who was captured and enslaved in the United States but later gained fame and sought to return to Africa.

What was significant about Omar ibn Sayyid's autobiography?

It is the only known Arabic-language autobiography by a North American slave.

What criticisms did Omar ibn Sayyid make in his writings?

He criticized the Christian belief in the Trinity and urged his readers to adhere to the teachings of Islam.

What educational background did Abd al-Rahman possess?

He was well-educated in Islamic teachings and became a military leader in West Africa.

What did Bilali signify in terms of the Muslim presence in America?

He was a successful Muslim overseer on Sapelo Island, Georgia, demonstrating that Islamic practice persisted in slave communities.

How did community affect the survival of Islamic practices among slaves in America?

Muslim slaves often preserved their faith more effectively in tightly-knit communities rather than isolated settings.

What cultural elements did Bilali’s descendants maintain?

They remembered Islamic practices like prayer and traditional festivals, merging them with African customs.

Why is the story of Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah important?

It exemplifies the elevated status of some former slaves in early Islamic communities and their roles in teaching the Quran.

In what ways did Khabbab ibn al-Aratt resist his enslavement?

He publicly declared his faith in Islam and suffered greatly for it, refusing to recant despite harsh torture.

What does the life of Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl illustrate about the diversity of responses to Islam among the Quraysh?

His eventual conversion to Islam, despite his early opposition, showed the complexities of belief and identity in early Islamic history.

What theme is prevalent in the lives of Job, Abd al-Rahman, and Omar?

Each navigated the oppressive conditions of slavery while maintaining their Islamic faith and seeking opportunities for freedom.

What does the phrase 'Umm Abi-ha' refer to in Fatimah's life?

It signifies 'mother of her father,' showing Fatimah's role in providing emotional support to the Prophet.

How did Fatimah exemplify resilience in the face of hardship?

Despite the dire circumstances she faced, she remained deeply devoted to her father and supported his mission.

What was the significance of the Battle of Yarmuk in Ikrimah's life?

It was a pivotal moment that allowed him to demonstrate his valor and dedication to Islam after his earlier hostility.

What does Bilali's story reveal about the connections between African Muslims and their faith in America?

His life shows how Islamic practices and identity persisted among African American Muslims despite the oppressive conditions of slavery.