Islam as a religion has a beautiful history in the Americas. It is a history that has been forged in the flame of struggle against oppression and inequality. This history gave rise to figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali whose courage and dignity help give voice to the freedom struggles of the 60s and 70s. Beginning with the work of many unorthodox Islamic movements like the Nation of Islam and the Moorish Science Temple and later through more traditional groups like the Darul Islam and the Islamic Party inner-city folk saw Islam and Muslims as workers for freedom and justice. That is why many urban-folks would support Muslim businesses and publications and began giving their children Muslim names. This was the Dawah of the past—giving people hope that life could be better—and that Dawah was strangely effective.

Somehow the Muslims began to abandon the freedom struggle of the past which left the community searching for new direction. This confusion led many to fall into 1 of 2 varying camps—the assimilationist and the separationist. The first is made up mostly of more affluent professionals that are out to tout how “American” the Muslim community in America is (or should be). They will often have open houses to invite non-Muslims in to learn about Islam. The imams that give sermons on Friday speak perfect English and Arabic and the mosques often encourage their members to be politically active and vote in both state and national elections. This stems from a feeling that Muslims should be part of the American fabric and not sheltered or secluded from American society. The Muslims should roll up their sleeves and put in the hard work that will help them earn the respect of their fellow countrymen.



Some complain that this attempt at assimilation may lead to appeasement and apology when Islamic principles do not fall in line with the overall US agenda on issues like US foreign policy, immigration and police violence. When concerned young Muslims ask these questions someone is sure to highlight Islamic teachings that reference principles like compassion, understanding, harmony and love thy neighbor. Implying that when things do not go the Muslims’ way in the world the believer should take the high road and in a turn the other cheek fashion—never seeking to question what kind of society one seeking to join? External Event Url
Cesar Chavez Park
, Oakland, CA, United States