11/11 religion

Discussion focuses on the changes in Islam that occurred since the 1700s.
Notable changes in the world affected Muslim cultures, notably European conquests and western modernization.

Western modernization has distorted traditional Muslim empires and cultures.
Rise of conservative and purification movements in Islam, exemplified by movements such as the Mojave movement.
This trend parallels reactions in other religions, like Judaism and Christianity, to modern challenges.

Broad ways of responding to modern questions in Islam include:
- Interpretation of Faith: Adaptation of Islamic teachings to contemporary issues, seen in contexts like Egypt.
- Resistance: Efforts to maintain traditional interpretations as exemplified by the Mojave movement.
- Middle Ground: Groups and individuals seeking to reconcile traditional beliefs with modern realities.

Egypt is recognized as the most populous Arab country, though statistical monitoring is necessary for accuracy.
Indonesia is noted as possibly the largest country with a Muslim majority, population-wise.
The Indian Subcontinent's post-colonial shift saw the emergence of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh amidst hopes for peaceful coexistence.

Post-World War II trends show significant migration of Muslims to Europe and North America.
Islam is becoming an important global religion, moving beyond its historical geographical confines.

This section delves deeper into the trends and implications of Islam's presence in North America.
Ivan Van Sertima's thesis in "They Came Before Columbus" posits that African Muslims might have reached the Americas in the early 1300s during caravan journeys.
He argues for historical African connections to Native American cultures reflected in art and vegetation.
There is contention over the idea that Africans made early contact with the Americas, alongside hypotheses about native migration from Japan.

Evidence highlights that some European explorers were Muslims who may have retained their faith.
In Iberia, Muslims faced exile post-conquest but some likely practiced their faith in secret, akin to Jewish communities.
Instances are noted where Muslims were part of exploration crews in the New World.

Investigations into prominent figures like Thomas Jefferson and their interactions with Islam emerge.
Various waves of immigrants from Muslim-majority regions led to small numbers of conversions to Islam in North America.

Mohammed Alexander Webb: A key figure who converted to Islam during the late 19th century while working in Asia and established a mosque in New York City.
The establishment of mosques was not strictly separate buildings; they sometimes were designated rooms in homes addressing communal needs.

Historical accounts assert that a notable proportion of Africans brought to the Americas (between 10-15%) were from Muslim-populated regions, though estimates vary.
The slave trade historically was more of an organized exchange where Africans often sold their rivals.

Early African identities were more focused on tribal affiliations rather than a pan-African consciousness until the Americas.
In contrast to Central America and the Caribbean, North American demographics led to a dilution of organized Islamic practice among African Americans.

The variance in organized Muslim communities between North America and regions like Brazil and the Caribbean is linked to ethnic settlement patterns and ongoing migrations.
Catholicism’s influence in South America allowed for greater retention of indigenous religious practices, including Islam.

The transition from slavery to independence led to most Muslims either converting to Christianity or engaging in hybrid religious practices.
The lack of organized Islamic communities persisted in North America where individuals maintained their faith in disparate and informal structures.

The early 1900s saw a revival of organized Islam with various new movements emerging from that period.
Nation of Islam (NOI): Founded by W. F. Muhammad and later led by Elijah Muhammad, the NOI played a significant role in shaping African American Islamic identity from the 1930s onward, presenting a unique interpretation distinct from traditional Islam.

Post-Elijah Muhammad, his son Warith Deen Mohammed shifted the NOI towards orthodox Sunni Islam, emphasizing traditional doctrines and practices of Islam, leading to a broader acceptance of the religion.
The sect emphasized the importance of the Quran, teachings about the Five Pillars of Islam, and engaged in Arabic learning to connect to Islamic traditions.

The 1965 Immigration Law marked a pivotal shift in who could enter the U.S., allowing for increased Muslims from diverse regions.
There were growing numbers of immigrants alongside African American Muslims who were adopting more orthodox practices by the late 20th century.

Existing tensions between immigrant Muslims and African American Muslims highlight differing cultural perspectives and practices within Islam in America.
Celebrities like Barack Obama brought attention to these dynamics due to his unique heritage and upbringing in a predominantly Muslim society.

Islam is increasingly seen as an integral part of American society as perceptions of foreign religions have shifted over decades.
The rise of various religious groups, including ongoing discussions about their societal presence, reflects changing dynamics in American culture and identity.